Having professional maternity photos taken is such a great way to showcase an incredible time in your life. You are growing a human inside of you; a woman's body is SO amazing! Pregnancy is so beautiful, and documenting your own pregnancy is such a great way to reflect on the special time before you bring a sweet child into the world. You may not feel beautiful during the time nearing the end of your pregnancy, but your photographer will make sure you look stunning in your photos! You will likely have a natural glow that helps make photographers jobs easier 😉

Booking Your Maternity Session

So, you are thinking about booking a maternity session-now what? The best way to make sure you book the right photographer for your maternity photos is to look through their work and decide if you like their style. Make sure you choose a style that is reflected in your photographer's portfolio. If you like bright and airy photos for example, then you want to make sure that that is your photographers shooting and editing style!

Next, reach out to your chosen photographer to secure your date. Maternity photos are best done between 30-35 weeks to best show your bump. You will likely pay a deposit to secure your date on your photographer's schedule.

Styling Tips

Make sure you choose your outfits ahead of time so that you aren't stressing about finding the perfect outfit at the last minute. Dressing a pregnant you is much different from dressing a regular you. However, different doesn't have to mean stressful! Stick to items that flatter and accentuate your baby bump. Make sure your outfit is tight on top, from the bump up. Whether it's a tight top/dress, or a roomier dress with a belt or sash, the outfit should hug your baby bump and give you a fitted silhouette. Dresses that are floor-length are typically the most flattering.

Your maternity photos are a perfect time to invest in some fun accessories. While you may not feel your best, you are able to dress your best! Adding a fun kimono, oversized cardigan, flower head wreath, or wide-brimmed hat is a great way to spice up your outfit. Just make sure the accessory coordinates well with your outfit.

The best colors are typically light to medium colors. Darker colors tend to hide the bump and make it hard to see. Don't wear bright neon colors either, as those don't look great in camera.

Solid-colored dresses/outfits typically work best for maternity photos, especially if your spouse or children are also going to be in some shots. You don't want patterns to clash. However, if you do choose patterns, just make sure it isn't distracting.

If you choose to have your partner or children in your session, make sure to choose outfits that are complementary, rather than matching. You don't want the colors to blend into each other, you want them to compliment each other.

Above all, you want to choose something that is comfortable. A lot of maternity sessions take place at locations where you may need to walk a little. Make sure you are comfortable in the clothes you choose and try to wear shoes that don't hurt when you walk. Choose outfits that keep you warm or keep you cool, depending on the season.

Preparing For Your Session

In the weeks leading up to your session, it's important to communicate your vision with your photographer. If you have certain poses in mind or want to include family members or pets in your session, then make sure your photographer knows so that they can prepare appropriately. Feel free to reach out and ask any questions you have leading up to your session!

Make sure you try your planned outfits on a week or two before your session, just in case it doesn't fit with the bump. When it comes to the day of, try to get dressed as close to when you leave for your session as you can so that you don't risk ruining your outfit with random spills or food-related accidents!

Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your session so that you give yourself time to deal with any last-minute issues that could arise.

Last but not least, have fun! This session is about documenting the time in your life when you are glowing and ready to bring a tiny human into the world. Have fun with your session while you and your photographer work together to create beautiful pictures for you to remember this time forever!

After Your Session

I can't speak for all photographers, but my turn-around time is roughly 2 weeks to return photos to my clients. Once your edited photos are delivered to you, make sure to share them on social media, order prints and/or canvases, and just treasure them as they are something you can hold onto for a lifetime to remember your pregnancy.