There’s something really special about maternity sessions.
It’s a season that feels both slow and fast at the same time. You’re waiting, growing, adjusting, and preparing for a whole new chapter… all while trying to soak in the present.
A lifestyle maternity session is meant to capture that feeling.
Not just how it looks, but how it feels.
If you’re getting ready for your session and wondering what to expect or how to prepare, this guide will walk you through everything.
What Is a Lifestyle Maternity Session?
Lifestyle maternity sessions are relaxed, natural, and connection-focused.
Instead of stiff posing or overly styled setups, we focus on:
- movement
- emotion
- soft guidance
- real moments
This can take place:
- in your home
- outdoors at a park or open field
- or a mix of both
The goal isn’t perfection — it’s presence.
Your Maternity Session Prep Timeline (Step-by-Step)
1–2 Weeks Before Your Session
This is your planning phase. Nothing stressful, just setting yourself up.
✔ Finalize your outfit(s)
Try everything on. Seriously.
Not “I think it’ll fit”; actually put it on.
Look for:
- comfort when sitting, standing, and walking
- how it photographs in natural light (stand by a window)
- whether you feel like yourself in it
🎀 If you’re adjusting it every 5 seconds = not the outfit.
___________________________________________________________________________________
✔ Coordinate (don’t match) your family’s outfits
If your partner or kids are joining:
- stick to a soft, neutral color palette
- avoid everyone wearing the exact same color
- think complementary, not identical
Example:
- mom: cream
- partner: tan or muted brown
- kids: soft sage / beige
___________________________________________________________________________________
✔ Start hydrating + moisturizing
This sounds small, but it makes a difference:
- hydrated skin = smoother, more even glow
- moisturize your belly, hands, and lips regularly
___________________________________________________________________________________
✔ Think about your space (if in-home)
You do not need to deep clean.
Just:
- notice where natural light comes in
- clear small clutter from areas like bedside tables or couches
That’s it. I’ll handle the rest.
2-3 Days Before Your Session
This is your light prep phase!
✔ Wash + prep outfits
- steam or iron if needed
- hang everything together (including partner/kids outfits)
You do NOT want to be digging through laundry the morning of. Respect your future self.
___________________________________________________________________________________
✔ Do any self-care you want
Optional, not required:
- nails
- light grooming
- hair prep
Nothing drastic. This is not the time for a brand new haircut at 9pm.
___________________________________________________________________________________
✔ Get good rest (as much as possible)
I know… pregnancy sleep is a joke sometimes.
But even:
- going to bed a little earlier
- limiting stress that day
helps your energy for the session.
The Night Before your Session
We are entering “protect your peace” mode.
✔ Set everything out
Lay out:
- your outfit
- accessories
- undergarments
- shoes (if any)
For your partner/kids too.
Morning-you should be on autopilot.
___________________________________________________________________________________
✔ Have a small bag ready for the little ones
Even though we are shooting in your home, it makes the process much easier to have some snacks ready for small breaks and maybe a bribe or two throughout the session. This bag can also include things that might be easy for you to grab for fix-ups.
Include:
- water
- light snack
- lip balm or gloss
- touch-up items
___________________________________________________________________________________
✔ Mentally release expectations
Your only goal tomorrow is:
- show up
- be present
- let me guide you
That’s it.
The Day of your Session
This is where we keep things simple and go with the flow.
✔ Eat something beforehand
Depending on how your pregnancy journey is, I know this might not be a small ask. Nobody knows your body better than you so use your better judgement, but even a small meal will go a long way!
___________________________________________________________________________________
✔ Give yourself extra time
Rushing = instant stress Especially with kids
I know that I am one of many hats, and procrastination is one I wear regularly. I shoot for a certain time to have everyone ready including myself and often times, I cut it a little closer than I would like. Giving yourself some wiggle room to be prepared a little ahead of schedule is always worth it. Worse case, you'll have a few minutes to sit down and relax before the session.
Plan to be ready 20–30 minutes earlier than you think you need.
