How far along should I be for maternity photos?

I often get asked how far along mom should be when she comes in for maternity photos and although it depends on you and your pregnancy the general time frame is 28 to 36 weeks. Some people show early in the pregnancy so can come in earlier for photos. If this is your first pregnancy you may not show until later around 30 weeks. But if this is your second, third, fourth baby or later you could be showing as early as 17 weeks. My recommendation is to come when you are showing but before the water retention, sore joints and other complaints set in. Often moms feel uncomfortable near the end of the pregnancy so I don’t recommend coming too close to your due date. For most this is 7-8 months pregnant.

What should I wear for maternity photos?

Another common question is what should you wear to your photos. There are several ways you can get a variety of looks during your session by using a combination of gowns and fabrics. I love to do simple and black, some flowing and fabric and a traditional maternity gown. I have a selection of dresses available to you to use and fabrics for creating different looks. I am also able to help you find dresses to buy or rent if you wish. I have created a list of my favourite gown shops here. I also love to include any fun hats, scarves, big sweaters or other items from home that you would like to wear.

What Should I Bring?

You don’t need to bring much to your session as I have some dress options available but please bring along any dresses you would like to wear. I also suggest you bring, if you have, a white set of underwear and bra, a black set of underwear and bra, a nude set of underwear and bra and any colourful underwear you would like to wear. If you have a strapless bring that along too. it’s also a good idea to bring along a brush and makeup if you need to touch up your powder or lipstick.

A mix of traditional and beauty portraits

Pregnancy is an amazing time in your life. Life as you know it is changing and every day your body is too. Pregnancy is such a rollercoaster of emotion and you probably have different feelings about this time and your body. I like to capture a mixture of the traditional pictures of you in your maternity clothes as well as more sensual beauty portraits to celebrate your beauty. Most importantly I want to capture you how YOU want to be captured. If you want to capture the joy and excitement with your partner and other children we can do a family portrait style session. Maybe you feel the most beautiful you have ever felt and want to remember the beauty of your pregnant body so we can focus on beauty portraits. How you want to be photographed will guide how your session goes.

How should I prepare myself for photos?

There are a few things you can do to prepare for your session. Here is a full post on getting yourself photo ready.

• Makeup: If you are not planning to book a makeup and hair session please come with your hair and makeup ready.
• Nails: Please also ensure you have removed chipped nail polish and applied new polish if you want to wear it.
• Shaving: I also ask that if you regularly shave please do so for your session as I can’t remove hair during my editing process.
• Exfoliate: If you have a lot fo dry skin or dry lips you can try using a wet washcloth to gently exfoliate and remove dry skin.
• Moisturize: I also suggest applying a moisturizer all over, focusing on your knees and elbows.

How should I prepare my partner or Husband for photos?

If your partner or husband wants to be included in your session there are a few things he can do to prepare.

• Shaving: If he usually shaves (face, back etc) be sure he is freshly shaven for your photos.
• Exfoliate: Have him use a wet washcloth to remove dried skin on his face and lips.
• Moisturize: It’s just as important for him to moisturize too.
• Iron: It’s a great idea to have him iron pants and shirts to avoid overly wrinkled clothes.

How should I prepare my kids for photos?

If you will be bringing your children for photos there are a few things to prepare them. Here is a link to more information but here is the short version:

• Feed your kids before you leave and bring light non messy snacks.
• Rest is very important make sure they have napped before their session.
• Incentives can be very powerful! I have treats and toys to help encourage cooperation. Try to withhold candy and treats before your session.

Planning for your newborn session

After your maternity session you will have a few weeks before baby comes. I suggest reading through your newborn session prep guide and that you pick your wishlist before baby comes. Once baby arrives life is a blur of late night feedings and diaper changes. I know how hectic those first weeks are so save yourself the stress by preparing before.

You can read this post on how to prepare and what to expect from your newborn session.