7 Tips for Preparing for Your Outdoor Maternity Photography Session

1. Consider professional hair and makeup

Professional hair and makeup can make you feel extra pampered and beautiful before your session even begins. It also photographs beautifully and can give you that extra boost of confidence when you step in front of the camera.
Maternity sessions are a special occasion, so don’t be afraid to get a little more glamorous than you normally would!

2. Take advantage of my complimentary maternity gown collection

One of my favorite parts of preparing for a maternity session is helping you choose your gowns!
I offer a beautiful selection of complimentary maternity gowns for my clients to use during their sessions. From soft and romantic to elegant and dramatic, there are many different styles, colors, and fabrics to choose from. All of my maternity gowns are made by high-end couture designers who specialize in creating gowns specifically for professional photographers, so they are designed to photograph your baby bump beautifully.

After reserve your session, I will contact you and setup a gown try-on appointment(optional), so you can try the gowns before you decide.

3. Choose comfortable shoes

Outdoor maternity sessions often involve a little walking, especially when we’re moving between beautiful locations or searching for those pretty pocket of light.
The good news? Your shoes usually won’t be visible! Most maternity gowns are long and flowy enough to cover your feet, so wear something comfortable that makes walking easy.
You can always change into prettier shoes for any shots where your feet may be visible. Or kick your shoes to the side and do barefoot, and trust me the images will still be gorgeous with barefoot.

4. Stay hydrated and bring bug spray

Outdoor sessions can be warm, particularly during the warmer months and in the afternoon. Staying hydrated is especially important during pregnancy, so bring water and take breaks whenever you need them.
I also recommend bringing bug spray. We’re often photographing in gardens, fields, parks, and other beautiful outdoor locations where mosquitoes maybe around.

5. Choose neutral, complementary outfits for your family

If your husband or partner is joining the session, I recommend choosing an outfit in a neutral, muted, or complementary color palette.
Think soft beige, cream, white, tan, gray, navy, or other colors that coordinate with your maternity gown rather than competing with it.
Avoid large logos, busy patterns, or very bright colors that can distract from the connection between you two. The goal isn’t for everyone to perfectly match—it’s for the outfits to look cohesive together.
And don’t worry, I’ll help you with wardrobe coordination if you’re unsure what works!

6. Choose skin-tone undergarments

This is a small detail that can make a big difference, especially when you’re wearing maternity gowns made from delicate, sheer, or lightweight fabrics.
A nude or skin-tone bra and underwear are usually the safest choices. They are much less noticeable underneath light-colored or sheer gowns and give us more flexibility when choosing different dresses. Or skip the bra and wear nippies instead, so we don’t need to worry about straps or extra paddings that may not look good underneath the gown.
If you’re unsure about what to wear underneath a particular gown, just ask me! I’m happy to help you plan your wardrobe ahead of time.

7. Bring something sentimental

Your maternity session doesn’t have to be only about beautiful portraits. It can also be about telling the story of your baby and your family.
If there’s something meaningful you’d like to incorporate, bring it!
It could be a tiny pair of baby shoes, an ultrasound photo, a special piece of jewelry, a family heirloom, a handwritten note, or baby’s first teddy bear.
These little details may seem simple, but they can make your gallery much more personal and meaningful. Years from now, those sentimental details can bring you right back to this exact season of your life.

Most importantly, come ready to enjoy the experience.
You don’t need to know how to pose, where to put your hands, or what to do in front of the camera. That’s my job!
I’ll guide you through flattering poses, natural movements, and genuine moments of connection with your partner. We’ll take our time, make adjustments as needed, and create a variety of portraits—from elegant maternity portraits to soft, intimate images with your growing family.
Pregnancy is such a fleeting chapter. Let’s slow down for a little while and create beautiful artwork that reminds you just how incredible this season was.

Planning a maternity session in Winston-Salem North Carolina, or anywhere around the Piedmont Triad? I’d love to help you plan your dream maternity portraits.

I am a newborn, milestone, family and maternity photographer serving Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and surrounding areas. Contact me now to learn more about my business.