Planning Your Maternity Session
When to Schedule
The best time to schedule your maternity photos are between 28-34 weeks. You can reserve your session at your leisure online via my self-serve booking. Or select it as an add-on to a newborn session to tell the story from bump to baby AND receive a discount. Spots are first come first serve and fall/ spring spots fill quickly.
Choosing Your Location
What is your ideal maternity backdrop? Field, Flowers, Market, Home, urban, studio? Even though the backdrop is NOT the focus of the photos (that is YOU), it can play a part into the overall feel of your photos. I like places that offer shade, variety, and layers (fore, middle, and background), so I send a location guide to help you choose! You are also welcome to rent an indoor space through PEERSPACE or an AIRBNB. Just because it has a lake, doesn’t mean it will provide great photos. The sun directs the show.
Check out my location guide here to see what fits!
Indoor Vs Outdoor Location: Which is Best for You?
Pros and Cons of Indoor vs Outdoor
Location
Indoor
Outdoor
Pro
Weather safe, climate controlled, consistent lighting, privacy, easy for wardrobe changes, can include more personal details if at home
Natural backdrops like fields and gardens, natural light, variety of images, more space for movement, seasonal scenery
Con
Limited variety of background, may require decluttering or prep if at home, less room for movement or large family group shots
Weather-dependent, may require more walking and standing for longer periods of time, less privacy, more spectators
What to Wear for Maternity Photos
The Best Colors and Styles for Timeless Maternity Photos
I always encourage clients to wear warm neutrals (cream/ brown/ taupe/ blush/ khaki).. or Earth tones. These help you stand out against a background. Warm tones create a warm and inviting aesthetic and go best with my editing style and vision. Textures are great if you want to use similar colors but varying styles. These photos are ultimately yours, so all of these are just suggestions and you can certainly wear what makes you feel your best!
Using My Client Closet for Your Maternity Session
I offer a client closet that is included with your session. The best dresses for maternity are the one-size-fits all options. I also have shape wear and body suits for undergarments while using the sheer options. You are also welcome to wear your own.
Check out my Client Closet HERE.
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Extra Styling Options
I also use a company to help customize styles for families. These are shoppable links to purchase the specific item. You can also shop similar styles online, in-store, or in your closet. These guides create cohesive looks for your photos.
I also have a pinterest Inspo board here- Family & Newborn
Including Your Partner or Family
Your maternity session isn’t just about documenting a growing bump- it’s about celebrating the family you already are, and the love that will welcome this new baby into the world! Including dad and siblings creates photos that feel even more personal, emotions, and timeless.
Why You Should Include Your Partner in Maternity Photos
I love incorporating both mom and dad into the shots if possible. I think it is important to look back on these photos and see how dad really embraced his role from the beginning. It tells the story of baby. I also capture photos of you by yourself as well- so it is not either/or.
With that being said, I’ve definitely had mamas embrace this season just for the beauty of motherhood and I’m here for that too!
Tips for Including Siblings in Maternity Photography
Same with partner shots, I’ll reserve some quiet moments for just mama. My sessions are about family connection and I love capturing the connection between siblings and their new baby coming- even if they don’t know what that means yet. Sweet images of siblings and whispering to or kissing the bump just portray the expectancy and wonder of a new arrival.
Check out my Blog: How to Prep Kids for a Photoshoot
Capturing Genuine Family Connection Before Baby Arrives
I use prompts instead of stiff poses
I’ll rarely ask kids (or adults) to “smile at the camera” over and over. Instead, I focus on real interaction so your photos feel authentic.
We take our time and follow your family’s natural rhythm, allowing space for breaks, cuddles, and giggles in between.
If you want to see more of how sessions flow, check out my post: 60 Storytelling Ideas for your family photos
What to Expect During the Session
We already have the same style and you are coming to another mom who has been there. So we are basically already friends. Sessions are really like hanging out with your friends/ family and being directed like a movie. This movie is the story of your family.
A lot of times for couples expecting their first, this will feel very similar to engagement photos BUT with an emphasis on the bump.
I’ll guide you around the location to the best light and guide you through what to do and where to look.
How I Guide You Through Natural, Relaxed Poses
I use prompting to help clients know what to do in front of the camera while also getting authentic reactions and poses. I also use some posing to eliminate double chins and to make that bump look amazing. I’m your hype girl in helping you feel beautiful in front of the camera!
Prompts may be like walking hand in hand, skipping (as much as you’re able), brushing hair behind your ear, and different ways to frame your belly. If something feels uncomfortable (like standing for too long, sitting/ laying, etc) you are welcome to let me know and we can adjust!
Check out these behind the scenes videos to get a feel for your session flow
After Your Maternity Session
How and When You’ll Receive Your Photos
Within 24 hours I’ll post a sneak peek (please let me know if you have not announced yet and want me to wait!)
Within 2-3 weeks, I’ll deliver an online gallery with 75-100 images fully edited in color and black and white. The images will look like my Instagram (with some variation based on weather/ time of day/ chosen outfit color palette).
You can also add on a USB if you’d like the images mailed to your door and preserved on a labeled acrylic and gold usb.
Using Your Maternity Photos for Birth Announcements or Nursery Decor
I offer print services and design options for cards. You can print anything you like in your gallery. The print lab I use is a professional lab with millions of colors representing a more true image to the one you see on your screen. You are welcome to print anywhere, but places like CVS and Target have a limited amount of colors and will “guess” at the closest option when printing and may not look exactly like your download.
For cards, you can inquire by sending me an email.
You can also check out my album options here.
Bundling Your Maternity Session with a Newborn Session to Save Money
Maternity Sessions are a great way to get to know your photographer before baby. Trusting someone with your brand new baby is a BIG deal. You want to make sure they know proper technique, love babies, and have insurance. You can receive a discount by bundling your Maternity and Newborn Session together, Plus, you’ll have everything out of the way and ready to just “be” with baby.
I thought I could do newborn photos myself with my first baby and unfortunately I did not know the ins and outs of newborn photography. I was not in the photos, and the photos that were taken around that time from grandma, were ones with my glasses, wearing unaesthetic clothes with spit up on them, and living in the whirlwind of birthing a baby for the first time. I can’t go back. So I have a big space in my heart for newborn photos- a day that mom can feel like herself- like a human for one day. A few hours she can dress up, put on make up, and get beautiful photos with her baby that will last forever.
To book a maternity/newborn bundle, schedule a newborn session the week of your due date and click the add-on for a maternity session before checking out.
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