Expecting a baby is a remarkable journey, full of unique emotions and precious moments. A maternity photo session is an ideal way to capture this special time. Here are answers to some common questions to help you decide if a maternity photo session is right for you.

At What Stage of Pregnancy is it Best to Book a Maternity Photo Session?

The ideal time for a maternity photo session is between 25 and 32 weeks. By this stage, your belly has a beautiful, rounded shape, but you are still likely to have the energy for some movement and posing. To secure your desired session time and prepare for the best results, it’s recommended to book your session in advance. This allows time to discuss ideas and plan details that make the experience enjoyable and memorable.

How to Prepare for a Maternity Photo Session?

While we’ll discuss all details in advance, a bit of personal preparation goes a long way. Consider setting aside the day before your session for relaxation and self-care—treat yourself to a manicure, pedicure, or a soothing bath. Organize any props or accessories you’d like to bring, such as hair accessories, toys, or special outfits. Rest well the night before, and aim to leave any stress behind so you can enjoy this special experience to the fullest.

How Long Does a Maternity Photo Session Take?

A typical maternity session lasts about one hour. This timeframe is enough to capture a range of beautiful images without feeling rushed, allowing time for a relaxed and enjoyable experience.

What Should I Wear for the Photo Session?

To highlight your baby bump, choose clothing that complements your shape. I have a collection of over 50 dresses and gowns available in my Client Closet, regularly updated to reflect my photography style. I also offer a variety of options for babies and children up to 7 years old. For men, neutral tones—such as white, gray, taupe, beige, ivory, or black—create a harmonious look.

Is it Necessary to Book a Stylist?

While not required, working with a stylist can enhance your look, helping you feel confident and radiant in your photos. My studio collaborates with a skilled stylist who can create the perfect hairstyle and makeup look for your session. Plan to allow an additional 1-2 hours for styling before the shoot, and, if possible, have your stylist come directly to the studio for added convenience.

By preparing with these tips in mind, you’ll be set for a beautiful, stress-free maternity session that captures the essence of this extraordinary time in your life.

The newborn photo session is a significant and carefully planned experience that results in beautiful, lasting images of your baby in their earliest days. Here are some essential points to consider for a smooth and enjoyable session.

Timing and Duration

Newborn sessions are ideally scheduled within the first two weeks of life, when babies are more likely to sleep deeply, allowing for gentle posing and peaceful images. It’s important to remember that time for feeding, changing, and adjusting the baby’s poses is included in the total session duration. Consequently, the actual photography time may vary. The session typically lasts 1–3 hours, allowing plenty of breaks to ensure your baby is comfortable.

Staying Calm and Positive

Babies are highly attuned to their mother’s emotions, so staying calm and relaxed will help your baby feel at ease. Try to avoid stress or rushing, as a calm atmosphere contributes to a smoother session. When parents are relaxed, it helps create a serene environment that translates into better, more natural photos.

Essentials to Bring

Please remember to bring any necessary items for your baby, including:

• Snacks for yourself: Sessions can be long, so a light snack can keep your energy up.
• Milk/formula: If your baby is formula-fed, please bring enough for the session.
• Diapers and pacifiers: These can be helpful for soothing and managing any needs that arise during the shoot.

My studio is equipped with tea, coffee, and light snacks for parents to enjoy during breaks, ensuring that you’re comfortable throughout the experience.

Preparing for the Session

In advance of the session, I’ll provide you with a checklist and reminders to make sure everything is ready. This guidance helps ensure that your session is seamless and that nothing essential is forgotten.

By planning with these details in mind, we can make your newborn session a relaxed, memorable experience that results in beautiful keepsakes for your family album.

Newborn photos are timeless, capturing a precious moment when your baby is tiny, delicate, and full of wonder. These images are designed to evoke warmth and joy, creating lasting memories of a truly unique phase. To achieve beautiful results, it’s essential to plan the session thoughtfully.

When is the best time to book a newborn photo session?

Ideally, it’s best to book your newborn photo session during the final months of pregnancy, around 1–2 months before your due date. This way, we can reserve an approximate date, and once your baby arrives, we’ll confirm a specific day and time. If you decide on a newborn session after your baby is born, feel free to reach out—I may still have availability to accommodate you.

What is the ideal age for a newborn photo session?

The best time for a newborn session is typically within the first two weeks of life. During this period, babies are generally sleepier and less sensitive to their surroundings, allowing for a smooth and calm session. This timing also allows for the gentle, curled poses that look natural and heartwarming, capturing that fleeting, newborn fragility. Additionally, in these early days, babies are usually not yet experiencing common issues like tummy discomfort.

How long does a newborn photo session last?

A typical newborn session lasts about 2–3 hours, with time allocated for feeding, soothing, and bonding moments between mother and baby. However, if your little one is especially settled and sleepy, we may be able to complete the session in a shorter time. Every session is paced to be as comfortable as possible for both you and your baby.

Why are photos taken of a sleeping baby?

Newborns tend to photograph beautifully while they’re asleep. Since newborns’ eyes are not yet fully focused, photos taken with open eyes may not capture the same effect. Additionally, sleeping babies often appear calm and peaceful, and gentle posing is easier when they’re resting. However, if you prefer some awake shots, we can certainly capture a few moments when your baby is alert and looking around.

How are the accessories and props for the session selected?

As a professional newborn photographer, I provide a curated selection of high-quality props to create lovely and safe setups for your baby’s session. Each accessory is chosen thoughtfully to complement your baby’s features, creating a serene, beautiful setting that enhances the photos while keeping your newborn comfortable.

Can parents and siblings join the photo session?

Absolutely! Including parents and older siblings in the newborn session adds a heartfelt, family-oriented touch. If others will be part of the photos, I recommend coordinating clothing and grooming (hair, makeup, etc.) in advance so that everyone looks cohesive and natural in the photos. Together, we’ll plan these details ahead of time to ensure that each family member complements the setting.

What if my newborn has skin imperfections?

It’s very common for newborns to have temporary skin conditions, such as baby acne, flakiness, or redness. I am experienced in handling these natural skin characteristics, and my approach is to gently soften any noticeable imperfections without altering your baby’s natural look. My priority is to preserve the authenticity of these early moments while ensuring that your images are timeless and beautiful. Rest assured, your baby’s unique features will be captured with care and expertise.

These sessions are designed to capture the pure essence of your newborn, preserving the delicate, fleeting details of this early stage.