A Fabulously Fun Maternity Portrait Session with a Wonderful Couple

Sometimes couples arrive and are so much fun.  You can tell how much in love they are and you feel their shining personalities the moment they walk through the door.

I was so lucky to meet this fabulous couple for their maternity portrait session.  Mom had lots of fun ideas and came with an abundance of clothing options.  It’s not necessary to bring your own clothing because the studio is stocked with over 45 beautiful gowns to choose from.  I started collecting gowns several years ago that photographed beautifully and enhanced mom’s beautiful pregnant figure.  This mom had lots of fabulous clothing that worked very well and I think it helped her great personality shine through.

Dad had a fun idea to draw a heart on mom’s belly during their session.  It incorporated a nice idea and I was happy to accommodate their request.

I always recommend having hair and make-up done for maternity photography sessions and this mom arrived looking like a princess.  It really makes a difference in the photos.

A maternity session with me lasts around 90 minutes, sometimes close to 2 hours.  That may seem like a lot of time but it’s not easy for mom to change in and out of outfits being 8 months pregnant.  I always like to take my time during portrait sessions.  The best work really does result from being patient and taking your time, not being rushed.

Maternity pictures are best if taken between 32 and 36 weeks of your pregnancy.  Even at 36 weeks, most moms are starting to feel more and more uncomfortable.  You’re carrying a lot of extra weight at this point in your pregnancy.  Sometimes swelling has already started to arrive even before labour and delivery.  It’s best, if possible, to have your portraits taken by 34 weeks to make sure you feel your best.

Sometimes I get asked if I take maternity portraits before 32 to 36 weeks.  Yes, I do, in special circumstances like a twin pregnancy or chance of early delivery.  I usually recommend waiting until 32 weeks if there are no special circumstances. This is when your pregnant belly begins to drop and look really round and full for maternity pictures.

Moms get to choose the maternity dresses they would like to wear during their session.  I love the dresses this mom chose for her session.  I think they were really flattering on her.  If I think there is a better clothing option, I’m not afraid to say I think there’s a better dress that would work for you.

During a session, I assist with all posing so there’s no need to worry about how to position yourself.  I’ll ask you if it’s okay if I move loose strands of hair away from eyes and fix straps, etc. throughout the session.  Often there are lots of things that need adjusting and I’m always happy to help.

Here I wanted to share more than a few images from a studio session to give potential clients an idea of what a maternity portrait session looks like with me.  We always incorporate a variety of lighting techniques during a studio session.  One of my most requested set-ups is strip lighting for maternity where mom is in shadows and only a part of her face and belly is lit up.  I love the result of these images and find them to be very artistic in nature.  Candid photos are always a favorite too and I try to get mom and dad to look at one another and capture the love they share between them.

When it comes time for creative lighting pictures, I ask mom to try to pretend I’m not there for a few minutes.  I know, right, hard with my camera clicking, a fan blowing and strobe lights flashing.  It always results in my favorite images because mom has the most natural expressions on her face and smiles as she thinks about holding her new baby in her arms for the very first time.

Things to bring to your maternity session include various colour undergarments.  It’s always a good idea to have a few different colour options to match the maternity gowns.  If you only have two colour options then nude and black are the best options to bring.  A strapless bra also helps ensure there are no bra straps sticking out under the gowns or lumps from tucking them and trying to hide them.  We always keep cold bottles of water here.  Snacks are a good idea to bring in case mom gets hungry during her maternity session.

It might not seem like hard work but a pregnant mom can become tired during a pregnancy portrait session.  I always allow time for mom to sit and take a break whenever she needs it during a session.

Maternity sessions can take place in the studio with professional studio strobe lighting.  I’ve been using professional studio lighting since 2011 and I am well versed in using the lights to create special effects and I hope that the emotion can be felt viewing my work.  Maternity sessions include both mom and dad and any siblings.  These are memories for the entire family to look back on.

If an outdoor maternity session is preferred, that can be arranged.  I have many favorite locations I like to visit or we may be able to visit a special location you choose.  Permits may be required for certain locations.

I have the most wonderful clients and I’m grateful to have a job that I love.  It really is my dream job.  I love making moms feel beautiful and providing them with memories of their pregnancies they can cherish forever.

I usually don’t share that much of my maternity work.  There’s so many sessions I’d love to share and will be posting more maternity work here on my blog and web site.  Here’s a larger sampling from this fun couple’s maternity session.  I just loved their session so much.  Thank you for choosing me to be your maternity portrait photographer.