Preparing for Your Maternity Session

BEFORE YOUR SESSION

Want to chat or stop by?

I would love to answer any specific questions you have about the experience, so if you have any questions after reading through this prep guide, please don’t hesitate to email or call me. If you would like to book a pre-session consultation with me to see the studio and the options available to you, just let me know.

Have ideas for the session?

If you have ideas of some captures you'd like or the colors or types of props you would like included in your session, please share that with me. If you have a Pinterest board of ideas, you can share that with me as well. If you have props or special items you would like included, please feel free to bring them.

Choose the outfits.

I have ideas for mom below, as well as the rest of the family if they are included in this session. No one should be wearing the same two exact colors or the exact same matching outfit. (Unless the children are in heirloom outfits, because I do think that is precious!) Make sure everyone's clothes fit well and that they can stand, sit, lie down, and squat in them.

Choose 3-4 colors that coordinate. Everyone should coordinate but not match. It's great to have a mix of solids and textures. These colors always photograph well:

WHAT SHOULD MOM WEAR?

One of the main reasons you do a maternity shoot is to show off that beautiful belly, whether it's covered or not. So make sure when choosing your outfit(s) that it will have plenty of attention.

Here are some dress options to look for:

A dress that is tight up top, meaning that it is tight to just above the belly.
A dress, such as a maxi, that is tight up top and flowy at the bottom.
A dress that is form fitting and long
Length for any dress is best to the floor or longer

Other options:

solid button down (grab one of your husband's) with a sports bra or bralette
solid tank top
jeans

Solid colors are best. Textures such as lace or tulle or knit can add a lovely dimension without being distracting, and they are a better option than prints or patterns.

Depending on the dress you choose to wear and also your comfort level, you may want to consider some shapewear underneath your dress. Or just get some seamless underwear so the seams aren't creating bumps in your dress. For your bra, be sure that the straps will not show, or rather than wearing a bra, you can also get some pasties instead. That way you don't have to worry about bra straps at all. Just make sure that what you wear makes sense for the dress you choose. And don't forget about the color of your undergarments. Wear colors that won't show through your dress.

Keep jewelry classic and simple, if any
A floral headpiece is a sweet added touch

Here are some links for photoshoot dresses:

Momyknows

PinkBlush

Chicaboo

WHAT SHOULD DAD WEAR?

Dad is probably the easiest. Simplicity is key since we want mama to shine. A well fitting pair of jeans or khakis paired with one of the following will do.

Polo, t-shirt/v-neck, (please avoid the typical white undershirt)
textured thermal shirt
henley style shirt
sweater
solid button down

If he must wear shoes, make sure they are clean and polished. A rough or dirty shoe can ruin a portrait. Most, if not all, of the photos including him will not include his feet...

WHAT SHOULD SIBLINGS WEAR?

For siblings, you can never go wrong with a classic, timeless outfit. Steer clear of outfits with straps that will need to be adjusted often.

Sister

A classic or boho maxi dress, bubble, or romper.
Longer dresses are more flattering
Please avoid anything with large logos or graphics.
Please wear bloomers under dresses to cover diapers/ underwear.
A simple small clip, tiny flower, or floral, pearl or diamon halo looks beautiful in photos. Large bows and headbands can be distracting.
I highly recommend bare feet. Shoes can take away from the softness of a portrait. If you choose to include shoes, go for syles like Mary Janes, ballet flats, or simple, non-clunky sandals.

Brother

A snug pair of jeans or khakis
A well-fitted t-shirt, v-neck, thermal, or henley style shirt. (Avoid an undershirt, and opt for more of thicker quality t-shirt instead)
For toddlers, a solid, neutral romper or bubble works well.
Older siblings will do well in a simple solid neutral color t-shirt, polo, thermal, or collared shirt.
Please no words, graphics, patterns, or bright colors.
Optional accessories are hats, suspenders, or vests
I recommend bare feet for boys, too. If you choose to include shoes, go for neutral solids in styles like Vans, Sperrys, loafers, Oxfords, or a brown leather boot.

Here are some links to clothing stores I would recommend.

THE DAY OF YOUR SESSION

Check fingernails. Make sure they are clean and trimmed. Sounds obvious, but sometimes they're overlooked and it shows in the photos.
Make sure that you are not wearing anything that will leave a mark on your skin. The biggest offenders are elastic waistbands, socks, and elastic hair bands worn on your wrist.
MOISTURIZE. Face. Arms. Hands. Elbows. Legs. Feet. Everything.
Check faces for food, crusties, etc.
Remove wallets, keys, phones, etc from pockets.
If your baby/toddler has a hard time not using a pacifier please bring a neutral colored option so they can have it during the shoot & it blend.
Avoid wearing daily jewelry like apple watches or play jewelry.
Make sure no one is hangry. Especially Dad and the kids. I should have some goldfish and fruit snacks, but bring your own snacks if you'd like.

DURING YOUR SESSION

Getting Acquainted

When you first arrive, I will let you settle in. Hang clothes, change into clothes, use the restroom, take a breath. I know often it's a struggle to get here, but once you do you can relax. If you are bringing littles, I will take some time to let them get acquainted with me and their surroundings and explain to them what to expect.

Let Kids Be Kids

Don't worry about how your child will act or if they will smile. Give them room to get used to me and feel how they feel...crazy, grumpy, shy, loud, quiet, silly. Just let them be.

Some of the best photos I capture are when kids are allowed to just be themselves.

Try to avoid pressuring or punishing them during the shoot. I know it's hard, but don't bark at them to smile or smile better or to look at me. The best way to get the worst smile is to ask them to smile.

I will let them know what I want, and sometimes that includes not looking at me at all.

We have to allow them space to feel safe and let their personality come out.

Give it time, and we will get those images you want.

Session Flow

I have a session flow that I will walk you through. Sometimes you'll be looking at me, often not. I will direct you so you don't need to worry about what to do. If you have certain poses in mind you would like to include, please just let me know.

Length of Your Session

A session can be done anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on how many are included in your session and anything you might need to take a break for.

AFTER YOUR SESSION

Proof Gallery

Within 2 weeks, you will receive a link to an online proofing gallery. There you will find a gallery of the best images from your session, lightly edited, from which to choose your favorites. Once you have chosen your favorites, I will do the final fine art edits to prepare your artwork.

Retouching

My editing style includes making everyone's skin look lovely. I will remove any scratches, blemishes, and bruises. However, I will only remove scars, birthmarks, and things of the like if I am asked. So please let me know if you have a request.

Gallery Delivery

The final editing is where the magic happens, and honestly where the majority of my time is spent. Your gallery will be delivered to you through a link I will send you in an email. There you will be able to view your images and choose your products among beautiful archival wall art, fine art prints, a signature heirloom album, and/or a digital collection. You of course can order your prints elsewhere, but stay away from convenience store photo labs like Walgreens. They have very poor quality and are not usually accurate or consistent in their color.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The hardest part of all of this is preparing for your session and getting everyone here. Once you're here, I just want you to breathe and let me direct everything. Bringing chaos? Ok. That's normal. We're documenting life, not perfection. But you'd be surprised the beauty that can be captured from chaos. So, just relax and let what happens happen.