For the first time in over a year, I soaked in a tub. My feet were hurting from walking around a mall in the wrong shoes for hours – something else I haven’t done in a while. So, I grabbed a bath bomb and a good book, poured a glass of wine, lit a new candle and headed to my bathtub. Something about soaking in a tub with dim lighting is so therapeutic. Although every single member of my family decided my bath time was the same exact time they needed to come talk to me, *rolls eyes*, it was just what my mind and body needed. It reminded me of a milk bath maternity session I photographed recently.
Most mothers today are so busy that they barely have time for selfcare. But, we all know how important it is to pour into ourselves so we can pour into our families. When third-time-mama-to-be Diamond came to me with the idea to do a milk bath photo session I was all in.
There is something truly special about maternity photography — capturing a mother’s beauty, strength and joy with her soon to be born child. I love a good modern studio maternity shoot, you know the kind when mama is getting their entire Tyra Banks on – smizing and all, but I absolutely love changing it up to match my client’s vision.
As your local Maternity Photographer servicing DC, MD and VA, we offer both in-studio sessions and outdoor sessions. For this milk bath maternity session, the client found a bed and breakfast that would work perfectly for her vision.
The beauty of a milk bath is that you have complete control over the theme based on the look you’re going for- whether that’s a jungle theme, bright pinks, green foliage, citrus, glitter, Fruit Loops (ha!) or some combination thereof. Can we just take one second to talk about how cute a Fruit Loops bath would be?
If you’re thinking about dipping yourself or someone else into a milk bath any time soon, here’s exactly what you need to do in order to make it the stuff of your Instagram dreams.
1
Prep for the Shoot
We discussed attire prior to the shoot. This mama opted for a cute little lace number from Pretty Little Things. Some people prefer nude shots with arm and prop placement to cover up the goods or a beautiful piece of fabric.
Consider the florals you want to use. We opt for fresh florals when preparing milk bath sessions since most faux flowers don’t float. A mix of colors, different types of flowers, and greenery are musts and will give your photo interest, texture, and contrast. Now, if you’re going for a monochromatic look you could always do different flowers in similar tones and even bypass the milk and do a colored bath bomb. Less ethereal, more vibrant!
2
Prepare The Tub
Fill the tub with warm water almost to the level you’ll want it at for the photo and then start adding milk to it. We like whole milk. Some people prefer using powdered milk but I wasn’t brave enough to try it in fear of the clumps.
Using less milk, your mixture will be translucent and your subject’s body will be visible underwater.
If you add more milk, you’ll get an opaque mixture that will cover anything that’s below the surface.
Add the milk gradually until you reach your desired level of transparency. Let the bath sit for a few minutes before moving on to the next steps.
P.S. Pour slowly to avoid bubbles.
3
Add Props
Some flowers sink quickly, so get mama in first and make sure she is posed and comfortable. Next, place the florals and greenery around mama. Upon arrival to the session, I cut off all but about a half inch of the stem. This helps the flower float and not sink. I used the baby’s breath and leaves as I was really looking for different textures and colors.
Note: The flowers and greenery will move. They are in water and will float around so you will be constantly rearranging. It doesn’t have to be perfect! It will still be beautiful.
4
Shoot Your Shot
The bath stays warm for 20-30 minutes, so you’re going to want to be quick. Most of the images you’ll find are going to be overhead shots, but don’t forget to mix things up and try new angles. Safety first. Be careful and make sure the outside of the tub is completely dry. Use a camera strap and move slowly.
A Luxurious Photo Experience
Did you know milk baths actually have been symbols of luxury and royalty for many years? In medieval times, royal families indulged in extravagant milk baths to keep themselves looking youthful. Queen Cleopatra was famous for her beauty and glowing skin. It is said she bathed in milk everyday as part of her beauty regime. It is no wonder then that this mama looks so beautiful and regal!
Contact us to book your own maternity or mama & baby milk bath session.
