Before you push - Maternity Portrait Sessions are a thing.

Every baby has a story. Expecting a baby is often one of the most exciting events in a woman's life. The journey to motherhood is truly one of the most beautiful transitions. Its a time for preparation, planning and celebrating a new life coming into the world. It carries with it all our dreams and hopes rolled up into this little bundle of joy. Capturing and preserving this eventful moment has become quite popular.

Today, expecting moms have various options available to them. It depends on how creative they would like to be. The sky is really the limit. One can choose to be casual, glammed up or naked in her images. She can also choose to include whomever she wants in the portrait. Either way, it will be documented and that’s what’s most important. Creating a maternity portrait will be priceless for years to come. When your child or children get older, they will want to hear the story of the birth and see the photos of themselves from the beginning. They will ask to see all the little keepsakes from their birth which often leads to questions about where are the pregnancy photos? When I was pregnant with my first, I didn’t have as many options and I’m pretty sure back in the days when my mom was pregnant no one was taking professional portraits of them. I can’t recall ever seeing a snapshot of my mom pregnant with me or my brother. Professional photographers can provide amazing options for expecting moms. It does not matter if it’s your first or your last child. Each pregnancy can be unique and as special as the first. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for mom to include partners and siblings. Some mothers like to have the grandparents included in these sessions as well.

Some mothers may feel a bit overwhelmed about the process. Finding a competent, reliable professional can help ease this process. They want you to be your most beautiful desire your experience to be as special and as seamless as possible. Even if you’re feeling a little uncomfortable in front of the camera, a professional will do everything in their power to help you look and feel relaxed and gorgeous. Ideally, I like for my clients to be casual and natural whether they are wearing blue jeans in a stunning gown. Its what suits their style and what’s going to make them feel at ease. When selecting a professional there are many things to consider. Often the primary focus is on price and time, but I might add that when choosing someone to capture your intimate moment you may want to consider someone who is personable and provides you a level of comfort and trust. These are likely the most intimate and personal photos you'll ever take so including these intangible considerations should be included in your screening process. I personally wouldn't bare my belly in front of anyone without those considerations.

Wardrobe, hair and professional makeup can help make this experience the most beneficial. Makeup options are so amazing and professional artists can assist with helping mom be as natural or as glamorous as she wants to be.

Location options are usually up to the mother and the photographer she chooses to work with. I usually work outdoors but I also have access to specially situated indoor locations. In-home sessions are also a great option. Most of my clients want to know when is the best time to book a maternity session? Great question mommies! For expectant moms who want to show the fullness of their belly and if you’re having only one baby, usually the best time to book is between 28-36 weeks. Your belly most likely will be fully round and you will still be comfortable enough to pose. Unless there is a chance that you might deliver earlier than expected then you will want to discuss those options with your photographer. If you are expecting multiples (twins or more) 26-32 weeks is suggested because they usually arrive much earlier.

The posing is really up to the photographer, working with the client to create the most flattering, cute or beautiful poses for mom. And if mom wants to include a family portrait during her session, she can have that done as well. It's really a win-win opportunity. Some moms feel really excited about their changing body and want to be a little more adventurous during their session. Those options should be discussed upfront with your photographer before booking to ensure you are on the same page. Picking a wardrobe can be fun and simple. It really depends on what you and your photographer decide. Planning ahead is really the key. Make sure to book far enough in advance with your photographer so that you have ample time to make purchases/returns, find rentals or have an opportunity to try items on before the session. Last-minute maternity sessions are not ideal for everyone involved. I like to give all my clients a session prep sheet in advance so they know how they should prepare for their session. It has grooming tips to help them look their absolute best.

Some wardrobe suggestions:

· Neutral strapless bra, seamless underwear, recommend petal covers for lingerie sessions

· Lingerie sets (gowns or beautiful bra and pantie set)

· Regular jeans (not maternity ones), camisole top or extra-large open sweater

· Buttoned shirt or blouse

· Long, flowy or form-fitting dress (e.g. tube dress or a summer maxi dress). They can also rent or buy.

· Men’s button-up top (for significant other/husband)

· Coordinating or customized outfits (for significant other/husband and/or children) I think its great when families choose to dress up in their favorite professional sports team gear.

· Sentimental items (e.g. baby ultrasound image, baby shoes, little outfits)

· Props - Pinterest has lots of ideas(signs, flowers, paint, etc.)

Taking the time to create something special, beautiful and that last a lifetime is always worth it. Once mom is feeling great, is the perfect time to start searching for a photographer and planning for a maternity portrait. Plus, I think planning for a maternity session will give mom a little boost. It's that little something special to look forward to before the end of the pregnancy. Especially if she chooses to do something grand and glamorous. But if that’s not your style that’s cool too. It’s what makes you feel your best. You are already beautiful and you're creating an entire human, that's more important and so amazing.

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