For a maternity photography session the most frequently asked questions before the session are:

# 1. When is best to have the maternity photography session?

It is recommended to photograph pregnancy bumps between 32 – 36 weeks of pregnancy. The timing of the session will depend on how you are feeling. You don’t want to be too uncomfortable but you still want to have a beautiful full baby bump for the session.

Some mums have a bump that starts showing much sooner in pregnancy and can get away with being photographed at 32 weeks, whilst other mums are still feeling well and energetic as the due date approaches and would prefer to be photographers closer to 36 weeks of pregnancy. As the due-date approaches;  some mother’s may not feel good overall but remember what a mother may feel may not be how it will be reflected in the images. These images will also be cherished by your newborn baby one day when they are older. My maternity photography Wimbledon sessions are held in my dedicated newborn and baby studio located in Epsom, Surrey.

# 2. What to wear

I like to start the maternity photography session with images that you would be happy to show your mum, friends and have displayed all over your home – some mums don’t mind showing off their skin and gorgeous bumps but I do like to offer options. I tend to start with your clothing and suggest the following:

• Avoid anything with stripes – it creates a weird affect when looking at a photograph
• Logo’s on a shirt that dad is wearing can also become a big distraction and with many clothing options can soon become outdated. We are going for a timeless look on your images.
• Dresses or tops that are tight fitting (not too tight) and shows off the bump works far better than clothing that is loose and flowing.
• Neutrals such as white, creams, beige, latte brown and greys generally look good as well as navy and black for a pop against the white in the studio. For outdoor images it would depend on the time of the year and that can always be discussed.
• There are a few accessories in the studio that are for the more revealing photos – a lace pull over, a dusty pink kimono and a silk shawl along with a few other bits. I also suggest to bring in a white collared shirt from “dad’s’ cupboard or a button up sweater or cardigans
• Nude under wear for the more revealing images also goes a long way.

#3 Who is included in the session?

The maternity sessions are about the pregnancy and mum-to-be. Both Dad and siblings are included in a few images during the maternity session.  This is a time for you to remember a time before you met your baby – when you were still wondering what they would look like. A time for the bump’s sibling/s to have some treasured time with mum and dad before they become a larger family.

# 4 Location and the advantages/disadvantages

The sessions are generally 45mins – 1 hour long so do consider which location would be more suitable.

 

• The Studio – the advantage is convenience and control of the lighting. You can have photographs taken regardless of weather.

• Outdoor – The outdoor session would be weather dependant, summer time would be easier to schedule or reschedule.  Winter outdoor maternity sessions may not always be an option.

• Home-location – handy not to have to travel far but you will need to ensure your home is tidy for the session and if natural light is your home is not optimal then I will need to bring a portable light with me.