Maternity Photo Session FAQ’s
I get lots of questions from clients surrounding the details of having a maternity session…from where to have the session to what to wear. Although many of my answers are similar to those for family sessions, there are some special considerations.
Six most frequently asked questions about maternity photo sessions
I’m going to go over my top 6 frequently asked questions surrounding maternity photo sessions so that you will know everything needed to plan your special photo shoot.
1. When is the best time for a maternity photo session?
Ensuring that you are feeling your best and that your belly is nice and round is the best time for your maternity photo session. This typically occurs between 28 and 34 weeks. During the seventh month most expecting moms are still able to move around easily and are feeling great. Also, when your photo session occurs between 28 and 34 weeks, you should receive your edited photo gallery back before the baby arrives.
I would recommend that moms who are expecting twins have their session prior to 28 weeks, depending on how they are feeling. Twin bumps are more prominent faster, so we can plan your session at an earlier time during your pregnancy.
If you’re considering a maternity session, I recommend reaching out well in advance of your 28 weeks so that you can plan ahead for your session, and to ensure I have a spot in my calendar for your booking.
2. What should I wear for my maternity session?
What to wear for your maternity session can be as unique as you! I would consider what your favorite clothing styles are, and go from there to select your wardrobe. Form fitting dresses really accentuate the bump, but looser flowy dresses canwork well also by adding movement. You would just need to hold the bump to show it off in a looser dress. And, you don’t have to wear a dress!! If you love leggings, jeans, skirts, and cute bump highlighting tops, these can work well and highlight your personality.
You can check out this Pinterest board for some maternity outfit inspiration, and I’m happy to chat with clients prior to your session date to select the best outfit for your session.
Then, after you have your outfit selected, you can then select your partner and families outfits. I have created a blog post to help make wardrobe selections go seamlessly for the whole family.
3. Where should I have my maternity session?
The location for your maternity session can be just as individualized as you and your growing family. I have many local Portland locations that I love for family and maternity sessions, which you can read about here. We can also travel further afield including the Columbia Gorge and Oregon Coast (*Travel Fee Required). Another great option is to hold your maternity session at your home. This can provide a nice juxtaposition when baby arrives and we do your lifestyle newborn photos in the same location.
The primary importance when selecting the location is that it will be easy for you to get around at the location safely.
4. Can pets and family members come to the session?
Yes!! I love to include all family members in a maternity photo shoot. This can include partners, children, and the family cat or dog. We’ll take into consideration who is coming to a session when planning the amount of time needed and selecting a location.
5. Can I have a maternity session if I’m on bedrest or have an activity restriction?
Although bedrest and an activity restriction can limit many events during ones pregnancy, we can definitely still do a maternity photo session. In this case I would recommend that the session occur at your home, and we would just take things slow, with minimal moving around your home. Think lots of snuggling photos on the couch or in the master bedroom. And you will be amazed with the lovely gallery we’ll be able to create together.
6. What type of maternity sessions are available?
We can chat about your maternity session to see if it makes sense to add on a shortened session with your booked newborn session, or if you have a family with multiple children and will approach this as a full maternity session. You can read all the details about maternity photography sessions here.
