Preparing for a maternity portrait session
Expecting a new baby is an exciting moment in time. Growing a new life makes every new mother glow and shine and this is the perfect time to create some portraits that capture and record this special time in your life.
To help prepare for your maternity session I’ve compiled a list of most frequently asked questions about a maternity session:
When is the best time for a maternity session?
Maternity photography sessions can be scheduled at any stage of your pregnancy, but I recommend between 31-36 weeks. At this stage you will have a nice round bump and and your body is well into its transformation.
After week 36 some women may begin to feel a little uncomfortable and may not be in the mood to be photographed. For this reason it’s a good idea to have the session a little earlier. It’s also not too close to your due date.
What should I wear?
Your maternity pictures will last you a lifetime and beyond so it’s a great idea to keep your outfit simple and timeless. Go with earthy tones such as cream or beige or soft / muted colours. It’s best to stay away from strong colored prints as they will steal the attention and make the pictures look dated.
When choosing what to wear try to aim for a outfit that will hug your belly and accentuate your maternity figure. However it is equally important to wear something that you will feel comfortable and pretty in.
Here is a list of outfit ideas:
Neutral strapless bra and seamless underwear
Tube top or belly band
Regular jeans (not maternity ones) and camisole top
Buttoned shirt or blouse
Long, flowy or form-fitting dress (e.g. tube dress or a summer maxi dress)
Button ups sweater or cardigans
Any favourite scarves, accessories, jewelries, etc.
You may like to check out Mama Rentals who offer an amazing collection of maternity dresses for hire at a discount for my clients.
How much skin should I show?
That is entirely up to you!
Your baby belly is a pretty amazing thing and if you are comfortable showing your bare tummy in the photos then we can definitely do so. A great way to do this is to bring your swimwear along to the session and jump in the water.
Keep in mind that if you would like to show your bare tummy during the session, plan to remove any tight clothes and elastic bands from your body at least 2 hours before the start of your session to allow any marks to disappear.
Can my partner / other children be in the photos with me?
Absolutely! You are most welcome to bring your husband or older children to your session. Having others be part of your session allows us to show the excitement of the entire family about the arrival of your new bub.
If you plan to bring older children, we will start with photos which include them and then if possible, arrange for someone to take them home so that we can spend some time creating some relaxed solo images and images with you and your partner together too.
Where is the best place to have my photo session?
A pregnant woman in a natural beauty and a stunning outdoor backdrop makes the powerful visual setting to document the journey of bringing a life into the world.
You are beautiful and your maternal glow is amazing. Relax and enjoy the process of celebrating your journey to motherhood, your images will be stunning!
