A maternity photo session can be anything you want it to be. Feel free to be creative. Who you bring is something to think about. My portrait sessions include four people. You can bring your best pregnant friend. (I wish I had photos of my best friend and I pregnant. We had our babies one day apart but she is all the way across the country in New Jersey.) Bring your dogs, hubby, other children, whoever you want to be part of your photos. Here are some ideas to help you prep for your maternity photography session.

• Wear a top that shows your belly off (tight, button down, and babydoll styles work well)
• If you are modest and we are photographing outdoors, dress in layers for different looks
• Strappy tank tops are great for simplicity and really accenting your mama to be figure
• Delicate pajamas, a nightie, and flowing dresses work lovely for really pretty portraits
• Something of his – a white button down dress shirt or a blazer
• Whether you wear pants, shorts, or a skirt, think about how it looks when you show off your bare belly
• If you wear a dress, be sure to have a change of clothing so you can lift your shirt for some photos
• For partial nudes, think about the undies your are wearing
• I was just reminded how difficult waxing and shaving can be with a big pregnant belly, Jane Cowan, Portland most incredible esthetician, can help
• If you have any special items for your new baby you might want to bring that for some photos
• Choose a location depending on what you want from your photos – your home, a park, an urban area, or in studio
• If your family is coming along, think about each other’s outfits and how they will go together
• Read my previous post, Getting the Best Family Portraits

Often maternity photos are thought of as the pregnant woman alone.  While these are part of what I do, I think it’s important to capture images of the whole family, to really document this time in their lives.  Something about the existing family as is gets to me, since I know how much life changes from pregnancy to being a mom.  I imagine with your second baby, it’s still a whole new world.

Amanda & Mark – I’ll let you know when your web gallery is ready. Best wishes for a happy birth!

Starting around week 12, when no one could even tell I was pregnant, I had my hubby photograph my belly every couple of weeks. Then around week 37 of my pregnancy our awesome doula, Taffy, did a photography session for me.

As I photographer, I love maternity portrait sessions. Though not all women feel beautiful during pregnancy, most glow with excitement, and their round bellies look splendid. In celebration of my baby turning one in a few weeks, maternity sessions booked in January will be at a special rate.

These portraits are typically done in your home late in the third trimester of pregnancy. For all maternity portraits booked this month, the price is $85. In addition to my time and talent, this includes an online proofing gallery, and your favorite two images printed as 5x7s. I also offer hard bound hinged albums, digital packages, and a Baby’s First Year series.

Email me for more details or to schedule a session.

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I did a maternity photography session this weekend with Lisa and her husband Chris.

They invited me into their home, which had great natural lighting and an incredible backyard. With the dry weather we were able to get some outdoor shots in, like the ones here. 

Lisa’s baby is due in less than two weeks!