So you're pregnant, you've booked your maternity session (or you're thinking about it), and now you're wondering... what do I actually need to do to get ready?

First of all: take a breath. You're already doing the hardest part, which is growing an entire human. Your maternity session should feel like the fun part! And I promise, with a little bit of planning, it will be.

As a Seattle maternity photographer with about 15 years of experience (and a mama of two myself), I've learned a thing or two about what makes a maternity session feel relaxed, fun, and absolutely beautiful. This is the guide I send to all of my clients, and I'm sharing it here so you can feel totally prepared too.

When to Schedule Your Maternity Photos

I recommend booking your maternity session for around 32-34 weeks pregnant. This is the sweet spot! You've got a gorgeous bump going, but you're (hopefully) not feeling completely uncomfortable yet, and you're not getting too close to an early arrival.

That said, I'd encourage you to reach out earlier to get on my calendar, ideally in your second trimester. This gives us time to plan your session around the season, find the perfect location, and make sure your preferred date is available.

What to Wear for Your Maternity Session

This is the question I get asked the most, and I love helping my clients with it. Here's the thing: your outfit should make you feel like YOU. Confident, beautiful, and comfortable. That's it. The rest is just details.

The Look Everyone is Loving Right Now

An open, oversized button-down shirt (think: your partner's shirt or a linen button-down), worn unbuttoned with a simple bralette or crop top underneath, paired with jeans worn low and unbuttoned. The bump is the star. Or a cute cropped or open knit / sweater top - SO cute.

This has been the most requested look for my recent maternity sessions and I'm so here for it. It's effortless, confident, and incredibly flattering. It gives that casual, intimate, "this is real life" vibe that I think makes the most beautiful maternity photos.

Classic Options That Always Photograph Beautifully

Not feeling the bare bump look? No worries at all! Here are some tried-and-true options that always look stunning:

Flowy maxi dress: Fitted through the bust, loose below. Highlights your bump beautifully and creates gorgeous movement, especially outdoors with a little breeze.
Fitted bodycon dress: Sleek and modern. Puts your bump front and center in a bold, beautiful way.
Wrap dress: Flattering on every body type, and the tie adjusts as your bump grows.
Jeans + a beautiful top: Casual, timeless, and totally you. Great for a more relaxed vibe.

Colors and Fabrics That Photograph Best

Lighter colors show off your bump's shape better than dark colors (black can actually hide it!). Soft, flowing fabrics like chiffon, cotton, and linen add gorgeous movement to your images. Neutrals and soft tones are always timeless: cream, blush, sage, dusty blue. But if you love bold color, go for it! Jewel tones like wine, emerald, and mustard look incredible in any season.

Avoid super busy patterns, large logos, or anything scratchy and uncomfortable. If you're tugging and adjusting the whole time, it'll show in your photos!

What About Your Partner and Kids?

My golden rule: coordinate, don't match. Your partner should wear simple, clean pieces in complementary colors. Think henley + chinos, button-down + jeans, or a textured sweater. Muted tones like navy, charcoal, olive, and cream always look great.

For kiddos, comfort is everything. If they feel good, photos go smoother. Soft fabrics, coordinating colors, and no giant logos or cartoon characters.

Pro tip: Send me photos of your outfit options! I'm always happy to help you narrow it down.

Choosing a Location for Your Maternity Session

One of my favorite things about maternity sessions in Seattle is how many stunning options we have. I love leaning into the season and letting nature set the stage for your family's chapter.

Some of my go-to spots for maternity sessions:

Discovery Park: Always a favorite. So much variety and gorgeous year-round.
Golden Gardens: Magical at sunset. Stunning beach vibes with mountain views.
Gas Works Park: That iconic Seattle skyline view over Lake Union.
North Bend / Rattlesnake Lake: Mountains, water, and bohemian magic.
At home: Cozy, intimate, and perfect for those rainy PNW days.

Want to go somewhere epic? Mount Rainier, Snoqualmie Pass, Deception Pass, Vantage... I'm always down for an adventure with my families.

