When scheduling your maternity session, aim for a window between 28 to 36 weeks, striking a balance where your pregnancy is visibly showcased yet you're still comfortable moving around, allowing flexibility if the baby arrives early.
Here are some tips to help prepare you for your session.
Decide if you Want Photos to be a Family Event
Do you plan for maternity photos to just feature you, or are you wanting to include your spouse and/or kids? If you have young kiddos, I try not to shoot when weather is too chilly, because there is nothing harder to photograph than a cold kid (and who can blame them!) If you have your heart set on an outdoor maternity session and the weather is chilly, I recommend the maternity session with just you and your spouse and then including the whole family in an indoor newborn session once your little one arrives.
Choose the Perfect Location
I am always up for a location that is meaningful to you. On-farm maternity sessions can be absolutely stunning in a field with horses or cattle. I also am partial to Cypress Hills as it is a stunning location in every season. Choosing a location where we have lots of space to move around, there is different types of scenery, and the background is not cluttered with houses, powerlines, or other obstacles makes for stunning photos. If you don't have a location in mind, I can recommend a few of my favourites. One of the best part about an outdoor photoshoot is capturing those beautiful golden-hour photos starting in the late afternoon 5-6:30pm depending on the location and time of year.
Wear Good Footwear
This is especially important if we have to walk farther to get to our location. Wear something you feel comfortable in, and that you can walk in. If your walking shoes are not super photogenic, no worries! We can slip into something else right before we start photos, I just don't want any mommas uncomfortable or falling down on my watch.
Have a Couple Outfit Options
This is your chance to add some variety to your shoot. Plus, it is just fun to dress up and show off what a stunning, radiant, momma to be I know you are! I recommend one casual/every day outfit and then something a little more fancy. I have some stunning client closet dresses that are perfect for bringing the WOW factor to your maternity session and the best part? Almost all of my client closet options are bump friendly, made to fit multiple sizes, and lets you show as much or as little of your bare stomach as you would like.
Warm up Between Poses
In a maternity session, there is a lot more standing around and less movement than in other types of sessions, meaning it is easy to get cold during cooler days, shady areas and chilly evenings. I recommend bringing a sweater or cozy blanket to cuddle up in between poses or as I set things up.
Bring Snacks and Water
Don't get too caught up in the preparations for your session and forget to eat and drink! There is nothing worse than showing up to a shoot hangry and fatigued. Remember to stay hydrated and well-nourished throughout the shoot. Bring water, snacks, and take breaks as needed to ensure you're comfortable and energized to allow you to fully enjoy the experience.
A maternity photoshoot is a celebration of the beauty and warmth that comes with new beginnings. By preparing thoughtfully, dressing for both style and comfort and choosing the right location, you can turn your maternity session into a timeless collection of images that beautifully captures this precious chapter of your life. Embrace the season in elegance and let the magic unfold in every frame.
Still feel like you need a little help with your wardrobe? No problem! I offer a Client Closet consisting of a collection of clothing items that you can use free of charge, when you book a session with me - Find out more about it by clicking the link below!