So you’ve booked your session, you’ve maybe figured out your outfit, you’re excited and maybe just a little bit nervous too. What would really help are some maternity session tips in Burlington.
But what most moms don’t realize is getting ready for your maternity session is about so much more than just picking a dress. There are a handful of little things that can make a huge difference in how you feel on the day and how your photos turn out. And most of them never even cross your mind until it’s too late.
I’ve photographed a lot of maternity sessions, and the clients who walk away with galleries they absolutely love always have one thing in common: they came prepared. Not just logistically, but mentally, physically and practically.
So consider this your official heads-up. A friendly nudge from your photographer, ahead of time, so that nothing falls through the cracks. Let’s walk through everything you need to think about before your session including a few things you probably haven’t thought of yet.
Tip 1: Hair & Make Up
I know you might be tempted to throw your hair up and call it a day. But hear me out, because this is one of the most overlooked pieces of the prep puzzle.
Hair and makeup matter for photos in a way that’s a little different from everyday life. Camera lenses and natural light pick up texture, dimension and detail in a way that your bathroom mirror just doesn’t. A little extra definition in your brows, a bit of texture in your hair, some colour in your cheeks photograph beautifully. Without them, even the most stunning natural faces can look a bit washed out in certain lighting conditions.
This doesn’t mean you need to show up looking like you’re headed to the Met Gala. “Done” doesn’t have to mean “not yourself.” It just means showing up as a more polished, luminous version of your everyday self. Like someone who looks like she made an effort, because she did.
As a perk of booking a session with me, I have preferred rates with local makeup artists who I trust and love working with. If you’d like a referral, just ask. It’s one of those little extras that comes with being my client.
If you’ve never had professional makeup done before, consider booking a trial run ahead of time. It gives you a chance to see how it photographs, communicate what you love (and what you don’t) and arrive on the day of your session feeling totally confident instead of wondering if you made the right call.
And a gentle reminder that whatever you do with your hair, do it last.
Check out my guide to what to wear to your maternity shoot for more styling tips.
Tip 2: Prep The Belly (Yes, Really)
Okay, this one might surprise you a little but trust me, it’s worth mentioning.
In the weeks leading up to your session, moisturize your bump. Daily, if you can. Not because stretch marks are something to be ashamed of (they’re not, they’re literally proof that your body is growing a human, which is extraordinary), but because well-hydrated skin has a natural glow and suppleness to it that just photographs differently than dry skin. It looks healthier, smoother and more radiant in photos.
A simple belly butter or body oil is all you need, nothing fancy. Just make it part of your nighttime routine for a few weeks before your shoot and your skin will thank you on the day.
If you have stretch marks that you’re self-conscious about, I can also work with lighting and angles during our session to minimize their appearance. But the moisturizing is a simple thing that’s fully in your control ahead of time, and it makes a real difference.
Tip 3: Nails & the Little Details That Show Up on Camera
This one sneaks up on people every single time.
Your hands are everywhere in maternity photos. Cradling your belly, holding your partner’s hand, your toddler’s tiny fingers wrapped around yours or your partner’s hands resting on your bump. Hands are kind of a big deal in this genre which means chipped nail polish or overgrown cuticles are going to make a little cameo in your gallery whether you like it or not.
Get your nails done before your session. Nothing wild, just a simple neutral or soft tone works beautifully and photographs timelessly. If you’re a gel girl, time your fill-in accordingly. And gently remind your partner and any older kids joining you to tidy theirs up as well.
While we’re talking details… take off your smartwatch, fitness tracker and any hair ties you have looped around your wrist before you arrive. These little things pull the eye in photos and date the images in a way that feels jarring years from now when you’re flipping through your gallery.
Tip 4: Footwear - AKA The Thing Everyone Forgets
Raise your hand if you’ve never once thought about your shoes before a maternity session. (Don’t worry, I can’t see you.)
