Before Baby Arrives: A Maternity Session to Remember
There’s something so incredibly special about a maternity session.
It’s more than taking beautiful photos of a growing belly. It’s about documenting a family exactly as they are right now, before life changes in the most beautiful way. Before baby arrives, there is this sweet season of anticipation , the excitement, the little nerves, the preparing, and the wondering about who this newest little person will be. And that is what makes maternity sessions so meaningful.
Getting Ready for Your Maternity Session
For many moms, getting their hair and makeup professionally done is part of the experience. It gives you a chance to slow down, relax, and feel beautiful while preparing for a session that celebrates such an important chapter in your life.
Then comes the outfit.
Whether you choose a flowing maternity gown, something simple and timeless, or an outfit that feels more like you, what you wear should make you feel confident and comfortable. I love helping my clients with wardrobe guidance before the session so we can choose pieces that photograph beautifully and complement the entire family.
For the most part, I leave it up to my clients to choose and coordinate their family’s outfits in a way that feels authentic to them. I’m always happy to help along the way, whether that means suggesting color combinations, choosing a backdrop, or helping determine which outfit colors will complement the overall look of the session best.
My goal is to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible while creating a beautiful, cohesive look that reflects your family’s personality and style.
Those Little Nervous Feelings
I know that stepping in front of a camera can feel a little intimidating.
You may be wondering:
“What do I do with my hands?”
“Where do I look?”
“Am I posing correctly?”
“What if I look awkward?”
Please know that you are not alone!
Most of my clients are not professional models and they don't need to be.
One of my favorite parts of being a maternity photographer is taking away that pressure. You don't need to know how to pose. That's my job.
I will guide you through every movement, every pose, and every little detail. I’ll show you where to stand, how to position your hands, where to look, and how to interact with your spouse and children. My goal is to make the poses feel natural and effortless, so instead of thinking about the camera, you can focus on each other.
Sometimes the best photographs happen in between the poses, a genuine laugh, a forehead kiss, the way your spouse looks at your growing belly, or the moment your little one reaches out to touch their new sibling. Those are the moments I want to capture.
Including Your Spouse
Your maternity session isn't just about mom and baby. It's about the love that surrounds this baby. Including your spouse creates photographs that tell a much bigger story. The way they hold you, support you, look at you, or place their hands gently over your belly becomes part of your family's history. These photographs will one day remind you of the person who stood beside you during this beautiful season of waiting. And sometimes, those simple moments are the most meaningful.
A hand on your belly.
A quiet embrace.
A kiss on the forehead.
A little laughter between the two of you.
Nothing has to feel overly posed. I'll guide you into positions that create beautiful images while allowing your connection to shine through.
Don't Forget the Siblings
If this isn't your first baby, I always encourage you to include your older children in your maternity session.
They are becoming big brothers and sisters, too.
This is a huge transition for them, and documenting their excitement, curiosity, and connection to the baby before birth is something you will treasure forever. We can capture sweet moments of them hugging your belly, talking to their baby sibling, holding your hand, cuddling with you, or simply being themselves. And yes, sometimes siblings have their own plans for the session! That's completely okay.
Kids don't have to sit perfectly still or smile on command. I love allowing them to move, play, laugh, and interact naturally. Those genuine expressions often become some of the most treasured images in your gallery.
Bringing Keepsake Props
Another beautiful way to personalize your maternity session is by bringing meaningful keepsakes.
Maybe it's a tiny pair of baby shoes. A special ultrasound photo. A blanket that has been passed down through generations. A stuffed animal waiting in the nursery. A handwritten letter. A family heirloom. Or even something from your older children's baby days that you want to incorporate into the photographs. These little details may seem simple, but they can tell a powerful story.
Years from now, when your children look back at these photographs, those keepsakes can bring back memories of the anticipation and excitement surrounding their arrival.
During the Session
Once we begin, I'll guide you through the entire experience. We'll start with simple poses to help everyone get comfortable in front of the camera. As we move through the session, I'll gradually introduce more intimate and creative poses. You don't have to worry about remembering what to do. I'll give you direction throughout the session while also leaving room for natural interaction.
Sometimes I'll ask you to look at each other. Sometimes I'll ask you to whisper something silly. Sometimes I'll simply tell you to hold your baby bump and take a moment together. And sometimes, I'll step back and let the moment happen. Those are often the photographs where you can truly feel the emotion.
Your Story, Before Baby
When you receive your final gallery, I hope you don't just see beautiful photographs. I hope you see a story.
A story about a family waiting for someone they haven't met yet.
A story about siblings preparing to become big brothers or sisters.
A story about two people who are about to become parents in a new way.
A story about anticipation, love, excitement, and all the emotions that come with welcoming a new baby.
Because one day, your newest little addition will look at these photographs and see how loved they were before they were even born. And that's the real beauty of a maternity session. It's not simply about documenting pregnancy. It's about documenting love before the family grows.
So, if you're expecting, don't wait until after the baby arrives to start documenting this chapter.
Find us here
1497 6th Street
Green Bay, WI 54304