Okay first of all, before we go any further… 

OMG CONGRATS YOU’RE HAVING A BABY!!!

This is so sweet and exciting. And if you are reading this blog post I am going to assume that you are considering booking with me for your maternity photos, and that is just the sweetest honor. 

This season is such a gift- whether you are having your first child, you have other kiddos already, or this is your sweet rainbow baby- and no matter what your story is, I am here to document it honestly, beautifully, and in a way that actually feels like you and connects to your story. I work with couples from the moment they reach out to help them plan their dream session. If you have no idea what you are looking for in terms of photos yet, or started a pinterest inspiration board the second you found out you were pregnant- I am here to serve you. 

I have been photographing expecting mother for years and have found a few questions that come up time and time again, and I wanted to give you a space where they are all answered already that way the only question you have left is “What is your availability like?”. (The answer? For you, anytime!!) Below is a list of my most frequently asked maternity session questions, and my answers to them. If you have any questions that didn’t get answer please feel free to reach out to me by clicking HERE and I will get back to within 48 business hours! 

Question: When is the best time to book?

Answer: The best time to book your maternity session is between 32 and 36 weeks! That way your bump is visible and looks absolutely poppin’ in the photos, but you are still able to move around comfortably in the photos. You should plan on reaching out to your photographer at the beginning of your first trimester to reserve your session date in their calendar, that way they don’t book out before you have had a chance to book your session.  

However, if you are taking pregnancy announcement photos those should be taken around the 12-15 week mark, or after the first trimester. 

Question: Can I include my family in the session? 

Answer: Yes absolutely! It is a new season of life for all of you guys, of course you can include them! Bringing your partner, and previous kiddos if you have them, is always so cute. Plus it gets them involved in pregnancy in an easy, manageable way. 

Question: Can I bring my pet(s)?

Answer: Yes of course! Pets are family too, so yes please bring them and let them be involved too! The only time I would say no, is if we are taking the photos in a national park, or natural area, or public land that doesn’t allow pets. Basically, if the location where we are taking the photos allows pets then please bring them! And maybe also bring someone along who can hold onto your pet for you while we are taking photos that they are not in! 

Question: What should I wear? 

Answer Anything comfortable, cute, and shows off your bump! I will send you a detailed outfit guide to help you pick out the perfect outfit for your session, and am available to help via email if you want to send me ideas for what you are thinking about wearing. 

Some of my favorite outfits I have seen moms-to-be wear are unbuttoned jeans with a bralette and cute cardigan, form fitting knit dresses, smocked midi dresses- the options are truly endless and it is so easy to incorporate your own personal style into these photos. 

Question: Where should we take the photos? 

Answer: I typically recommend choosing spots that are important to you! A favorite park, spot downtown, a local photo studio, etc. I have also had a lot of couples lately choose to take their photos in their home and back yard, that way they can incorporate the babies room into the photos. 

( Side note, I think it would be so cute to do a session where for your photos you are decorating or painting your baby’s room together!!) 

Question: When will I get the photos back? 

Answer: You will get the full edited gallery back two weeks after your session! The images will be delivered via an online link through a gallery service called Pic-Time, and you will have access to and be able to download the gallery for 3 months after delivery. 

I offer an option to couples to add on a faster delivery time or longer online availability for an additional cost! When you reach out let me know if you are interested in either of those and I will be able to give you more information. 

Question: How long will the session last?

Answer: For maternity clients I offer 30 minute sessions, 1 hour sessions, and afternoon (up to 4 hours) long sessions!

The 30 minute session is perfect if you are planning on wearing just one outfit, and doing one location. Couples who book this tend to want simple photos for the sole purpose of having something to share to announce their pregnancy on social media. 

Couples who book the 1 hour session are typically planning on wearing multiple outfits, planning on going to multiple locations (even just different rooms in the same house), are doing it in the studio and want the full allotted time, are planning on including their kiddos or dogs, or just want a good variety of images to choose from. 

The afternoon long (up to 4 hours) session is perfect for when you want to document your life as it is. I call it an “afternoon session” but this can also be done in the morning! Think making breakfast together and doing farm chores, going on a bike ride, playing games in the dining room, going to all your favorite spots in town. It is meant to be an experience, not just a photo shoot. That way when your child is older they can look back at the photos and see what your life was like while you were pregnant with them. This is also a good session for incorporating kids, since they will have more time to open up and just be themselves in front of the camera. 

Question: Should I bring anything? 

Answer: Anything to personalize your session and make it your own is an immediate yes from me. Some fun props I have seen couples bring are a strip of ultrasound photos, baby clothes, fresh flowers, children’s books, etc. Anything that is meaningful and will make your photos feel true to you. 

I hope this post helps you and gets you so pumped for your maternity session! If you are interested in booking with me for yours, you can click HERE. Or feel free to reach out if you have any questions that I did not cover here. I am booking maternity and family sessions in northern Colorado, and Ventura County California. Click HERE to get started!