As you get ready for your maternity photo session, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure everything goes smoothly. First off, it's best to schedule your session between 31-36 weeks of pregnancy. This is when your bump is typically at its most flattering size.

When looking for a photographer, make sure to find someone who specializes in maternity photography. This will ensure that they know how to capture your pregnancy glow in the best way possible.

Plan out your outfits for the session and do a dress rehearsal to make sure everything looks perfect. You can also practice posing in front of a mirror to feel more comfortable in front of the camera.

Pamper yourself before the session by getting your hair, nails, and makeup done. For the actual photo shoot, professional photographers often prefer shooting outdoors at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting.

Be prepared to walk at some locations, so bring a change of shoes if needed. It's also a good idea to wear nude undergarments and bring along an ultrasound as a prop if you like.

Remember to bring bug spray to avoid any unwanted guests during the session. And try to avoid wearing perfume, as it can attract more bugs.

Make sure to stay hydrated before and after the session to keep yourself feeling comfortable and refreshed throughout. And most importantly, keep props to a minimum to keep the focus on your beautiful bump.

Your Maternity Photo Session Questions Answered

When your family is growing, every age and stage is special in its own way, and yet every stage is also so fleeting that it’s easy to forget to appreciate it until it’s almost over. That includes the time you spend with your beautiful child developing in your belly.

Maternity photos have long been a way for mothers and mothers-to-be to preserve and cherish the time they spent carrying their babies, and the tradition seems to be growing more and more popular every year. If you’re on the fence about maternity portraits or if you’re not sure how to begin with booking your photo session, you’ve come to the right place. As a professional photographer of over 28 years, I’m here to answer your top questions about maternity photography.

Why Should I Have a Maternity Photo Session?

Pregnancy is an incredibly beautiful time in your life, but it’s also a time when it’s really easy to forget that beauty. Truthfully, as a mom myself, I get it. You might be overwhelmed with the stress of preparing for a baby, feeling the discomforts of pregnancy, busy planning ahead for your baby’s first days, and struggling with the changes your body is going through every day that make you feel less like yourself. You can get so caught up in all of this that you lose sight of the miracle that’s happening: your new baby growing within you.

Maternity portraits give you a break from everything else and an opportunity to focus solely on you and your growing family in the moment. They allow you to dress up and rediscover your confidence. They allow you to preserve this incredible time in your life before it’s over.

I can promise you that there will be a time after your pregnancy, after the swollen feet, after the back pain, when you’ll treasure the memory of feeling your little one with you. Maternity photos give you a tangible way to go back to that time of your life and remember all the beauty it held.

When Should I Schedule My Maternity Photo Session?

This is a common question I hear from moms-to-be: when should you book your maternity photo session?

You want your maternity session to take place when you are far enough into your pregnancy that your belly has reached that beautifully round shape. At the same time, you don’t want to be so far into your pregnancy that you’re worrying about going into labor during your session or that you’re too uncomfortable to get the poses and locations you want. That’s why it’s typically best to aim for the 7^th or 8^th month of your pregnancy, around 28 to 34 weeks.

With that said, maternity photo sessions can book up months in advance. To make sure you get the timing you want for your portraits, it’s best to contact me to book your session soon after you have confirmed your pregnancy.

How Do I Choose a Maternity Photographer?

Your maternity photos should capture you and your family as you are, and they should ring true to your personality. That begins with choosing the right photographer who knows how to bring out your best from behind the lens.

As a maternity photographer with nearly 30 years of portrait photography experience, I am honored to provide maternity portraits for stunning moms-to-be all year round. To help you memorialize your pregnancy in the best possible way, I continuously take new courses on the latest and most advanced photography techniques and technologies, so you can rest assured that you’re getting the best options available. 

I encourage you to browse my maternity photo gallery to look for styles and portraits that speak to you. Contact my photo studio today to book your maternity portraits and to discuss your vision for your photos and how I can make it a reality.