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You recently found out you’re expecting a little one? Congratulations! With all the changes coming in your life, you probably have a lot of things to think about. One thing not to forget is to immortalize your pregnancy. In order to help you, here are five tips to nail your maternity photos.
1. Don’t wait until the last minute!
A maternity session should be done between the 30th and 34th weeks of pregnancy. It can also take place a bit earlier for difficult or multiple pregnancies. Therefore, you should book it during your second trimester to guarantee my availability.
Since a pregnancy is considered at term at 36 weeks, it isn’t advice to do your photos after this moment. First, your baby could show up earlier than expected and you would end up with no professional maternity photos. Second, you will most likely be more tired and less mobile during the last month. It’s never too early to book, but it can be too late!
2. Talk about your vision with your photographer
Do you want to do the session in the comfort of your home or outside during the golden hour? Do you want to take your photos alone, with your partner and/or your older children/pets? Is there something special about your pregnancy you would like to commemorate (ex: struggling to conceive, rainbow baby, etc.)?
By telling me what matters the most, it will be easier for me to create memories that match your expectations. If you have special requests, it will also allow me to think about concepts you may enjoy!
3. You deserve to be pampered
With all the hormonal and body changes, the past few months were probably tiring. Therefore, this maternity session is an excellent excuse to finally have some « me time » and pamper yourself.
Treat yourself to a home spa moment before our appointment. Place your hair in your favourite hairdo, apply makeup that puts the spotlight on your best assets and wear clothes that make you feel beautiful. The best is to wear a comfortable outfit that shows off your beautiful bump, but that still allows you to move freely and sit down easily. If you feel stunning, you will be much more relaxed and it will instantly show on your images!
4. Pick an easily accessible location
The further along you are, the harder walking can get. For this reason, I recommend picking an easily accessible location to spare your energy.
If you want to do the session outside, the best is to pick a place that has several interesting spots within a 10-minute walk. This way, we can begin the appointment at spot #1, take varied photos for 10 minutes, walk to spot #2, take more photos for 10 minutes, etc. This way, you won’t be exhausted at the end of the session.
If the pregnancy has been difficult, an in-home lifestyle session might suit you better. It will allow you to take photos in the comfort of your bedroom, the nursery or the living room. It’s also possible to do the first part of the session inside your home, then the last part outside in the alley or in a nearby park. It’s fully up to you!
5. Bring a baby/pet sitter with you
When children and/or pets are part of maternity sessions, I strongly recommend bringing a trusted person with you to help us.
The experience can become unpleasant for parents when their child no longer cooperates or their pet becomes reactive. If this were to happen, the sitter will save the day! This way, we can begin the appointment with photos including the children and/or pets. Once their patience runs out, the sitter can bring them in another room or at the park to play. This will allow us to proceed with the couple and mom-to-be photos with peace of mind.
Last update: February 2024
Would you like to book a session like this one? Contact me at lisamarie.savard@yahoo.ca to do so!
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