Preparing For Your Session

My goal for your session is creating beautiful images that you will look back on and love. In doing this I spend hours prepping for your session to ensure everything runs smoothy and you are at ease.

This prep guide is another step I take in preparing you for your session to help ensure that your images not only capture you in this moment, but also convey your story authentically.

In this guide I will cover; communication, what to wear, posing tips, what to bring, what I bring, what to expect during your session and how I select and edit your final images.

First it is very important to communicate your vision for your images. Do you want images taken at golden hour to give your photos that honey look? Is there a pose you want incorporated during your session? Do you have something sentimental you want to bring to your session? There are never too many details you can share with me to help me have a clear understanding of your vision.

The days leading up to your session I will reach out several time to make sure we have gone over every detail of your session. Communication is important because your body is working very heard to grow a baby. You and your little ones heath is always the priority during your session. If you aren’t feeling well the day of your session we will reschedule. If your pregnancy has been classified as a high risk pregnancy I will want permission from your doctor before booking your session. Please communication with me about the status of your pregnancy and how you are feeling as this will play a role in where your session takes place and how I pose you.

 
 
 
 
 

What to Wear?

This is a question that is asked frequently. For this reason I offer a client closet. I have an assortment of maternity dresses for all shapes and sizes. If you choose a piece from my client closet I will schedule a fitting with you to make sure its a faltering fit for you. I will have it cleaned and ready for you the day of your session.

If you have choosing to wear something from your closet you will be responsible for bringing your dress and making sure it is picture day ready.

I will help you stylize your session from choosing your wardrobe and accessories to adding props and even fresh flowers.

Depending on the type of dress your choose to wear you may want to wear nude colored underwear or a strapless bra. If your strapless bra is not giving you the support you need that ok, I can edit out bra straps if needed.

Client Closet

Pamper Yourself

There are a few thing your can do to prepare yourself to look your best for you session. I offer hair and make up services for in studio session, that will meet you at my studio to get you ready. For all other maternity session can refer you to my two lovely hair and makeup artists.

You have so must on your mind and I strive to offer you a stress free session, hiring a hair and make up artist is a great way to show self love and pamper yourself for you special day. I have two wonderful artist that will enhance your naturally beautiful features and make you feel amazing.

While we are talking about papering let’s take a moment to talk about hands and feet, these will show in almost all your photos. Feel free to take this opportunity to treat yourself to a mani and pedi. Neutral colors are always flattering in photos.

In the same topic, your legs might show depending on the dress you wear, so make sure they are prepared in the way you love them. I ofter lotion and body oils to make sure your skin is looking its best for picture day.

 
 
 

What to Bring

I know that feeling, the night before an event, you’ve just laid down and closed your eyes and you somehow find yourself making a mental list of all the things you have to do or pack. You don’t need to stress Momma! You already have pregnancy brain and have a hard time sleeping between the heartburn and midnight bathroom trips. I put together an easy copy and paste list to give your husband.

 
 

What to Bring Check List

[] Dress or any outfit being used

[] Extra change of clothes if session involves water

[] Nude Underwear

[] Sentimental items incorporated in session

If you forget something don’t stress, I promise your gallery will still turnout beautiful! I spend a lot of time preparing for your session and come fully prepared for any hiccups.

If your session is a studio session, I provide a catered experience with finger foods and drinks. I have lotion and body oil for you to use to help give your skin that perfect mommy glow. If we have discussed any props like chairs, stools or blocks I will have them set up along with any backdrops you picked out.

If your session is outdoors, I will bring waters and snacks along with towels and blankets. If we have disused props those will be set up at the location prior to the session starting.

Posing Tips

I have two posing tips that will change the outcome of your photos. The first one, communicate, if you have something you are self conscious about, let me know. I want you to look at these photos and love them! It’s ok to be a little insecure about your body changing during pregnancy, it’s normal, don’t let those insecurities rob you of this amazing time in your life. Give yourself grace, after all you are growing a human! If you communicate ahead of time I can plan my poses around you and help you feel comfortable and confidant.

The second tip is be yourself. The more comfortable you are in front of the camera the better your photos will look. I will pose you in a way that is faltering to you. While posing, I will either guide you through a pose or mirror for you to copy me. For family poses I will pose you and your spouse first then add in kids since they have a smaller attention span.

We often look at Pinterest and expect our photos to look like something out of a magazine, while I’m in the business of creating cover quality photos, I’m also in the business of creating unique images and my images and poses will vary from couple to couple.

 
 

Your Comfort and Safety

While we are on the topic of posing I wasn’t to go over safety. The Safety of you are your little one are my top priority.

If you have high blood pressure, gestational diabetes or any other pregnancy related condition please communicate that to me so I know what to watch you for. I do watch for signs of high blood pressure and even have a blood pressure cuff if we need to check for that.

For my high risk clients I do request that you get permission from your doctor. This is only because I don’t know your medical history or the status of your pregnancy. If you are on bed rest then an outdoor or studio photo session may not be safe for you. However we may be able to modify a lifestyle intimate home session for you. If you are high risk and just being closely monitored then a Studio session is ideal as it is less walking and low impact activity, I also have a modified work flow so that your poses are simple and won’t pose any risk for your or your baby.

I know in pregnancy hydration is key, l provide snacks and refreshments. If there are any food allergies please communicate that prior to your session so I can properly prepare for you.

With hydration and added baby weight on your bladder it often calls for frequent bathroom trips. In planning my session I make provision for frequent breaks. Remember we go at your pace. Don’t hesitate if you need to take a break every now and then.

If at any time during your session you need a break, you get too hot, too tired or just need to sit down just let me know.