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How to Prepare for Your Maternity Photoshoot

Your complete maternity session preparation guide — everything you need to know so you can relax and enjoy every moment.

You Booked Your Session — Now What?

You booked your session — now what?

Congratulations on booking your maternity photoshoot! Whether this is your first pregnancy or your third, preparing for a professional maternity session can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. This guide covers everything you need to know so you can walk into your session feeling confident, comfortable, and ready to create stunning portraits you will treasure forever.

At Motiontography, we handle the creative direction, lighting, posing, and editing. Your only job is to show up and enjoy the experience. But a little preparation goes a long way toward making your session even more amazing. Follow the timeline and tips below, and you will be completely set.

Need help deciding what to wear? Check out our Maternity Wardrobe Guide. Not sure when to schedule? See our Maternity Timing Guide.

Week by Week

Your maternity session preparation timeline.

Follow this week-by-week checklist so nothing falls through the cracks. Each step is simple, and together they ensure a smooth, stress-free session day.

2 Weeks Before

2 Weeks Before Your Session

  • Complete your pre-session consultation — We will discuss your vision, style preferences, location, and any specific poses or concepts you love. This can be by phone or video call.
  • Plan your outfits — Gather 2-3 outfit options. Try them on to make sure they fit comfortably at your current stage. Review our Wardrobe Guide for color and fabric recommendations.
  • Book hair and makeup — If you plan to have professional hair and makeup done, book your appointment now. Schedule it to finish about 1 hour before your session.
  • Coordinate partner and kids outfits — If your partner or children are joining, start planning their wardrobe. Solid colors that complement (not match) your outfit work best.
  • Gather meaningful props — Ultrasound images, baby shoes, name letters, a special blanket, or any sentimental items you want included.
1 Week Before

1 Week Before Your Session

  • Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate — Drinking plenty of water in the week leading up to your session gives your skin a healthy, radiant glow that shows beautifully on camera.
  • Moisturize daily — Focus on your belly, arms, and decolletage. Well-moisturized skin reflects light beautifully and creates a luminous look in photos.
  • Get a manicure — Your hands will be featured in many poses (cradling your bump, holding props). A neutral or classic nail color photographs best.
  • Steam or iron your outfits — Wrinkles are distracting in photos and difficult to remove in editing. Hang your outfits so they stay wrinkle-free.
  • Confirm your session details — Double-check the time, location (studio in Suffolk or on-location), and any last-minute questions with Roger.
The Day Before

The Day Before Your Session

  • Pack your session bag — Lay out all outfits, undergarments, props, snacks, and water the night before. Having everything ready eliminates morning stress.
  • Get plenty of rest — A good night's sleep makes all the difference. You will look and feel more refreshed, and it shows in your photos.
  • Avoid new skincare products — Stick to your regular routine. Now is not the time to try a new face mask or self-tanner that could cause a reaction.
  • Shave or wax if you prefer — Completely optional, but if this is part of your routine, do it the day before to allow any redness to subside.
  • Avoid tight clothing — Skip tight waistbands and bra straps the day before and day of. Elastic marks take hours to fade and can show in images.
The Day Of

The Day of Your Session

  • Eat a good meal beforehand — You need energy for a 3-hour session! Eat something satisfying but not too heavy about an hour before.
  • Arrive in loose, comfortable clothes — Wear a loose dress or robe to the studio. Avoid anything that will leave marks on your skin.
  • Come with your hair and makeup done — Whether you did it yourself or had it done professionally, arrive camera-ready. We do not provide hair and makeup services, so plan accordingly.
  • Bring touch-up supplies — Lipstick, powder, hair spray, and bobby pins for quick refreshes between outfit changes.
  • Arrive 10-15 minutes early — This gives you time to settle in, use the restroom, and get comfortable before we start shooting.
  • Leave your stress at the door — This is your time. Roger will handle all the creative decisions. Just relax and enjoy being pampered.

Packing Checklist

What to bring to your maternity session.

Here is your packing checklist organized by category. Bring everything in a garment bag or tote so it stays organized and wrinkle-free.

Outfit Options

  • 2-3 complete outfits on hangers
  • Nude seamless undergarments
  • Strapless or sticky bra
  • Comfortable shoes for between setups
  • Heels if you want them for specific shots

Not sure what to wear? See our Wardrobe Guide

Props & Sentimental Items

  • Ultrasound images or sonogram
  • Baby shoes or first outfit
  • Name letters or sign
  • Stuffed animal or special blanket
  • Fresh or faux flower bouquet

We also have studio props available — flower crowns, wings, veils, and fabric swatches.

