Maternity photos are all about YOU!

As the momma to be, it only makes sense!

Maternity sessions are something I hold very close to my heart. After all, its sole purpose is to capture this fleeting moment in your life, even though it may feel like forever. Anyway, this session is all about mom. Exactly what mom wants, and how mom feels… Which is ‘gorgeous’ of course! In order to feel as gorgeous as you are, you have to be prepared!

Let’s start with the obvious. Getting booked. In order to get your photos, you need to book your photographer! It might feel silly to start here, but it is such an important part. When you are searching for a photographer you will browse through their portfolio and know almost right away if you love their work or not. Before sending your inquiry, make sure you check for answers to any questions you may have. Thoroughly read about each collection they offer, check for an FAQ page (You can find mine right here), and read client testimonials (you find those right here). Make sure to find as much information as possible so you aren’t sending inquiry after inquiry. It’s no fun writing all those emails just to get shot down because they don’t offer what you’re dreaming of.

Find out some of the basics, like locations they recommend (I have a blog post about that right here!), do they have a studio, will they come to your home? These are important questions to find answers to because depending on your pregnancy, you might not feel up to walking around a park!

Let’s recap:

• Find a photographer you love
• Ask all the questions
• Talk about locations
• Get booked

If you’re all about the details, like I am, and it’s in your budget, I highly recommend booking a hair and nails appointment! While it’s not required by any means, you can’t go wrong with getting all done up for a session as important as this one. So, if it’s in your budget, get in your stylists books about one month before your session. (I recommend getting your hair done about 1-2 weeks before your session, and getting your nails not 1-2 days prior.) If you need recommendations for either, don’t be shy! My go-to girls are amazing at what they do!

Now is the time to:

• Book hair & nail appointments

We’re getting closer to your session! It’s now only 2 weeks away! It’s time to talk outfits. (Read a little bit about outfit choices here) If your photographer is anything like me, a detailed planner, they might offer what I call a Style Guide! It’s a detailed prep guide, that you’ll receive as soon as you book with me, packed full of information and tips + tricks to help you look your absolute best during your session. (It has all of that, and so much more!)

Once you’ve chosen what YOU’RE going to wear, it’s time to make sure anyone else who’s going to be included in the session also has appropriate wardrobe items chosen. And by that I mean the style and colors coordinate, but you’ll learn all about that in the Style Guide. It’s crucial that you make these decisions NOW and not later. It’s the worst to realize you need new clothes two days before your session, and you don’t have time to make it happen.

So, your next step is:

• Plan & choose everyone’s outfits

By now your session is only about 5-3 days away! Your hair is done, and looking fabulous, and your nail appointment is only a day or two away. There are a few things you need to think about in those few days. First things first, now is the time to stop using any self tanners. Tanners usually create a weird orange glow and harsh lines in photos, and there’s not much I can do after the fact to ‘fix it’ – so let’s try to avoid it altogether.

So now that we’ve avoided turning orange by accident, now is the time to try on outfits and make sure you love how they look (This is for everybody involved!) Choose accessories, double check bra straps and panty lines, undershirt lines for men, and how well fitted clothes are for any little ones that may be included, this way you’re 100% satisfied with how your photos turn out and there are no surprises.

This next one may seem obvious, however, make sure you (and your family) are drinking plenty of water. Staying well hydrated before your session can help your skin look hydrated and extra glowy on camera, and come one, who doesn’t want that!?

Then of course, there’s more excitement to build! Make sure you’re reminding your family about what’s coming, so no one is surprised.

3-5 days before your session, you should:

• Stay away from the spray tan
• Double check everyone’s outfits
• Choose accessories
• Hydrate, and get even more excited!

You’re on the home-stretch! Whoo-hoo! Your maternity session is tomorrow! You have a couple more things to think about, but don’t worry, most of it is behind you. Your hair and nails look gorgeous, outfits are chosen, and everything is perfect… There’s just a little bit more!

If you have multiple outfits (and you photographer is aware of that!) make sure they are all packed up, alongside their coordinating shoes and accessories. And don’t forget your normal going-out bag. I don’t need to tell you what’s in it, you already know! But snacks for kiddos, and extra diapers for the wee-lads are a must, because you know what they say.. Prepare for the worst, and hope for the best! Things can get chaotic on the day of your session, it’s always best practice to ‘over prepare’!

And now, your final reminder!

Keep hydrating!!!

Which I know you’re already doing, because you’re awesome, but a reminder never hurts!

To bring it all together, let’s look at the Maternity Session prep list as a whole:

Booking:

• Find a photographer you love
• Ask all the questions
• Talk about locations
• Get booked

One month in advanced:

• Book hair & nail appointments

About two weeks before:

• Plan & choose everyone’s outfits

3-5 days before:

• Stay away from the spray tan
• Double check everyone’s outfits
• Choose accessories
• Hydrate, and get even more excited!

The day before:

• Pack your day-bag
• Drink more water
• Get as excited as possible!

Even after all of this information, it’s not uncommon to still have a few questions. Don’t be afraid to ask! I am here to help you feel as comfortable and prepared as possible! But I hope this guide helped answer, if not all, at least most of your questions, and helped calm any nerves you may have had.

I can’t wait to capture what matters most to you!