How to prepare for your Maternity Session

Pregnancy is such a special time and it deserves to be captured. Whether you are glowing or counting down the seconds until you can see your feet again, there is so much beauty in creating life and the changes your body is going through. Therefore, make sure you schedule a maternity shoot! These moments are fleeting and you will love looking back on these photos when your baby is grown.

Relax and know that you’re in good hands

If you’ve never arranged a professional photoshoot before, or you simply forget how it went the last time, you might not know what to expect from the day. Even if that’s the case, it’s no need to worry. You don’t need to bring any kind of expertise or expectations if you don’t want to. Choosing the right photographer means that you have a lot less to worry about. Make sure you choose one you can feel confident in by taking a good look at their past work and making sure they have the style and quality you’re looking for.

Time it right

Scheduling your maternity photoshoot during your 28-36th week is ideal. Every woman’s body shows at a different time. However, generally, first-time moms should probably wait towards the end of that window. You want to have a full, round belly, but be comfortable enough to move around. If you are expecting multiples, a month earlier is probably best.

Don’t stress about what to wear 

You want to be comfortable yet look amazing while showing off the baby belly bump. You may not feel it, but you’re glowing and those curves deserve to be shown off. I always suggest to avoid patterns, as they can make the photograph too busy and take the focus off you and the baby bump. Go with solid colors for a classic, elegant look or spice it up with some fun accessories! I offer a wide variety of luxurious maternity gowns for you to use during the session but feel free to bring your own.

Undergarments. Grab both a black and a nude bra and panty for your shoot. If you have a strapless nude bra they tend to come in very handy. If you’re looking for any boudoir-style maternity images feel free to also bring a matching set of any color you’d like for those shots.

Hair & Make-up

While always a treat, it is not necessary to have your hair & makeup professionally done for your photo session. If you are applying makeup yourself, it is always recommended to steer away from anything shiny (bronzer, glitter, etc.) when being photographed. A nice matte finish will come across best in photos. A little extra blush is good (but not too much!), and don’t forget the lipstick! Should you consider to get your make-up done professionally, I can recommend 2 excellent Make-up Artists.

Props

If you already have some cute baby items such as shoes, hats, toys, blankets or onesies, bring them along as they make for adorable props. The same applies to family heirlooms. If you have a special locket or photo that you would like to use, bring it along too.

5. More and more moms are using their ultrasound photos in their photo sessions. If you aren’t too sure whether you want to use it or not, bring it to the shoot anyway and decide on the day.

Can my partner or child join in for some photos together

Absolutely!! I highly encourage you to include your spouse and/or other children in your maternity photos!

Find the perfect location 

If you’re most comfortable in studio, then let me plan a studio maternity shoot for you. Want to get lost in a landscape? I have scouted Chester County and surrounding areas for some of the best places to shoot. Know of the perfect place? Let me know, and we can make it work. This shoot is all about you and your comfort.

Arrange a dinner date after the session

Your maternity photo shoot is an occasion worth celebrating. It’s a day dedicated to capturing a huge moment in any woman’s life and most of my clients will agree that it’s super fun, as well. So, why not enjoy the rest of the day even more? Arranging a dinner date with a significant other, a sister, or your best friend can give you something extra to look forward to and to make the day feel extra special.

What’s more, if you’ve had your hair, nails, and makeup done specially for the day, you don’t want to let it go to waste, right? While you’re looking and feeling at your most beautiful, live it up in-town. You never know when you’re going to have the time for a nice, relaxing dinner out once the baby arrives, after all.

Learn more, if you are interested in booking a maternity session with me in the coming months.

I can’t wait to meet and work with you. 🙂