How to Prepare for Your Maternity Session
If you’re wondering how to prepare for your maternity photoshoot, you’re in the right place! As a Fresno maternity photographer, I love helping moms plan every detail, from what to wear to how to feel confident in front of the camera. My simple guide will help you feel confident and ready for your upcoming session. Many moms tell me they’re both excited and a little unsure about how to prepare. The good news? I guide you through everything so all you need to do is arrive and enjoy the experience. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you feel confident and ready.
When to Schedule Your Maternity Session
The best time to schedule your maternity session is between 27–34 weeks. Around this stage, your bump has a beautiful, full shape, yet you’ll still feel comfortable enough to move into flattering poses with ease.
If you’re expecting multiples, we’ll plan a little earlier to ensure we capture this special time before things get too close to delivery.
Most moms reach out around the start of their second trimester to reserve a date. This timing gives us plenty of room to plan wardrobe, styling, and preparing for your experience.
What to Wear
Getting ready for your maternity session should be easy and exciting, not overwhelming. With a little planning (and guidance from me!), you’ll walk into your session feeling confident and camera-ready. You won’t ever need to stress about what to wear because it is all planned ahead of time. Before your session, we’ll carefully select your looks together from my Client Closet, which is stocked with elegant form-fitting gowns, drapes, and fabrics designed to highlight your bump in a timeless and elevated way. By the time you arrive at the studio, every outfit has already been chosen and prepared for you.
The only thing I ask you to bring are the right undergarments to ensure a seamless fit:
A strapless nude bra works beautifully under flowing fabric ensembles or gowns with draping.
A nude thong is ideal for any fitted gowns or when using sheer or semi-transparent fabrics.
If you’d like to incorporate something personal from home, keep in mind that form-fitting, neutral colors, or simple textures photograph best and allow the focus to remain on you. Please let me know ahead of time if you’d like to include personal pieces. I plan the backdrops and lighting around your chosen wardrobe and colors so knowing in advance ensures everything flows beautifully together.
Hair & Makeup
Professional hair and makeup can make such a difference in how polished and confident you feel during your session. Many moms love to treat themselves the morning of their shoot, and it sets the tone for a relaxed, elevated experience.
I often recommend trusted local artists if you’d like to book your own. With my new pricing structure, two of my packages will include professional hair and makeup as part of the session, so everything is arranged for you. Whether you prefer to schedule with your favorite stylist or enjoy the ease of having it included, you’ll feel taken care of either way.
What to Bring
To keep things simple, the only undergarments you’ll need are a strapless nude bra and a nude thong, which work best with the gowns and draping I provide.
I also recommend bringing a small powder or lip gloss for touch-ups, just in case. One important tip: please avoid wearing anything tight on the morning of your session, such as leggings, socks, or bras with elastic bands. These can leave marks on the skin that may be visible in photos. While I can remove them in editing if needed, it is always best to prevent them ahead of time for the most natural result.
During the Session
This part is effortless. I’ll direct you through every pose and guide you into flattering, natural positions. No modeling experience is needed. We’ll capture a mix of bold, editorial images as well as softer, timeless portraits. My goal is for you to feel comfortable, celebrated, and beautiful throughout the process.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for your maternity session is simple when you have someone to guide you, and I’ll be with you every step of the way. Every detail is thought of, right down to hair and makeup, so you don’t have to stress about a thing. If you found these maternity photoshoot tips helpful, I’d love for you to explore more of what’s possible inside my studio.
Explore More Maternity Photoshoot Inspiration
Visit my maternity portfolio to see how modern, timeless portraits come together, and follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments, styling inspiration, and sneak peeks from my upcoming sessions. Ready to start planning your maternity portraits? Click here to inquire and let’s create something timeless together.
See you in the studio…
Roxy G.
