How to Prepare for a Maternity Shoot

Anticipation has been building for months and months, and you’re probably feeling like you’re about ready to burst (in so many ways)! A maternity photography session is a unique opportunity to capture the magic and excitement of this special time in your life. To ensure you get the most out of your session and create lasting memories, here are some valuable tips for preparing for your maternity shoot.

Timing for the Baby Bump

Schedule your maternity session between the 28th and 34th weeks of pregnancy. This time frame allows your baby bump to be beautifully rounded while ensuring your comfort during the shoot. Opt for early morning or late afternoon sessions to capture the soft, flattering light that adds a warm glow to your images. 

Communicate with Your Photographer

A good photographer will be willing to take time before the shoot to hear about your needs, wants, and vision for your photos, so be sure to take advantage of this benefit! If you’ve seen certain poses that you really want to emulate in your shoot, send your photographer a link! Do you have styles that you like or dislike, insecurities that will affect how you feel in front of the camera, or questions about the shoot or the process? Communicate these to your photographer ahead of time. Trust me, these factors will make a huge difference in your experience and in the results! Also, don’t forget to inform your photographer of any pregnancy complications (or any other medical conditions, for that matter) that may affect you during the shoot. 

What to Wear

Choose outfits that reflect your personal style and make you feel comfortable and confident – that is MOST important. Secondary is to choose an outfit with cut-outs or cinch-points that show off your bump. For example: a flowing gown that is cinched in at the waist with a high slit, or form-fitting gown made with stretchy fabrics. Earthy tones work wonderfully for maternity sessions, and coordinating colors with your partner or kids can add a harmonious touch to the overall aesthetic. For more guidance about choosing a wardrobe for your session, visit my blog post on the topic here.

*Pro Tip: don’t forget to plan out your undergarment choices! A color that matches your skin is usually best along with strapless bras, if you can manage it. However, if you’re planning to do partially nude images, consider more fancy options (lace tends to come across great in photos!)

Location Matters

Select a location that resonates with your lifestyle and holds sentimental value. Whether it’s the cozy corners of your home, the tranquility of a park, or a combination of both, choose a setting that feels authentic to you. Consider locations that hold special memories or have significance to your journey. 

I usually meet with my clients prior to their session to learn about who they are and what is most meaningful to them. It’s a hugely important step in the process and allows me to guide them towards identifying the perfect location options for their shoot. Click here if you’re currently seeking a photographer and want to hear more about what it’s like to work with me. 

Embrace Candid Moments

Let the photographer capture the genuine and candid moments between you and your partner. Share laughs, tender embraces, and quiet reflections. Embrace the unpredictability of the session and go with the flow. Be yourself. Trust your photographer’s guidance and allow the natural beauty of the moment to unfold.

Don’t give into the pressure that everything has to be perfect (life’s not perfect – especially parenting life!). It’s the authentic, heartfelt moments that you will want to remember of this exciting chapter in your lives.

Include Meaningful Props

Consider bringing along props that hold sentimental value. Whether it’s baby shoes, an ultrasound image, or a cherished book, incorporating meaningful items can add depth and a personal touch to your photographs, making them uniquely yours.

Treat Yourself and Celebrate!

This session is a celebration of the incredible journey you’re on. So let’s treat it like one! Pamper yourself with a relaxing salon appointment the day before or morning of your shoot. Indulge in a mani-pedi, a fresh haircut, or a professional hair and makeup session to enhance your natural glow and boost your confidence. Taking this time for yourself will not only help you feel your best but also add an extra touch of luxury to the experience!

After the session, plan a lunch or dinner date with your partner to celebrate this special milestone. Choose a cozy restaurant or a favorite spot where you can unwind, reminisce about the session, and revel in the excitement of the journey ahead. This intimate time together allows you to savor the memories created during the shoot and cherish the bond you share as you await the arrival of your little one.

Make Plans for Your Older Children

If you’re including your older children in your maternity session, arrange for someone to pick them up after the photographer is finished with the group photos. This way they won’t need to be entertained during the rest of your photoshoot, and you can focus on enjoying the moment! (This also frees you up for your dinner date afterwards)

Ways to Prepare On the Day Of

The best makeup money can buy starts with a good night’s sleep! So get plenty of rest the night before, and be sure to drink lots of water the days leading up to your session. One more thing – don’t skip breakfast! You’ll need the fuel for all the extra energy you’ll be expending laughing 🙂 In fact, I recommend packing an extra snack and fluids to help refuel you throughout the day along with any other items that might help keep you comfortable (like a small fan, a small stool, etc.) I have found these items to be very helpful for my maternity clients, so I now keep them on hand for every session 🙂 

*Pro-Tip: a couple of hours before your shoot, lather on some non-greasy lotion all over any areas of your body that will be exposed. This will give your skin an extra-special glow (and will make you feel great!) Just make sure the product you use doesn’t have any artificial tanners/dies. 

Connect with Your Loved Ones

Finally, If you decide to include loved ones with you in the shoot, try to take the time to really connect with them during the session. Share loving glances, gentle touches, and whispers of anticipation. Your connection and love for one another will shine through in your photographs and help turn them into that special memory you are hoping this day will be. 

Summing it Up…

Preparing for your lifestyle maternity session is about embracing the beauty of the present moment and showcasing the love and anticipation you have for your little one. Following the advice above should help you create a collection of photographs that tell the unique and heartwarming story of this extraordinary time in your lives. 

Like what you saw here? Curious to hear more about who I am and what it might be like to work with me? Check out my website. Or if you’re interested in booking a maternity session now, click below to start a conversation. I’d love to help you out!