How to Prepare for a Maternity Photo Session:
1. When should I book my appointment for a maternity photo session?
Anywhere between 30-36 weeks is ideal for your maternity photo session. Your belly is full but you are still comfortable to pose. For expecting mamas with twins (or more) come in earlier, around 26 – 32 weeks as twins tend to arrive much earlier than singletons.
2. Things to do right before your photoshoot:
- Apply moisturizing lotion on your body
- I recommend to remove anything with elastic straps or waistbands (ex: tight pants, shirts, or anything that could leave marks on your skin) approximately two hours prior to your session.
3. Professional makeup, hair and manicure:
I highly recommend professional makeup and hair. Professional makeup and hair will make you feel beautiful and confident at your session. Maternity photo session is a fabulous “excuse” to pamper yourself! Don’t choose a look that is drastically different than normal. You want to feel like yourself, only more polished. However, if it’s not in your budget, your going-out-on-a-hot-date make up and hair is fine too.
One more thing, don’t forger about the manicure! I tend to focus on a belly a lot in my maternity sessions, so your hands and nails will be shown up-close. So, be prepared.
4. Maternity gowns:
I have a growing collection of maternity dresses in my studio. There are various dresses that suit women with different shape, height, and skin color. You will be able to choose several maternity gowns from my collection to use for your photo shoot. I am very excited to offer you this opportunity not only to look fabulous wearing specially created maternity gowns, but also to save money on these items, which you don’t need to purchase for your maternity photo session.
This being said I still ask you to bring the necessary clothes for a casual look for you, your significant other and your kid(s). For more detailed information, please see below.
5. Bring the following items for you (recommended, but not obligatory, so bring whatever you have):
- Neutral strapless bra and underwear
- Black lacy bra and underwear
- White/ivory lacy bra and underwear
- Regular jeans (not maternity ones) and camisole/t-shirt top (black and white)
- Neutral/light colors sandals/shoes with heels
- Any favorite accessories, jewelries, etc.
6. Bring the following items for your significant other (recommended, but not obligatory, so bring whatever you have):
- Simple white and black top or t-shirt
- Jeans
- Unicolor shirt (light grey, blue, lavender, pink, beige etc)
- Classic pair of pants
- Classic pair of shoes
7. Bring the following items for your kid(s):
- Jeans
- Simple white top or t-shirt
- Coordinating outfits (for significant other/husband and/or children)
8. Things to do to prepare your kid(s):
Make sure their eyes, nose, fingers and toenails are clean and groomed. Apply lotion on their skin and lip balm, it will help with close-ups.
9. Special demands/requests:
If you have a specific accessory/item/clothing that has a sentimental value for you and you want to use it in your maternity photo session, you are welcome to bring it with you. I will do my best to incorporate it in your photographs. Also, if you have a specific idea/image that you would like us to reproduce, I highly recommend to email it to me in advance, so I can prepare accordingly.
Please note that you are not allowed to use your own camera or to take photos on your cell phone for any purpose in my studio.
