What to Expect at a Professional Maternity Photo Session
If you’ve never had professional maternity photos before, you might be wondering what actually happens during a session. Will it be awkward? Will you know how to pose? What if you don’t love being in front of the camera?
As a Raleigh-based maternity photographer (and a mom of three who’s been on both sides of the lens) I understand how important it is to feel comfortable, beautiful, and cared for during this experience. My goal is always to guide you through every step so you can relax and enjoy the process, knowing your pregnancy is being documented with intention.
Here’s what to expect at a professional maternity photo session, along with tips from my own experience and real client stories. If you also want to know when to schedule your maternity shoot, or other related questions, check out my blog titled “When to Schedule Maternity Photos (and All Your Common Questions Answered).”
We’ll Start With a Plan That’s All About You
Before we ever start taking photos, we’ll talk about your vision for the session. Do you picture yourself surrounded by nature, walking through a field at sunset? Or do you see something a little more modern, like an urban skyline or an art-filled park?
I’ll help you choose a location that fits your style, personality, and comfort level. If you’re looking for ideas, check out my blog on The Best Maternity Photo Locations Near Durham. It’s full of local spots I love to photograph.
Styling That Puts You at the Center
One of the biggest questions I get is, “What should I wear?” My advice is simple: don’t just follow trends, choose something that makes you feel amazing.
When styling for maternity sessions, I always recommend building the wardrobe around mom’s outfit first. She’s the star of the gallery, and the rest of the family’s clothing can be chosen to complement her look. As a full session client, you’ll also get access to my exclusive digital styling service to help you plan and even purchase outfits that emphasize your story.
I still think about a session I did last year at the North Carolina Museum of Art. My client had gorgeous red hair and freckles, and she wore this flowing copper dress that made her coloring absolutely glow. It was also the same shade as her dog’s fur, so any stray hair blended in seamlessly which was an unexpected but perfect detail.
Guidance Every Step of the Way
It’s completely normal to feel unsure about how to stand or where to put your hands, especially with a baby bump. That’s why I’ll guide you through natural poses and prompts that highlight your best angles and the connection between you and your baby (and your other family members, if applicable).
Because I’ve been pregnant three times myself, I have an intuitive understanding of what’s comfortable and what’s not. I know how to position you so your bump is shown beautifully without putting you in awkward or uncomfortable poses. And if you need a break, water, or a quick snack, we pause. This is about you feeling cared for, not rushed.
The Best Time of Day for Beautiful Light
While we can make almost any time of day work, I often recommend shooting during golden hour (the hour before sunset) when the light is soft, warm, and flattering. This is especially gorgeous in open locations like Dix Park or Yates Mill.
But I also know golden hour doesn’t always fit into real life. If we need to work around kids’ nap schedules or avoid summer heat, I’ll help choose a location with plenty of open shade so we still get flattering light without worrying about the sun’s position.
What to Bring to Your Session
Here are a few things that make your maternity session smoother:
Comfortable shoes (even if you swap into dress shoes for the photos)
Water and snacks, especially if we’ll be walking between locations
Touch-up items like lipstick, hair ties, or a lint roller
A backup layer in cooler months for between shots
Expect a Balance of Posed and Candid Moments
I love a mix of both guided poses and unposed, in-between moments. We might start with a few portraits where I position you just right, then move into prompts like walking hand-in-hand with your partner, snuggling with older kids, or simply enjoying the scenery together. Those little moments often become client favorites because they feel genuine.
Ready to Plan Your Maternity Session?
Now that you know what to expect at a professional maternity photo session, the next step is choosing a location and style that feel right for you. You can browse my Maternity Photography Portfolio for inspiration, and check out my Best Maternity Photo Locations Around Durham guide to start envisioning your session.
When you’re ready, I’ll walk you through every step so you can focus on the joy of this moment knowing your story will be told beautifully and honestly. When you’re ready, contact me to book your maternity session.