Maternity Sessions
Hello! Welcome mama!
I want to thank you for considering me for capturing your special moment’s before you little one (or ones!) arrive! Before our session, please fill out the questionnaire at the bottom of this page so I can better gauge your expectations, ideas, and goals for your session. Preparation and communication are the keys to a successful photoshoot, so make sure to share all your ideas and concerns with me on your questionnaire! As we prepare for your session, here is some information about what to expect:
Scheduling and Timing
As a general rule of thumb, maternity portrait sessions are usually done between 28 and 36 weeks (or seven or eight months of pregnancy)to ensure that we don’t schedule too close to your due date, but that you are far enough along to have an amazingly full belly to show off! Before 28 weeks, your baby bump will not typically be as visible. After 36 weeks, the belly starts to feel heavy and the idea of a session can seem tiring and there may be some physical restraints (posing-wise) on mama. If you are expecting multiples, I recommend doing maternity photos during your second trimester. Your belly will appear bigger since you are carrying more than one but you will still feel comfortable.
For outdoor shoots, I love to shoot when the sun is working to my advantage. Lighting is ideal for outdoor shoots during the Golden Hour, or the hour before the sun sets or just comes up. So typically summer evenings or early mornings work best, but in the spring and fall, both early mornings and evenings may be possible! If you choose to have an outdoor session mid-day, then we will typically strive for a location that has some shady areas. If you are brave enough to bear the cold, you can always book an outdoor sessions in the winter (with snow!!).
If you prefer the indoor scene, you can stop by my home studio for a simple minimalist shoot. We will explore different studio lighting set ups with colored or textured backdrops to give you a variety of shots and poses. Want to stay home? I can always come to you and do a in-home shoot if you’d like to stay comfy and maybe get some shots of the new nursery involved.
Location
Finding the perfect location is an important part of planning for the photo shoot of your dreams. I have a few favorite places in the Saratoga/Glens Falls region, and usually make a recommendation based on your personality and style, but I always welcome your location ideas. I’d love to know if there is a place that is sentimental to your family/significant other so we can discuss our options and plan the best location to suit your family. We can also have your session in your home, for more of a lifestyle/documentary session, where I’ll have you pick a few activities to do as a family/couple and I’ll be in the background capturing those moments.
Click the button below for a map of various locations suggestions!
Bringing in the Family
You are welcome to include spouses/partners/children within your session, or have it simply revolve around just you. Want the best of both? Mix it up and have some session time of just you and some then some with the spouse/partner/kiddos. Bring your pets in as well if you’d like!
Clothing
Finding the perfect outfit for your session may take a little bit of work. Use these tips below to help formulate a plan:
Above all…choose something that you are comfortable in. You are probably already feeling pretty uncomfortable being pregnant and all (although some love that feeling!), don’t allow your clothing to add to any discomfort!
Try to stick to solid colors. Since the main focus in your maternity shoot is your bump, then don’t let anything take attention away from that, like a pattern or print. Wear solid colors for your bump to stand out the most. If you feel solid colors are too boring, then bring in some fun, bright and bold accessories like necklaces and scarves.
Color-wise, there are lots of factors to consider when you are planning your outfit(s) but first and foremost choose a palette you like. Keep in mind the location of the shoot and the colors of the background. The time of year that you are having your photographs taken may also influence the colors you choose.
Have a few outfits ready to go the day of the shoot. If you can’t decide, you can always start the session in one style, then switch it up halfway through (if changing facilities are available).
Dress appropriate for the outdoor weather. If it is forecasted to be on the cooler side, bring a favorite blanket or extra jackets/sweaters.
I do not currently have a client closet, but I am working to build one hopefully in the next year or so. If you would like some options for choosing a dress/outfit, I can assist in providing some online retailers who specifically design outfits for maternity shoots based on your color choice and style.
Always feel free to text or email me your clothing options laid out before our session!
Props
Feel free to bring some props to your session. You might choose to bring an ultrasound picture, the first letter of the baby’s name, or a pair of booties.
Payment
After receiving your questionnaire, I will send you the session contract and invoice via e-mail. The session fee and signed contract are due prior to or at your session. Payment can be paid by cash, check, Venmo or a credit card (through online invoice).
After the Session
Once your session is over you'll receive your digital proof gallery within the week for you to select your favorite images for me to do full edits on. If you’d like to purchase additional images beyond the set amount of your package, each additional image is $15. In 2-3 weeks, I will provide you with a final gallery with all your selected fully edited images in both color and black & white. You'll be able to download them and also be able to share with family and friends easily. You can also purchase prints/canvases with my selected professional laboratory through your gallery as well.
If you’d like me to post a few sneak peeks on Facebook, I can do that for you. If you’d rather wait to get all the images and post the photos on your own social media first or do not want your images shared, I will totally respect that.
Questionnaire
If you feel like you are ready to jump on this fun photo adventure with me, please take a few minutes and fill out the questionnaire below so that I can better gauge the feel for you session and photos. Questions with an * are required, while others you can choose to fill out if applicable. I look forward to working with you and seeing that beautiful bump!