From someone who has been through pregnancy three times, I understand that it can be a whirlwind. Your range of emotions vary from excited and overjoyed to nervous and exhausted. You may not feel your best, especially in the third trimester. But it does not last forever…..baby will come and you will regain your body. I’m so glad you chose to capture this time. You will never regret having these images to look back on and to show your child one day.
TIMING: Maternity sessions are best done between 32 and 36 weeks. If it’s your first, I recommend waiting until closer to 36 weeks so you have a nice, big belly. It’s all about the belly!
DRESS: I don’t have a maternity closet available (yet) so you will have to find an outfit. I do recommend a dress that hugs the bump. There are plenty of reasonable options on Amazon. Comfortable maxi dresses are the most popular. If you are not comfortable in a dress, pants and a nice fitting top is perfectly fine.
HANDS: Make sure your fingernails are groomed. You may want to get a manicure or throw on some polish. Many photos will feature your hands as your hold your sweet baby bump.
PAMPER: If you have time, pamper yourself. Get your makeup and/or hair done by a professional. Your confidence will show through in the images. I can send you recommendations for make-up artists and stylists.
EAT & DRINK: Make sure you have enough energy for the session - don’t skip meals the day of your session. Also ensure you drink enough water and feel free to bring water if it’s a warm day.
RESCHEDULING POLICY: If you have a conflict come up, please let me know ASAP. I normally am fine with rescheduling and transferring your deposit to another session. But please know that if it’s during my peak fall season (Sept, Oct, Nov), I have likely turned down business to hold your spot and I will have to charge a reschedule fee of $100, per our contract. If you do have your baby early and we don’t get your maternity session in, your deposit will be transferred to another session or go towards a newborn session if you purchased a package.
AT YOUR SESSION:
- If possible, place your PHONE, wallet, bulky keys, etc. in a bag to carry around or hand them to me to put with my stuff. These things bulge in pockets and peak out of pockets and they just look funny in pictures. I usually am carrying around a bag and I can store your stuff. Please don’t leave valuables in the car - there have been reported car break-ins for photographers and clients at parks. People are unfortunately preying on us since they know we’ll be gone from the parking lot for period of time and possibly are leaving belongings in the car.
- If you have young children that are included in the session - make sure their faces are clean before getting out of the car. I don't know about you, but my kids always seem to have bits of food, yogurt stains, and/or snot on their face. Food and snot can be an editing nightmare.
- Please do not take photos with your cell phones during sessions (or bring a real camera and take photos of your own - and yes this has actually happened to me). (Unless you want to take a picture of me taking pictures and post on FB about what an awesome photographer I am). (:
- If you choose a nature outdoor location in the spring, summer, or early fall, please check yourselves for ticks after the session and before getting in the car. And again when you get home. It's just a precaution; I actually have yet to see a tick on myself or a client after a session, but we know they are out there.
- I will help you pose so please don’t worry about that. I focus on natural, simple poses, both looking at the camera and candid shots.
- Most importantly - RELAX, have FUN and be yourselves! This is such a special time in your lives and my goal is that your session is one of the highlights of your pregnancy.
AFTER YOUR SESSION:
- Your work is done! You did it! I post a sneak peek on Facebook and Instagram within a couple days, unless you opted out. I will finish editing and send you an online gallery within 14 days (21 days max during my busy fall season).
If any questions arise at any point in the process, please don't hesitate to contact me. kellymartinphotos@gmail.com or 765-749-4388.