After becoming a mother myself last year, I knew I wanted to meet and photograph more expectant mamas. Fun story – My water broke while I was getting ready to photograph myself at 38 weeks pregnant. When it happened, I was in the bathroom, meticulously applying my eyeliner. So… no week 38 photos for me, but I did get to head to the hospital will a full face of glam 🙂
Let’s get back to the point of this post and talk maternity session details! Here are a few tips and things to consider:
When is the best time to schedule your maternity photography session? As soon as you know you’d like to work with me, reach out so we can get you on the books! I find maternity portraits work best between weeks 29-36. At that point, the baby bump is really showing, and clients typically haven’t hit the “Ugh, everything is uncomfortable. I don’t want to take photos!” phase.
Nothing fits! What sort of wardrobe works best? Girl, don’t worry if nothing fits right now. I have a wide selection of fabrics we can drape you in or create skirts and even dresses out of. I’ve actually taken a class in draping specifically for maternity portraits! I also have a few super stretchy dresses and jumpsuits. Your only job is to bring the appropriate undergarments and accessories to make that draped fabric dress look AMAZINGLY COUTURE. We’ll go over items to bring during your consultation; you’ll even get a printout as a reminder.
What do people do with their pregnancy photos? PRINT IT HUGE AND PUT IT ON THE WALL!!! Trust me. I wish I had taken more portraits while I was pregnant. At the time, I was feeling bloated and tired, and the last thing I wanted was to be photographed. Now, I have a gorgeous framed portrait on the wall of baby girl and me when she was three months old. I wish so badly there was a baby bump photo next to it. I don’t know if I’ll get the chance to experience that stage of life again, and I wish I had captured it while I was there. I may have felt awful, but I was beautiful and strong, and that bump was my daughter’s home for 38 weeks! I’d love to be able to look at it every day when I pass through my hallway. I also recommend our Heirloom Folio Box with matted prints. This option allows you to come back with baby for some gorgeous Motherhood style portraits and fill your box with more memories.
Who should I bring with me? If you’d like to have some shots with your partner or other children, I’d recommend having them come towards the end of your session. Partners don’t always love hanging around for hours during hair/makeup styling or while we continue to click away to get that perfect fabric toss across. This beautiful experience is meant to pamper you and create memories that will last for generations. Let’s keep it positive throughout your session!
If you’d like to learn more about our maternity photography sessions at our San Francisco Bay Area studio, fill out our contact form here. I can’t wait to help you document this season of life, mama!
