Planning Your Maternity Photoshoot

Planning a maternity photoshoot can start out high on your list of things to do when you find out you’re pregnant, only to land somewhere between “put up baby gates” and “register for binkies,” by your baby shower! By the time the swollen feet, hormones, and exhaustion come around, the mere thought of doing anything but binge watching Toddlers and Tiaras is a big old cringe. When I meet with pregnant mamas looking for photos, I do my best to make the planning process an easy one! Those forty weeks are a vulnerable, stressful time for most— especially mamas with other babies, and creating that comfortable experience is what (okay, I’m biased), makes working with Brey Photo a little more unique!

Knowing what to expect is key to making your maternity photoshoot magic. So, here’s what goes into it!

Scheduling Pregnancy Photos

Your pregnancy journey is your own and all mamas’ bodies are different. But, in general, BP maternity portrait hours are scheduled between 28 weeks and 36 weeks. It can be tempting to schedule the minute you get your baby bump, but as baby moves downward, your bump will start to look rounder and become more pronounced. After 36 weeks can be cutting it too close to baby’s birthday, and we run the risk of mama feeling too tired, uncomfortable, or anxious to feel her best for photos.

What to Wear

I will say this a million times: your maternity session is NOT the time or place for ripped jeans. Mamas, this is the very last time you will have in your life to put yourself first. If you’re going to invest in portraiture, invest fully. Buy the gown. Get the pampering. Or, better yet, borrow something from my Client Closet for free and let my hair and makeup artists come to you! Whatever you choose to wear, make sure that you’re accentuating your bump. This means avoiding all black, which can be incredibly slimming, and forgoing distracting patterns or graphics that might take attention away from your bump! Additionally, adding textures and accessories that add movement can help dramatically, especially if it will just be you in the photographs.

What to Expect

I only shoot one portrait hour per day, so the time we have is ours! A maternity photoshoot is up to an hour. Sometimes, the session goes insanely well and we finish early, other times we need a little bit more time— and that’s okay. I request that my clients block off about an hour and half for their session and keep it screen and phone call free. Typically, we’ll spend about 15 minutes walking to location, chatting about ideas, and breaking the ice, and the rest of the time will be spent shooting. If you’ve never shot with me before, don’t stress! I promise you do not need to be a pro and pregnant moms that are “sooo awkward in photos” or “not photogenic” are truly my kind of people. Unless we’re shooting a lifestyle session at home, prep for being outside in the evening, when the light is soft and complimenting. I have a detailed checklist for all of my pregnant mamas so you’ll know exactly what to bring, where to meet, and all of my contact info ahead of time!

How to Book

BP typically books at least 3-6 months out year round, and sometimes further out for prime dates during busy season. I highly recommend booking your maternity photoshoot during your second trimester! At this point, most moms will know how many babies they are expecting, gender, exact due date, and will have a chance to talk to their partner about their vision for their images. Just slide on over and say hello!

In the meantime, checkout Lori & August’s rainy day creek bed session and do your best not to fall in love with these two!

media maternity photoshoot portrait photographer pregnancy photos captured by Brey Photo, Delaware County photographer