maternity prep guide
welcome
I am honoured to be documenting your maternity portraits; these are the images that will be treasured for years to come and will beautifully chronicle your family’s history.
My style is natural and artistic. I strive to create photographs that are unique, warm and classic. I like clean lines, simplicity and I am guided by beautiful light. Becoming a mother is such a significant time and I am honoured to capture this intimate and special time for you. I have a studio wardrobe full of neutral pieces that you can choose to use during your indoor session. I will also provide you with What to Wear tips for wardrobe items that photograph best and show off that beautiful belly!
This welcome kit should provide you with a full overview of how to prepare for your session. I look forward to seeing you soon!
in-studio prep
WHAT TO WEAR
My number one suggestion is a long maxi dress. I have a vast studio wardrobe full of maternity items. Many lace tops and dresses all in light neutral colours like whites, creams etc.
Please bring a nude bra and pantie set and a white or cream cami (or tank top) for under my studio wardrobe pieces.
Dressy pieces are always nice... a blouse if you have one and I usually suggest pulling a long flowy maxi dress from your closet. Even something that is not maternity but still fits. It can be a bit tight - we want to show off that belly.
Bring jeans, leggings, a couple tank tops or simple tees if you are wishing to have a more casual look in some of your photos
Bring a number of different wardrobe options if you like and we can go through them when you arrive.
Please exfoliate and lotion your skin the night before - this makes skin look more beautiful on camera.
If you are looking to book hair + makeup before your session and would like some recommendations, email me.
in-home prep
WHAT TO WEAR
My number one suggestion is a long, flowing maxi dress. I have a vast studio wardrobe full of maternity items such as lace tops and dresses all in light neutral colours like whites, creams etc. Look in your closet for a dress, even something that is not maternity but still fits.
If you are interested in changing part-way, that's great. You can choose to do something more casual like an unbuttoned shirt with jeans, a soft sweater with leggings (try to stay away from black leggings though), or we can keep the vibe elegant and change into a second dress.
If you're not sure, pull a number of different wardrobe options and we can go through them when you arrive. Also, let me know your size and I can bring items from my studio wardrobe as well.
Please exfoliate and lotion your skin the night before - this makes skin look more beautiful on camera.
prep your home
We will keep the prep stress-free. No need for a big clean. Your home doesn’t need to look perfect.
Here are some simple tips:
my maternity wardrobe
Studio + Outdoor items
Here are some of the pieces I have in my studio wardrobe. Some of the pieces are better suited for in-studio sessions (the white pieces and sheer lace items), whereas others work better outdoors. If you have an outdoor session booked and would like to borrow an item you see below, send me a message!
outdoor maternity sessions
wHAT TO WEAR
Why? One word: MOVEMENT.
Long dresses allow more movement and show more movement. They allow moms to move freely, bend, sit - all essential during our session, and will be more restricted in a tight mini dress.
Movement with a long flowing dress brings photos to life and makes your photos more visually interesting.
Long dresses give us more posing options - you can twirl, swish it back and forth, hike it to show a dramatic leg, use the wind to blow your dress or have your partner toss the train of the dress - all movements to add interest and drama into your images. Dresses really elevate the mood of all your images.
Ultimately, wear what you are comfortable in and feel yourself. That's the most important thing, but my #1 recommendation will always be a long flowy dress.
Let's talk colours: Neutrals and muted colours work best. Think - creams, greys, matte/muted colours or pale pastels are always my favourites in photos. Try to avoid graphics and logos if you can. Something simple without a lot of pattern and avoid the colour black - these choices sometimes will hide your belly in images.
You are welcome to email over a photo of your outfit if you're not sure. I'll give you my honest opinion or send you links of some alternative pieces that you can use as inspiration or run out and purchase.
Perhaps there is something in your wardrobe that is not maternity but still fits? Otherwise - I have a wardrobe full of dresses (see above!) that you are more than welcome to use. If you'd like to borrow one (or two!), send me a message.
Check out my what to wear for maternity photos pinterest board for lots of visual inspiration.
weather
In case of rain, I will be watching the radar all day. I will not call off the session prior to the day of our scheduled shoot until I can see the hour by hour forecast on the day of.
tips for the family
Be sure to plan your outfits completely at least a week before your session.
1. Coordinate, but do not match exactly.
2. Stick to a colour palette of 2 or 3 complementary colours. It's ok to mix neutrals - whites, creams, greys, browns. In fact, dressing in all neutrals is the best combination, in my opinion. It photographs the nicest and results in very classic and timeless looking images.
3. Stay away from neon colours, large logos, bold patterns, hooded sweatshirts and the colour black.
4. Mix textures and use multiple layers for spring and fall.
5. For outdoor sessions, shoes matter and they can be optional depending on season and location. No running shoes, rubber flip flops or light up shoes.
6. For Dads - a simple polo or button down shirt in white, cream or grey works best. I have a few polos in the studio wardrobe for Dads to use in case you are stuck. Don't run out to the mall just for this. ;)
7. For kids/toddlers choose clothing that fits or is a bit snug instead of clothing that is too big. Giant headbands or collars can be distracting and sometimes cover over your child’s face in photos. I have a few items in my studio wardrobe for older siblings size 2T-5T. If you'd like specifics, email me your child's size and I'll let you know what I have for borrowing.
Check out my What to Wear for FAMILY Photos Pinterest board for lots of visual inspiration.
where to shop
Here are some of my favourite places to shop for picture perfect outfits for the whole family.
final notes
Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. It is my pleasure to photograph your family and I look forward to the fun we will have!
Thanks for taking the time to prepare for your session.
I look forward to our time together. I will be in touch a couple days before our session with any last minute details.
illness
On the day of your session if anyone getting their photo taken is not well, please give me a call or email.
