MATERNITY PRE-SHOOT GUIDE

Thank you so much for choosing me to capture your maternity portraits. It is a true privilege to document this beautiful chapter as you prepare to welcome a new little life into your family.

My sessions are designed to feel calm, natural, and unhurried - offering space for you to slow down, connect with your changing body, and celebrate the incredible journey of motherhood. I understand that pregnancy brings a delicate balance of deep anticipation and fatigue. Your comfort, confidence, and wellbeing are my absolute priority throughout our time together.

This guide has been thoughtfully created to help you feel prepared and confident ahead of your session. If there are any meaningful details, ideas, or moments you would particularly love captured, please feel free to share them with me in advance. I always welcome the opportunity to create something personal and considered for every mother I photograph.

I look forward to creating something truly special for you.

WHAT TO EXPECT

TIMING

Sessions typically last around 1 hour. While the timeframe is focused, the pace remains entirely relaxed and unhurried. There is plenty of time for you to rest, change outfits, or simply take a gentle pause whenever you need.

There is never any pressure to rush; the session unfolds comfortably, completely guided by your well-being.

STYLE

Your session will feel natural, relaxed, and centred around your growing tummy. My approach is a thoughtful mixture of authentic, candid moments and beautifully guided portraits. Your only role is to simply be present.

I will gently guide you into comfortable, flattering positions that celebrate your shape, while also stepping back to quietly document the honest, quiet moments in between.

LOCATION

Maternity sessions can take place within the calm comfort of your own home or at a chosen outdoor location.

In-Home: We will move through a few key spaces with beautiful natural light, such as the main bedroom, living areas and nursery, creating intimate, timeless portraits.

Outdoor: A favourite park or a meaningful outdoor spot can create a beautiful, organic backdrop. If you’d like guidance choosing the right setting, I would be very happy to offer suggestions.

PARTNERS AND SIBLINGS

Although this session is a celebration of you, partners and older siblings are incredibly welcome and play an important part in this story. I include them in a gentle, playful, and relaxed way. For little ones, it can help to frame the session as a fun morning or afternoon exploring together, rather than something they need to "behave" for. They are always welcome to step in and out of the session as they please.

PETS

Pets are very welcome - they are a cherished part of your expanding family. If you would like them included, simply let me know and we will incorporate them naturally into the session where appropriate.

PREPARING YOUR HOME

(FOR IN-HOME SESSIONS)

Your home does not need to be spotless or styled like a show home. These sessions are rooted in real life and authenticity, and I want your space to feel like yours, not a set.

That said, a little preparation does help create a more considered and timeless final gallery, and also allows me to work more easily with the light and composition on the day.

LIGHT

Open all curtains and blinds before I arrive so we can make the most of natural light. I work entirely with soft, window light to create a calm, airy feel throughout your images.

TIDY

There is no need for a deep clean, simply clearing surfaces, putting away laundry, and removing anything you would prefer not to be visible in your photographs is more than enough. If anything looks distracting in the frame, I will move it during our session.

Making the bed with a simple, neutral duvet or bedding helps create a clean, elegant backdrop for intimate portraits.

ON THE DAY

When I arrive, I’ll spend a little time getting to know your family and gently exploring your home to find the most flattering light and natural spaces for us to use.

Sessions are always relaxed and unhurried, allowing everyone time to settle in before we begin photographing.

CHOOSING A LOCATION

(FOR OUTDOOR SESSIONS)

When choosing a location for your session, it’s often best to think about places that feel meaningful or familiar to your family. The most natural photographs tend to come from environments where everyone feels relaxed, comfortable, and free to interact naturally together.

TRAVEL

Try to choose a location that is close to home to keep the start of your session as relaxed and easy as possible.

FOOTWEAR

Wear or bring comfortable walking shoes for moving between spots. You can easily slip into your shoot shoes once we arrive at the perfect location.

