Maternity Sessions
You're having a baby! This is such an incredibly important time in your life and I am truly honoured to be capturing these fleeting moments for you. Throughout this guide, I will be giving you tips and tricks for a successful maternity session. If I have not answered all the questions that might be in your mind, please do not hesitate to contact me to ask. I don't want you to feel nervous or unsure throughout this process
When to book?
Maternity sessions should take place somewhere between 32-36 weeks. At the beginning of your third trimester is the ideal time. This way we have time to reschedule due to weather or sickness if you're having a rough pregnancy. Your belly will also be showing beautifully and you haven't quite hit the uncomfortable stage yet, or hopefully haven't! If you are having multiples or have any complications throughout your pregnancy then adjustments to this time frame should be made. We can talk about your ideal time frame and go from there, this is just a general guideline.
Outdoor Sessions
For outdoor sessions, I love to stick to natural light. Sunsets give me life and overcast days make the richest warm tones. I love nature in the background of images and love to capture movement. I have favorite locations based on season and weather. If you have a favorite or meaningful location that you'd like to use, let me know! I am completely open to trying new places.
The absolute best time to do a session is golden hour, this is an hour and a half before sunset. Golden hour offers diffused and even lighting which enhances colors. That being said, if we book a session and it ends up being completely cloudy and overcast with no chance of sun, then anytime is a good time to shoot. We won't be fighting the bright sun and harsh shadows. I don't ever shoot midday because of this and it also doesn't fit my style of photography. If you have looked through my portfolio, you'll have noticed all my sessions are done during golden hour or during a sunset. I do realize that this may not be ideal during some seasons when the sun sets later and there will be younger kids joining us for the sessions. I try and encourage a later nap that day, especially if you love the sunset feel to images.
Together we will choose a beautiful location that meets the vision you have and also has beautiful light.
Studio Sessions
For studio sessions, I stick to studio lighting. The reason behind this, I can control the lighting much better indoors when I use a light vs. trying to stay close to my windows. I also am able to create the feel of your images by either casting dramatic shadows for the "Vogue" look or creating light and airy images that have a timeless feel. All studio work is done with either fabric backdrops or my favorite- seamless paper backdrops.
Because there is no requirement to work with daylight, I am able to create your session at any time of the day without worrying about weather. With that being said, if you book a session with me and you have a little one coming along please make sure your session is not booked around your child's nap time, that way we are not interrupting their scheduled sleeping time.
What to wear
Ah, the age-old question always associated with photoshoots. I have a closet full of gowns accessible to you to choose from for your session. These range in very elegant to more casual, depending on your style. If you decide you would rather purchase gowns/dresses yourself, please do not hesitate to do so! I always want my clients to feel relaxed, comfortable, and feel as amazing as they truly are! If you have questions on what colors will go best, or what to wear in general, styling is one thing I love to help with. Please do not hesitate to reach out and ask at any point in time!
Dads
Moms, I’m speaking to you. Is your husband feeling less than thrilled about our upcoming photoshoot? Don’t worry, this is totally normal. They likely already know how important this is to you and that is why they are a part of the session but remind them it's going to be painless. I have a pretty relaxed vibe so it never feels overwhelming or stiff.
More often then not I get messages from mom's after the session telling me how their husband said the entire experience was less painful then they thought it would be. I have also had moms tell me their husband mentioned they should do another session a year or so later for updated family pictures. If the dads are giving the mom's the reminder to rebook, that in itself is the biggest success for me!
You also deserve a huge pat on the back. Getting in the frame is just as important for you as it is for your kids and your husband or partner. It is so often that moms are the ones taking the pictures because it is always, always on our mind. When your kids sit down with you as they grow older you never want to have to answer the question "Where were you, mom?".
Because you were there too and it will be so nice to have proof of that. You. need to document your beautiful bump and the bond you've already formed with your baby.
On the day of our session, I am sure you will be nervous and that's so natural! All I ask for you is to come as yourself, live in the moment and love on your bump. If anything is out of place then I will let you know. Just be present in the moment.
Moms
Additional Thoughts + Tips
Moisturize your belly before the session to avoid any dry looking skin. Especially if you're looking to get a few bare belly shots.
Nude panties and nude strapless bra are best if you choose any of the maternity gowns in my collection. If you've picked anything with black lace then black bra and panties are great! You'll have a better idea of what will be needed once you try things on.
Try to avoid wearing tight panties and bra. A looser fit will ensure that no lines will form through tighter fitting gowns.
If you're interested in any images of you in just your panties and bra then sets are perfect for this. Nudes, blacks, whites or any coloured set you prefer. Soft colours and lace photograph best. This is also a great option to have just a blanket or cozy cardigan wrapped around you with your belly popping out.
Pay attention to your nails! A lot of images will be focused around your hands and having them on your tummy and cradling your bump. I will be taking lots of images of you holding your partner's hands, your children's hands and all those little details. Hands are a huge part of any session.
If we will be heading into the water for any of your images then I suggest bringing a pair of flip flops that can get wet. This way you can walk easily into the water without slipping if there are rocks. We can take them off once you are in place. The dollar store usually has cheap flip flops during summer months, same as Old Navy. If it is possible to get clear or nude, we won't have to take them off.
Professional hair and make-up DO make a difference in maternity photos. I know this is a beautiful but stressful time in your life and hiring someone to do your hair and makeup for your shoot is a wonderful way to pamper yourself to that you don’t have to worry about it. I have a makeup artist on hand, Liv Morales Beauty, who will come to the studio 2 hours prior to your session and pamper you!
If this isn’t in your budget, stores like MAC and Ulta can be helpful. If you do your own make-up, date night makeup works like a dream.