Worth having, even if you're not sure
This is a short window in your life and a piece of your child's history that nobody will remember except through pictures. The goal isn't a perfect photograph. It's something you're glad later that you have.
A lot of people book this while feeling slightly self-conscious about it. That's common, and it doesn't show up in the pictures.
Timing
Somewhere around 28 to 34 weeks is a common sweet spot, but there isn't a single right answer. Earlier usually means moving more easily and a smaller bump. Later gives the fuller, more traditional maternity shape.
How you're feeling and how your pregnancy is actually going matter more than the number of weeks. This is a general guide, not medical advice.
You decide who's in it
Just you. You and your partner. Your older children. Your dog. A mix — plenty of people do some of just her first, then bring everyone in.
If you have older kids, we'll usually photograph you first and add them afterward, so the images of you are finished before anyone's patience runs out.
You decide what it looks like
Flowing dress, ordinary clothes, bare belly, covered belly, traditional, natural, somewhere in between. You supply your own clothing. Solids tend to photograph particularly well because they keep attention where you want it.
Bring what means something — baby shoes, an ultrasound image, a rattle, a blanket with the name on it if you know it and you're announcing it. I have an announcement message board you're welcome to use.
Where
Outdoors, at the same locations as any other session. Sometimes a nursery or a room at home works beautifully if the light is right — ask and we'll figure it out.
If you don't know what you want yet
Scroll the Pinterest boards and pay attention to what pulls you in and what makes you wince. Both are useful information. Send me a handful of either and we'll plan from there.
Which session fits
Short — a focused set of just you, one look, one setting. Enough for a frame and an announcement.
Standard — you on your own, then with your partner, then with your older children, with time between so nobody's rushed.
Extended — more than one look, more than one setting, and space to move between outdoors and somewhere at home if that's what you want.
Which session fits what you need?
The names describe length. What matters is what you want to end up with. Different categories need different things, so the guidance below is written per session type rather than as one rule.
Short Session
$150
About 15 minutes · 10+ edited images
A focused update rather than a lot of variety.
A focused set of just you, one look, one setting. Enough for a frame and an announcement.
- About 15 minutes of photography
- 10+ high-resolution, professionally edited images
- Private ShootProof gallery, available for 30 days
- Optional gallery app for iPhone and Android
- Personal printing and sharing rights
Standard Session
$275
About 40 minutes · 30+ edited images
Most people. Room to move around, change backgrounds, and photograph different groupings.
You on your own, then with your partner, then with your older children — with time between so nobody's rushed.
- About 40 minutes of photography
- 30+ high-resolution, professionally edited images
- Private ShootProof gallery, available for 30 days
- Optional gallery app for iPhone and Android
- Personal printing and sharing rights
Extended Session
$475
About 90 minutes · 50+ edited images
Fuller storytelling — multiple looks, more combinations, and enough images for wall groupings and albums.
More than one look, more than one setting, and space to move between outdoors and somewhere at home if that's what you want.
- About 90 minutes of photography
- Up to 2–3 nearby locations when practical
- 50+ high-resolution, professionally edited images
- Private ShootProof gallery, available for 30 days
- Optional gallery app for iPhone and Android
- Personal printing and sharing rights
Session pricing includes the photography session, professionally edited digital files, and personal printing and social-sharing rights. Travel fees may apply to approved locations outside the standard service area and are always discussed before booking.
Questions about maternity sessions
When should I schedule?
Somewhere around 28 to 34 weeks is a common sweet spot, but there's no single right time. Earlier usually means easier movement and a smaller bump. Later gives you the fuller, more traditional maternity shape. Your comfort and how your pregnancy is actually going matter more than a number — this is a general guide, not a rule.
Who can be in the photographs?
Whoever you want. Just you, you and your partner, your older children, your dog. Plenty of people do a mix — some of just her, then some with everyone.
What should I wear? Do I have to do a bare belly?
Only if you want to. A flowing dress, ordinary clothes you feel good in, bare belly, covered belly — all of it works, and none of it is expected. Solids tend to photograph particularly well because they keep the attention where you want it. You'll supply your own clothing.
Can we do this at home instead of outdoors?
Sometimes, yes — a nursery can be lovely if the light and the space work. Otherwise we use the same locations as any other session. Ask me and we'll figure out what suits.
Can I bring things that mean something?
Yes, and I'd encourage it. Baby shoes, an ultrasound image, a rattle, a personalized blanket if you know the name and you're announcing it. I have an announcement message board you're welcome to use.
What about my older kids?
We usually do the maternity photographs first, then bring them in. That way the images of you are done before anyone runs out of patience, and the ones with them still feel relaxed rather than rushed.
I'm not sure what style I want.
That's normal. I keep Pinterest boards for exactly this — scroll through and notice what pulls you in and what makes you cringe. Both are useful. Send me a handful of either and we'll plan from there.