Preparing for a Maternity Session // Southern Oregon Photographer
If you’re expecting a baby, you may be considering a maternity session to mark this season of your life! For many moms, a maternity session is a special way to slow down and celebrate, whether it’s your first baby or your sixth. Although maternity sessions are pretty common, some moms have a hesitation because of added pregnancy weight, the expense of a photoshoot, or wondering if you “need” a shoot after your first baby. I definitely have clients wonder these same things, but I have never had one client regret doing a maternity session. So, I wanted to share some ways you can prepare for and anticipate an amazing maternity session:
Decide when the time is right: Most maternity photographers recommend between 28 and 32 weeks for a maternity session, but I have worked with moms outside of these parameters, too. The upside to choosing around the 28-29 week mark is typically, you will have a cute baby bump, but still have the ability to move around easily and are generally more comfortable. If you have a different time-frame you need for various reasons, I am happy to work with you!
Choose a wardrobe you feel confident in: If you are choosing to include your partner, always choose your own outfit first. It is much harder to find maternity clothes since the selections can be narrow, so allow plenty of time to choose something you feel great in! If needed, have it professional tailored closer to your photoshoot, so the hemline or necklines look just the way you want (your body can drastically change leading up to a session). We recommend ASOS maternity for trendy and pretty dresses or outfits, and H&M Maternity for affordable and more casual options like jeans or tops.
Personalize your experience: If there are meaningful items or accessories that you’d like to include, please let me know! Some couples choose to add shots with their wedding rings, or ultrasound photos. Others choose to include heirloom items or special trinkets that represent their family heritage. If you have something like this and aren’t sure how to include it, please let me know. I can customize and plan your session so you get the images you are hoping for, in a creative and tasteful way.
Relax and be yourself: Authentic maternity shoots begin with YOU! It’s okay if you feel nervous or even self-conscious, but maternity clients usually feel so relieved once their session begins and they can relax into the moment. In fact, I’ve seen nearly every expecting mom begin to slowly light up and feel confident as their session proceeds. It can really help you feel confident and beautiful, and can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your spouse or family.
As a side note, if you are expecting a baby via surrogate or adoption and you’d still like to have maternity photos done, I’d love to help come up with a way that you can commemorate this time in your life in an unique way! As a mom myself, I treasure the maternity photos I have, and hope every mom gets the chance to celebrate this time in her life.