Maternity Session Prep Guide

What to Expect:

I cannot stress enough that this day is about YOU.

It’s about you feeling gorgeous, beautiful, and strong. You are about to become a mom!

Whether it's for the first time, the second, or the third time, you have booked this session to treat yourself and to remember this moment.

I want you to be comfortable and embrace all the beauty that comes with becoming a mom.

So my first tip to you is not to be afraid to discuss with me (your photographer) what your expectations are for your maternity session.

Have some sample pictures ready and tell me what you want and what would make you feel most comfortable.

When is the best time to schedule a Maternity Session?

I schedule your session usually when you are between 28-33 weeks of pregnancy. With that being said, it really depends on when you feel most comfortable with and how big your belly is. Some moms like a smaller belly in their portraits while others want it to be as large as possible.

Indoor or Outdoor Sessions

I offer both Indoor or Outdoor Sessions for you. The choice is yours to make. You can also choose to do both for an additional fee.

My indoor location is my home studio that is located in my basement.

My outdoor locations can include: Ballard Nature Center, Lake Sara Beach, Community Park, fields around my home, and will travel to a location of your choice with exceptions.

I also offer Fine Art Maternity Portraits for an additional fee.

What should I wear to my Maternity Session?

During your session you should wear whatever is most comfortable for you. However if you need help choosing anything, feel free to ask me questions.

Being comfortable and confident in your clothing will definitely come through in your photos, so be sure to spend time choosing the right option for you. This can be jeans/leggings and a tunic, your favorite maternity dress, or a formal maternity gown.

Solid colors or simple floral patterns are recommended. Stripes can be unflattering in some of the poses, so I do not suggest going that route.

Don’t be afraid to choose color vs. neutral creams/tans/whites.

For colors, I advise against bright greens, yellows, and oranges, as they tend to cast color on skin. Pinks, blues, pastel greens or yellows, burnt oranges, burgundy, etc. are all beautiful choices.

Here is a Pinterest board full of color ideas: CLICK HERE



I allow up to 2-3 outfits per session depending on your package.

I do have a selection of maternity gowns for your use, please ask me and I would love to answer any questions about these for you.

If you have a partner/spouse or children who will be included, it is a great idea to color coordinate with them. Wearing the same color theme will give your photos that professional look and emphasize the sense of belonging as a family.

Make sure to wear your wedding rings, and don't forget to do your nails. Unpolished is perfectly fine, but try to avoid chipped nail polish. Your hands will display prominently in your photos.

How long does a session usually last?

My typical maternity session will last about 1 - 1.5 hours. In that time we will do 2-3 outfits along with several different spots to pose in. Please make sure to arrive to your session on time to get the most out of your time.

What props should I bring?

Please discuss any props with me before the day of your session.

Props can include baby's outfits, shoes, ultrasound photos, flowers, balloons, signs, etc.

Is Hair and Makeup Included?

At the moment, I do not offer hair and makeup with the Maternity Sessions. However, I do recommend the following people for these services:

Lindsey Althoff - Lindsey's Country Cuts - (217)821-9456

Laura Worman - Mainly You Salon - (217) 857-1887

Kiersten Goodman - Elite Hair Studio - (217) 690-4233

Other useful tips:

• Don’t forget to apply lotion to bare arms & legs
• Bring a water bottle in case you get thirsty
• Relax, we’re going to have a great time 

I’m really looking forward to your maternity session! If you have any questions or concerns beforehand, please feel free to text or call me at (217) 240-4171. Thank you very much!