Maternity sessions
Why are Maternity Photography Sessions so popular?
First and foremost. You ARE BEAUTIFUL. You DESERVE to feel GLAMOUROUS. You ARE ENTITLED to BE AMAZING.
Pregnancy is a truly magical and exciting time. It is important to mark this time so you can look back and remember how special it was. Before you know it your baby will be in your arms and it’s lovely to remember your bump! However, being a mum myself, I also realise how self-conscious we can feel during pregnancy. It’s a strange time when your body is changing completely and water retention can be a nightmare. You probably feel bloated and uncomfortable about doing this but it is truly a ‘one of’ opportunity not to be missed and regretted later. I have only one photograph of me heavily pregnant with my daughter and I really wish I had taken so many more. I miss that bump now!
The best time to schedule your pregnancy session is around 28-35 weeks, when the tummy is nice and round. This will vary with each woman – and some women who carry small, or gain little weight may choose to wait until they are 36-38 weeks. You should be photographed when you feel good, have a nice rounded bump, certainly before the downward venture begins! I want you to enjoy your maternity portrait session and get some classic and creative images . As a mum, I realise you may be concerned about stretch marks and feel a little bigger all over, so removing any blemishes, including stretch marks and sliming you down a little in areas where suggested through flattering poses, camera angles and expert editing skills are all part of your session. Just let me know what your concern is and I will take care of it for you!
I fully understand and appreciate that the Bump photos may not be your thing, and that you may be hesitant about having your photos taken. It isn’t uncommon to feel uncomfortable and bloated in the later stages of pregnancy, so getting in front of the camera may be the last thing on your mind! I am trained and experienced in capturing all sizes of the human body from the most flattering of angles. But please note – you DON’T have to take your clothes off for the session – there are many other approaches that can be taken, including staying fully clothed! During these photo sessions, I always make sure to put mum at ease, create a relaxing atmosphere and use comfortable poses and gowns.
Full maternity sessions give you 1-2 hours in the studio to work through a variety of gowns and styles - with partners and siblings welcome to be group photographed with you.
What do I need to bring with me?
Black and white/nude underwear.
If you have special baby items (shoes, blankets, toys, ultrasound photos, name blocks, etc.) feel free to bring those to the session. They make great additions to your images .
I have lots of maternity dresses, gowns, outfits that together we can use in the shoot but please feel free to bring your own ideas too. I would love you to feel comfortable during the session, so you may prefer to wear your own clothes. Choose outfits that flatter your figure, show off your bump and are comfortable. Pre-pregnancy jeans (unbuttoned, of course) and a body hugging t-shirt are nice options. A clingy dress also looks great in photographs, as do opened sweaters, robes or button down shirts. Try to choose medium to dark colours and solid prints. Feel free to bring a variety of options and I will help you choose the most flattering selections.
How do I prepare for the session?
Please dress in loose clothing before your session to avoid marks on your skin. Try to get a good night’s sleep. Drink plenty of water the day before your session to hydrate your skin and eyes. Your hands will likely be a prominent feature in many of your images. Treating yourself to a manicure before your session may be a nice touch. Feel free to wear a special bracelet or piece of jewellery to add interest to your image.
What can I expect?
A full maternity sessions gives you 1-2 hours in the studio to work through a variety of gowns and styles. A maternity session can be done in the studio or outdoors, (weather permitting).
Can I include my partner/children in my maternity photoshoot?
Certainly! Although my maternity session is all about mum, you are more than welcome to include the rest of the family during a maternity photo sessions.
Do you require a deposit?
A non-refundable SESSION FEE of £25 is due on booking to secure your appointment. This DOES NOT include any prints nor digital images, which are charged individually.
Why do you charge a session fee?
The session fee is a creative one, which covers my time and talent to shoot and create professional images that you will treasure forever, and guarantees your appointment. It also covers acquisition, full use, and maintenance of quality studio props and my time to select and perfect your images for viewing.
Do I need to buy any of your packages?
Yes, at least one digital package needs to be purchased.
When will my photographs be ready?
After your photoshoot, your photographs will be edited to my highest standards before being presented to you. This process typically takes two weeks, however it may take a little longer during busy periods. As soon as your photographs are ready, I will invited you back for your personal view and order session, at which you will be able to select your photographs and choose the packages and products that you would like to purchase with them.
Please note that some mini sessions and event photography packages may not include a personal view and order session. In these cases you will be provided with an online gallery from which to download your photographs.
How do I book?
The first thing to do is get in touch! Send me a message via my contact form and I will get back to you at a time that suits us both. We’ll have a quick chat to find out a bit more about you and the style of photographs that you prefer and then tailor your session accordingly. I know it can take courage to book a photoshoot where all the focus is on you, so this consultation is a great opportunity for you to get a feel for who I am and hopefully relax a little about what’s to come.
Providing you’re happy to go forwards, I’ll follow up our call with details of how to pay your £25 deposit, as well as offering a standard contract that explains all the relevant terms and conditions. Please note that your booking will not be confirmed until your deposit has been paid and the contract signed. After booking, you will receive a confirmation email and a reminder closer to your appointment time.
Cancellations
I require 48 hours’ notice when cancelling or re-scheduling. No guarantee can be given that a specific new slot will be available nor provided.
Prices
BRONZE COLLECTION£ 150SWEET
SILVER COLLECTION£ 220ADORABLE
PLATINUM COLLECTION£ 300PRECIOUS
Session Fee £25 a non refundable SESSION FEE is due on booking to secure your space.Please note that no images or prints are included at this point and a session fee will not be deducted from the order's full amount.Individual digital images may be purchased in addition to the package of your choice £15 each.
