.PREPARING FOR YOUR MATERNITY SESSION.

HELLO Mother-to-be!

So here you are, at the precipice of one of the most wonderful changes in your life. The energy that comes with this kind of change can be really palpable as well as extremely beautiful. I have yet to meet a pregnant mother who wasn’t nervous about the thought of having a professional portrait session featuring their ever-changing body, at a time when they don’t always feel their best. But with a little preparation and a photographer that you trust [that means ME!], you will walk away not only having enjoyed this process, but I can almost assure you that you will be SO glad that you took the time to document the beginning of your new journey. Most importantly, think about how priceless these photos will be to you & your child someday.

.SCHEDULING YOUR SESSION.

For most expecting moms, scheduling your maternity portrait session anywhere between 32 - 36 weeks is ideal. The goal here is for you to feature a nice, round belly while you are still feeling great and not feeling too swollen or uncomfortable. However, listen to your body! Every woman carries their child differently and you should schedule your session according to that.

.WHAT TO WEAR.

The cardinal rule is to wear clothing that makes you feel beautiful. If you feel confident, that will shine through in your photographs. Let’s start this process with selecting the right undergarments! A well-fitting bra and supportive maternity shape-wear will make anything that you choose to wear look even better!
Solid colors, maxi dresses, and open necklines are universally flattering on expecting mother’s. Be sure that you choose fabrics and silhouettes that hug your curves and show off the belly. A thin belt just under the bust can give shape to looser dresses and shirts. Layers, like scarves, cardigans, and jackets - along with simple accessories can change up your look without the need for a complete outfit change. Don’t forget to look for your session outfits in the “regular” sections of stores, too. There you’ll find beautiful dresses with high waistlines that look amazing on pregnant women!

.THE DETAILS.

I always, always, ALWAYS recommend that you hire a professional for hair & makeup for these kinds of portrait sessions. A professional makeup artist knows what products to use for the camera and can recreate just about any look that you choose, whether it’s completely natural or something that’s a bit more dramatic. A photo session is a fabulous “excuse” to pamper yourself. [Looking for suggestions for hair and makeup, don’t hesitate to ask!] I work with a number of top professionals in the area. And the best part is, many of them will come to you!
If you do decide to work with processional hair and makeup artists for your shoot - don’t choose a look that is drastically different than your every day look. You’ll want to feel like yourself, only a bit more polished.
Treat yourself to a manicure a day or two before your shoot. Your hands will be featured prominently in many of the photos. A simple buff or clear polish will give you the most timeless look. At the very least, make sure that your nails are clean and trimmed! [This goes for your partner, siblings, or anyone else that will be featured in your photographs with you].
Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your portrait session and avoid excess salt for glowing skin and to avoid swelling. If you’re planning to take any bare-belly shots, remove or loosen anything binding [socks, underwear, elastic bands, etc.] a couple of hours before to avoid indentations on your skin.
Be sure to bring plenty of water and maybe even a light snack for yourself if your session is taking place on-location. It’s always nice to take a break and recharge! Believe it or not, modeling can be hard work [especially doing so while pregnant].

.LOCATION.

Many of my clients choose on-location options for their maternity sessions. Take the time to select locations that have significant meaning to you [your home, a family farm, the place you got engaged or married, your favorite park, etc.] You can also give me an idea of what kind of vibe you’d like to see in your finished photos [urban & edgy, rustic, romantic, etc.] and I can certainly find the most perfect locations for your portrait session.
Also consider the time of day. Typically the most flattering light is just after sunrise and just before sunset, although different locations will have great light at different parts of the day. During our consultation, I will be sure to let you know what I think the best time of day to shoot for the best light at your chosen location will be. If you’ve chosen a location that requires a permit or fee, make sure to let me know so that we can square that away prior to the day of the shoot.

.WHAT TO BRING?.

Although some women are more relaxed being the only subject of their maternity session, it is very common for expecting mothers to want to include their partner, other children, or even their pets! Personally, I think including people and pets that you love is a wonderful addition to your portraits. Partners and siblings should take their clothing cues from mom by staying within the same range of tones as the mom. Tones that always photograph well are neutrals, pastels, darker tones, etc. I always recommend that my clients stay away from matching outfits. These kinds of looks tend to look very dated.
If you’re planning on including siblings and/or pets, it’s often a good idea to take photographs with them first [while they are “fresh” and most excited], then have a grandparent or friend pick them up so that you can relax and finish the shoot with your partner or alone.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER IS TO…

…RELAX!

Your maternity session should be FUN! Hopefully you’ve chosen me not only because you enjoy my work, but because you trust my artistic vision. Don’t be afraid to try new things with me, even if they sound a little crazy at first! You might be surprised at how amazing the light is in that otherwise “ugly” location or how lovely your reflection looks in the water OR how beautifully your bump echoes that round hay bale that I have you draped across.

With that said, I want you to also feel 100% comfortable during our time together, so make sure that you’re communicating with me if at any point during your session you are feeling uncomfortable. IT’S ALWAYS OKAY TO SAY THAT YOU’RE NOT COMFORTABLE! Your comfort and safety are my number one priorities.

I’m looking forward to our time together!

Have a question about something that wasn't answered here? Don't hesitate to drop me a line at alana.adetola@gmail.com.