Preparing for Your Maternity Session

A step-by-step guide to looking and feeling your absolute best!

Congratulations! Carrying new life is such an incredible season, and I am so honored to help you document this magical milestone. To ensure your session goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible, here is everything you need to know to prepare.

Hair, Beauty & Skin Prep

Small details make a huge difference in front of the camera, so making sure your hair and makeup are on point is key!

Hair & Makeup: I highly recommend having your hair and makeup professionally done for your session! Professional application takes the stress off your morning, gives you a pampering boost, and is tailored specifically to pop under camera lighting.

Need a stylist? If you don't have someone in mind, I work directly with an amazing hair and makeup artist! For your ultimate convenience, she can get you ready right here in the studio, travel directly to you (for an extra fee), or you can visit her studio space. Let me know if you'd like her contact details to book!

Skip the Glitter: Please avoid shimmer lotions, body glitter, or glittery makeup/hair products. On camera, individual glitter specks can catch the light unpredictably and often look like specks of dust or dandruff in high-resolution photos.

Moisturize: Apply your favorite body lotion or body oil prior to your session—especially on your bump, hands, arms, and legs. Hydrated skin gives off a stunning, natural glow.

Avoid Staining Foods & Drinks: On the day of (and day before) your shoot, avoid foods or beverages that could temporarily stain teeth or lips—such as red wine, coffee, dark berries, turmeric, or artificially colored candies and drinks.

Undergarments & The Client Closet

Undergarments play a major role in how your photos turn out, especially when wearing gowns, sheer fabrics, or body-con pieces from the client closet.

Browse the Closet First: I highly encourage you to take a look at the client closet beforehand to pick out the specific outfits or dresses you have in mind.

Knowing your gown choices ahead of time makes selecting the right undergarments much easier!

Matching & Nice Undergarments: Please make sure you wear a nice, matching set (bra and underwear). Matching sets create a clean, intentional, and high-end

aesthetic in your portraits.

Recommended Colors: Neutral solids—nude, black, and white—are highly recommended because they disappear under most fabrics and look timeless.

Want to Try Color? If you’d prefer to wear a color other than nude, black, or white, you are more than welcome to! Just ensure that:

The bra and underwear match each other perfectly.You avoid random patterns, bright prints, or distracting logos,

as these will bleed through fabrics or draw attention away from your bump.

Fit & Style: Seamless, bra-strap-friendly, or convertible bras and full-coverage seamless underwear are ideal to prevent harsh lines.

Coordinating Wardrobe (Mom & Partner)

If your partner is joining you for photos, creating a cohesive look makes your gallery look effortless and elevated.

Match Tone to Tone: Take a look at the outfits you have in mind from my client closet ahead of time, and try to match your partner’s outfit as closely as possible to the style and color palette of your dress.

Complement, Don't Twin: You don't need to wear the exact same color! Instead, pick complementary tones. For example, if you choose a cream or warm blush dress, pair your partner in soft earth tones like beige, tan, or warm gray.

Keep Patterns Subtle: Avoid bright neon colors, large graphic logos, or distracting bold patterns. Solid neutrals, soft textures (like linen, knits, or subtle denim), and timeless cuts allow the focus to stay on your connection and bump.

🧸 Bringing Small Children?

Schedule Around Naps: Ensure all young children take a good nap prior to the session so they are rested and refreshed.

Pack Snacks & Drinks: Bring mess-free, non-staining snacks (e.g., gummies, marshmallows, water) to keep energy levels balanced.

Avoid chocolate, colored juices, or crumbly treats that can stain clothes or mouths.

Bring Quiet Entertainment: Favorite small toys, bubbles, or a playlist can work wonders to keep kids engaged during downtime

while other family subgroups are being photographed.

Communication & Special Accommodations 💙

Every child is unique. If your child requires special accommodations or has unique needs, please let me know in advance! I have plenty of experience and patience working with children who need extra care or tailored environments. Open communication helps me create the safest and most comfortable setting for your little one.

A Gentle Note on Moods & Expectations

Children have strong emotions, and sometimes they simply have an off day. While I do everything possible to keep the atmosphere fun, playful, and patient, a child’s mood or behavior during the session is out of the photographer's control and directly impacts the final images. Trusting the process, keeping things low-pressure, and having fun together is the best way to get great results!

Quick Pre-Session Checklist

Hydrate with plenty of water leading up to the session.

Remove tight hair ties, watches, or wristbands a few hours before your shoot to avoid leaving marks on your skin.

Steam or iron any personal outfits the night before.

Relax and enjoy! This session is all about celebrating you and your growing family.

IMAGE SELECTION, COPYRIGHT & STUDIO POLICY

You Choose Your Favorites: You will select your final images from a proofing gallery.

RAW or Unedited Images: RAW or unedited images are unpolished working files and are never given out or sold under any circumstances.

Only fully edited, finished photos represent the photographer's work and quality.

Additional Images: If you fall in love with more photos than what is included in your package, additional edited photos

may be purchased for $20 each.

Copyrights & Proofing Rules: All copyrights are strictly owned by the photographer. Screenshotting proofing galleries

is strictly prohibited and constitutes a breach of contract.