Beautiful Mommy-to-be

As a Charlotte Maternity Photographer, I get asked multiple questions as to how to prepare for their session. This gorgeous first-time mommy contacted me earlier this summer wanting to set up a maternity, a newborn and some milestone sessions for her precious bundle due late August.  Like many first-time moms, she had some questions for her photo shoots–specifically her first session with me–her maternity photos.  She wanted to know what she should wear, when the session will take place,  and a few other details leading up to her shoot.  Ding, Ding, Ding! What a perfect blogpost idea! So many new mommies have the same questions!

WHEN should I book my Maternity Photos?

Ideally, it’s best to reach out to book your maternity photo shoot early in your pregnancy.  That way we can pencil in your session date (as well as your due date!) so we can guarantee a slot.  Maternity sessions are best around 30-34 weeks when you still have energy, a “skip in your step,” and your belly is big and round enough to capture the beauty of pregnancy.  You are also not too uncomfortable yet (ugh! swollen feet!!) and you still have that pregnancy glow.  Sessions take place about an hour before sunset to truly capture that golden light, which really makes the photographs pop.

Take a look at the gorgeousness captured during Golden Hour of one of my stunning maternity clients and her hubs–isn’t she BEAUTIFUL?!:

WHAT should I wear to my Maternity Session?

This is your time to feel pampered and beautiful. It’s your time to celebrate this new life growing in your belly! The newborn session is mostly about baby, but this maternity session is all about YOU.  Get your hair and nails done, find gorgeous accessories that make you feel like the goddess you are, splurge on that dress you saw on Pinterest! Celebrate this intimate time between you and your loved one while you get ready to welcome baby into this new adventure called life. I personally love the more form-fitted dresses to help showcase that growing bump and I’m also a HUGE fan of the bohemian look with braids, floral crowns and comfy gladiator sandals. Bottom line–you do YOU and let me capture the rest!

Where the heck do I find a Maternity outfit?!

I’m SO glad you asked! LOL! Thankfully, with the internet the way it is, we have EVERYTHING at our fingertips. The beautiful mommy photographed below in the white dress, found her gown on Amazon! She searched “Maternity photography dresses” and found the one she ended up wearing–absolutely STUNNING!

I have a stash of beautiful floral crowns for clients to use, otherwise there are tons of amazing finds on Etsy! There are also a few great sites (other than Amazon) to either purchase or rent a maternity gown. Check out my Pinterest board to get some ideas and inspiration. Asos has really cute maternity dresses that are gorgeous for shoots. I also suggest looking at Mama Bump Rentals where you can rent stunning gowns at a fraction of the price as well as Maternity Wear Boutique, which has amazing sales on a daily basis. Another one of my FAVS is Cora and Violet — these ladies are photographers as well and branched out into the “photography fashion” industry because there was a huge need for it! These dresses are limited edition and made with beautiful chic fabric that will look gorgeous on everyone!

Bottom Line

Enjoy this time! Your body is doing a miraculous thing–it’s growing a human being! I realize you might not feel like yourself, I get that.  I had three babies in under three years–I was SO OVER PREGNANCY.  But I tried my best to remind myself of this truly amazing gift growing inside me and how amazing it is to document this chapter in life. I can’t wait to capture this moment for you. This is the start of your family in the making…I’m honored to be a part of it.

Are YOU expecting a tiny bundle?! Let’s chat!