MATERNITY SESSION PREPERATION GUIDE
If you’ve just booked a maternity session, you might be feeling a mix of excited and nervous. Maybe you love the idea of having these photos but aren’t sure how you’ll feel in front of a camera right now. Maybe your body doesn’t feel like yours at the moment. Maybe you just want something beautiful from this season before it’s gone.
You’re growing a human. Let’s make that look as incredible as it is.
All of that is completely normal. And all of it is exactly why these sessions matter.
I’ve photographed enough pregnant women to know that almost everyone feels self-conscious walking in and surprised by how good they look walking out. That’s not an accident, it’s because I know how to use light, angles, and gentle direction to make you look and feel amazing. You don’t need to be glowing or have it all together. You just need to show up.
When to book
The sweet spot is around 30 to 36 weeks, your bump has a beautiful shape and you’re not yet at the stage where everything is uncomfortable.
If you’re a bit earlier, we focus more on shape and connection. If you’re later, we take it slower and build in more breaks. There’s no wrong time, we just adjust the session to where you’re at.
Outdoor or studio?
You don’t need to stress about this. Here’s the simple version:
Outdoor is perfect if you want a relaxed, natural feel, especially if your partner or kids are joining. We’ll pick an easy-access location with beautiful light, usually late afternoon. It has the same warm, bright look as my family sessions. This is what most clients choose.
Studio is ideal if you want more privacy, a fine art feel, or plan to undress or show more of your body. It’s comfortable, controlled, and calm, no weather, no walking, no one else around. If you want something more dramatic or intimate, including artistic lighting that shows shape while keeping things tasteful, studio gives us that control.
If you’re not sure, just ask. I’ll recommend the right one based on what you’re after.
What if I don’t feel good about my body right now?
Most of my maternity clients feel this way. Your body has changed, nothing fits the way it used to, and the idea of being photographed can feel confronting.
Here’s what I know from doing this: pregnancy photographs beautifully. The shape, the softness, the way you hold your bump without thinking about it, it all translates into images that feel powerful and tender at the same time. You don’t need to feel confident for the photos to look confident. That’s my job.
If there’s anything you want me to be mindful of, marks, scars, stretch marks, tan lines, just tell me. I keep retouching natural, but I can soften anything you’d prefer not to see. You’ll still look like you.
What to wear
Bring two outfits maximum. Any more and we lose shooting time to outfit changes.
What works well:
A fitted dress that shows your bump shape. A flowing gown or robe for movement. An underwear or lingerie set for a more minimal look, with a robe for between setups. Something you already own that you feel beautiful in.
Avoid if you can:
Tight waistbands, they leave red marks that show on camera. Bras that dig in, for the same reason. Busy patterns and large logos, they pull the eye away from you.
If your partner or kids are joining, keep their clothes simple and neutral so they complement rather than compete with what you’re wearing.
And if you are super stuck on what to wear, you can borrow something from my client wardrobe here. If you’re borrowing an item then arrive ten minutes early so we’re not eating into your session time choosing.
Hair, makeup, and prep
Completely optional. If you want to do your own, keep it clean and natural, avoid heavy shimmer on your shoulders and chest as it catches the light. Moisturise the night before rather than the day of so your skin isn’t shiny.
Nails are worth a quick tidy since your hands will be in a lot of photos.
If you’d rather show up bare-faced with your hair in a bun, that’s fine too. These photos are about this moment in your life, not about looking like someone else.
If your partner or kids are coming
Best approach for a one-hour session: we do the family and couple photos first while everyone is fresh, then your partner takes the kids for a break, and we finish with your solo portraits. That way nobody’s waiting around and we use the time well.
Your partner doesn’t need to be a natural in front of the camera. I’ll direct them the whole way, where to stand, where to put their hands, how to interact with you. They just need to show up and be present.
Kids are kids. Same as my family sessions, I work with whatever energy they bring. No performance required.
On the day
For outdoor sessions, we’ll meet at the location. Bring comfortable shoes for the short walk from the car, and a coat or robe for warmth between setups. Wind happens, we work with it.
For studio sessions, everything is set up when you arrive. We’ll have a quick chat, plan the outfit order, and ease into it. Sitting and breaks are always fine.
Either way, I guide you through everything. Where to stand, how to hold your bump, where to look. You don’t need to know how to pose, that’s entirely my job.
After your session
Your full gallery will be edited and delivered within one week. You’ll get a link to view and download all your digital images.
When the gallery is ready, I’ll also send through a guide to the print and product options available, frames, albums, canvas prints, so you can take your time and decide if there’s something you’d like for the wall. No pressure, just options.
One last thing
This is one of the shortest seasons of your life. It doesn’t feel like it now, especially at 34 weeks when everything aches, but it goes fast. These photos aren’t about looking perfect. They’re about remembering what it felt like to carry this baby before they were here.
If you have any questions before your session, or if there’s anything you want me to know, what you’re comfortable with, what you’re nervous about, anything at all, send me a message. I’d rather know upfront so I can plan a session you’ll love.
— Tony
