Expecting mamas, this post is for you! I’m going to give you a run down of how your maternity photo session with June Bug Photography will flow, give you some tips and tricks to prepare for your session, and (my favorite part) show off a few of my new maternity gowns.
Scheduling:
I typically recommend scheduling your maternity photo session so you will be somewhere between 25-33 weeks pregnant for your session. Note: this is a pretty big window, mostly because it’s all about your comfort. I want my mamas to be comfortable during their session, and I want you to be able to change into your gowns with ease, etc. I know this gets more difficult as baby grows, and we definitely don’t want baby to be born early (and miss the maternity session all together!) Shooting maternity sessions is SUPER relaxed, but you will be standing (and walking if shooting outdoors), changing, which gets a little harder in those last few weeks.
Planning:
Planning ahead for your maternity photo session should be fun. There isn’t a ton you need to do, but here are a few things to think about.
- Hair & Makeup: If you’re interested in having professional hair and makeup done for your session, let me know! I have a few great recommendations for hair and makeup artists. I don’t include this as part of my maternity packages, as many mamas prefer to do their own hair and makeup.
- Check out the gowns I have available for clients to use HERE make note of ones you love. Sizes listed on the descriptions are estimates, but most gowns are pretty flexible with sizing.
- Check out the different backdrop options I have HERE. Make note of backdrops you love!
- Don’t forget to fill out your questionnaire (it’ll be emailed to you prior to your session). This is a great place to let me know any specific ideas you have, the dresses you’d like to wear, the backdrops you want to use, etc.
- Make sure you have a bra that fits. Don’t worry if you don’t have a strapless bra, we can tuck and hide straps if needed.
The Session:
What to bring with you: I recommend brining along/wearing seamless underwear that is similar to your skin color. Bring along (or wear) a bra that fits, as well as any outfit(s) that you would like to be photographed in. When you arrive at the studio, we will have a quick chat, get to know each other, and make a plan for the session. I’ll have the gowns you want to try all steamed and ready to wear ahead of time.
During a typical maternity session, my clients have plenty of times for outfit changes if desired. We play dress up, have fun, and shoot a TON. You are welcome to include the rest of the family in your maternity photos, or it’s totally ok to have it just YOU.
After the Shoot:
Following your session with June Bug Photography, you will get to choose your images! YAY! Within 24 hours of your session, you will receive an email link to a “soft proofing gallery”, which is basically an online, watermarked gallery of the images captured during your session. These images will be UNEDITED (don’t worry, your final images will be edited to perfection). You will use the unedited images in the proofing gallery to select the photos you want included in your purchased package. Once you choose your favorite images, I will edit those, order your prints, and ship your USB of high resolution files & prints to your mailbox! Once you receive your digital files, you can post, share, print them to your heart’s content!
Just for fun, here are my newest gowns. Feel free to laugh at my ridiculous fake belly, and awkward posing (trying to pose yourself with a fake belly, using a camera timer is just as silly as it sounds). 
And here is a shot of the different backdrop options we have in studio
