preparing for your maternity shoot
welcome!
Hey friend! Thank you for choosing me to capture your pregnancy and this special time in your life. Your trust and confidence in my work mean everything to me.
I know that the images we are going to create together will exceed your expectations and bring joy to your heart. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do what I love.
Over the next few pages, I’ll give you ALL the info that you’ll need to make the most of your session!
the perfect time
The perfect time for us to photograph your maternity session is around 36 weeks of pregnancy. During these weeks, your baby bump is beautifully rounded and prominent, providing the perfect opportunity to capture stunning images that celebrate this special stage of your journey. This period also strikes a balance where you’ll likely still feel comfortable enough to fully enjoy the session!
That said, your session can be booked earlier or later depending on what works best for you. The most important thing is choosing a time when you feel confident, comfortable, and excited to celebrate the incredible transformation of pregnancy.
I’m here to ensure your photos reflect your joy and beauty, no matter when you choose to schedule your session!
it’s your session
If you have some specific things you want from your session, please communicate that to me (if you didn’t include it in your Maternity Session Questionnaire). This is YOUR session, and I want it to be perfect for you!
Is there a pose you want incorporated during your session? Do you have something sentimental you want to bring to your session? There are never too many details you can share with me to help me have a clear understanding of your vision.
posing
Don’t worry! I know this can be intimidating. But I will guide you through every step of the photoshoot, ensuring you know exactly what to do.
I have some tried and true things that I instruct my clients to do that captures the moment perfect, provokes a giggle, or a serious loving look.
So don’t spend time on Pinterest looking at poses and practicing! I’ll provide clear instructions for you and daddy that help capture the perfect moments effortlessly.
It’s a no-stress and fun time, I promise!
props and meaningful items
Feel free to bring a couple of items to make your session more personal, such as a sonogram strip or baby shoes. Are you knitting baby a blanket, or is dad making a handcrafted toy chest? Those things are especially meaningful, and we’ll be sure to include them in our lifestyle shots!
Props are a wonderful way to add variety and a personal touch to your photos. They enhance the shoot and bring a very personal and sentimental element to your images.
NOTE - If your session is at Hoodoo, we’ll keep the sonogram strip in the car and only bring it out if the weather is clear to avoid any risk of damage from the snow.
what to wear
Whatever your style is, it’s perfect! But … this is a really special occasion, so I’m going to give you my two cents on how to turn this up a notch.
OUTDOOR SHOTS
A long, flowing, feminine dress photographs beautifully outdoors. And the juxtaposition between the dress and the snow on Hoodoo, or the evergreen trees and mountains in Central Oregon is really striking.
Maternity dresses are NOT a must! Just size up a beautiful dress that you love. I keep lots of clips handy and I clip, tuck, and roll extra fabric to make the dress fit you, and accentuate your beautiful figure. A non-maternity dress can also cling to the body better.
The bohemian style is super on-trend and beautiful, but don’t go too far into trendy. We want timeless!
Fabrics that will move beautifully in the wind or with movement photograph beautifully.
STUDIO AND LIFESTYLE SHOTS
A casual outfit is perfect for studio and lifestyle photo sessions.
I lean toward neutral colors for these sessions - cream, ivory, beige, tan, soft gray, soft baby blue.
Regular (not maternity) blue jeans with the top opened, and a white men’s collared button down shirt look great, with a white lace bralette underneath. This let’s us capture some photos of your baby bump, while still keeping it classy!
A fuzzy fleece 2-piece loungewear outfit with pants and a cardigan matching set (again, not maternity) is perfect too. Think Saturday morning cozy. Literally put those words into Amazon’s search and you’ll see what I mean!
You’ll almost certainly be barefoot for these photos, so treat yourself to a pedicure!
We’ll talk through outfit ideas during our pre-session call and keep in touch by text until you find the perfect thing!
my client closet
I offer a few pieces in my Client Closet that you can access for free. My closet includes several long dresses in different styles, plus a white button down collar shirt that pairs perfectly with jeans.
This allows you to choose something that will look amazing in photos, without the hassle and expense of finding something on your own. Whether you're looking for elegance, comfort, or a bit of both, there's something in the closet for you!
pets
Your beloved pets can absolutely be a part of your maternity photos for an extra-special, personal touch. Including them adds a unique element to your shoot, showcasing the bond of your entire family—even your furry babies!
Consider bringing a friend so you have an extra hand to hold on to pup’s leash while you’re being photographed, or leave them in the car (if weather allows) while we photograph mom and dad, and then have fur siblings join us at the end for a couple photos.
Together, we can create beautiful, heartwarming images that include everyone you hold dear.
you and your baby’s safety
The safety of you and your baby is my top priority. If you have high blood pressure, gestational diabetes or any other pregnancy related condition please communicate that to me asap.
If your pregnancy has been classified as a high risk pregnancy I will ask you to get permission from your doctor before your session, and send that to me in an email.
Don’t worry - we will STILL get maternity photos! But this will play a role in where your session takes place and how I pose you.
For example, if you are on bed rest then an outdoor or studio photo session may not be safe for you. However a lifestyle or in-home session might work just fine.
Let’s just communicate and together we’ll figure out the best way to capture your bump safely!
maternity sessions in the snow
For a maternity photoshoot in the snow, comfort and safety are key, while ensuring the session remains beautiful and memorable.
CLOTHING
Warm Base Layers like thermal leggings and a long-sleeve thermal top that doesn’t show is essential. Many clients wear jeans under their dress.
Outer Layers for between photos, and possibly a stylish yet warm coat, cape, or shawl that would look great to wear IN some of the photos.
Footwear is critical to prevent slipping and keep your feet warm. Please wear insulated, non-slip boots. You can bring some dress shoes to change into for some photos if you’d like.
Accessories like a warm hat, earmuffs, or a scarf that complements your outfit not only help keep you warm, but add style to the photos.
EXTRAS TO BRING
Keep hand warmers in your pockets!
A heavy and warm blanket to use between shots or just have waiting for you in the car when we’re finished.
A thermos with tea, hot cocoa, or warm water to warm you up from the inside!
thank you
I promise we’re going to have a relaxed and fun time at your maternity session, and you’ll have photos you’ll cherish forever!
If you have any questions about the process, don’t hesitate to text or shoot an email to sheri@trinitylanephotography.com