Personal Items

  • Touch-up makeup (lipstick, powder, concealer)
  • Hair spray, bobby pins, hair ties
  • Body lotion or belly oil
  • Deodorant
  • Phone charger (for behind-the-scenes snaps!)

Snacks & Comfort

  • Water bottle (stay hydrated!)
  • Light snacks (granola bars, fruit, crackers)
  • Any medications you may need
  • A robe or cover-up for between outfit changes

We keep water and light refreshments at the studio, but bring your favorites just in case.

Including Your Partner

For your partner.

Including your partner makes the session more intimate and meaningful. Here is everything they need to know to feel prepared and comfortable.

What to Wear

Coordinate, do not match. Choose complementary colors that work with your partner's outfit. A white or black button-down shirt with neutral pants is always a safe, classic choice. Avoid busy patterns, large logos, and graphic tees. Solid, muted tones photograph best.

Shirtless is welcome. For intimate, skin-to-skin shots, going shirtless creates beautiful, emotional images. This is completely optional and based on your comfort level.

How to Pose Naturally

Most partners feel awkward in front of the camera, and that is completely normal. Roger will guide you through every single pose, telling you exactly where to place your hands, where to look, and how to stand. You do not need to know anything about posing beforehand.

Key tips: Focus on your partner rather than the camera. Hold her gently. Whisper something that makes her laugh. The most powerful couple images come from real, unscripted moments of connection — Roger knows exactly how to draw those out.

What to Expect

You will not be in every single shot. Part of the session is dedicated to solo portraits of the expecting mother. During those moments, feel free to relax, check your phone, or grab a snack. When it is time for couple shots, Roger will call you in. The whole experience is laid-back and fun, not stiff or overly posed.

Grooming Tips

A fresh haircut or trim a few days before the session goes a long way. Keep facial hair well-groomed (trimmed beard, clean shave, or shaped stubble — whatever your usual style). Clean, trimmed nails are important since your hands will be featured in many poses.

Including the Kids

For your children.

Bringing your little ones adds a heartwarming family dimension to your maternity portraits. Here is how to set everyone up for success.

Timing Around Nap Schedules

This is the single most important factor. Schedule family shots during your child's happiest, most alert window — typically right after a nap and a snack. Let Roger know your child's typical schedule during the consultation so we can plan the session flow around it. We always photograph family and sibling shots first, then transition to solo and couple portraits once the little ones are done.

Snacks and Entertainment

Bring their favorite snacks, a sippy cup, a small toy, or a tablet loaded with their favorite show for downtime between shots. A well-fed, entertained toddler is a cooperative toddler. Having a second adult (grandparent, friend, babysitter) on hand to wrangle little ones during solo shots is a huge help.

What They Should Wear

Keep it simple — solid colors that complement mom's outfit. Comfort is the priority; if they are uncomfortable, it will show. Bring a backup outfit in case of spills. Avoid character shirts, heavy patterns, and stiff formal wear. Bare feet are perfectly fine and often look best.

Managing Expectations

Toddlers are unpredictable, and that is okay. Some of the most magical images come from candid, unscripted moments — a toddler kissing mom's belly, holding hands, or making everyone laugh. Roger has extensive experience photographing young children and knows how to work with their energy, not against it. Do not stress about getting "the perfect pose." We will capture genuine moments that tell your family's real story.

Behind the Scenes

What to expect during your session.

Here is a behind-the-scenes look at how your maternity photoshoot unfolds from start to finish. Knowing the flow helps you relax and enjoy every moment.

01

Arrival & Settling In

When you arrive at our private Suffolk studio (or meet at the on-location spot), we will take a few minutes to go over the session plan, look through your outfits together, and decide the order of looks. This is also when you can use the restroom, touch up your makeup, and get settled. The studio is a comfortable, private space — it is just you, your family, and Roger.

02

Posing Guidance

You do not need to know how to pose. Roger directs every aspect — where to stand, how to hold your hands, which way to angle your body, where to look. He will demonstrate poses, give you prompts that create natural expressions, and coach you through each shot. If something feels uncomfortable, speak up and we will adjust. The goal is for you to look and feel beautiful in every frame.

03

Outfit Changes

Most clients go through 2-3 outfit changes during their session. We have a private changing area in the studio. Each outfit gets its own lighting setup and creative treatment, so your gallery has beautiful variety. If you are using our tulle maternity robes, Roger will help you style the fabric and use the wind machine for dramatic movement shots.

