A Few Extra Things to Know
You’ve got the basics covered in the main guide! Here are a few extra things to keep in mind when getting ready for a family or maternity session.
MATERNITY
DRESSING THE BUMP
Your outfit can really shape the overall feel of your maternity photos. Something fitted will define your bump and create a more structured silhouette, while flowy fabrics bring softness and movement to your photos. Dresses with some shape through the waist or that fall just above the bump tend to photograph especially well. Texture can also add a lot without competing for attention. Think knits, linen, subtle ruching, or fabrics with natural movement. Most importantly, choose something you feel comfortable and confident in. If your partner or little ones are joining, create a cohesive vibe between everyone’s outfits through color, texture, and overall style.
THE LITTLE DETAILS MATTER
Maternity photos naturally bring more attention to your hands since we'll use them to help highlight and frame your bump throughout the session. Your nails don't need to be professionally done, but make sure you're happy with how they look since they'll show up in some of those closer detail shots.
COMFORT IS KEY
We’ll keep things comfortable throughout your session and can take breaks whenever you need them. If our location involves some walking, bring a pair of comfortable shoes and switch into your photo shoes once we get where we’re going.
BRINGING SOMETHING SPECIAL
You absolutely don’t need to bring props to your maternity session, but if there’s something meaningful to you or your growing family, we can incorporate it into a few photos.
An ultrasound photo is always a sweet option and works especially well for close-up detail photos. You could also bring a pair of baby shoes, a favorite onesie, a name or initial piece, a special blanket, or something that has been passed down in your family.
If you’ve already chosen something for the nursery that feels especially meaningful, like a book you can’t wait to read together or a small keepsake, that can be another way to make a few images feel more personal to you.
Family
CREATING ONE COHESIVE LOOK
When you’re dressing multiple people, think about the overall vibe you want the outfits to create together rather than planning each look completely on its own.
Colors, textures, layers, and accessories can help everything feel connected and intentional while still letting everyone have their own look.
LET THE KIDS BE KIDS
Your kids don’t need to be perfectly behaved, smiling, or looking at the camera the entire time! I’ll guide you through everything, work with their energy, and give them space to be themselves. Those natural interactions are often where some of the best photos come from.
SETTING THEM UP FOR SUCCESS
If you have little ones, try to plan naps and meals around your session when possible so everyone arrives feeling their best.
Keep things low-pressure when talking about photos beforehand, too. Rather than making it something they need to “behave” for, tell them you’re going to hang out, explore, play, and take some photos together.
WHAT YOUR SESSION WILL LOOK LIKE
We’ll get the classic everyone-looking-at-the-camera photos, but we’ll also spend plenty of time moving, interacting, and having fun together.
I’ll guide you through different combinations and prompts along the way so you don’t have to worry about knowing what to do.
A FEW THINGS TO BRING
For younger kids, water, a non-messy snack, wipes, and a backup outfit are always helpful to have nearby. A favorite comfort item can also be worth bringing along, especially for really little ones.
SEE YOU SOON
You’re officially ready!
I hope this guide helped answer any questions and made getting ready for your session a little easier. Now all that’s left is to get excited! I can’t wait to see you soon!