What to Expect During Your Maternity Photography Session
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey — one that deserves to be captured with intention, emotion, and care. Whether this is your first maternity session or your third, knowing what to expect can help you feel confident, relaxed, and excited for your shoot.
As a maternity and newborn photographer based in Everett, Washington, and serving the greater Seattle area, I’ve worked with many amazing moms-to-be. Every session is uniquely designed to reflect you — your glow, your connection, your story. Here's everything you need to know before your maternity session.
1. When to Schedule Your Maternity Session
The ideal window for a maternity session is typically between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage, your bump has a beautiful, full shape that photographs wonderfully from every angle — but you’re likely still feeling comfortable enough for gentle movement, walking, and posing.
Every pregnancy is different, of course — and some moms start showing earlier or carry differently — so this range is flexible depending on your personal comfort and how your body is changing.
I always recommend booking your session at least 1 to 2 months in advance, especially if:
- You’d love to shoot during golden hour (sunset times book quickly)
- You’re hoping for a weekend date
- You want time to plan outfits or try on gowns from my client closet
Booking early not only ensures you get your preferred date and light — it also gives us time to create a calm, customized experience that feels stress-free and meaningful. If you're unsure when to book, feel free to reach out, and I’ll guide you based on your due date and vision.
2. What to Wear — Styling Support Included
Figuring out what to wear during pregnancy can be overwhelming — especially when you’re preparing for something as special and intimate as a maternity session. That’s why I offer full styling support, including access to a thoughtfully curated client closet designed just for expecting moms.
Inside the closet, you’ll find a collection of handpicked maternity gowns, sheer robes, drapes, and two-piece sets — carefully chosen for their flattering silhouettes, soft textures, and ability to photograph beautifully in both studio and outdoor settings. From flowing fabrics in soft neutrals to dramatic, muse-inspired gowns in deep earth tones, there’s something to fit every mood, season, and style.
Whether you’re envisioning something elegant and ethereal, bold and editorial, or natural and minimalist, I’ll guide you through the options and help you select the pieces that highlight your bump, your beauty, and your personality.
You’re welcome to mix and match multiple looks during your session — and don’t worry, I’ll take care of all the outfit changes and posing guidance to make the process effortless. Before your session, you’ll also receive a personalized Prep Guide. It includes:
- Skincare tips for a soft, glowing look
- Suggestions for undergarments that work best under certain gowns
- Advice for hair and makeup (whether DIY or professional)
- Notes on nails, accessories, and small details that make a big difference on camera
My goal is to make you feel confident, prepared, and truly celebrated from the moment you walk in. Everything is designed to take the pressure off so you can fully enjoy the experience — and feel absolutely radiant while doing it.
3. Indoor Studio or Outdoor Location?
One of the first creative choices you’ll make when planning your maternity session is whether to shoot indoors or outdoors — and both offer something truly special. You can choose your setting based on your comfort level, personal style, and the overall feeling you want your images to evoke. There’s no wrong choice — just what feels most like you.
- Indoor Studio Sessions (Everett)
My Everett studio is a private, cozy space filled with studio light and curated backdrops. Studio sessions offer a calm, controlled environment with no weather concerns — perfect for fine-art inspired portraits that feel timeless and elevated.
Think: soft studio light, flowing drapes, artistic silhouettes, and carefully styled compositions that highlight your bump and your beauty. Whether you're drawn to minimal, neutral tones or something more dramatic and moody, we can tailor the space to match your vision.
- Outdoor Sessions (Golden Hour) ( I choose very beautiful beach locations such as Golden gardens beach, Mukilteo beach, Discovery park Seattle.
If you're drawn to natural light, movement, and the organic textures of the Pacific Northwest, an outdoor maternity session might be the perfect fit.
We typically shoot during golden hour — the dreamy window right before sunset — when the light is soft, flattering, and magical. Whether it’s at a quiet beach, grassy field, or forested trail, nature becomes the backdrop for your story with lot of candid moments.
Still unsure? Don’t worry. I’ll help you decide based on your preferences, energy level, the season, and your overall vibe. You can even do a mix of both (time and weather permitting) for the best of both worlds.
4. What Happens During the Session
Your maternity session typically lasts about an hour, but the experience is never rushed. The pace is gentle and relaxed — giving you time to settle in, feel comfortable, and connect with the moment.
I’ll guide you through the entire process, gently coaching you into poses that feel natural, flattering, and true to you. Whether you’re standing, seated, wrapped in fabric, or simply holding your belly, each movement is intentional — designed to highlight your bump and capture the glow and emotion of this season.
You don’t need to worry about “knowing how to pose” — that’s my job. I’ll help you feel confident and beautiful in front of the camera, while making sure the experience feels calm, comfortable, and meaningful.
Including Loved Ones: If you’d like to include your partner, children, or even a beloved pet, we’ll absolutely build that into the session flow. Those connections — a hand on your belly, a kiss on the cheek, a little one resting their head — often become the most emotional and cherished images.
We'll start with solo portraits of you, then bring in family members for a mix of connection-driven moments and relaxed, candid frames. I’ll guide everyone through the process so it feels easy and fun — no stiff posing or awkward smiles.
Whether it’s just you or your whole crew, my goal is the same: to create images that feel like you — heartfelt, timeless, and full of love.
2. After the Session: Your Gallery & Final Images
Once your session is complete, the next step is choosing the images you love most. Within two weeks, I’ll send you a private soft-proof gallery — a lightly edited online collection where you can review all the best images from your session.
This is your chance to select your favorite moments — the ones that truly speak to you. Whether it’s a quiet, serene portrait or a joyful laugh with your partner, I want you to choose the images that feel most “you.”
After you’ve made your selections, I’ll begin the final editing process. Each chosen image will be individually retouched by hand to ensure a polished, professional, and timeless finish — while still keeping everything natural and true to the moment.
Your final gallery will be delivered as a downloadable, high-resolution collection — perfect for printing, sharing, or preserving in a beautiful heirloom album. You’ll also receive web-sized versions for easy posting to social media or sharing with loved ones.
And if you’d like help turning your photos into artwork for your home — from museum-quality prints to custom keepsake albums — I’m always happy to guide you through those options too.
Maternity photography is more than just capturing a bump — it’s about celebrating you in this powerful, transformative season.
Whether you're glowing and energized or feeling tender and tired, I see you — and my goal is to make you feel confident, radiant, and celebrated. Let’s make something beautiful together.
Ready to Plan Your Session?
View my Maternity Portfolio
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