How to Prepare for Your Maternity Photoshoot
A little preparation goes a long way towards a maternity session that feels calm and joyful rather than rushed. None of it is complicated, and I will be with you every step of the way. But if you like to feel organised, here is everything I would gently suggest.
Book the right week
The most flattering time for maternity photographs is usually between 28 and 36 weeks. By then your bump is beautifully round, yet you still feel comfortable and have your energy. If you are expecting twins or have been told baby may come early, we simply bring the session forward a little. When you enquire, tell me your due date and I will help you choose the perfect window. If you would like more detail on timing, I have written a whole guide on when to take your maternity pictures.
In the days before
A few small things help you feel and look your best:
Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the session, which is lovely for your skin.
Try to rest the night before, as much as late pregnancy allows.
If you usually have a manicure, this is a nice time, since your hands often rest on the bump.
Keep skincare gentle and familiar. This is not the week to try a brand new product.
Avoid tight socks or waistbands on the day, as they can leave marks on the skin that show in photographs.
Hair, make-up and that natural glow
You do not need professional hair and make-up, though many mothers love the treat of it and the way it helps them relax into the session. If you prefer to do your own, keep it soft and natural, a slightly more polished version of your everyday self. The aim is to look like you, on a beautiful day. A loose wave in the hair tends to photograph more softly than a very structured style, especially outdoors where the breeze will move it.
What to bring
Two or three outfit options if you are unsure. My guide on what to wear walks you through fabrics and colours.
Anything meaningful you would like in the images: scan photos, tiny shoes, a note to your baby.
Your partner and older children, if they are joining, dressed in soft, complementary tones.
For studio sessions, a light snack and water, because growing a human is hungry work.
If you are still gathering inspiration, my maternity photoshoot ideas are a lovely place to start.
On the day
Please do not rush. Give yourself plenty of time so you arrive calm rather than flustered. If we are photographing outdoors, I will have already chosen the gentlest light of the day, usually early morning, when the beach is quiet. All you need to do is arrive and let me take care of the rest. I will guide every pose, every hand, every small adjustment, so there is nothing for you to remember.
If the weather changes
Sydney weather can be its own character, and I always keep an eye on the forecast in the days before an outdoor session. If the morning looks unkind, we simply move your session to another day or bring it into the studio, where the light is always gentle and the mood just as calm. You will never be asked to stand in the cold or the rain for the sake of a photograph. A little flexibility is part of how I look after you, so please do not stress about the sky. We will find the loveliest possible conditions for your images, even if that means a small change of plan.
Let go of perfect
The mothers who enjoy their sessions most are the ones who arrive ready to simply be present. Your hair might move in the breeze. You might laugh at the wrong moment. Those are so often the frames we both end up loving most, because they are real. This is not a test, and there is nothing you need to perform. It is simply an hour or two to honour where you are right now.
"I am so grateful to have created such loving memories out of a small moment in time." Kind words from a recent mother.
Let's plan your session
If you are ready to mark this chapter with images you will treasure, get in touch. Tell me your due date and how you imagine your session, and I will guide you through the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many weeks pregnant should I be for my photoshoot?
Between 28 and 36 weeks is ideal for most mothers. Your bump is beautifully round and you are still comfortable. If you are carrying twins, we usually plan a little earlier.
Do I need professional hair and make-up?
Not at all. Many mothers enjoy it as a treat and a chance to relax, but a soft, natural version of your everyday look is just as beautiful. The aim is always to look like yourself.
How long does a maternity session take?
Most sessions run between one and two hours, which gives us plenty of time to move gently through a few looks and settings without ever feeling rushed.
What if I feel nervous in front of the camera?
That is completely normal, and I guide you the whole way. Most mothers tell me their nerves melted within the first few minutes, once they realised there was nothing they needed to do but be present.
Get in touch with me today to start your unique motherhood, maternity, or photography journey