04

Creative Composites

One of the things that makes Motiontography unique is our composite artwork. During your session, Roger will capture specific shots designed to be transformed into imaginative composite pieces in post-production — think floating on clouds, standing in a dreamy landscape, or surrounded by magical elements. These are included in your package (4 composite images) and are unlike anything a traditional photographer delivers. Learn more about our composite process.

05

Wrapping Up & Next Steps

After approximately 3 hours, we will wrap up the session. Roger will give you a quick peek at some of the shots on the back of the camera (the final edited versions look even better!). Your private online gallery with 15 professionally edited images will be ready within 10 days. You will also receive all unedited proofs for your personal archive.

Look Your Best on Camera

Hair & makeup tips.

Important: Motiontography does not provide hair and makeup services. Please arrive camera-ready, or book a professional makeup artist separately. Here are our recommendations for looking your best on camera.

Makeup Recommendations

  • Go heavier than normal. Camera and studio lighting wash out makeup significantly. What feels like "too much" in the mirror looks perfect on camera.
  • Matte foundation — Prevents shine under studio lights. Set with a translucent powder.
  • Define your eyes — Eyeliner, mascara, and well-blended eyeshadow help your eyes pop. False lashes are a great option.
  • Contour and highlight — Adds dimension to your face under flat lighting.
  • Avoid glitter and shimmer. Glitter catches light unpredictably and creates distracting sparkle spots in images that are extremely difficult to edit out.

Hair Recommendations

  • Loose, flowing styles work beautifully with the wind machine and create movement in photos.
  • Elegant updos are perfect for showing off your shoulders and neckline in off-shoulder gowns.
  • Bring both options — Start with hair down, then pin it up mid-session for a different look.
  • Freshly washed — Wash your hair the day before (not the morning of) so it has natural body and holds style better.
  • Avoid dramatic color changes right before your session. Get any coloring or highlights done at least 1 week in advance.

Skin Preparation

  • Moisturize your belly — Apply a rich, non-glittery lotion or belly oil for a healthy glow.
  • Skip the self-tanner — It can appear orange or streaky under studio lighting. If you want color, get a professional spray tan at least 3 days before.
  • Lip balm — Keep lips hydrated. Dry, flaky lips are noticeable in close-up shots.
  • Do not worry about stretch marks or blemishes. They are a beautiful, natural part of pregnancy. We also do professional retouching if you prefer a polished look — it is your choice.

Good to Know

Maternity session preparation FAQs.

How long is a maternity session?
Maternity sessions at Motiontography are approximately 3 hours long. This gives us plenty of time for multiple outfit changes, different setups, partner and family shots, and creative composite concepts. There is no rush — we want you to feel relaxed and enjoy the experience.
Can I bring props to my maternity photoshoot?
Absolutely! We encourage you to bring meaningful props like ultrasound images, baby shoes, name letters, stuffed animals, flower bouquets, or anything sentimental. We also have studio props available including flower crowns, wings, veils, and fabric swatches. During your consultation, we will discuss which props will work best for your vision.
What if I'm having a bad day and don't feel photogenic?
Everyone has off days, especially during pregnancy. Roger has 14+ years of experience making clients feel comfortable and confident. He will guide you through flattering poses, adjust lighting to highlight your best features, and keep the atmosphere relaxed and fun. Many clients say they felt nervous beforehand but ended up having the time of their lives. If you are truly not feeling well, we can reschedule — no pressure at all.
Do you provide wardrobe for maternity sessions?
We encourage you to bring your own outfits — whatever makes you feel beautiful! But if you do not have access to something special, we provide tulle maternity robes with dramatic ruffle trains at no additional cost. The best part: we customize the robe color in post-production to any shade you want — emerald, burgundy, blush, gold, you name it. Most clients bring their own outfits AND use our robes for variety. See our Wardrobe Guide for full details.
What if it rains on the day of my outdoor session?
No worries at all! If rain is in the forecast for your outdoor session, we have two options: we can reschedule to a clear day at no extra charge, or we can move the session to our private Suffolk studio. We monitor the weather closely and will reach out to you in advance to discuss the best plan. Your comfort and the quality of your images always come first. Unsure about studio vs. outdoor? Check out our Studio vs. Outdoor Guide.

Ready When You Are

Ready to book your maternity session?

You have done the preparation — now let us create stunning maternity portraits you will treasure forever. Roger and the Motiontography team are ready to give you an unforgettable experience.

Book Your Session Ask a Question Call 757-759-8454

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