Tips for a Beautiful
Maternity Session
Photography with a purpose
Your maternity session is designed to feel calm,
intentional, and deeply personal. a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring you feel confident, relaxed, and fully present on the day of your session.
What to Expect During Your Session
Your maternity session is designed to be relaxed and unhurried. I’ll gently guide you through flattering poses while allowing space for natural movement and quiet moments in between. You do not need to know how to pose, simply arrive as you are and trust the process. The session will flow organically, with time built in for wardrobe changes, adjustments, and breathers as needed.
My work is rooted in minimal, timeless styling to ensure your images remain beautiful for decades to come. Clean lines, neutral tones, and thoughtful textures allow the focus to remain on you, your connection, your strength, and the quiet beauty of this season. Trends fade, but simplicity and emotion are everlasting. This intentional approach creates imagery that feels both editorial and deeply personal.
TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SESSION
Arrival & Timing
If you’re having your hair and makeup done prior to your session, please allow ample time so you can arrive about 15 minutes early. This gives us time for you to settle in, get comfortable, and finalize your gown selections without feeling rushed. My goal is for you to feel at ease—not flustered—the moment you walk through the door.
Hair & Makeup
A natural, timeless approach photographs beautifully. Soft, flattering makeup that enhances your features (rather than transforms them) works best. Style your hair in a way that feels polished yet true to you—comfort and confidence always translate on camera.
Skin Care
Stick to your usual skincare routine in the days leading up to your session to avoid irritation or unexpected breakouts. Please also try to avoid developing noticeable tan lines, as they can be distracting in images and may require additional editing.
Undergarments & Fit
On your way to the studio, avoid tight underwear, bras, socks, or leggings. Many of our maternity gowns are fitted to beautifully highlight your bump, and we want to avoid visible lines or marks under the fabric.
If you plan to be photographed in your underwear, please bring a matching lingerie set. If you’ll be wearing studio gowns, nude undergarments and a strapless bra are recommended. For sheer or white gowns especially during milk bath sessions—please bring a separate set of white undergarments.
Hydration & Skin Prep
Moisturize your body before your session, paying special attention to dry areas. This helps your skin photograph smoothly and glow naturally, particularly for any intimate or nude-inspired images. Please avoid lotions with shimmer or glitter.
Hands, Feet & Details
Hands often play a central role in maternity portraits, and bare or open-toed feet may be visible as well. A simple manicure and pedicure (for you and your partner, if applicable) is highly encouraged.
Eat, Hydrate & Care for Yourself
It’s completely normal to feel a bit anxious on the morning of your session—you want everything to be perfect. Please try to eat beforehand. If time gets away from you, bring water and light snacks. Being nourished and hydrated makes a noticeable difference in how you feel and photograph.
Milk Bath Session Preparation
If your session includes a milk bath, we recommend bringing a separate set of undergarments that coordinate with the look you’ve chosen, particularly if wearing white or sheer fabrics. Bringing your own set of lingerie is also highly recommended for a unique look. Milk baths are prepared using warm water and almond milk to ensure comfort and a soft, luminous finish on the skin. For the best results, please avoid self-tanner or heavy oils prior to your session, as these can affect the appearance of the water and skin tones.
Wardrobe Coordination for Partners & Family
For a cohesive, timeless look, we recommend dressing partners and family members in neutral, soft tones that complement—rather than compete with—the maternity wardrobe. Creams, taupes, soft grays, warm browns, muted blues, and subtle earth tones photograph beautifully and allow the focus to remain on connection and emotion.
Avoid bold patterns, logos, or highly saturated colors, as these can distract from the overall aesthetic. Simple textures, clean lines, and comfortable fits work best. When everyone’s wardrobe feels harmonious, the imagery feels elevated, intentional, and effortlessly refined.
Little Ones Joining You
If toddlers will be part of your session, ensuring they are well-rested and fed beforehand will help everything flow more smoothly.
Rest & Energy
Do your best to get a good night’s rest leading up to your session. Feeling refreshed allows you to relax into the experience and enjoy the process.
Most Importantly… Enjoy It
This season of life is fleeting and extraordinary. During your session, my focus is on capturing not just how you look, but how deeply you already love your baby and your family. One day, these images will be looked at with wonder—proof of how cherished they were long before they arrived.
