MATERNITY SESSION PREP GUIDE

Preparing for Your Maternity Session

What to Expect

I’m truly looking forward to welcoming you to the studio and capturing this special chapter of your journey into motherhood.

To help you feel fully prepared and relaxed ahead of your session, I’ve created this guide outlining what to expect and how best to prepare. A little planning beforehand ensures that we can make the most of your time in the studio and create a beautiful collection of images for you and your family to treasure.

How Long Does a Maternity Photography Session Last?

Signature Maternity Sessions usually last around two hours and take place in my studio in Steeton, West Yorkshire.

Your session includes:

• use of the studio’s maternity dresses, fabrics and accessories
• the option to include partner and/or family portraits
• professional editing of your selected images
• a private Viewing & Ordering Appointment approximately 2–3 weeks after your session

This relaxed session length allows plenty of time to create a varied and elegant gallery of images, while ensuring that you feel comfortable and unhurried throughout the experience.

What Should I Bring to the Session?

To ensure we have the best possible options during your session, I recommend bringing the following items with you:

• A strapless bra (preferably nude)
• A nude thong
• Black and white underwear (bra and briefs)
• Any personal clothing items you may wish to incorporate into your photographs
• Clothing for your partner or children if they will be joining the session

These items allow us to create beautifully styled portraits without visible underwear distracting from the final images.

The studio includes a private bathroom which can be used as a dressing room during your session.

You may also wish to bring a drink or snack with you if you feel you might need an energy boost, although the studio always has tea, coffee, water and biscuits available.

Styling Your Session

What Should I Wear?

Please arrive at the studio hair and make-up ready (if desired) so that we can make the most of your session time.

Soft waves or curls photograph beautifully during maternity sessions, so this is a lovely option if you enjoy that style.

At the start of your session we will look through the studio’s collection of maternity dresses, fabrics and accessories, which are carefully chosen to complement the timeless style of the portraits we will create.

You are also welcome to bring along a few items of your own clothing if you would like to incorporate something personal into your images.

Beautiful options include:

• long flowing gowns
• fitted bodycon dresses
• an oversized white shirt
• jeans paired with a simple top or jacket

If your style is more relaxed, items such as denim jackets, leather jackets, chunky boots or simple jewellery can add personality while still keeping the overall look elegant and timeless.

Styling for Partners and Children

If your partner or children are joining your session, I recommend choosing simple, well-fitting clothing in soft, neutral tones.

Avoid busy patterns, logos or bold prints and instead opt for colours that complement each other gently.

For example, your partner might bring:

• a pair of jeans or chinos
• a light shirt or neutral top
• a slightly darker alternative outfit for variety

Coordinating colours as a family often photographs beautifully and helps create a harmonious look in your final images.

For additional inspiration, you can download my Maternity Clothing Guide below or explore the colour inspiration board on Pinterest.

Download our Clothing Guide here; Maternity Sessions What To Wear.

For a brief visual guide on family/couple clothing colours, check out my Pinterest board here.

Posing During Your Session

You do not need to worry about knowing how to pose – guiding you through this is a key part of my role.

Throughout the session I will gently guide you (and your partner or children if they are present), helping with positioning, hand placement and posture so that everything looks natural and flattering.

Some clients feel very comfortable in front of the camera, while others feel a little unsure at first – both are completely normal. My aim is always to create a calm and relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to simply enjoy the experience while I take care of the details.

Do I Have to Be Nude?

Not at all – this is entirely your choice.

Many maternity portraits highlight the beautiful shape of your bump, and sometimes this can be achieved with carefully draped fabrics or fitted clothing.

However, you will never be asked to do anything you feel uncomfortable with, and we will always work in a way that feels natural and right for you.

Children Joining Your Session

If your partner and/or children will be joining your maternity session, I usually photograph family and sibling portraits either at the beginning or the end of the session, depending on what works best for your family.