ON THE DAY

When I arrive, we’ll spend a little time catching up, greeting any older siblings, and chatting through our plan. We will move slowly, ensuring you feel completely supported, comfortable, and beautiful from start to finish.

STYLING & WARDROBE

What you wear plays a beautiful role in how your images feel. The goal is to choose pieces that make you feel confident, comfortable, and beautifully you, while subtly highlighting your baby bump.

DO

Embracer texture: Fine knits, linen, lace, and flowing silks capture the light beautifully and add a rich, tactile element to your images.

Think about movement: Long, flowing dresses or skirts that drape softly over your bump create elegant movement when you walk or when caught by a gentle breeze.

Co-ordinate with intention: If your partner or children are joining, aim for a complementary colour palette (like earthy tones, soft neutrals, or muted pastels) rather than identical outfits. If the outfits look cohesive when laid out together on a bed, they will photograph beautifully. Ensure clothes are freshly ironed to help elevate the final images.

Consider undergarments: Seamless, nude underwear is essential. If you plan to wear a lighter or sheer dress, a neutral slip or maternity bodysuit works wonderfully.

DON'T

Avoid heavy patterns and logos: Bold prints, distracting patterns, and large logos can take the focus away from your expressions and your bump.

Avoid restrictive clothing: Try to avoid tight waistbands or elastic bands on your skin for a few hours before the session to prevent temporary impression marks on your bump.

WARDROBE INSPIRATION & EXAMPLES

Choosing what to wear is all about feeling beautiful, comfortable, and confident. To help you piece together your outfits, here are a few timeless looks that photograph beautifully and gently celebrate your bump:

LOOK 1: THE ELEVATED EARTHY MOTHER

The Vibe: Soft, romantic, and grounded in nature. Perfect for outdoor fields, beaches, or light-filled bedrooms.

The Pieces: A flowing, ankle-length maxi dress in linen, cotton, or double-gauze. Look for details like smocked bodices, tiered skirts, or subtle balloon sleeves that add gorgeous texture.

Colour Palette: Oatmeal, soft cream, sage green, terracotta, or warm taupe.

LOOK 2: THE MODERN COSY KNIT

The Vibe: Intimate, warm, and effortless. This look works beautifully for in-home sessions, creating a sense of quiet comfort.

The Pieces: A form-fitting ribbed knit dress that elegantly hugs your curves, or a chunky, oversized knit cardigan paired with a simple maternity slip dress or neutral bra and underwear set.

Colour Palette: Stone, dove grey, cream, or rich chocolate brown.

LOOK 3: THE CLASSIC & MINIMALIST

The Vibe: Timeless, clean, and focus-forward. This lets your connection and your silhouette take centre stage.

The Pieces: An open, linen button-down shirt paired with maternity denim (unbuttoned over the bump), or a simple, sleek column dress with a low back or elegant neckline.

Colour Palette: Classic white, ivory, or washed denim.

LOOK 4: THE ROMANTIC & SHEER

The Vibe: Ethereal, delicate, and artistic. Beautiful for catching soft window light or sunset breezes.

The Pieces: A dress with sheer lace detailing, soft tulle, or lightweight silk that drapes softly. This looks stunning when backlit, subtly showing the beautiful silhouette of your bump through the fabric.

Color Palette: Blush pink, soft ivory, or muted sky blue.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Please remember that this session is entirely about celebrating you and the incredible journey your body is on. There is no expectation for you to look or feel a certain way, and there is absolutely no need to worry about how the session will flow.

Pregnancy is a time of immense change, and it is completely normal to feel a little tired or self-conscious. My goal is to create a safe, gentle, and uplifting space where you can simply slow down and connect with the new life you are growing. We will take as many breaks as you need and move at a pace that suits you.

If you have any questions at all about wardrobe, locations, or what to expect on the day, please never hesitate to get in touch. I am here to support you every step of the way.

I am so looking forward to our time together and to capturing these beautiful, fleeting memories for you and your family.