Maternity Session Guide
I’m so excited to photograph this little chapter for you.
If you’re already wondering what on earth you’re going to wear, whether you’ll know what to do with your hands or if your partner is going to feel awkward — don’t worry. That’s all very normal, and I’ll guide you through the whole thing.
You don’t need to know how to pose or be comfortable in front of the camera. That’s my job.
This guide has everything you need to know before we meet, so have a read through and if there’s anything you’re unsure about, just flick me a message.
WHAT TO EXPECT
RELAX, I’VE GOT YOU
 
My maternity sessions are relaxed and really easy going.
I’ll guide you the whole way, so you’re never going to be standing there wondering what you’re supposed to do next.
We’ll get the beautiful bump photos, but I also want the little in-between moments — you and your partner together, hands on your belly, cuddles with your other babies if they’re coming along, and all the little details of this stage that you’ll want to remember later.
And if you feel awkward for the first five minutes, that’s completely normal. Most people do. Give it a few minutes and you’ll forget about me being there.
 
WHEN TO HAVE YOUR PHOTOS
AROUND 30–34 WEEKS
 
I usually recommend booking your maternity session for somewhere around 30–34 weeks.
Your bump is beautifully round by then, but hopefully you’re still feeling comfortable enough to move around and enjoy the session.
Every pregnancy is different though. If there’s a reason we need to photograph you earlier, that’s absolutely fine.
 
NEED SOMETHING TO WEAR?
I’VE GOT A FEW OPTIONS
 
I have plenty of maternity dresses and pieces for you to choose from, so you definitely don’t need to go out and buy something just for your session. You’re welcome to come and try things on beforehand, or I can bring a range with me on the day. If you’d like something a little different from the pieces in my client wardrobe, Lend Me The Dress is another great option for hiring a dress for your session.
If you’d rather wear something of your own, absolutely do. Neutral, earthy and softer colours work beautifully.. avoid big logos or really busy patterns.
I recommend bringing both nude and black seamless underwear, as well as a nude strapless bra if you have one. This gives us options depending on what you end up wearing. If we’re doing any bare-bump photos, bring a simple set you’re happy to be photographed in.
 
HAIR, MAKEUP & THE LITTLE DETAILS
KEEP IT YOU
 
You absolutely don’t need professional hair and makeup, but if you’ve been looking for an excuse to get it done, this is a pretty good one.
Otherwise, just do whatever makes you feel most like yourself.
One thing I do recommend is having a quick look at nails before your session. Your hands will be around your bump a lot, so they do end up in plenty of photos. They don’t need to be professionally done — clean and simple is absolutely fine.
And take the hair tie off your wrist before we start. I promise you’ll thank me later.
 
BRINGING YOUR PARTNER
YES, THEY SHOULD COME
 
If your partner is able to come, absolutely bring them.
They don’t need to love having their photo taken and they definitely don’t need to know how to pose. I’ll tell them exactly what to do.
Some of my favourite maternity photos are the really simple ones of the two of you together before life changes all over again.
 
ALREADY HAVE LITTLE ONES?
BRING THEM TOO
 
If this isn’t your first baby, I’d love to include your other children.
Please don’t worry about them behaving perfectly. We’ll get what we can with them while they’re interested and then let them have a break.
I’d much rather work around your kids than spend the whole session trying to force them into photos they don’t want to be in.
Snacks are always a good idea for little ones — just try to avoid anything messy or brightly coloured right before photos.
 
WHAT SHOULD MY PARTNER & KIDS WEAR?
JUST LET ME KNOW
 
Keep their outfits fairly simple and choose colours that work with yours rather than trying to make everyone match exactly.
Neutral and earthy tones photograph really well. Think creams, browns, beige, denim, soft greens and similar tones.
Avoid big logos, neon colours and lots of competing patterns.
If you’re stuck, lay everyone’s outfits out together, take a photo and send it to me. I’m more than happy to help.
 
WHAT TO BRING
A COUPLE OF LITTLE THINGS
 
You really don’t need much.
Bring some water, comfortable shoes if we have a little walk to our location and another layer if it’s chilly.
If you’re borrowing from my wardrobe, bring nude underwear and a strapless bra if you have one.
And if your partner or kids are coming, snacks and water for them are always handy too.
 
BEFORE WE MEET
TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY
 
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