Maternity & Lifestyle Session Guide

Choosing a Day & Time

If you’re hoping to use your photos for a baby announcement, shower invites, nursery décor, or simply to document this season of life, most families schedule their maternity session between 30–35 weeks (this is of course up to you & flexible). This is usually when your bump is beautifully visible, but before you might feel too uncomfortable.

Lifestyle newborn sessions are best photographed within the first 2–3 weeks after baby arrives, when they’re still sleepy and snuggly but everyone has had a little bit of time to adjust.

I typically schedule sessions Monday & Sunday since I photograph weddings on weekends. Sessions last about 45 minutes - 1.5 hours but are flexible according to the session.

The best lighting is sunrise or sunset for outdoor sessions, but for in-home or studio sessions, late morning to early afternoon often works best to take advantage of natural window light.

Reach out when you’re ready, and I’ll share my available dates to match your timeline.

Picking a Location

For maternity and lifestyle sessions, the location should feel meaningful and comfortable.

At Home: Perfect for a relaxed, intimate vibe—think nursery snuggles, reading in your favorite chair, or sipping tea in the kitchen. Home is so comfortable especially for little ones. And it’s where you spend most of your time so it represents your family & your life so well to look back on years from now.
Outdoors: Golden fields, botanical gardens, or mountain overlooks are all beautiful for showcasing the connection between you and your growing family. Just consider the safety for everyone involves. A maternity location with limited walking or a family session with versatile scenery that doesn’t involve steep overlooks. We don’t want to have to worry too much the whole time - we want everyone to stay relaxed.
Studio: Ideal for a clean, minimal look or if you want weather-proof lighting and space for outfit changes.

We’ll choose somewhere that reflects your personality and this stage of life. Whether that’s a cozy morning at home or a scenic sunset stroll, visiting a nearby park, or a sunny morning spent at home the goal is to make it feel like you.

Choosing What to Wear

1. Be Yourself

Pick outfits that feel like your style—but elevated. If you’re uncomfortable, it will show in the photos.

2. Allow for Movement

Whether we’re doing gentle walking for a maternity session or cozy snuggles on the couch with your newborn, choose clothing that allows for easy movement. Flowy dresses are perfect for maternity sessions, and soft, breathable fabrics are great for in-home newborn shoots.

3. Consider the Location & Season

Indoors: Bare feet, cozy knits, or neutral loungewear can create a warm, homey feel.
Outdoors in summer: Flowy maxi dresses, breathable fabrics, and comfy sandals.
Cooler months: Layer with cardigans, shawls, or textured knits.

4. Colors

Soft neutrals and earthy tones photograph beautifully and keep the focus on emotion and connection. Think cream, oatmeal, sage, dusty blue, mauve, and soft terracotta.

Avoid neon or very bold colors that can cast unflattering tones on skin. There is an earthy tone for every color. If you’re thinking orange, opt for a burnt orange. If you’re thinking pink, aim for a more neutral soft tone.

5. Patterns

Small, subtle prints are lovely, but avoid loud patterns that compete for attention.

6. Coordinate, Don’t Match

If other family members are joining, choose a color palette and vary the tones for a cohesive look without being identical.

7. Accessories

Hats, soft blankets, a bouquet of flowers, or a sentimental baby item (booties, ultrasound photos, etc.) can add a personal touch.

8. Bring Options

I recommend at least one outfit change for variety. Bring a few tops, a dress option, and a cozy layer.

If you’d like my help, you’re welcome to send me the options you’re considering! I’m happy to help in the decision making process.

Hair & Makeup

Whether you choose to do your own or hire a professional, the goal is to feel 100% like yourself—but at your best. If booking hair/makeup, schedule to finish at least an hour before you need to leave so you’re not rushed.

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes if we’ll be walking
Touch-up kit (lip balm, hair brush, powder)
Snacks & water (especially if you’re expecting)
Sentimental items like a baby blanket, stuffed animal, or ultrasound photo

Lifestyle at Home Sessions – Tips for a Cozy, Beautiful Shoot

If we’re photographing at home, the goal is to capture your family in your own space in a way that feels authentic, cozy, and timeless.

1. Tidy, But Don’t Stress
You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect home—just clear clutter from the spaces we’ll use most (nursery, master bedroom, living room). Baskets are great for quickly tucking things away.

2. Light Matters
Open blinds and curtains before I arrive to let in as much natural light as possible. We’ll work near windows and bright spaces for soft, flattering light.

3. Keep Baby Comfortable
If this is a newborn session, warm the house slightly warmer than usual so baby is cozy, especially if we do swaddled or bare-skin photos.

4. Clothing Choices
For you: soft, comfortable, and neutral clothing you can move in.
For baby: simple onesies, soft swaddles, and nothing with large logos or text.
Pro tip: have an extra outfit ready for baby (and you!) in case of messes.

For maternity: wearing something that accentuates the belly while you remain comfortable is important. You don’t have to choose something tight if you feel better in flowing fabrics. However, something that shows off your baby bump is recommended.

5. Sentimental Touches
Incorporate details like a handmade blanket, heirloom crib, or favorite children’s book—these make your photos even more meaningful.

6. Go With the Flow
Newborns and toddlers run the show—expect breaks for feeding, diaper changes, or snuggles. These pauses are part of the story and often lead to some of the sweetest, most candid images. That’s why our session time is flexible.

Mindset

Think of this as a pause button on a season of life you’ll never get back—whether it’s the final weeks before baby arrives or the first weeks with them in your arms. Take the day slow, avoid overbooking yourself, and let this be a moment to savor.

Weather

If your session is outdoors, we’ll keep an eye on the forecast. Light rain can be beautiful (think romantic umbrellas and misty skies), but if conditions are uncomfortable for you or unsafe for baby, we’ll reschedule.

What to Expect

I’ll guide you with gentle prompts and natural movements so you never feel stiff or posed. My goal is to capture the connection & genuine moments in this chapter of your story—so when you look back, you’ll remember exactly how it felt.