Maternity Session prep Guide

We’re so excited to document your growing family! Please read below to prepare for your session, select location, and submit any additional questions you may have.

What to Expect

Maternity sessions are shot outdoors at the location of your choosing, in the studio, or in your home. Sessions last 1-1.5 hours and may include one outfit change and up to six people. Clients typically opt for one outfit especially if the session is outdoors.

In the case of rain/inclement weather, Hayley will be in touch the morning of your shoot to discuss rain plan or reschedule options.

What to Wear

Color Schemes:

Make sure everyone in your family is coordinated. Start with mom’s outfit, pull out a color palette of 2-4 colors and stick with different shades of those colors in family wardrobe. Get all of the outfits together and place them on a bed to see how they may or may not compliment each other.
For mom, you may choose 1 casual outfit and 1 dramatic outfit. Please arrive in your casual outfit, and we will change for the last portion of the shoot. We looove a long flowy dress for maternity shoots! Rent the Runway does maternity dresses.
You may keep your photos neutral and airy or spice it up with florals, patterns, or a rich color scheme. We recommend a maximum of 2 patterns or prints among the entire family.

Fabrics/Styling:

Choose fabrics that are interesting to the eye - lace details, embroidery, sweater/textured materials, etc. Long flowy dresses are great and add movement to the photos.
Stay away from unlined or low-cut tops and dresses and clingy knit fabrics.
Dads can wear button-downs, flannels, sweaters, henleys, or t-shirts with chinos, jeans, or khackis. Please stay away golf shirts, logo polos, dressy slacks, and shorts.
Consider getting creative with layers and accessories - hats, suspenders, jackets, overalls, vests, etc.
All little girls should wear bloomers or shorts under dresses/skirts.

hair and makeup

For moms, I always recommend professional hair and makeup to go along with a professional photography session. This is the perfect excuse to visit Drybar (or similar) and Sephora to make sure you’re looking and feeling you’re best. You may also add-on professional hair and makeup and have someone out to your house before your shoot. We’ll work with our professionals to get you booked for +$225. Remember, these photos may be on your walls for years!

prepping the house (for in-home sessions):

When I arrive at your home I’ll take a look around to see where the best places are for natural light. We’ll likely use a living space, master bedroom, and/or nursery. Please make sure any clutter in these areas is put away. It’s better to err on the side of less - clear away nightstands, remove diaper pails, baby monitors, visible cords, anything you don’t want in the background of your photos.

Receiving Your Photos & Payment

Your online proofing gallery will be emailed to you 3-4 weeks after your session date. Once you receive your gallery, select a digital/print package that best suits your needs and reply with your selection. Our studio manager, Emily, will handle invoices and gallery delivery once payment is received.

You will also be able to select prints, canvases, albums and gallery frames within your gallery for purchase.

Location selection:

Below are some of our favorite locations for maternity sessions. If you have a different or private location, please let us know. We love exploring new places to shoot!

Note: In case of inclement weather during your scheduled outdoor shoot, you may choose to use your home as a rain plan to reschedule.