Maternity Session Prep Guide
www.daninafotografia.com
Now that you’re expecting a newborn, you probably have a million questions running through your mind. Will my baby arrive on time? Should I schedule a maternity photo session? What will the delivery look like or feel like? To answer on one of your questions, YES! You should most definitely schedule a maternity photoshoot. The first step in preparing for your maternity portrait session is actually hiring the right photographer and scheduling your pregnancy photos. Most of my clients book around 12 weeks to 16 weeks' gestation or about the time they are finding out the sex of the baby. Plan to have your maternity session scheduled when you are 26 – 34 weeks along. You will be just the right size to show off your cute little bump while you can still move easily and comfortably enough for flattering poses as time goes it gets more difficult to stand or change positions during your photo session. Maternity sessions are so exciting! I love helping expecting mothers to create a beautiful experience in preparing to welcome a little one into the world. Because I’m a mom myself, I know you have a lot of to-do list as you prepare for your newborn baby's arrival. That’s why I’ve created a streamlined process to make sure your maternity session is as smooth and easy as possible. In this quick guide, I’ll give you some tips on how to prepare for your maternity session. But truly, you don’t have a lot to do–I take care of it so you can relax and enjoy.
Why schedule a Maternity Photo session?
Why schedule a maternity session? Because motherhood is worth celebrating!
The first reason why you should schedule a pregnancy photoshoot is because a maternity session is a great way to celebrate motherhood! Whether you’re carrying your first baby or whether you’ve already carried several children, motherhood is such a unique role in a woman’s life.
When you’re a mother, you nurture and protect your child. How much more so before your child is born! Your precious little baby depends on you for everything while he or she is living inside your womb. This special fact is something to celebrate!
And you can celebrate this with a maternity portrait session. During a pregnancy photoshoot, we will capture the very essence of the miracle that you’re experiencing right now: You, as a mother, are nurturing and protecting your little bundle of joy before he or she arrives.
Why schedule a pregnancy photoshoot? Because you can’t hang your phone’s photo album in your living room!
Speaking of your baby bump, it’s possible that you’ve already been documenting the growth of your beautiful baby by posting selfies on social media. But a selfie probably captures just your baby bump and probably isn’t a maternity portrait of you from head to toe. The photos that we’ll take at a maternity portrait session will capture the togetherness that your beautiful little baby bump have been sharing during this beautiful time in your life. You and your baby will shine in a way that a phone selfie could never do justice to! Selfies are convenient, fast, and fun, but they’re not professional. Think about it: You can’t print your selfie on a big canvas and then hang it on your wall!
Why schedule a maternity photoshoot? Because you’ll want to remember this special season in your life for years to come!
Years from now, when your beautiful baby is a young child or perhaps a teenager, you’ll want to look back on your maternity images and remember when your child was still a baby in your womb. You’ll remember what it was like to carry him or her. You’ll remember the dreams that you dreamed for him or her during this special time. You’ll be so proud of your child and the young man or young woman that he or she is becoming!
Because you took the time to document this unique season with a pregnancy photoshoot, you’ll have a way to easily remember everything!
SCHEDULE YOUR MATERNITY SESSION EARLY (AND WITH YOUR NEWBORN SESSION):
The earlier you schedule your session, the better. I recommend booking your maternity session somewhere between 12 and 16 weeks (which is about the same time you’ll find out baby’s gender). Because I’m involved in every step of the process, from planning to ordering artwork, I only a limited number of clients each month. Reach out as soon as possible to reserve your date and time. It’s also a good idea to book your newborn session at the same time. This gives us flexibility in case baby comes early, ensures your little one has a spot on the calendar, and means you have one less thing on your to-do list!
TALK TO YOUR MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER
Every mother-to-be is different, and I want to make sure your maternity photos are everything you hope for–and more! You deserve the absolute best! That's why we want to make sure we are the right choice for you! A pre-session consultation is included with your session fee so we have an opportunity to get to know each other and chat about your vision. During your consultation, we’ll discuss all the details: location, outfits, hair and makeup, who you want to include, etc.
How do I prepare for my Maternity Photo Session?
REST UP THE NIGHT BEFORE
I know, sleeping can be hard during pregnancy. Plan a relaxing activity, like a warm bath, cup of tea, or a few chapters of your favorite book for the evening before your session. Once you’re feeling relaxed, go to bed early and try to get a full night’s sleep so you feel refreshed for your session the next day.
STAY HYDRATED AND NOURISHED
It’s important to drink plenty of water before and during your session. It does make a difference! Hydrated skin looks fresh and youthful. You’ll also want to eat before your session so you can keep your energy up and make sure your body’s needs are met.
Style:
Have your fingernails professionally manicured! Your hands will be in every image, so we want them to look fabulous! Style your hair in a way that its most reflects the image that you trying to achieve, more dramatic or soft, settled. If you are applying your own make up avoid shimmer and sheen style, make up as it will appear very shiny on camera also avoid trying out new products in case you have allergic reactions to it.
Make sure you have the right undergarments:
Give some thought to your underwear and bras as well. For example, if you’re wearing a white dress, you don’t want to wear dark panties that will show through the fabric. And if you plan on doing partially nude images, make sure to bring along lacy undergarments that will look good in your photos.
Bring along sentimental items:
Anything special you want to include in your photos is a great addition. Whether that’s a family heirloom, your ultrasound, or even your own baby blanket or favorite childhood toy, these mementos can add special meaning and a personal touch to your images.
Don’t stress:
It’s easier said than done but do your best to relax and not worry about your session. Your photographer will walk you through every pose and position. All you have to do is be your natural, beautiful self!
Make plans for your other children and family:
If you want to include your children or family in your maternity session, it’s a good idea to make plans for someone to pick them up when they’re finished. That way, they don’t have to sit through all the individual shots of you, and you don’t have to worry about keeping them calm or entertained.