These portraits are all about capturing the beauty of pregnancy and the miracle of life. I strive to bring out your inner beauty, peace, and confidence. Don’t worry about any stretch marks or blemishes as all portraits will be retouched so that they are minimized or eliminated.
My goal is to capture the essence of YOUR experience, the joy, emotion and intimate feelings of love you already feel for your precious little one. This is YOUR session. Everyone has different ideas, wants and needs. Maternity portraits are a very personal matter and should reflect you and how you want to best remember this most special time in your and your baby's life.
So, give some thought about the type of portraits that you would like. This will drive what you bring with you and how you and I approach the session. If you are unsure or would like some ideas, be sure to chat with me beforehand because I can help you plan and set you at ease. Feel free to bring along any images that you have seen on the web or in magazines if you have something particular in mind. I usually do a variety of poses and am happy to help you create whatever portraits that you have in mind. Maternity sessions are always 'closed door' so that we can have the privacy we need to create whatever portraits you would like.
Timing:
You should plan your session for the time when your tummy is round and full, but you are still able to move freely and without discomfort. We strongly suggest somewhere between 34- 36 weeks. Also, schedule your photo session on a day that you, your partner and your children (if you have other children and they will be included) will be relaxed and well rested.
Preparation – a few tips for you:
Make-up should be light and natural looking. A light foundation, blush etc. to even out skin tones is perfect. Too much eyeliner or eye shadow can look very dark or unnatural.
Eyeglasses should be worn if you or your partner or anyone else participating wears them on a daily basis. I am pretty good at avoiding or fixing glass glare.
Hair should be fixed so you are comfortable with it. It should be natural and not something that you need to fuss with continuously throughout the session.
A few days before your session, consider treating yourself to a manicure as many shots of your belly will also include your hands (and a pedicure, just for fun).
On the day of the session, make sure you bring makeup supplies, hair supplies (hairspray, brush, etc.). If you are planning to bare your tummy, try not to wear anything restricting for about two hours before your session to avoid indentations in your skin.
What to wear and bring - here are some ideas that almost always work well:
Tops
Strapless bra (natural and/or black)
Sports bra or other exercise top
Tank top
Tube top or bandeau
Pajamas
Button down white and/or black shirt (material that drapes softly, if possible) that can be buttoned over breasts and unbuttoned over belly if you like
Swimsuit
Sarong
Bottoms
Panel free pants or jeans that sit below the belly
Pre-pregnant jeans that fit but can’t be buttoned
Panel free shorts that sit below the belly
Black yoga pants
Other things
Long pretty silk scarf or fabric
Form fitting dress
Ivory or black Satin Robe (something that flows well, avoid heavy cotton robes)
Robe (something that flows well, avoid heavy cotton robes)
Any maternity outfit that you love
Baby booties or a stuffed animal
Special jewelry is a nice accessory to a portrait, though too much jewelry can be distracting. If you have any questions, just bring it along. Watches (for everyone) are the only pieces of jewelry discouraged.
A number of wraps or drapes are available if this is a look that you especially like, not to worry - I'll take care of it.
If you are being photographed with your significant other, please have him bring or wear dark pants and a solid dark shirt and solid white shirt. Long sleeved is preferable but short sleeved will work, too. Also have your partner consider no shirt in portraits where you will wear no top or a small top or wrap – this always makes a great portrait but I understand it’s a personal choice and is not for everyone!
During your session- relax and enjoy. It won’t be long now until your new baby becomes the center of your attention! Take this special time to bond even deeper with your baby as you create a memory that will last a lifetime.