Because maternity sessions last around two hours, younger children can sometimes find it difficult to stay engaged for the full duration. For this reason, many families choose to either:

• bring children along at the start of the session, after which they can be taken to the nearby park or out for a short break
• or have children join us towards the end of the session for the family photographs

This approach allows us to create your maternity portraits in a calm, relaxed environment while ensuring the session remains enjoyable for everyone.

Preparing Young Children for the Session

If children will be participating in your session, a little preparation can make a big difference in helping everything run smoothly.

I recommend that young children:

• arrive well rested (ideally after a nap if they usually have one)
• arrive well fed and comfortable
• wear clean clothing, or bring a change of clothing if you intend to change them at the studio

Please also ensure that chipped nail varnish, temporary tattoos or stickers have been removed beforehand unless you would like them to appear in your photographs.

It can also be helpful to tell children a little about the session beforehand so they know what to expect. Simply letting them know they will be meeting me and having their photographs taken is often enough.

Having photographed children for many years, I always take time at the beginning of the session to understand each child’s personality and help them feel comfortable before we begin.

If Children Feel Shy or Uncooperative

Children can sometimes take a little time to settle into a new environment, which is completely normal.

My approach is always gentle and patient, allowing children space to feel comfortable before expecting too much from them.

While I will always do my best to capture a lovely range of images for you, the final outcome can sometimes depend on how children feel on the day. Following the preparation guidance above helps give us the very best chance of creating beautiful images together.

Bringing Family or Friends

To keep the studio environment calm and focused, I kindly ask that only those who will be participating in the session attend the appointment.

If you are attending your session alone and would feel more comfortable bringing a friend or family member for support, they are very welcome to accompany you.

If You Are Feeling Unwell

If you or anyone in your household has been feeling unwell in the days leading up to your appointment, please contact me to rearrange your session.

Where illness is contagious or involves sickness, fever or similar symptoms, please ensure that at least 48 hours have passed since symptoms have cleared before attending the studio.

Rescheduling Your Session

If you need to change your appointment, please let me know as soon as possible.

Your session fee secures your booking in the diary and is non-refundable. I do allow one reschedule within 14 days of your original session date, subject to availability.

If you need to contact me within 48 hours of your appointment, please do so by text message or email.

If you do not attend your session, or arrive more than 30 minutes late, a new session fee will be required to book another appointment.

Hair and Makeup Appointments (If Arranged)

If hair styling and/or makeup services have been arranged as part of your session, please arrive at Imagine Hair & Beauty Salon (located directly beneath the studio) at your scheduled appointment time.

If you are running late, please contact the stylist or makeup artist using the contact details provided to you.

Please note that these services are provided independently, and if you arrive late it may not always be possible for the service to be completed within the allocated time.

Payment for hair and makeup services is made directly to the providers on the day.

When Will I See My Photographs?

At the end of your session we will schedule your Viewing & Ordering Appointment, which usually takes place around 2-3 weeks later.

During this appointment you will view your beautifully edited gallery of approximately 20–25 images, choose your favourite portraits and select your package or any wall art you would like to order.

Payment for orders is made at the viewing appointment.

I always recommend that all decision makers attend the viewing appointment, as choosing your portraits can sometimes be a difficult (but enjoyable!) decision.

To allow you to relax and take your time viewing the images, I generally suggest that children (other than babies) do not attend the viewing appointment if possible.

When Will I Receive My Images?

Once your order has been placed:

• Digital images will usually be delivered within approximately one week via a download link
• Print orders are typically ready for collection from the studio within around three weeks
• Wall art and albums are usually ready within six to eight weeks

Studio Location

The studio is located at:

First Floor
29 Station Road
Steeton
West Yorkshire
BD20 6RL

The entrance is via the front door on Station Road. Please head upstairs where you will find the studio on your right.

There is no on-site parking, however I will advise you of nearby on-street parking options before your session.

If you are running late on the day, please send a message to: 07956 114916

I’m very much looking forward to welcoming you to the studio and capturing this special time for you and your family.

If you have any questions at all before your session, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

For full booking, cancellation and rescheduling details, please take a moment to read the Terms & Conditions here: https://www.sarahwaltonphotography.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/