2020-2021 Moments

First, congratulations!  It’s such an honor to take part in documenting such a special time in your life.

           Maternity portraits usually should be taken around the 7th and 8th month depending on how big you’ve gotten and your condition during your last trimester. The Pregnancy belly is the optimum size during the 7th or 8th months for portraits.

Earlier than that, your belly may be too small unless your carrying multiples. If you’re gaining a lot of weight or carrying more than one baby, you will most likely want to do your portrait session sooner rather than later. Many women retain water and look puffy during the last month of their pregnancy. 

1. At least several hours prior to photo shoot, you should take off anything that has tight elastic like slacks with tight waistbands and undergarments or bras, or even socks in order to make sure you do not have elastic or strap marks on your skin. Do not use lotion on your belly, especially the kind to help reduce stretch marks, as it tends to be shiny and it affects the image the camera catches. Shine does not look great in these pictures. If you wish to use it, know the end result.
2. Tops should be form fitting, especially around the bust-line. Over-sized shirts,  (for example your husbands white shirt), wont show your shape and showing the shape of your belly is the whole point.. I have gowns you can use if you choose. There are poses we can hit with that type of shirt on which we can poke the belly through the bottom of the shirt and only button over the bust-line. I will be using fabric to cover personal parts, but choosing a pretty bra and panties is a great idea, just in case. Bringing a robe with you is a good idea to throw on between poses. If you have large breasts, make sure you bring a skin colored bra, (nude or peach or coca depending) that is either strapless or has removable straps, or just taking the straps off the shoulders and tucking them in the cups can work. You will be wearing the bra under the fabric and may be a bit see-through (thus the need for the bra to be skin colored). And the bra is going to help give the best and most shapely silhouette in your pregnancy pictures.
3. Your hands will show, so do not forget the manicure would be helpful, and a pedicure. Face powder is always a good idea, to eliminate shiny spots due to the flash. Moisturize your knees and elbows, otherwise, they tend to show a lighter tone and usually show rough or dry flaky skin. Do not use glittery lotion as it does not photograph well. Make-up containing spf will add shine and is discouraged from use as well prior to your session.
4. It’s a good idea to eat a light snack before your session. I usually bring out a small type of finger snack food of sorts. If you have a preference, you may bring it along. 
5. Limit jewelry to essential pieces. While its nice to include special or important jewelry, too much can be distracting and may dominate the portrait. I may want to add beads, depending on the style of your session. If you have a set of long beads, a photograph of an U/S or a favorite bootie sock (color of the sex is good), then bring that too. Even a sign with the baby’s name is a great idea. I do have chalk boards and signs too.
6. It’s a good idea to bring along several shots you have seen in magazines or internet that you are interested in at your consult with me, so I have a good idea of your style and type of look and mood you want for your portraits. Don’t expect your photographer to know all you expect as you need to put forth a good bit of effort and planning to gain the poses you desire by showing examples...      
7. Try to be on time for your appointment and do not schedule any appointments or activities after your session. Quality portraiture requires a good amount of time, you won’t want to rush your session and be dissatisfied with the results.
8. If you are planning on including your husband in your images, make sure you discuss it with your photographer at your consult so a clothing guideline  such as colors and matching you is essential. Black slacks, and if you are wearing Jeans, he should bring a pair as well.
9. PROPS – Please bring items of personal importance with you to add interest to your portraits.
10. Family Maternity poses. Portrait sessions last only a moment and as soon as your family session is done, the moment is over. Please be sure you coordinate colors. The choice is yours and should reflect your lifestyle and keeping all outfits in the same tone color is best. For instant, do not have one wearing black slacks with orange plaid shirt and another baby blue jeans and a white shirt. Just wouldn’t look as good. Simple is classic, Classic is the best. If you do not have a choice, it is ok, as long as you know what the end result could look like.