What to Expect
When you're expecting there is likely SO much on your mind. Not only is your body going through so many obvious changes, but there is even more happening in your mind and spirit. We are all on a unique journey, but there are threads of the human experience that connect us all. Motherhood is one of the strongest connecting threads I feel. So of course I get very excited about maternity sessions and highly encourage every expecting couple to take plenty of pictures throughout their pregnancy. If they feel like celebrating this incredible milestone with a professional photography session even better!
So what does a maternity session even look like? Well similar to other sessions it is truly a collaboration between you and your photographer. Especially because every journey is different it is important to talk to your photographer about what your pregnancy journey has been like. What are some of the best parts of being pregnant (hearing baby's heart beat, feeling the little kicks, the joy in your partners eyes as they feel those mysterious little movements?), what are the challenging parts of being pregnant (overwhelming emotional responses, wrapping your mind around how life will look with a new baby, never ending morning sickness?), what do you look forward to most about becoming a family or adding a new sibling? As I talk with clients about their experience it helps inspire their session, gives insight for what locations might be best for your vision and any accessibility limitations, and what kind of outfits will compliment your vision and the location.
It is no secret that light and location are very important considerations. Some families are early birds and a sunrise session is best and there are some locations that have the most incredible sunrise light which tends to be softer and cooler tones like blues and purples. I am a night owl myself so sunset locations and warm glowy light automatically come to mind. There is no right or wrong, better or worse, but there are ways we can plan your outfits and choose a location to make the session of your dreams. Once you pick the perfect location(s) it's time to start planning your three different outfits and have some ideas for your partner's outfits to go with each of your looks. Similar to couples sessions you should plan a cute casual look and a dressy (maybe even a gown) look, but with maternity I also encourage you to plan bare belly outfit. Some mamas are not comfortable with showing their belly and that is totally okay, but if you are on the fence and don't know if you want to or not I say DO IT! It's so much fun and our bodies change so much through out our live's you should celebrate the miracle that your body is. I also have a client closet with some gowns that are available for any session.
On the day of your session I recommend taking the entire day to make it as special as possible. Share an easy morning with your partner, make it fun and relaxing. Some people opt to have their hair and makeup professionally done to take some of the pressure of getting ready off of their plate. Be sure to eat and stay hydrated and also bring water with you. I know what goes in must come out and by the last trimester there is hardly any room in your bladder, but sessions are usually very active and staying hydrated is so important. Typically we start in the dressy look or gown, change into your casual look and move to another background, then end with your bare belly look with another background. If you have never had professional photography this may sound like a lot of time to spend smiling at the camera, but like I said sessions are very active. Most of the time you will be moving and looking everywhere except the camera especially if you have your partner's eyes to look at, a dress or skirt to twirl, an ultrasound to hold and look at and of course a perfect baby bump to hug.
After your session I am just as excited as you are (maybe even more?!) to see the beautiful moments we captured. Once I get home and backup your images I start your sneak peek and am usually able to get about 30 sneak peek pictures to you within 48 hours. I really prioritize this because I want you to be able to share your joy and have some special moments to hold you over until you receive your full gallery. The sneak peek is just a taste of what your full gallery may look like, but for the full gallery I go through every image and pick only the best moments and then one by one adjust and edit each portrait. There is a lot of time, attention, and love poured into every image of your full gallery so it can take 4-6 weeks depending on how many images I choose. I know we live in a very fast paced world and it is difficult to wait, but I also look at each session as a keepsake to outlast the test of time. Your session is not just so you can share your joy and beauty of this pregnancy on social media. Your session is part of the legacy you will leave behind for your family for generations. It is a chapter in your story that your family will continue to adore for decades and hopefully even longer.
