Top 5 tips for planning a maternity session

Mar 26

Becoming a mother is one of life’s most special gifts and one to remember. It's a time when you smile more, when you begin to nest a little bit more, when you start a baby registry and when you decide whether or not you want maternity photographs.

I wanted to share a few tips when planning or booking a maternity session in Greenville South Carolina:

#1 - LOCATION - The agreed upon location has to be safe. Our bodies change so much during pregnancy and our balance can be off while we are adjusting. You no longer want to be going off the beaten track or hiking up hills like you did for your engagement session. Your body’s balance has to account for a redistribution of weight so safety is so important.

#2 - TIMING - You want to show off that beautiful bump at just the right time. This timing depends on whether this is your full pregnancy or your second full pregnancy. Also, if you are having twins, then you show sooner. I recommend somewhere between 30-32 weeks. This way you aren’t too far into your pregnancy where it’s hard to get around or you are uncomfortable but also at a good time to show off that growing bump!

(My second pregnancy I started to show before I was even comfortable telling people we were expecting! Everyone kind of had a hunch at that point. I was trying to wear all the flowy shirts and baggy sweatshirts to hide it until we were ready to share our news with friends and family.)

#3 - WHO TO INCLUDE - You can absolutely include your spouse and the kids. It can paint the whole picture. BUT. Some Moms just want to take the day without the kids to get pampered with hair and makeup and have the session be just about her. I’ve done it both ways. It’s always a personal preference and I can appreciate it either way.

#4 - EXTRA PERK - If you plan it just right, you can show off your professional maternity photographs in frames during your baby shower. I thought this was such a sweet idea! I also have clients that have framed their maternity photographs in the nursery too. (To this day, my boys are always asking to see a picture of them in my belly! Now I’m just waiting for them to ask the “how” and “why” of it all!! Haha!)

#5 - DISCOUNT - please ask me about booking both your maternity and lifestyle newborn session because I love being able to offer a discount during this incredible time. It's so meaningful to capture both stages in your life.

My final piece of advice. Even if a maternity session just is not in your budget right now, be sure to grab a friend who likes taking pictures and make sure you capture some beautiful images during this time of your life. Trust me. From the mom who has about two pictures from her first pregnancy and one picture from her second pregnancy.

I hope these tips were helpful! Please reach out soon - I would love to hear from you!