How to Prepare for Your Maternity Session (And Actually Enjoy It)
Most moms come into a maternity session with some version of the same worry: What if I don't look the way I'm hoping to? I want to talk about that — because the answer to that worry starts long before we meet at the location.
Start with how you want to feel, not what you want to look like
The best maternity portraits aren't the result of a perfect outfit or a perfect location. They're the result of a woman who felt safe, unhurried, and seen. Everything I do in a session is designed to create that. But you can support it too, starting with your wardrobe choices.
When in doubt, choose something that makes you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself — not the most covered-up version, and not the most "photogenic" version according to what you've seen on Pinterest. Wear what makes you feel something.
What to wear: a practical guide
Flowing fabrics photograph exceptionally well — they move, they layer, they catch light in a way that structured clothing simply doesn't. Solid colors or subtle textures tend to keep the focus where it belongs: on your face, your bump, your story.
Some of my favorite looks for maternity sessions: a long, fitted dress in a neutral or muted tone; a soft wrap or open robe over a simple base; something with drape at the waist that acknowledges rather than hides the pregnancy. You don't need to spend a fortune — I have a small client wardrobe available for sessions as well, so if you're unsure, we can figure it out together.
What to avoid: anything with large logos or text, very bright patterns, or clothes you've been wearing all day and already feel frumpy in. How you feel in your clothes before the session will carry into the session.
When to book
The sweet spot for maternity sessions is typically between 30 and 36 weeks. Early enough that you're still comfortable moving and standing, late enough that the bump is full and beautiful. Every pregnancy is different, so if you're outside this window, reach out anyway — we'll figure out what works.
What to do the day of
Get a good night of sleep if you can. Eat something. Do whatever version of getting ready makes you feel like yourself — hair, makeup, whatever that means to you. Give yourself more time than you think you need to get to the location, so you arrive calm rather than rushed.
And then trust the process. I'll guide every pose. You won't be left standing there wondering what to do with your hands. My job is to make this feel easy — and the images that come from that ease are the ones you'll return to for the rest of your life.