a pregnant woman wearing a white lace dress is gently holding her pregnant belly during a maternity photo shoot at sunset with AMG Photography

Being pregnant is such a momentous time in a woman’s life, but it is also a time when all of the physical and emotional changes can leave you feeling overwhelmed! There are so many things to do to prepare for baby’s arrival and time seems to fly. Your maternity photos shouldn’t be a stressful decision, but one in which you feel pampered and blessed. Feeling confident in whom you choose to be your maternity photographer will allow for a stress free and enjoyable experience. This is why it is important to do your research when choosing a photographer for your maternity session. The key is to find someone who not only takes beautiful pictures, but also has a keen understanding about what you are going through being pregnant! From understanding the best time in a woman’s pregnancy to photograph maternity pictures, to an empathetic awareness of what you may be experiencing, to offering services that are geared toward new mommas, choosing a photographer who offers sessions designed to serve pregnant women is key to an amazing experience for you.

As a mom of three girls and a Twin Cities Maternity Photographer for the past 10 years, I have come up with some essential questions to consider asking your photographer so that your experience will be a blessing:

1. What is the focus of your photography business and what is your photography style?

A professional photographer should have a website and portfolio which reflects the heart of their business. You should be able to see examples of their style and read descriptions of their services and also get a taste for who they are by looking at their website. Their social media should be a compliment to their official site, but not their only source for doing business. Professionalism is key for making you feel secure as a client. Upon looking at their site, you should have a keen awareness of their experience in providing maternity photos as well as their artistic style. As a result, you will be able to see if their style aligns with your own. Think about what you like and what would make you comfortable. Are they more inclined towards posed photos or candid moments? Do they should in a studio with flash or natural light? Do they offer outdoor sessions? Do their offerings include a wardrobe or styling assistance?

2. Speaking of Styling, Do You Have a Client Wardrobe or Offer Styling Assistance?

a pregnant woman wearing a light pink lace dress is standing in a field at Crow Hassan Park in Hanover, MN during her pregnancy photo shoot

Because you are only pregnant for short time, buying a new wardrobe can be expensive! Who wants to invest in a dress that you will wear only once? This is why finding a photographer who provides both styling help and a client wardrobe can be incredibly helpful! Your photographer should have a keen understanding of what types of fabrics, styles, and colors photograph the best as well as what type of outfits will work best for your vision. I offer clients access to an extensive client wardrobe with dresses that are pregnancy friendly. This alleviates any stress in figuring out what to wear and also saves your clients time and money! Plus, it is fun to wear a beautiful dress or outfit for a photo shoot! Your wardrobe should be something that blesses your experience and not be something that you have to worry about.

3. Where do you typically conduct maternity sessions?

a pregnant mom wearing a cream colored maternity dress is standing in the morning sunlight at AMG Photography's natural light studio in Minneapolis, MN

Locations play a vital role in the overall feel of your photos. Ask your potential photographer if they prefer to shoot in-studio, at a specific location, or outdoors. If at a studio, what does it look like? Is it a natural light studio or do they do artificial light only. If an outdoor location, will there be privacy or will it be a more public setting? Will they provide blankets or other props that fit your vision? Will your location be more remote or more urban? Do they have an awareness of things you might need like a place to change your outfit or access to a restroom?

4. What is a session experience like?

Understanding what your session experience will be like is not only key to building your confidence, but will also make you excited for the day to come! Typical maternity sessions last approximately an hour, but clarifying this with your photographer will ensure you have a relaxing experience with ample time to capture a variety of poses and shots. Speaking of poses, what is your photographer’s experience with posing pregnant women? Do they understand safe posing and natural prompts to help you know what to do? Just ask! They should guide you through the process of what a session experience is like step-by-step! In addition to wardrobe, what else does your photographer provide? Are there opportunities for hair and make-up? Special Gifts? What will they do to make the session peaceful, playful, or intimate? Discussing these details can help you determine what your experience will be like!

5. What is included in your offerings?

Your photo session should leave you feeling confident, pampered, beautiful, and celebrated! It’s more than just taking a few pictures, but the goal should be to preserve this moment in time. What will your photographer do to make you feel special? Do they offer any special details? Dresses, hair and make-up, or special gifts will help you have an experience that allows you to feel blessed. Ask yourself, how do you want to preserve these images after the photo shoot? Does your photographer provide print products, photo books, or other keepsake offerings? Finally, different photographers offer various packages, including the number of edited images you'll receive, print options, and the rights to the images. Make sure to ask about what is included in their session fee to avoid any surprises later.

6. Can we include partners, other children, or dogs in the session?

a family of three is walking through a flower field in Plymouth, MN during a family maternity photo shoot

If you want to include your partner, siblings, or pets in your maternity photos, it’s important to discuss this in advance. My sessions are storytelling in nature and having everyone included in my sessions is a natural part of what I offer. It’s up to you and your vision! This is also helpful in determining the location of your session as dogs are not always allowed in certain parks, gardens, or beaches. Some women want their session to be only for them as a way to celebrate this intimate time with their baby to come. Others want to capture their family’s story and including their partner and other loved ones is essential.

a mom who is pregnant and wearing an olive green dress is sitting on the floor while her yellow lab is resting beside her

8. How many weeks along should I be for my maternity photos?

Maternity sessions can be done any time after you are 32 weeks pregnant. Check out this blog post about why this is important! However, you should book with your photographer at least a few months in advance to allow for planning and so that you can get your ideal date!

9. What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?

Life can be unpredictable, especially during pregnancy. Understanding the photographer's policies on cancellations and rescheduling can save you stress should anything come up. Some photographers will work together with you to re-schedule when there is inclement weather. Also, what if baby comes early? Some photographers will offer you an opportunity to have another family or newborn session in the future? What if something happens and I will be in the hospital or will be home on bed rest? Your photographer may even be able to come to you and photograph you in the hospital or at your home!

10. What About Newborn Photos?

a husband and wife are sitting beside each other during a maternity photo session at Tamarack Nature Center and a second image of the same mom and dad holding their newborn baby boy after he was born during their newborn photo shoot

A maternity session is a great way to get to know your newborn photographer before baby come! Some photographers even offer maternity session add-ons at a special discounted price for any newborn session booked. Check out my newborn page for all of the details!

Preserving memories of your pregnancy in the form of journaling or photography is important for you, your partner as well as your child! Even doctors encourage their patients to do so. Dr. Edmund Gomez of Sydney, Australia tells his patients, that preserving these memories “is a beautiful and personal way for expectant mothers to navigate the transformative journey of pregnancy. Whether documenting emotions, milestones, or dreams for the future, the act of journaling provides a space for reflection and self-discovery.” As you prepare for baby’s arrival, choosing the right photographer for your maternity photos can make all the difference in helping you have an incredible experience! Think about what your vision is. How do you want to feel during your session? What is the goal for your images? How do you want to preserve them? Use these questions as a guide to help you prepare for your next session!

I would love to bless you with a maternity and/or newborn session. Serving moms and moms to be is my passion and my strength! Join me in celebrating your pregnancy and that baby to come by experiencing a maternity session that helps you feel beautiful while preserving your memories!

Want Other Helpful Tips for Your Next Photo Session? Check out these articles…..

https://www.amg-photos.com/news/where-to-shop-for-maternity-clothes-in-the-twin-cities?rq=maternity

https://www.amg-photos.com/news/five-best-newborn-photography-poses

https://www.amg-photos.com/news/how-to-pose-for-maternity-photos

https://www.amg-photos.com/news/5-tips-for-easy-photo-sessions-with-kids

https://www.amg-photos.com/news/5-reasons-to-book-a-newborn-photographer

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