- When should you BOOK your session? I think you should start looking into booking as soon as you know your due date and you are out of you first trimester. I say this because most photographers book their entire year out taking only a certain amount of clients per year. I like to photograph my moms between 28-34 weeks of pregnancy. I find this is the time that the poses are somewhat easy for them. Their bodies look amazing. They are glowing and excited. Around 35-40 weeks of pregnancy your body changes drastically and often times you will start to swell, specifically in your legs and feet. Stretch marks often occur around this time. You could go into pre-term labor and completely miss out on recording this milestone. The baby will begin to drop causing you to carry a little lower making posing much more uncomfortable. This image was taken two days before the baby was born. It can be done but I do not recommend waiting that long.
- Where should you book your session? Every person is different on this one. No photographer knows what you have envisioned for yourself so ask yourself these questions…. What month do I come into the 28-34 week window? Is it summer? Is it winter? Will I be comfortable outside? If not, schedule a session in a studio. If you are concerned about your hair frizzing in a summer month schedule a studio session. If you are concerned with being hot (which is a HUGE issue in Texas) schedule a studio session.
- Who do you want to include? Do you want to be photographed alone? With a spouse? With your other children? With your family? Keep in mind that most photographers charge an extra fee the more people you add so this would be a great question to ask your photographer.
- How do you want to be photographed? This is such an important question. When you are thinking of what you see for yourself what do you see? Do you see yourself in a milk bath? Nude? Partially nude? Fully clothed? Full body shots? Sitting? Do you need help styling?
- What should you do to get ready for your session? I am a FIRM believer in getting a manicure for yourself and anyone else who will be touching you. Maternity photography is mostly about hand placement to create connection between members of the family. Where your hand is placed is where you eye will be trained to go. If you have dirty fingernails it will show up and no amount of editing will hid it. Hair is a concern in all imagery. I think everyone should wax, shave, or nair before a session. Make sure that spouses do the same. Lotion and exfoliate before your shoot so your skin looks supple and not dry. Most photographers work with a hair and makeup artist if you are a paying a sitting fee you may be paying for that service. Make sure you ask your photographer.
- What kind of props should you bring? Anything that you would like to incorporate. I personally am not a prop photographer because I like for the images to be intimate between the mother and unborn child.
- What should you wear? If you don’t know what to buy call your photographer because they may be able to help you. I like to use fabric and make draping dresses for my clients. Or you can always do nudes or milk baths. The options are endless really, I’ve taken images with just a black turtle necks, white material, nothing, dresses, lace, milk, etc.
- What to bring for milk baths or nudes? If you are shooting in water please remember to bring an extra set of under garments. If you are shooting partially nude images bring nipple petals and thongs that are thin on the sides. The smaller the thong side the easier it is to remove in Photoshop. If you are shooting in lace wear nipple covers. Bring cool jewelry. Long necklaces can always be worn backwards and drop down your back. Bracelets add to shots with hands and arms in them. Take off watches and sunglasses.
- How should you prepare physically? Remember that you are pregnant and you are eating and drinking for two people. Posing is really hard work. Drink a lot of water before and during your shoot. Try to rest your legs the evening before your shoot. Eat before you come and bring a snack.
- How should you mentally prepare? MEET your photographer before you schedule a session. Especially if you plan to do anything that will make you feel vulnerable. Nude, partially nude, and milk baths are extremely uncomfortable for some people. Most photographers are prepared to help you through the creation process. It is perfectly normal to meet before you book and build a relationship. Pick someone who makes you feel comfortable and that you trust. If you aren’t comfortable in your meeting, book someone else. Most photographers have other photographers that they admire. They are a tight knit group who love to collaborate and share clients so don’t be afraid to tell them that you feel uncomfortable so that they can address it and help you.
Jade@jadedlight.com (713)730-9974 www.jadedlight.com
