First of all...CONGRATULATIONS on a new and exciting part of your life whether it be your first or fifth pregnancy. Helping create and grow a new life inside of you is worthy of documenting and creating memories through photo's. How amazing will it be to look back on in years to come and remember this beautiful time in your history.
I will help you understand and better prepare for your Maternity session to make it a memorable and relaxing one. Please keep reading below.
What should I wear to my Maternity session?
Plan to remove any tight clothing or with elastic at least two hours prior to your session to avoid marks on your body. Try to wear a loose fitting dress to keep your skin smooth. This is especially important if you plan to have any nude or semi-nude portraits. I have a variety of Maternity gowns available to use during your session. You are also welcome to bring your own. Anything that accentuates your pregnant belly is suitable. Stretchy or lace materials are perfect. During your consult we will discuss the style of shoot you want and talk about what to wear in further detail.
When is the best time of the day to have my session?
Outdoor sessions are best had during golden hour when the light is softest. This is around 1-2 hours before sunset. Exact times will vary at different times of the year and can be discussed when booking your session.
Do I need to know how to pose, what if I feel uncomfortable with my body?
You do not need to have any previous experience with posing. I will guide you through the posing process. If you have any concerns about stretch marks or any part of your body you feel uncomfortable with we will discuss this and I will pose you in a way to hide these things in a flattering manner. Post processing is also great for this when requested.
Can I include my family in any of the images?
I encourage it! Please bring your husband/partner and any older children to your session. Having your family be a part of your session will allow me to create more family orientated images where they can show their love for your unborn baby. Intimate images of just yourself and your partner should also be considered. I suggest you bring an extra adult to keep the children busy whilst I take you both away undisturbed to relax for the best results.
When is the best time of my pregnancy to schedule in my Maternity session?
I like to schedule your Maternity session between 34 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. By this stage your baby belly will have that gorgeous round shape, perfect for beautiful looking photographs. After the 36th week, most mum to be’s tend to feel uncomfortable and fatigued during their session so it is a matter of finding the right balance for you.
Do you offer Studio & Outdoor Sessions?
Maternity sessions are held out doors only. For outdoor sessions I have a number of beautiful and private locations that I regularly shoot in.
Can I suggest ideas and bring props?
Yes of course! This is your maternity session. I will guide you and suggest ideas about posing, looks, locations and props but you are more then welcome to send me anything that inspires you. I encourage you to create a pinterest board that you can share with me. Visual ideas are so much easier to understand and discuss. Please keep in mind though that it is only inspiration and the images we create are unique and will not look the same as another photographers work.
Do you have any other useful tips to prepare for the session?
It is SO important to select a day where you have nothing else planned. Having to rush between events causes stress which can show in the final images. Have lots of time to prepare and get plenty of rest. If you have the means, perhaps treat your self to a massage or scented bath. Keep hydrated and have a light snack before the session to keep your energy levels up. Leave everything else up to me :)
