Preparing for Your Maternity Photo Shoot: Everything You Need to Know

Absolutely. It’s completely normal to feel a little self-conscious during pregnancy — and a maternity shoot doesn’t require you to feel “glowy” or confident to begin with.

My approach to maternity photography is gentle, relaxed, and led by what feels comfortable for you. We’ll choose flattering angles, simple styling, and poses that feel natural, with no pressure to perform or pose in a way that doesn’t feel like you.

Many mums-to-be tell me they’re surprised by how much they love their images — not because they suddenly felt perfect on the day, but because the photos show their strength, softness, and the quiet beauty of this moment in a way they hadn’t seen themselves.

A maternity session isn’t just about photos – it’s about marking a short but significant chapter of your life.  Pregnancy can feel long while you’re in it, but when you look back, it’s a brief moment in your journey into motherhood. A maternity shoot gives you thoughtful, timeless images to remember this stage, whether you’re feeling excited, reflective, or somewhere in between

After your maternity session, I’ll carefully edit your images to create a beautiful, cohesive gallery. This usually takes around two weeks, although I’ll always let you know what to expect at the studio on the day.

Once your gallery is ready, you’ll receive access to a private online gallery where you can view and choose your favourite images in your own time. There’s no pressure or sales appointment — you simply select the images you love. Your session includes three finished images, so your pregnancy memories are already covered, with the option to add more if you wish.

Booking your maternity photo shoot is simple. Just head to my online booking calendar to choose a date and time that suits you. Once you’ve entered your details, your session is reserved and you’ll receive a confirmation email with a payment link.

If your session is more than two weeks away, you can secure your booking with a £20 deposit, with the remaining balance due the week before your session. If your shoot is within two weeks, the full session fee is payable at the time of booking.

As soon as your payment is received, your session is fully confirmed and I’ll send you helpful information on what to expect, how to prepare, and how to get the most from your maternity shoot. If you have any questions or specific requirements before booking, you’re very welcome to get in touch — I’m always happy to help.

Feeling a little nervous before a maternity photo shoot is completely normal — especially if it’s your first time being photographed professionally. My studio is designed to feel calm, relaxed and welcoming, and I’ll gently guide you through the entire session.

You don’t need to worry about how to pose or what to do. I’ll help with positioning, expressions and movement in a natural, unforced way, taking everything at your pace. Many mums arrive feeling unsure and leave saying they felt far more relaxed than they expected.

The aim is for you to feel comfortable, supported and confident, so you can simply enjoy the experience and trust that you’re in safe hands.

I recommend booking your maternity photo shoot as early as possible — ideally during your second trimester — to ensure the best availability. Most maternity sessions take place between 28–34 weeks, when your bump is beautifully defined and you’re usually still feeling comfortable.

My diary can fill up quickly, so booking ahead helps secure your preferred date and gives you plenty of time to plan and look forward to your session. If you’re further along in your pregnancy, it’s still worth getting in touch as I’ll always do my best to accommodate you where I can.

This does sometimes happen and it’s absolutely nothing to worry about.

I usually recommend scheduling your maternity session between 28–36 weeks to reduce the chances of your baby arriving before your shoot. However, if your baby decides to make an early appearance and arrives before your appointment, your session fee can be transferred to another type of session instead.

You’re welcome to use it towards a newborn, baby, family, or even a first birthday photo shoot, so you won’t lose out. We’ll simply plan something that works for you once you’re ready to visit the studio.

Your maternity session is all about celebrating you, and I approach every session with care, respect and sensitivity.

I use professional lighting, gentle posing and thoughtful angles to create images that feel flattering and natural, while being mindful of any areas you’d prefer to minimise. There’s never any pressure to pose in a way that doesn’t feel comfortable – we’ll always work within what feels right for you.

When it comes to stretch marks or other body concerns, it’s completely your choice. If you’d like them softened or removed in your final images, that’s absolutely fine. If you love them and want them included, that’s wonderful too. I’ll check in with you during your session and again during image selection so we’re always aligned.

The goal is simple: to create photographs you feel confident, proud and comfortable sharing.

