Maternity Session Tips
Maternity sessions are so special!!! There is a quiet excitement, a softness, and a deep love that naturally shines through. You can see the connection in the way you hold your belly, in the way your partner looks at you, in the anticipation written across your faces.
Maternity sessions are one of my absolute favorites to photograph!
I am so excited for you and your family to have these images to look back on. Whether this is your first baby or your third, this season is part of your legacy. Pregnancy marks the beginning of something entirely new, no matter where you are in life, and documenting it is something you will never regret.
Maternity Session Tip #1- Schedule Your Session in Third Trimester
The biggest question I get asked when potential clients inquire about a maternity session is "When should I book my maternity session?" The easiest answer is between 28-32 weeks. I have found this timeline is perfect for a maternity session because you are big enough to be showing that cute belly, but not too big that you’re really uncomfortable to move either. I always try to book later in pregnancy but because of the unknowns of pregnancy, we always want to be safe! Babies come when they're ready! Give yourself a little bit of time. If you're interested in booking a maternity session with me, please let me know and I’ll send over some availability!
Maternity Session Tip #2: Pick a location without too much walking
There are so many beautiful places in the Sacramento area to photograph, and it doesn’t have to be a long hike to get there. Some pregnant moms are super comfortable walking farther and feel good. If that’s you, that’s great! Others are beginning to struggle with back or hip pain. If you follow Tip #1, discomfort can be somewhat avoided, but everyone is different. So be realistic with your limitations. If you need location suggestions with relatively easy access, I’ve gotcha covered. Water, trees, fields, flowers-whatever you’re envisioning, I’ve got favorite spots for all of those.
Maternity Session Tip #3 Pick Your Outfit Early
Choosing outfits for your maternity session is so important! I’m capturing special moments with you and your family before your sweet new baby comes!
I want you to love your images and share them with others! Your maternity dress is SO important! Once you’ve found a dress you LOVE, make sure your spouse and kids have outfits that compliment yours! Avoid “matching”, choose complimenting colors instead. You will be the center of attention for most photos because you're the rockstar growing a whole baby! As always, if you have questions, PLEASE feel free to ask me! I’m always here to help you!
Maternity sessions are pretty simple! For the most part, your pregnant belly is the prop. BUT there are a few other things you can bring along with you just in case you want to use them! It’s totally up to you.
I suggest bringing smaller items. I love seeing little baby shoes, tiny onesies and hats in photos! Other things you can bring are ultrasound images, stuffed animals, blankets or something significant a loved one gave you! These items will help give us a few more options for posing and a variety in your images!
Pay special attention to your nails. Your hands will be featured often throughout your session as they rest on your belly, cradle your bump, or intertwine with your partner’s and your children’s hands. Those quiet, connected details tell so much of the story. I will be capturing close moments of you holding hands, tracing your belly, and embracing the people who already love this baby so deeply. Hands are a beautiful and meaningful part of your images, so having clean, neutral, or softly polished nails will help everything feel polished and timeless.
*BONUS TIP* – SCHEDULE YOUR NEWBORN SESSION AT THE SAME TIME
My last little bonus tip is to go ahead and schedule your newborn session NOW.
It’s really helpful to your newborn session booked in advance so it’s one less thing to think about after the baby arrives. We can set a tentative date ahead of time. We’ll pick a date one or two weeks out from the due date so that there’s something on the calendar and then adjust it from there as we know the actual birthday.
And if you book with me, you always have the option of booking both at the same time to make it easier (and cheaper).