I love to embrace the seasons with maternity session locations - check out this post for more!

How to Actually Prepare (Your No-Stress Checklist)

Here's the honest truth: you don't need to do a ton. But these small things will make your experience so much better.

The Week Before

Finalize your outfit. Send me photos if you want a second opinion!
Pamper yourself if you want to. Nails, hair, whatever makes you feel beautiful. (But don't stress. You're growing a human and that's gorgeous enough.)
Confirm our location and time.
I’ll check the weather forecast and have a rain plan if needed.

The Day Of

Eat a real meal and drink plenty of water. You're 8 months pregnant and about to be on your feet. Fuel up!
Ditch anything that will leave marks on your skin: tight hair ties on your wrist, socks with elastic, restrictive jewelry. Take them off at least 30 minutes before we start.
Don't forget lip balm. Your lips will get dry. This is my number one session secret.
Charge your phone. You'll want to text everyone your sneak peeks.

What to Bring

A second outfit if you'd like variety (I allow outfit changes during full maternity sessions!)
Comfortable shoes for walking to the location
Water bottle
Snacks (for you, for kiddos, for everyone)
Any props: ultrasound photos, baby shoes, meaningful items. Keep it simple!
A tote bag for phones, keys, and jackets

How to Prep Your Partner

Some partners feel a little unsure about the whole "being photographed" thing. Totally normal! Here's what I tell them: this isn't about posing perfectly. Your main job is to look at your partner like you're in love with them. (The easy part!)

I'll guide everything with easy prompts. Walk together, lean in, whisper something funny, hold hands, kiss her forehead. The best images come from real moments, not choreographed ones. I find that even the most camera-shy partners relax within the first five minutes.

Including Your Older Kiddos

If this isn't your first baby and your older kids are joining, here's my best advice: lean into the chaos. Kids don't need to sit still. In fact, most don't. And that's where the magic lives.

I start slow, letting your older kiddos warm up on their own terms. We balance wild moments with quiet ones: belly kisses, snuggling close, gentle touches on the bump. Your gallery will be real, connected, and a true reflection of your family's energy.

A few ways to prep your little ones:

"We're going to hang out with our friend Meredith and play!"
"We get to take pictures we can hang in the house!"
"You get to show the baby in mama's belly how much you love them!"
Show them old family photos and talk about how much they've grown.

And remember: I speak fluent toddler. Truly nothing surprises me.

Bringing Your Fur Baby

Your dog was your first baby. Of course they should be in the photos! Some of my favorite maternity images include the family pup sniffing or nuzzling the bump. Have treats ready, use calm voices, and consider having a friend nearby to help wrangle if your dog has big energy.

Clothing tip for pet parents: If your dog sheds, wear light clothing if the dog is dark, and non-static fabrics if the dog is white. (And don't stress. A little dog hair is part of life!)

What Happens After Your Session

I'll send you a sneak peek within a few days (because I know how excited you are!). Your full gallery is delivered within 2-3 weeks via email and includes all of your best images, edited, high-resolution, with download and printing rights. Full sessions typically include 75-100 images.

I also offer custom linen layflat album design if you'd like to turn your favorites into something you can hold in your hands. And if you're thinking about newborn photos too (please do!), I offer a baby bundle discount for families who book both maternity and newborn sessions.

Ready to Book?

Pregnancy is magic. Even when it doesn't feel like it. Even on the days when your back hurts and nothing fits and you've eaten your weight in crackers. You are doing something incredible, and I would be so honored to document this season for you.

I make booking easy: choose your session type, pay your deposit, and sign your contract online. That's it! When you book, you'll get my complete Maternity Session Prep Guide with even more tips, tricks, and everything you need to feel totally ready.

Book your maternity session here!

Questions? I'm always just an email away. Let's celebrate this chapter together!

How to Prepare for Your Maternity Session (Your Complete Guide!)

When to Schedule Your Maternity Photos