What to know about your Maternity Experience
Everything You Need To Know Before Your Maternity Experience
Pregnancy changes so quickly, and maternity portraits are about giving you a moment to slow down and celebrate what your body is doing. Whether you envision something soft and timeless, bold and dramatic, or somewhere in between, we’ll create a session that feels like you.
You don’t need to know how to pose, bring a closet full of options, or walk into the studio feeling completely confident. I’ll help with wardrobe, styling, posing, and all of the little details that make a difference in front of the camera. My studio collection includes gowns, bodysuits, fabrics, and accessories so we can create several different looks throughout your session.
Most importantly, I want you to leave seeing yourself a little differently than when you walked in. This season deserves to be documented not only because you are growing a baby, but because someday these photographs will show your child just how loved they were before you ever held them.
That feels very different from the newborn intro and, to me, much more fitting for maternity.
Most Frequent Questions
How do we plan the session?
Once you reach out, I’ll send you a maternity questionnaire so I can learn more about your style, your vision, and what you’re hoping to create.
After I review your questionnaire, I’ll reach out for a quick phone call so we can go over the details together. From wardrobe and accessories to backdrop choices and the overall look of your portraits, we’ll plan everything ahead of time so you feel completely prepared for your session.
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When is the best time to schedule maternity photos?
I typically recommend scheduling your maternity session between 30 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. This is usually the sweet spot where your belly is beautifully defined, but you are still comfortable enough to move, pose, and enjoy the session.
That said, it is never too late to reach out. I have photographed moms just days before their induction, so if you are farther along, please still contact me. I am always happy to see what I can accommodate.
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When should I book my maternity session?
I recommend reaching out as early as possible, especially if you have a specific vision or would like me to source a particular gown, accessory, or styling piece for you.
Some specialty items can take several weeks to arrive, so booking early gives us more time to plan every detail of your session.
What should I wear for my maternity session?
You do not have to figure this out on your own. I have a beautiful collection of maternity gowns, bodysuits, fabrics, and accessories available for you to use during your session.
You are also welcome to bring your own pieces, especially if you want a more casual look like jeans and a simple top or something personal that feels more like you.
Most clients choose up to three looks, often a mix of a gown, bodysuit, fabric look, or something from their own wardrobe. We’ll plan everything together so your session feels cohesive, flattering, and completely personal to you.
If you have a specific color, style, or vision in mind, let me know ahead of time so we have plenty of time to plan for it.
What if I do not feel comfortable in my body right now?
You are not alone. Pregnancy can bring so many changes, and it is completely normal to feel a little unsure about being photographed.
You do not need to know how to pose or feel completely confident walking into the studio. I will guide you through everything, from how to stand and move to what angles photograph beautifully. We will choose outfits, poses, and styling that help you feel comfortable and confident.
If there are areas you feel self-conscious about, please let me know. I can be mindful of them while posing and styling your session, and temporary skin changes such as stretch marks or discoloration can also be softened during editing if you would like.
My goal is never to make you look like someone else. I want you to still look like you, just photographed in a way that makes you feel beautiful during such a meaningful season of your life.
Do I need professional hair and makeup?
Professional hair and makeup is completely optional, but it can be a wonderful part of the experience if you want to feel a little extra pampered before your session.
I can provide information for a hair and makeup artist I trust, and we can coordinate your appointment around your session time. If you prefer to do your own hair and makeup, that is perfectly fine too.
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Can my partner be included?
Absolutely. Your partner is always welcome to be part of your maternity session.
We can create a mix of portraits focused on you, as well as beautiful images of the two of you together.
Can my children be included?
Yes. While I typically prefer to keep the main focus of the maternity session on you, your children can absolutely be included if that is important to you.
We can plan a portion of the session for family portraits and then continue with your individual maternity images. That way you still have those meaningful photographs together while keeping the maternity session centered around this season of your pregnancy.
How long does a maternity session take?
The length of your maternity session depends on whether we are photographing in the studio or outdoors.
Outdoor maternity sessions typically last around 60 to 90 minutes, while studio sessions are usually closer to 90 to 120 minutes.
This gives us plenty of time for different looks, outfit changes, posing, and breaks whenever you need them without the session ever feeling rushed.
What if I need a break during the session?
Take one whenever you need it.
Pregnancy can be tiring, and your comfort always comes first. We can slow down, sit, have some water, change outfits,
or simply take a few minutes before continuing.
This is also one of the reasons I allow extra time for maternity sessions. I never want you to feel rushed.
The session is planned with enough flexibility for breaks, outfit changes, and whatever you may need along the way so you can actually enjoy the experience.
Can we create more than one style during my session?
Absolutely. That is one of my favorite parts of maternity photography.
We can create something soft and elegant, something more dramatic, a simple bodysuit look, flowing fabric portraits,
or a combination of styles. We will talk through what you love ahead of time so the finished gallery feels varied while still feeling cohesive.
What if I am nervous in front of the camera?
That is completely normal. Most people feel a little nervous at the beginning of a session.
You do not need to perform or know what to do. I will guide you through the entire process and give you direction as we go.
Usually within the first few minutes, that nervousness starts to disappear and you can simply enjoy the experience.
