If you are expecting, you might be considering having maternity photos taken. Some moms might be intimidated at the thought of booking a maternity photo session with a photographer so we asked Britten of Britten Nicole Photography the questions that moms are wondering about!
What are some reasons to do a maternity photo session?
Maternity photos will document an important time of transition, physically and mentally, as you get ready to welcome a new baby. A maternity session can also be an empowering experience full of self-love & gratitude and also create a special heirloom for your children to look back on forever. One of my clients told me once that her maternity photos were for her daughter to help raise her to love her own feminine body, no matter what. That message is so important these days!
What happens at a maternity photo session?
Maternity photo sessions can take place almost anywhere, like a studio, in a park, or even in your own home. They can range in style from super glam, to super casual depending on your personality and preferences. That’s why it’s important to find a photographer you know can execute your vision and who’s style you like. Some maternity photographers even offer a maternity client closet with dresses and styles you can choose from to make styling one less thing you have to worry about!
During your session, there will be lots of fun and lots of belly holding! You’ll be guided by an expert at posing for maternity, and led through various prompts to capture beautiful photos of your pregnancy. You can include your partner, kids, or just do the session for yourself. You can also include pets and any sentimental items that you want in your photos, like baby clothes, or sonograms to make it more personal to you!
How do I know when to schedule a maternity photo session?
I suggest beginning your search for your maternity photographer as soon as you reach the second trimester. Most of my sessions are scheduled 2-3 months in advance. I recommend scheduling your session between week 28-34. I think week 30 is the sweet spot! Your bump is showing but you’re still feeling good. If you wait until after 34 weeks then you may start to have swelling, your energy is lower, and maternity photos will just be less fun for you.
What should moms wear at a maternity photo session?
Styling for maternity photos can be so fun and creative! I try to encourage my clients to think outside the box. I personally love a good crop top with a flowy maxi shirt or pair of comfy jeans. If you prefer to keep your belly covered or want to wear a dress, make sure it has an empire waistline because that style is the most flattering for maternity. Dresses and skirts that are flowy look beautiful and add a touch of whimsy and romance to your photos.
The goal is to make your belly stand out beautifully!
What are some other tips for a great maternity photo session?
My biggest tip is to allow your photographer to help you choose what to wear. Styling is something a professional maternity photographer is more than happy to help with. We have a few tips and tricks up our sleeve to help make you look and feel good during your session!
My second tip is to just embrace any awkwardness you may feel being photographed. Trust your photographer and let go as much as you can. Your session will become a core memory in the future. Have fun with it!
What can moms expect with a session with you?
They can expect a very personal and intimate experience from the moment you first get in touch. Before your session, we will get together in-person to plan out all of the details, like styling and locations. My style of maternity photography is very candid, so during your session you can expect gentle posing guidance mixed with a lot of natural movement and connection with your partner. During your session I love showing you the back of my camera so you can see how beautiful you look as I’m photographing you!
After your session, I can help you preserve your memories with custom albums, wall art, and fine art prints. My mission is to help parents create more high-quality and long-lasting heirlooms that can be passed down over generations.
Britten Nicole Photography
Britten Nicole is a maternity and newborn photographer based in Rochester NY. She specializes in capturing the intimate side & natural beauty of pregnancy and Motherhood. She offers a full range of album and wall art design services for clients who want to preserve their memories and pass down heirlooms to their children. You can follow her on IG @brittennicole.
