At its heart, getting ready for a maternity photo session is less about the outfit and more about honoring the moment. Whether it’s your first or your fifth, this moment is yours—powerful, tender, and worth remembering. These photos are not just for now. Eventually, they’re for someday, when your baby asks what it was like to wait for them. When you want to remember how it felt to hold them before you ever held them. I believe every mama should feel strong, seen, and beautiful in their own way.
Hello there! I’m Emily. For the past seven years, I’ve been photographing mothers, babies, and families—capturing quiet, powerful moments that tell real stories. In between homeschooling my five little ones and soaking up this full, beautiful life, I’ve found deep joy in helping other mamas hold on to theirs. My work is all about creating space for connection, love, and the kind of beauty that doesn’t need to be staged. If you’re in the Hampstead area and looking for meaningful, artful images that reflect the heart of your family, I’d love to show you more. Take a look at my process or reach out here to start planning your session.
What This Maternity Photo Session Means to You
Before all the planning begins, pause to reflect on what this maternity photo session truly means to you.. Is it to remember how it felt to grow your baby? To celebrate your changing body? Or perhaps, to honor this quiet chapter before everything shifts?
That said, there’s no wrong answer. Your reason is yours alone—what makes the photos feel real.
And when we know your ‘why,’ it helps us shape the session in a way that feels more like you. Maybe you want something soft and quiet. Perhaps you want to laugh, cuddle, and show your wild side. Either way, this is about telling your story, not copying someone else’s.
When to Schedule Your Maternity Photo Session
As a general rule, the best time for a maternity photo session is usually between 28 and 34 weeks. By then, your belly has that beautiful round shape, but you’re still able to move around comfortably.
Every mama is different, though. If you’re carrying multiples or feeling extra tired, we might want to plan a little earlier. If you’re feeling strong and want to wait longer, that’s okay too.
What matters most is how you feel. We want you to be able to enjoy the session, not just get through it.
Choosing a Location That Resonates
Next, where you take your maternity photo session can change how it feels. The right spot tells part of your story. Do you feel most like yourself in the woods, at the beach, or maybe just at home?
Nature gives us space to breathe and move. A soft field, tall pines, or a quiet shoreline can all create a peaceful, earthy feeling. If you’re more of a homebody, we can create something just as powerful in your own space, where baby’s first memories will be made.
In other words, the goal is to choose a place that feels good to you, somewhere that makes you feel calm, open, and connected.
Looking for the perfect place to bring your maternity session to life? Explore my favorite photoshoot locations here—each one chosen for its beauty, soul, or connection to nature.
What to Wear to Feel Confident and Authentic
What you wear for your maternity photo session should help you feel like the best version of yourself—not someone else. For example, flowing dresses, soft textures, and earthy tones often work well because they move with you and blend beautifully with nature.
Remember, you don’t need to dress up fancy unless that’s what feels good to you. In fact, bare feet, cozy knits, or a well-loved sweater can look just as stunning. It’s all about comfort and connection.
Above all, the most important thing is that you feel free to move, rest, and be real. Confidence doesn’t come from the clothes—it comes from feeling safe and seen in them.
My Style of Maternity Photography: Soulful, Sensual, and Strong
Every session I offer is a quiet celebration of the season you’re in—a blend of vulnerability, beauty, and strength. These are not just portraits; they are visual poems crafted with intention, natural light, and the raw elegance of motherhood.
My work is for the woman who craves something deeper than posed smiles—who wants to feel seen, held, and radiant in her skin.
- Soulful – I capture what’s felt as much as what’s seen. A quiet pause. The warmth of the sun on your skin. The stillness before everything changes. These moments matter.
- Sensual – There is nothing more powerful than a woman connected to her body and her baby. Whether wrapped in fabric or surrounded by saltwater, these sessions celebrate the feminine form with softness and grace.
- Strong – You are doing something extraordinary. My lens honors your strength—not just in carrying life, but in owning this fleeting, sacred chapter as your own.
This style is for the mama who finds beauty in the real, power in the quiet, and magic in the in-between.
How to Make It a Moment of Self-Care
Now, your maternity photo session isn’t just about the pictures—it’s also a chance to slow down and honor your body, your heart, and this season of life.
Here are a few simple ways to turn your session into an act of self-care:
- Give yourself time – Don’t rush. Remember, plan space before and after your session to rest, stretch, and breathe.
- Do something that feels good – Take a warm bath, sip a favorite tea, or listen to music that calms you. That way, you come into the session feeling grounded.
- Bring comfort items – A cozy wrap, a meaningful necklace, or something from the baby’s nursery can help you feel held and connected.
- Let go of pressure – You don’t need to perform. Just show up as you are. That’s where the magic happens.
Above all, this is your moment to feel seen—not just as a mama, but as a whole woman.
Including Your Partner or Children in a Meaningful Way
Even more, when you invite your partner or children into your maternity photo session, it becomes even more layered with love. These moments are not just about the baby on the way, but about the family growing around them. I always encourage gentle, natural interactions—like holding hands, forehead kisses, or wrapping little arms around your belly.
So, there’s no need for perfect poses. Don’t forget, the beauty is in the realness—the giggles, the cuddles, the way your partner looks at you when you’re not looking. So, these images often become favorites because they show connection and legacy. It’s not just a session—it’s a memory being made together.
Trusting Your Photographer’s Process During Your Maternity Photo Session
Ultimately, when you book a maternity photo session with me, you’re not just hiring someone to take pictures—you’re trusting someone to hold space for your story. I bring years of experience, a calm presence, and a deep respect for this season you’re in. That’s why, from the first message to the final gallery, I’ll guide you every step of the way. I’ll help you feel comfortable, offer gentle direction, and leave plenty of room for your natural connection to shine through.
Often, the best sessions happen when you can let go a little and just be present. Trust that I see the beauty, even in the quietest moments. I believe that’s where the real magic lives.
And, if you’re thinking beyond maternity, want to keep telling your story after baby arrives? Learn why so many families love booking the Maternity & Newborn Photography Bundle—a seamless way to capture both beginnings, beautifully.
Your Story, Your Strength, Your Maternity Photo Session
Remember, preparing for a maternity photo session isn’t about getting everything perfect—it’s about making space for something meaningful. In the end, when you come into the experience with heart, intention, and trust, the result is something truly powerful. These photos will carry the feeling of this chapter—your love, your strength, your softness, your joy.
More than anything, I know how quickly these seasons of motherhood pass. That’s why I pour my heart into helping other mamas hold onto them—through honest, artistic photographs that reflect your real life, your real love, and the quiet strength woven into your everyday. If this storytelling style speaks to you, I’d be honored to create something beautiful together. Let’s plan a session that feels like you, personal, emotional, and full of life.
Also, if you want to see more of my work and behind-the-scenes moments, follow along on Instagram. Ready to book your maternity session? Click here to get in touch.
