Do You Need Hair and Makeup for Your Maternity Photos?
Let’s be real: growing a baby is exhausting. And on some days, just brushing your hair feels like a victory. So when someone suggests professional hair and makeup for your maternity shoot, you might be thinking…
“Is that really necessary?”
Fair question.
And while technically, no — you don’t have to do it — almost every mom who goes for it ends up saying the same thing:
“I’m so glad I did.”
Let’s talk about why.
1. You Deserve to Feel Like the Best Version of You
Pregnancy is beautiful — but it also comes with swollen feet, tired eyes, and days where dry shampoo is your best friend.
Professional hair and makeup isn’t about making you look like someone else. It’s about helping you feel like yourself again — confident, radiant, and fully present for a moment that only happens once.
Plus, when you look good, you feel good. And that energy? It shows in every photo.
N2. Studio Lighting Needs a Bit More Polish
In natural light, you can get away with a low-key look. But in a professional studio — with flashes, reflectors, and controlled lighting — having your makeup done properly makes a huge difference.
Here’s what our artists focus on:
Evening out skin tone for a soft, glowing finish
Defining your features so they don’t get “flattened” on camera
Making sure lashes, brows, and lips pop in photos
Matching tones to our studio’s lighting setup (so you don’t look washed out)
3. You Don’t Have to Do a Thing - Just Show Up
At Motherly Portraits, hair and makeup are part of the full-service experience.
You show up with dry hair and a clean face. We take care of the rest — whether you want soft and natural or full-on glam. Our HMUA artists are trained specifically for studio photography, so you’ll never end up feeling “too done up” or over-edited.
You’re in control of the vibe, we’re just here to enhance it.
4. It’s Not Just Makeup - It’s Part of the Experience
One of the most common things we hear during our sessions?
“This is the first time I’ve done something just for me in months.”
The glam process is slow, intentional, and relaxing. You’re not racing around trying to do your own eyeliner in a moving car. You’re sitting back, sipping something, listening to good music, and being taken care of.
For many of our moms, this is the first time they’ve been pampered since they found out they were pregnant. And that alone makes it worth it.
5. The Confidence Carries Into Every Pose
When you’re fully taken care of, you walk differently. You hold your head a little higher. You feel ready.
And that confidence is the secret ingredient in every stunning photo.
It’s not about the lashes or the contour, it’s about how you feel once you see yourself in the mirror and say, “Okay, she’s back.”
So… Is Hair and Makeup Worth It For Maternity Photos?
If you want to feel empowered, cared for, and absolutely beautiful - we’d say yes. Every time.
You don’t need to look like a supermodel when you walk in. That’s our job. Your job is to show up, let us pamper you a bit, and then feel amazing in front of the camera.
Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, you deserve to be celebrated. And if a little glam helps you see yourself more clearly in this season, it’s not extra.
It’s essential.
Like always, we’ve got it covered.
If you’re ready to celebrate this incredible season of your life, or just curious about what working with us looks like — we’d love to chat.
And remember: Your glow is already there. We just bring it to light. That’s our job!
👉 Click here to view our Maternity Gallery
📅 Ready to book? Let’s chat about your vision. Click Book A Call below.