What is a maternity session?


A maternity session is a focused portrait experience to celebrate your pregnancy, the changes your body is going through and the impending arrival of your little one. It can take between 1 - 2 hours and can be in studio or on-location (weather dependent)


Why would you want to capture your pregnancy?


Women are pregnant for a limited period of time in their lives. Many women will only go through pregnancy one or two times. Creating portraits of this time is a wonderful way to mark this special period (even when it has been hard!). It is an experience we forget quickly when it is over. 


When should you book your maternity session - and for when?

The best time to book is when you are around 20 weeks pregnant. This gives me plenty of time to fit you in and ensure you get the time slot that suits you best. You want to book for when you are 29 - 34 weeks pregnant. This way, you have a beautiful bump but haven’t reached the absolutely exhausted stage. 


That said, life happens! Regardless of where you are in your pregnancy, please feel free to get in touch and I will do everything I can to ensure you have a stunning portrait session. 


What is a wardrobe consultation for your maternity session?

I have dresses (dozens of them). A wardrobe consultation ahead of your maternity session is an opportunity to choose the dresses you will wear during the shoot. We normally aim for three. It is also a great opportunity for you to meet me, ask questions and to outline your vision for the images. 


Hair and makeup? Is it worth it?

Hair and makeup is a personal choice and it is up to you if you want to get it done ahead of your session. Getting HMU done can complete the look for your session but it is not necessary for stunning portraits.


I don’t provide hair and makeup however, I can point you in the direction of some great artists in the Johnsonville/Tawa area. One benefit of booking in at around the 20 week mark is that you are more likely to find an available artist. 


What do you need to do to prepare on the day?

There is not a lot you need to do to prepare for your session. As will be discussed in your wardrobe consultation, I encourage my clients to bring black and skin-toned underwear for the session. Try and get some sleep the night before (easier said than done!) and allow plenty of time to get to the studio or session location. If you do use a hair and make-up artist, please ensure they know what time your session starts so that they can plan accordingly. 


What will the session be like?

I hope to make the session fun, relaxing and memorable. When you arrive, we will discuss the order of the session and go over final details. I will talk about the way we will do the poses and discuss any props we may be using. 


A note for partners

For some women, the maternity session is something they want to do on their own. For others, partners (and other children) are included. It is up to you. That said, I do not have a wardrobe for male partners. They should  come to the session in tidy jeans/trousers plus a plain white or light blue shirt. I have dresses for little girls but not a huge selection for young boys. If little boys are coming to the session, they should be dressed in chinos/jeans and a tidy shirt.


I also suggest bringing something to entertain any other children that may be coming to the session, as the whole process can be quite boring for them.