Maternity sessions - how they work

In light of my maternity session tomorrow with Danielle Hely, I thought I'd blog a little bit about how a maternity session runs.

Generally, after everything is set up on my end, we do a couple shots to get the client comfortable. I find that if you're saying over and over in your head "relax your shoulders, relax your shoulders" that the pictures will turn out beautifully, because you're relaxed and comfortable.

Next, we do a couple poses of JUST the sibling(s). You want your kids to feel like they're involved and you want them to be comfortable when you tell them to kiss mommy's belly - so what better way that to make them the star of the show for a little.  After the sibling pictures, we re-introduce the expecting mum to do a couple shots with mum and her children. Then in comes dad, and we do some family shots. At this point, I can pretty much guarantee the younger siblings will be tired of playing along and we move straight into pictures of mom and her belly.

Thats not to say that you can't reintroduce your children in when you've done, say, a wardrobe change. You're welcome to do any pose with whoever you'd like. I'm here to guide you and make sure you're comfortable! You tell me what you have to have to make the shoot worth it to you.

Now, if you have any props at home you want to have involved, here's your chance. A pair of shoes you have waiting for their arrival; a bear you had as a child; a quilt you're waiting to use - all these things make wonderful props, because they can be used again when you have your newborn shots done. It's a continuity that looks wonderful in photos. I have the wooden letter blocks, and with those, the oppurtunities are really endless - spell the baby's name, spell "boy" or "girl" just plain "baby" etc.

As far as what to wear, this is a question I'm asked a thousand times over. Wear what makes you comfortable. Period. Like I said previously, the best pictures are where you're comfortable. I like to have a black or white camisole or sports bra for the maternity shots, but only because they showcase the belly so well. If you're not comfortable with bare belly shots - no problem! We can make it work with yoru shirt covering your belly! I suggest that you have/bring at least one shirt that has no pattern if you intend on keeping your belly covered.

So, aside from that - if you have any questions regarding your shoot, the best person to ask is your photographer. I'm more than willing to answer any questions you may have, so that when you come, or I come to you, you are happy with the service you're getting!