Your comfort is my top priority. I have over 20 years’ experience working with expectant mums, and I’m very used to adapting sessions so you feel relaxed, supported and at ease.

We’ll take breaks whenever you need them, and I’ll gently guide you through poses that feel natural and flattering rather than stiff or demanding. If anything doesn’t feel comfortable — physically or emotionally — we’ll simply change it. Nothing is ever fixed or forced.

Pregnancy can come with very real physical considerations, from tiredness to needing the loo more often, and the session is planned with that in mind. My studio has bathroom facilities, seating, and plenty of flexibility so you never feel rushed or awkward.

The aim is for you to feel looked after, listened to, and comfortable throughout.

Absolutely. My studio is very versatile, and I’ll always work with your style, not impose my own.

I see my role as collaborating with you to create images that feel like you. Whether you’re drawn to something elegant and refined, relaxed and natural, or more artistic and expressive, we can plan a session that reflects your personality and taste.

If you already have ideas in mind, you’re very welcome to share them ahead of time so I can prepare everything we need. And if you’re not quite sure yet, that’s absolutely fine too – I’ll guide you gently and help shape a look that feels right for you.

Absolutely. Including older children or siblings is a lovely way to document your growing family, and I’m very happy to include them in your maternity session.

I’ll guide everyone gently so the session stays relaxed and comfortable, allowing us to capture natural family moments alongside your maternity portraits. We’ll usually take a mix of images together and some just of you.

If your older children are still quite young, I recommend bringing along an extra adult if possible. This gives you the chance to fully enjoy your solo maternity photographs while someone you trust can keep little ones settled nearby.

Life can be unpredictable, especially during pregnancy, so if you need to reschedule your maternity session, that’s absolutely fine. Whether it’s due to a change in circumstances, how you’re feeling, or a health concern, just let me know as soon as you can and we’ll find a new date that suits you.

If your baby arrives earlier than expected and your maternity session doesn’t go ahead, your session fee won’t be lost. You’re very welcome to use it at any point during your baby’s first year instead – for a newborn session, family portraits, or even a first birthday cake smash. There’s no pressure and no rush; we’ll simply work out what feels right for you.

Yes – absolutely. Your privacy is always respected.  At your session, I’ll ask whether you’re happy for me to use a few images in my portfolio, website, or social media, but there is never any pressure to say yes. The decision is completely yours.  If you prefer your images to stay private, that’s no problem at all – they’ll only appear in your secure online gallery, and nowhere else. I also never share partially nude or nude maternity images unless you’ve given explicit permission.  Your gallery is stored safely for you to download, and your images are permanently deleted from my system after 18 months.

Your finished images are usually ready within around two weeks of your photo shoot. This can vary slightly depending on how busy the studio is at the time, but I’ll always let you know what to expect and keep you updated along the way.

I know how exciting it is to see your images, so I work carefully but efficiently to get them to you as soon as possible.

I carefully edit every image in your final gallery and will remove stretch marks and any temporary blemishes unless you ask me not to. Some people love seeing their stretch marks and consider them part of their story, while others prefer a smoother finish – both choices are completely valid.

I’ll always check your preference with you, so your images reflect how you want to see yourself.

Absolutely not. There’s no expectation to undress at a maternity photo shoot. Some people choose lingerie or partially nude images because they love that style, but it’s entirely optional.

If that doesn’t feel like you, that’s completely fine. We can create beautiful, flattering maternity images while you’re fully clothed, using outfits that highlight your bump and feel comfortable and confident for you. Your session is always guided by what you’re happy with.

Yes — I have a small, carefully chosen selection of maternity dresses available for you to use during your session if you’d like.

They’re designed to photograph beautifully, with soft fabrics and flattering shapes that work well on camera. You’re very welcome to mix studio dresses with your own outfits, or skip them entirely if you already have something you love.

Ahead of your session, I’ll share more information so you can decide whether you’d like to include a studio dress, and I’m always happy to help you choose on the day.

If you’d like to see examples of the dresses and how they photograph, you can find more details in my maternity styling guide.

