There are so many things to think about, plan for, and purchase when you are getting ready for baby. When maternity photos are added to that list, it can sometimes feel like just one more thing to get done in time. Well, we’re here to help your session be exactly as it’s intended: celebratory! Whether this is your first child or your fifth, we believe in slowing down and savoring the process.
Pregnancy is the perfect time for you and your partner to reflect on the journey that led you to becoming a family in the first place. Honoring the foundation on which your family has been built is an important and wonderful thing to do!
But if the details of your shoot are keeping you up at night, we have collected some tips that will help you prep and rest as your session day approaches.
1. Wait Until That Belly is Big, But Not TOO Big
The golden period for a maternity session is right at 7 months along. Your belly will be beautiful and prominent, without the weight becoming taxing on your body. Around this time, any form of nausea or tiredness may have subsided (at least we’re all crossing our fingers that it has!).
Ever heard of nesting season? When nesting kicks in around this time, you might suddenly have the energy of a marathon runner. And much like a marathon runner, be sure to bring some snacks to eat through the session! (You’ll thank us.)
2. Choose a Location that Connects with Your Family
Location, location, location — let your heart be your guide! We love in-home sessions and outdoor sessions BOTH – for different reasons.
Take the natural glow of a woman who’s ready to bring new life into the world … then, place her in the majestic glow of natural light… you cannot go wrong! Whether it’s walking along the splashing waves at the beach, or exploring the tall grasses of Mission Trails, you are bound for lovely!
If we do shoot outdoors, be prepared to walk or hike to the location. Don’t forget your comfy shoes!
While a meadow or a gorgeous skyline IS epic, there’s something so good and authentic about being HOME. Which is why we also love when our expectant mothers choose an in-home session!
In-home sessions capture what your life was truly like at the time your baby came to be a part of their family. Years from now, your baby will grow up, look back at these precious images, and see a glimpse into life just before they came into it.
Side bonus! If you’re not feeling up to walking around outside, your home offers comfort, coziness, and plenty of surfaces to put your feet up.
Speaking of being comfortable…
3. Wear Something You Feel Comfortable In!
When it comes to maternity outfits, comfort totally trumps trendy!
Rock those new cute flats or boots if you’d like, but be sure to bring your go-to pair of slip ons, just in case. When considering clothing, find a dress or top that has a little bit of a stretch. Form-fitting clothing will help accentuate your cute baby bump; our favorite silhouettes are flowy dresses or tops with an empire waist. Super flattering and comfortable!
When coordinating outfits with your partner or any tag-a-long toddlers, avoid pairing outfits that are too matchy-matchy. Choose outfits that are within the same color family or are complementary in tone. Simple, solid colors paired with only touches of patterns look great!
4. Enjoy the Moment
We’ve been there. You wake up extra early to make your hair just right and your eyeliner perfect. You stand at your closet, debating between outfits for wayyyyyy too long. (Yep, we’ve totally been there!)
But we truly believe that the purpose of these images is not just to document your darling baby bump. As fun as it is, it’s not so much about your outfit or the location you choose.
It’s about this insanely precious time in life. It’s about the gift of new life, and your anticipation in meeting that squishy little one!
So for us, the purpose is all about creating images that trigger your memory into that JOY. The last thing we want you to feel is frazzled about your hair or your makeup – but rather focused on the excitement of your child! THAT is when we’ve had a successful session.
So in preparation, give yourself a break! Go to your favorite spa, pamper yourself with manicure and pedicure, have your hair and makeup done in a salon instead of you trying to do everything before the session. Put your feet up for a few hours and do a little Netflix-binge or read a few chapters of your favorite book. Whatever it takes to put you in a place of contentment!
And when we begin the session, let us take care of the details. Enjoying the moment and sinking into the excitement will make you look and feel great. This is all what your maternity session is all about. You are beautiful and your maternal glow is AMAZING!
