MATERNITY SESSION PREPERATION GUIDE
Choose your session type
Your Heritage maternity session is one hour and usually works best as either studio OR outdoors (not both). There is not enough time to do both properly without rushing.
If you are unsure, choose based on this:
Studio
Best if you want comfort, privacy, no weather stress, and a clean fine art look. Great if you do not want walking or standing for long.
Outdoors
Best if you want nature, space, and a more lifestyle feel. We pick an easy access spot and time with soft light.
Best timing
Most sessions work best around 30 to 36 weeks. If you are later, we keep the pace slower and take more breaks. If you are earlier, we focus more on shape and connection.
What to wear
Bring 2 outfits max for a one hour session. Any more and you waste shooting time.
Good options:
- fitted dress that shows bump shape
- flowing robe or gown for movement
- underwear set for a more minimal look, plus a robe for breaks
Avoid:
- tight waistbands (leave marks)
- busy patterns or large logos
- bras that dig in (red lines show)
If your partner or kids are joining, keep colours simple and neutral and avoid clashing patterns.
Client wardrobe (if borrowing)
If you are borrowing outfits from me:
- wear nude underwear to arrive
- bring a robe or oversized shirt for between looks
- arrive 10 minutes early so we do not waste shooting time choosing
Hair and makeup
Optional. If you do your own:
- keep it clean and not shiny
- moisturise skin the night before
- avoid heavy shimmer on shoulders and chest
What to bring
- water
- a small snack
- a robe or cover up
- nude underwear
- any meaningful small item you want included (optional)
If you chose STUDIO
What to expect
Studio sessions are calm and comfortable. No walking, no weather issues, privacy, and a clean look.
The flow
- quick check in and outfit plan
- warm up set to get comfortable
- change outfit
- finish with your strongest hero images
Breaks are always fine. Sitting is fine.
If you chose OUTDOORS
What to expect
Outdoor sessions are relaxed, but you will be standing and doing a small amount of walking.
We pick:
- an easy access location
- a time with soft light (often late afternoon)
What to wear outdoors
- choose something you can move in
- bring comfortable shoes for walking between car and spot
- bring a coat or robe for warmth between shots if needed
Wind happens. That is normal. We work with it.
If partner or kids are coming
For a one hour session, keep it tight.
Best plan:
- family photos first while everyone is fresh
- then partner can take the kids for a break
- finish with solo portraits
No one needs to be perfect. We aim for connection, not control.
Retouching requests
If you want anything de emphasised (marks, scars, stretch marks, tan lines), tell me. I keep edits natural. You will still look like you.
If you have a preference for the overall feel, tell me before the session:
- light and airy
- neutral
- dark and moody
Day before checklist
- outfits chosen and packed
- nails tidy (hands are in lots of photos)
- water and snack ready
- arrive on time so we use the full hour for photos