Feet show up more than you’d expect. Ground-level shots, barefoot in the grass, stepping through tall meadow weeds or just naturally in the frame as we move around. Your footwear is going to make at least a few appearances in your gallery.
For a timeless, dreamy look, bare feet or simple sandals are almost always my recommendation. If you want a little more polish, a simple strappy heel or flat sandal works beautifully. What I’d steer you away from is sneakers (unless that is genuinely your vibe and we’ve talked about it), socks or anything that doesn’t coordinate with your outfit.
Oh and if you’re planning on going barefoot in grass or a field, just pack a little wet wipe in your bag for a quick cleanup before we start and after we’re done – you can thank me later.
Tip 5: Make Use of The Client Closet
If the thought of sourcing the perfect maternity session outfit on top of everything else feels like way too much I’ve got good news. You don’t have to.
My client closet is a curated collection of maternity-friendly dresses in a range of styles, silhouettes and fabrics. Flowy and ethereal, simple and fitted, soft textures, beautiful tones. The kind of pieces that photograph like a dream without costing you a fortune or requiring an afternoon of shopping.
When you book a session with me, you have access to the closet including a private try-on session so we can find something that fits you perfectly and matches your vision for the shoot.
Tip 6: If You're Bringing Kids or Pets
Let me be real with you – bringing little ones to a maternity session is beautiful and chaotic in equal measure, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. But a little practical prep goes a long way.
For kids:
- Feed them before you come.
- Don’t schedule your session during nap time. (I know it seems obvious, but it happens more than you’d think.)
- Bring snacks not just for bribery purposes (although, yes, for bribery purposes), but also because the little energy boost between shots makes a real difference.
- Pack a comfort item or a small favourite toy for littles who need a transition object.
- Lower your expectations a little, and let me handle the rest. I have spent years working with kids who melt down, refuse to cooperate and decide the whole thing is stupid. And some of the most beautiful images I’ve ever captured happened in the middle of that beautiful mess. Trust the process.
For pets: Pets are the wildcard of any photo session, and I say that with full love for all dogs everywhere. If you’re bringing your fur baby, please consider bringing a second human such as a friend, family member or partner whose sole job is to hold the leash and manage the animal between shots. That way you’re not spending half the session stressed out about where your dog is or why they won’t stop trying to eat the flowers.
It makes for a much more relaxed experience for everyone, especially you.
Tip 7: Your Mindset Going In (The Tip Nobody Talks About)
Okay, I saved this one for last because I think it matters more than all the others combined.
Show up without a rigid agenda. I know that sounds a little woo-woo, but stick with me.
The clients who enjoy their sessions the most, and who end up with the galleries they love the most, are the ones who come in ready to be present, not perform. They’re not white-knuckling a list of must-have shots. They’re not spending the whole session in their heads worrying about whether they look okay or whether their kids are cooperating. They’re just there trusting the process.
The most magical moments I’ve ever captured weren’t planned. They were the laugh that happened right before I called “okay, switch spots.” The way a toddler reached up and grabbed their mama’s face. The exhale between poses when everyone just relaxed. You can’t manufacture those moments but you can create the conditions for them by coming in open and letting your photographer do her job.
Give yourself permission to feel a little awkward at the start. That’s completely normal and it always loosens up. Trust that I’ll guide you, prompt you and move you through the session in a way that feels natural. Your only job is to show up and let it unfold.
Maternity Session Tips for Burlington Mamas:
You've Got This
You’re growing a human… when it comes to your photoshoot the rest is honestly just details.
But the details do matter and now you’ve got them all covered. From hair and makeup to showing up with an open mind, a little bit of prep goes a long way toward making your session feel easy and joyful.
The best part is you don’t have to figure any of this out on your own. Every client who books a maternity session with me gets a full walkthrough before their shoot. We’ll go through outfits, logistics, timing and anything else that’s on your mind. I’m with you from start to finish.
Learn more about Maternity Sessions in the Burlington and Halton Regions