The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and like yourself. You’re welcome to bring outfits you love, and we can talk through what will photograph best when you arrive.

For maternity sessions, outfits that gently skim or cling to your bump tend to work beautifully. Simple dresses, soft fabrics, or jeans with an open shirt or knit can all photograph really well. I also have a small selection of maternity dresses available in the studio if you’d like to borrow one.

If you’re considering more intimate or lingerie-style images, well-fitting, simple underwear works best. I always recommend wearing loose clothing before your session to avoid marks on your skin.

If you’re unsure what to bring, don’t worry – I’m always happy to guide you and help you choose on the day.

Yes. Every image in your final gallery is carefully edited to reflect my signature style and to show you at your very best, while still looking natural and true to you.

Each photograph is refined for colour, tone and consistency. I’ll also gently remove temporary blemishes or marks if you’d like me to. When it comes to things like stretch marks, scars or other permanent features, I’ll always talk this through with you – nothing is removed unless you specifically ask.

My aim is not to change how you look, but to create polished, timeless maternity portraits that feel like you, just beautifully finished.

Absolutely – bringing items you love is a wonderful way to personalise your maternity photos. You’re very welcome to bring along outfits, accessories, or small props that feel meaningful to you, whether that’s a favourite dress, jewellery, a cosy cardigan, or items connected to your baby such as scan photos or tiny keepsakes.  I also have a small selection of maternity-friendly pieces here in the studio, so you’re free to mix your own items with anything you’d like to borrow.

Absolutely. You’re very welcome to include your partner and children in your maternity session – these images often become some of the most meaningful from the whole shoot.  If you’re bringing young children, it can be helpful to bring an extra adult along. That way, once we’ve captured your family photographs, your little ones can relax or play while we focus on your solo portraits, keeping the whole session calm and enjoyable for everyone.

I keep a small, carefully chosen selection of props and accessories for maternity sessions – things like fabrics, wraps and a few simple pieces that add gentle texture without taking the focus away from you. You’re welcome to use anything that feels like the right fit for your images.

If you’d like a closer look at what’s available, I’ve put together a blog post with examples and ideas.

You don’t need to do anything special before your shoot – you’ll already have that gorgeous maternity glow. A little gentle prep the day before can help you feel your best: a light exfoliation and plenty of moisturiser will make your skin camera-ready, and it’s worth giving your hands some extra care too, as they’re often featured resting on your bump.

On the day, arrive in something loose to avoid clothing marks and bring along any outfits or accessories you’d like to include. Everything else will be guided for you, so you can simply relax and enjoy the experience.

You don’t need to bring very much at all, but a couple of outfit options can be really helpful. Something fitted to show off your bump and something softer or more flowing both work beautifully. If you prefer to keep things simple, a classic jeans-and-shirt combination always photographs well.  I also have a selection of maternity dresses in the studio that you’re welcome to borrow, so you don’t need to shop specially unless you want to.

If you’d like photographs that include your bump uncovered, a well-fitting neutral underwear set is ideal. You’re also very welcome to bring any small personal touches – scan photos, baby bootees, or a special blanket – but this is completely optional.  I keep things relaxed and guided, so you only need to bring what makes you feel comfortable and confident.

I recommend booking your maternity photo shoot for when you’re around 28–36 weeks pregnant. By this stage, your bump is beautifully rounded, but you’re usually still comfortable enough to move and pose without feeling too tired.  If you’re expecting twins or multiples, it’s best to book a little earlier – ideally before 32 weeks – as babies often like to make an early appearance.

If you’re not sure what timing will work best for you, just ask and I’ll help you choose the perfect point in your pregnancy.

A maternity photo shoot takes around an hour.
We won’t be shooting the whole time – this gives you space to change outfits, get comfortable, and move at a relaxed pace. The session is designed to feel calm and unhurried so you can settle in and enjoy the experience.

My maternity photo shoot is £95 and includes a relaxed studio session with up to three outfit changes and full use of my backdrops and accessories.
Partners and children are welcome to join in too if you’d like family images.
Your session fee also includes three digital images, delivered at print quality in your private online gallery