___________________________________________________________________________________
✔ Keep kids relaxed (if included)
It's really easy to get overwhelmed with little ones and photos. Try not to:
- over-coach them
- put any emphasis to behave a certain way
I always emphasize this during our sessions: I completely understand wanting our kids to 'be good,' but I love giving them the space to say no sometimes. They’re opinionated, which I love, and I’m more than happy to roll with the punches!
If they aren’t in the mood for a posed family portrait and want to color instead, I’m all about pivoting. We’ll get some cute, candid shots of you coloring with them, and then we’ll try the portrait again. Often, just a change of scenery in the room helps, too! As a mama of three girls who works with kids all the time, I’ve learned that giving them that space actually results in better photos in the long run.
___________________________________________________________________________________
✔ Trust the process
You don’t need to:
- know how to pose
- know what to do
- worry about how you look
I’ve got you the entire time.
What to Expect During your Session
A Calm, Guided Experience
You don’t need to have everything figured out before your session.
You don’t need a spotless home, perfect hair, or a fully planned vision.
Throughout the session, I’m guiding you through:
- where to stand based on lighting
- how to position your body naturally
- what to do with your hands (yes, I know that’s the big one)
- how to move so nothing feels stiff or awkward
Most of my clients walk in feeling unsure and within the first 10 minutes, they relax completely.
That’s what I’m here for.
Movement Over Posing
Rather than holding one pose for long periods, we’ll keep things flowing.
This might look like:
- walking slowly together
- hands on your belly
- your partner pulling you in close
- quiet, still moments in between
Movement helps you feel more comfortable and it creates images that feel real and alive.
A Mix of Solo + Connection Moments
Your gallery will include a variety of images, such as:
- solo maternity portraits
- partner interactions
- candid, in-between moments
- detail shots (hands on belly, close-ups, soft touches)
If you have other children, we’ll gently include them as well — in a way that feels natural and not overwhelming.
How to Prepare for Your Maternity Session
Choose Outfits That Feel Comfortable and You
The most important rule:
if you don’t feel comfortable, it will show.
Go for:
soft, neutral tones
- flowy dresses or fitted silhouettes that highlight your bump
- textures like knits, cotton, or linen
- pieces that move easily
Avoid:
- overly busy patterns
- neon colors
- anything that feels tight or restrictive
You can absolutely perpare 1–2 outfit options and most packages cover enough time for an outfit change.
Timing Matters (But We’ll Keep It Flexible)
Most maternity sessions happen between 28–34 weeks, when your bump is beautifully visible but you’re still relatively comfortable.
With that said, your comfort comes first.
We’ll work around how you’re feeling, your energy levels, and your schedule.
Don’t Stress About “Perfect”
Your home doesn’t need to be spotless.
Your hair doesn’t need to be perfect.
You don’t need to have everything figured out.
I’ll guide you through:
- where to stand
- how to move
- where the best light is
- what to do next
Your only job is to show up.
Bring Meaningful Details (Optional, but Encouraged)
If you’d like to personalize your session, you can bring:
- baby shoes
- ultrasound photos
- a special blanket
- a letter or book
- anything sentimental
But this is completely optional.
Your connection is more than enough.
If Your Partner Is Joining
A lot of partners feel unsure going into a session, totally normal.
They don’t need to know how to pose or what to do.
I’ll guide them just as much as I guide you.
And often, the best moments come from:
- quiet hugs
- forehead touches
- natural laughter
- simple closeness
Nothing forced. Nothing awkward.
If You’re Feeling Nervous… That’s Okay
Almost every mom tells me at some point:
“I don’t know how to pose,” or
“I feel awkward,” or
“I’m not sure how this is going to go.”
And every single time, we create something beautiful anyway.
Because this isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about capturing a moment in your life that matters.
What You’ll Walk Away With
After your session, you won’t just have photos.
You’ll have:
- a record of this season
- a reminder of your strength and softness
- images that show your connection and anticipation
- something your child will one day look back on
And that’s what makes maternity sessions so meaningful.
My work
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to over-prepare.
You don’t need to stress.
You don’t need to be anything other than yourself.
I’ll take care of the rest.
If you’re ready to document this chapter in a way that feels natural, warm, and true to you; I’d love to photograph it for you.
