Maternity Session
When is the best time I should be photographed?
Every pregnancy is different so the timing of your session will vary. Usually the best time to schedule your maternity session is between week 32 and week 36. We want you to be photographed with a big beautiful belly and to be comfortable throughout your session. Prepping for a new baby with having doctors visits, getting the nursery ready and getting plenty of rest can keep you quite busy. You will want to schedule your session as soon as you can. If you are after 36 weeks you can still schedule your session and get beautiful photographs of this special time.
Where does the session take place?
Two main places to favorite locations to be photographed would be my studio and at a location of your choice! This can be at your favorite park, where you had your first date, where you got married, or just a place that has a special meaning to you. Depending on the time, any location can be the perfect location for you!
What should I wear to my session?
The clothes that you wear during your session will help determine how you feel during the shoot and about your photographs. When I photograph pregnant moms to be, I really want to show off your beautiful form, so choose a few outfits that accentuate your beautiful body! Form fitting tops with chunky sweaters or long flowing dresses are great choices of clothing. You can choose your favorite maternity outfit but solid colors work best. As far as specific colors, it is completely up to you. As long as you are comfortable with what you are wearing, feeling confident and beautiful, then that is what matters. I also have a set of maternity gowns you can pick from when you come in.
I booked my session, now what should I do?
Relax! Take some time for yourself, go get your nails done, get your hair done or just take a nice hot bath! Being pregnant can be exhausting and it is important for you to take a few hours for yourself to relax and feel fabulous! Your photographs will look the best when the expectant mother is relaxed, confident and just feels beautiful.
Should my husband and children take part of the session too?
Absolutely! This is an important time in your life as well as your family. Capturing your family’s love and relationships in your photographs will be timeless and always cherished by everyone.
What happens during my session?
Your session will be relaxed, laid back and not rushed. I will take some time in the beginning of the session to let you know how the session will go as far as posing and interacting with your significant other or children. If there are children in the session with you, I will take some time to get to know them so they do not think of me as a stranger but as a friend. Some children need a little more time to warm up to someone with a giant camera taking their picture. I will try to incorporate some fun games so they are having fun and not focusing on having their picture taken. I will not force them to do anything they do not want to do. Any session that include children will always go smoother if children are allowed to be children. Their experience is just as important as yours and I want you to be relaxed and not worry about kids misbehaving.
During your session I will do some posing so you do not have to wonder how to stand or where to put your hands. If your significant other or children are in the pictures with you, then I will have you interact with each other. This allows me to capture real emotions and expressions. It is the little moments between each other that makes a great image that you will end up loving forever. Besides it is all bout having fun together and a great experience!
What is your style as a maternity photographer?
My style as a photographer is very relaxed, organic and emotional. I love capturing interactions between loved ones. There is an astronomical difference between a stuffy posed picture and a portrait that looks like a special moment has been caught. The personalities of the people in it are revealed and the photograph can almost tell a story. The photograph becomes a personal reflection of a mother’s love for her unborn child.
I am experienced in creating beautiful black and white photographs that are almost abstract in concept. This style looks beautiful when implemented with maternity photography. The natural curves of a pregnant woman mixed with contrasty directional lighting result in a beautiful effect.
I also specialize in natural settings. Northern Virginia has some beautiful parks that yield a wonderful scenery all year round. I can recommend some if you are interested in more natural maternity photographs.
Pregnancy is a very personal experience. Depending on how comfortable you are, I am available to photograph intimate, yet classy maternity portraits as keepsakes.
The best piece of advice I can give you on how to prepare for your maternity session is to just relax. This is an enjoyable experience where you can capture the wonder and excitement of your pregnancy.