I'm very excited to be planning a couple of maternity sessions this month. In preparing for these sessions, I thought it would be helpful to create a shortlist to help others prepare for their own Maternity Session. This list certainly can and should be tweaked to the individual needs of each client. Ultimately, I want your session to be focused on you, your personality, your emotions, and your maternal glow. If you decide to bring your partner, then that focus will be on the connection between you, the look you share when you think of greeting your little one for the first time.

What to Plan

Timing- 6-10 weeks before the due date. I know this seems early but too often a maternity session is planned for 2-3 weeks before the due date only to have an early delivery resulting in no maternity photos. ( Trust me on this. It happened to me recently.) The closer you are to your delivery date the more likely you are to experience bloating, discomfort and fatigue.

Golden Hour- This is the time before sunset that creates a dreamy light that is perfect for gorgeous photos. It's best to account for travel time and possible set up if you are unfamiliar with a location. Your photographer will know when that time is.

Location- A location that is meaningful to you and your relationship is best. The home where you will raise your family. The place you first met your partner. Maybe you're looking for a stunning view to showcase a flowy maternity gown though. Ask me for some suggestions.

Props- An inherited bonnet, sonogram, first book, accessories for yourself like jewelry, flower crown, etc... To make the best use of your time during your session though, plan the props that will have the most significant impact during the life of your little one.

Clothes and Shoes- What you wear to your session is as important as the outfit(s) you'll wear during your session. A bra that tugs and leaves red marks can be visible for a considerable time. It's much easier (and cheaper) to plan for this in advance than it is to remove it in editing after the session. Wearing a strapless bra or a comfortable tube dress before your session can help your skin be flawless and keep you super comfortable. If you have a dress or gown that wrinkles easily, plan on changing into it last minute.

There is a reason our grandmothers always wore slips with dresses. A maternity slip can help smooth lumps and curves that we all have. A slip can also help preserve modesty if an outfit change has to happen in the car or the woods. (It's been known to happen.) I am not recommending you wear shapewear and wouldn't recommend spending a lot on a slip that you'll only need a short time. I found some inexpensive options on ebay.com that started out at $14.95.

Some shoes are made to be seen and some are made for walking. Please bring both with you. I want you to be pretty but I need you to be safe and comfortable too.

Someone- This may be the most important item to bring with you.

I encourage bringing partners. I can't think of a better way to celebrate the transition from a couple to a family than with photos. Your partner can also make sure that you are always safe, comfortable and feeling lovely. Be sure to coordinate his outfit with your clothing for the session.

What To Wear 

Personally, I love photographs of pregnant women in long flowy dresses. There are so many attractive and affordable options available for maternity wear though. These can be form-fitting or loose-fitting. Dresses like the one pictured below can emphasize the belly which is the real reason for the session.

I found some gorgeous maternity dresses for rent at Mama Bump Rentals and Rent the Runway Renting a maternity dress wasn't my first thought but the more I looked through these two sites, the more I fell in love with the idea. They really aren't very expensive and you don't have the commitment of a purchase.

Be yourself and be comfortable. If prints and florals are your fashion statement, feel free to wear them for your maternity session. Just make sure that you discuss the wardrobe in advance with your photographer though. A print dress will make an amazing pop against a downtown street wall but it has the potential for getting lost in the scenery in a wooded setting.

If your partner is going to be in photos with you (and they really should be in a few), have them dress in solid colors (especially if you choose a print). Plan your partner's clothing as you would an accessory to your own outfit. He's important but you are the shining star right now.

AVOID LOGOS AND CASUAL T-SHIRTS. 

Disclaimer: These links are not affiliated with my site in any way. I do not benefit from sales from any link provided. The items suggested are just that- suggestions. I have not experienced the quality of the items personally-yet that is.