How to Prepare for Your Metro Detroit Maternity Session

You Are About to Welcome a New Life to Your Family!

The excitement and nerves are all there when expecting your little bundle of joy and you want to capture this moment from the beginning. In this post, we’ll go over when the best time to get your portrait session done, the best things to wear, locations, and having your partner and/or family involved too!

I am an experienced maternity photographer located right in the Metro Detroit area especially Macomb. Some of my studio maternity portraits can be viewed in this gallery.

When to Schedule Your Maternity Session

Ideal Trimester Window

The best window during your pregnancy is between 28 and 34 weeks. This allows us to be able to see your little baby bump, plus it is also most likely before you will feel most uncomfortable. Plus, we don’t want you to be going into labor early and you miss out on your session.

Booking Timeline

I recommend booking at least about 4-6 weeks in advance. This allows for the best availability during this small window. I offer both in-studio and outdoor/on location portraits for maternity sessions. This allows for flexibility with weather and daylight. You can book your session with me right now! CONTACT ME!

Choosing the Right Location

I have some local favorite locations that work well with portrait sessions of all kinds. Between parks, gardens, waterfront and limited indoor locations we can definitely find the perfect spot for you. The best time for outdoor locations is in the early morning and evening for the best lighting.

To avoid any weather obstructions, we can work with indoor locations or an in-studio session. There are a few studio options in the area and I can also provide a list of other locations that allow photography indoors. We can also have your session in your home! There’s nothing better than the comfort of your own home, plus adding in the beautiful nursery for your new baby can add a beautiful touch. This really helps if the whole family is involved as well!

What to Wear for Your Maternity Portraits

Flowing Dresses and Gowns

You’ve probably seen those beautiful, elaborate gowns that so many use for their portrait sessions. They are statement pieces. I love being able to work with these because they flow so well and create drama to your portraits. I have some places where I can rent these for you so you don’t have to stress about it.

Color Palette Tips

You cannot go wrong with neutral or earth tones. Subtle color works as well. Stay away from neon colors because they can cast color on skin. I like to help my clients plan out their session based on the outfits they choose, so if you need help planning these out, I’m your girl! As for patterns, stay away from busy patterns and logos.

If you plan on having your family involved it’s best to coordinate the outfits without matching them. You don’t want to be all wearing the same shirt or the exact same color. I can layer your poses based on the colors and patterns you wear.

Accessories and Details

Consider getting professional hair and make-up done. If you have an HMUA you love, feel free to bring them along! We can plan for that time to have your hair and make-up done right before your session. Plus, if they are willing to stay, they can help with touch ups. If you do not want to have this professionally done, no worries! You will still look absolutely beautiful! Stay away from make-up that is too sparkly and a matte finish on the face is best to avoid shininess.

Simple jewelry is usually best. If there is a special piece that means something to you, please bring it along! I love to incorporate heirloom items and other special, personal things. I do have a limited client wardrobe available. It primarily has various sizes of long-sleeved, black body suits, crop tanks, and a couple simple dresses.

Who to Include In Your Session

Partner Poses

A focus on emotional connection between you and your partner works best. This centering around your bump can really create an emotional portrait. You’ve been carrying this baby for so long already and we want to make sure your partner feels included.

Including Other Children or Pets

Including your other children in your session can always be so fun and helps to make them feel included in the whole process. This includes pets as well because we all know they are our children too! One tip to keep in mind is to maybe have your portraits taken first and then your partner and children can come a little later to be added in a few at the end. This is especially helpful if the session is anywhere, but your home. This way the littles aren’t sitting around waiting and bored.

Solo Bump Portraits

This is such a special moment in your life and nobody else knows what you are going through (except other mothers). This portrait session allows us to celebrate YOU!

Day-Of Preparation Tips

Hair and Make-Up

I highly recommend hiring a professional for this. They will truly make you look your best. I recommend a trial run beforehand as well to make sure you get the look you want. Like mentioned before, feel absolutely free to bring them along to your session as well! If you are DIYing your hair and make-up, no problem! Like I said, make sure it is a matte finish and stay away from anything too shiny or sparkly. Neutral colors in your eye color work the best as well and at the very least if you do not want to wear lipstick, a nice lipgloss or even chapstick helps to keep those lips smooth.

Comfort and Timing

Make sure you eat beforehand (do not overeat though) and stay hydrated beforehand. This will ensure you’ll feel the most comfortable during your session. Bring comfortable slippers/shoes and/or a robe for in between shots and breaks. My biggest priority to make sure you are comfortable throughout your whole session so if you need breaks throughout, do not be afraid to speak up!

What to Bring

• Outfit Changes. Bring more than one outfit. A fancier outfit and then a casual one is a good idea. This will give us the most variety in your portrait gallery.
• A touch-up kit. If you are not bringing your HMUA along with you, bring with you a hair brush and a make-up kit for touch-ups throughout your session.
• Snacks and Water. The water especially will help you stay hydrated. I know I get hangry if I do not eat, so I know having snacks with you can help.
• Comfy Shoes. This especially applies if we are outside in a park setting or somewhere where we will be walking from location to location.

What to Expect During Your Metro Detroit Maternity Session

I like to talk a bit to warm things up. It helps to talk, ask questions, etc before the session before I pull the camera up in your face. I will also go through the wardrobe you brought to plan out the session based on that. We will start with basic poses to kind of gage how comfortable you are with certain things and then move into more “advanced” poses as we move along. For sure, I will guide you through each pose and provide alternatives if a pose is more difficult for you. You will not be wondering what to do during your session because I already do!

After Your Session – Next Steps

My portrait sessions go a little different than most you might have session. We will have your portrait session and then once I’ve edited all the best images (I try and have about 1 image per pose or outfit that we do), I will bring us together to view your images. During your viewing party, you will choose your top 5 portraits and those are the ones that come with your session. This will also be your opportunity to purchase more images and products. Each image is printed 7×10 and matted. During this viewing session is also a great opportunity to book your lifestyle newborn session and/or motherhood session with your new baby.

Ready to Book Your Maternity Session?

There’s no better time than now to book your maternity session. I specialize in first-time mothers and those that have struggled with their fertility journey, but I love to photograph all mothers of all backgrounds! You can view some of my work here PORTFOLIO and inquiry with me here INQUIRE.