Maternity Sessions - FAQ Edition
If you’re here, chances are you’re thinking about booking a maternity session in Orange County or you’re curious about how it all works. I get a lot of questions about these sessions, so I thought it’d be helpful to share some of the most common ones. Hopefully, this helps you figure out if and when you’d like to schedule your maternity shoot and who you’d like to work with!
Do You Offer Maternity Sessions in Orange County?
Absolutely! I love maternity photography. In fact, the first seven years of my photography career were dedicated to maternity and family sessions. I started 16 years ago in Europe, where I’m originally from, and back then, my focus was on capturing baby bumps, newborns, and families. Trends were a bit different in Europe, and it was popular to photograph pregnant women in lingerie and high heels—so fun to look back on!
When I moved to the U.S., I shifted my focus to adult portraits, but I’ve kept maternity photography as part of my services because it remains one of my favorite subjects. The transformation of the female body during pregnancy is fascinating to me, and I find pregnant women incredibly beautiful to photograph.
When is the Best Time for Maternity Photos?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but generally, the best time is during your third trimester, around 30-36 weeks. This gives you a nice, round bump while still feeling comfortable. You can always schedule earlier if you’re happy with your bump size, but I don’t recommend waiting too long. Babies can arrive early, and I wouldn’t want you to miss the opportunity. Plus, as pregnancy progresses, you might feel more tired or uncomfortable, which could make the session less enjoyable.
Do You Have a Studio? Do You travel?
Yes, I have a private studio in Costa Mesa, California, designed specifically for portrait photography. It’s clean, safe, has free parking, and is super easy to access. You can take a virtual tour of the studio here:
Orange County’s Premium Photo Studio
I also travel for shoots within Southern California and beyond. If you’re interested in an on-location session, just reach out through my contact form, and we can discuss the details.
What Should I Wear For My Maternity Session?
This is entirely up to your personal style and vision for the shoot! I believe your outfit choices should reflect how you want to remember this special time. In my studio, I have a wardrobe of gorgeous gowns, fabrics, and sheer materials specifically for maternity sessions. We use these to create elegant, timeless looks that highlight your form and connection to your baby.
If you prefer to bring your own clothing, items like jeans, button-down shirts, or anything sentimental are great options. We’ll discuss all of this during your consultation to make sure your session matches your vision.
What if I’m not Comfortable Being Nude?
That’s absolutely okay! We can do the entire shoot fully dressed or with fabrics artfully wrapped around you. My goal is to create a series of images you’ll love and feel comfortable with. While I enjoy photographing artistic nudes, it’s just one of many styles I offer for maternity sessions.
Can my Husband and Children Join the Session?
Of course! I usually recommend having your family join at the end of the session. We’ll start with hair and makeup for you, then do your individual portraits, and finally include your husband and children for some family shots. This way, everyone is fresh and ready for their moments in front of the camera.
How do I Choose the Right Maternity Photographer?
This is such an important question. Finding the right photographer is key to getting images you’ll cherish forever. Take time to look at their portfolio, specifically their maternity work. Does it match the style you’re looking for? If not, it’s okay to move on. There are so many talented photographers out there, and finding the right fit will ensure you love the final results.
If someone approaches me with a vision that doesn’t align with my style, I’m always happy to recommend another photographer who might be a better match. A good connection between you and your photographer makes all the difference in creating beautiful images.
When will I get my Photos?
I aim to deliver your retouched images within two weeks of your session, often sooner. I know how excited you’ll be to see the final results, so I work efficiently to get everything ready as quickly as possible.
Still have Questions?
Thank you for taking the time to read this! If you have any more questions or are ready to book your session, feel free to reach out. I’d love to help you create a stunning collection of maternity photos that celebrate this incredible time in your life.
