Professional photography portraits don’t just decorate a space in your home—they tell your family’s story. But not every photo is meant to live beyond your phone screen. When you invest in professional portraits, especially during the most meaningful moments of life—pregnancy, welcoming a newborn, or capturing childhood portraits (because they don’t stay this little forever) —you deserve artwork that’s worthy of displaying in your home. This guide will walk you through what it takes to create portraits that you’ll be proud to hang on your walls for years to come.
At Studio Belle Mère, based in Plymouth, Michigan, we specialize in creating fine art portraiture that’s meant to be seen, felt, and remembered. Our process is designed to ensure the final result isn’t just a beautiful photo that you can share on Instagram, but a timeless, print-worthy piece of art.
Wardrobe & Styling
One of the easiest ways to elevate your portraits is through intentional wardrobe choices. Stick to timeless styles and flattering silhouettes, and avoid busy prints or loud colors that can distract from the emotion and connection in your images. Neutral tones, layered textures, and coordinating pieces for the whole family often translate best to print and pair beautifully with home decor.
At Studio Belle Mère, you’ll get access to our Client Styling Guide and female clients will even have access to a thoughtfully curated wardrobe designed to complement all skin tones and body types. Styling is never an afterthought. We work closely with you to coordinate outfits for you and your family that feel polished yet bring out your unique personality.
Pre-Session Preparation
Pre-session preparation is key to creating quality artwork. Be sure to schedule your session for a time of day when everyone—especially little ones if you’re bringing them—tends to be in a good mood. For family and children’s sessions, consider preparing your little one’s favorite snack, or bringing comfort items to help them feel at ease. Make sure everyone’s outfits are fitting properly and picture worthy (steamed, ironed, and stain-free) ahead of time and give yourself space to relax before your session. Feeling confident and calm shows through in your images.
At Studio Belle Mère, we take care of many of these details for you. Our Luxe and Diamond maternity sessions include professional hair and/or makeup for moms. We also guide you through exactly what you need to feel prepared ahead of your session during our virtual pre-session consultation call.
Choose a Photographer with a Design Mindset
Not all photographers shoot with your walls in mind. When choosing a photographer, look for someone who doesn’t just take beautiful photos—but creates them with the intention of becoming wall art. Ask about their approach to posing, composition, and lighting. Do they understand how an image will translate when printed large or framed on a gallery wall? Do they shoot with the final product in mind?
This is where Studio Belle Mère stands apart. We approach every session with a fine art, editorial perspective. Each image is carefully crafted, with an understanding of how light, framing, and detail come together to create a portrait that feels just as powerful hanging above your fireplace as it does in an heirloom album. Whether we’re documenting the strength of motherhood, the tenderness of newborn days, or the authentic personality of your child, we photograph with a designer’s eye—always thinking about the legacy we’re helping you create.
Prioritize Print Quality
Even the most beautifully captured image can fall flat when printed poorly.When ordering your own prints, use high-quality, reputable labs—and be mindful of things like paper type, color calibration, and archival quality. Stay away from quick consumer print shops, which often can’t deliver the level of detail, richness, or longevity your portraits deserve.
At SBM, we’ve closely vetted dozens of print labs and chosen a partner based in the heart of Italy with world-class print quality to offer our clients a full range of the highest quality artwork, including handcrafted albums, fine art prints, and stunning wall collections. These are products built to last because we know these images are not just prints—they are heirlooms designed to be passed down through generations.
Customize the Prints for Your Space
Before your session, it helps to consider where your portraits will live. Think about the spaces you can envision your artwork—perhaps a gallery wall in your hallway, a large statement piece in your living room, or an heirloom album that’s passed down through generations. If your photographer doesn’t offer wall art design services, be sure to bring inspiration photos or room measurements to your consultation to guide the process.
Here we go a step further. After your session, you’ll be invited to a private virtual viewing and ordering appointment. During this experience, we’ll walk you through your gallery and show you exactly how your portraits could look on your own walls using digital mockups. We’ll talk through print textures, frame styles, and customizations tailored to your home and your vision. It’s all part of our white-glove approach to turning your portraits into artwork that feels intentional, personal, and permanent.
At Studio Belle Mère in Plymouth, Michigan, we specialize in transforming life’s most meaningful moments into artwork that lasts. Whether you’re documenting the beauty of pregnancy, the miracle of new life, the chaos and connection of family, or the spirit of your growing child, we’re here to guide you through every step—from styling and posing to designing custom artwork for your home.
Contact us today to book your consultation and begin your journey toward portraits that are truly wall art worthy.
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