Timeline To Success

WARDROBE & STYLING

planning is key to ensuring a successful session

Review this style guide for detailed recommendations tailored to each person participating in the session.

book your session

Book early to secure your session, ideally scheduled between the 28th and 34th weeks of pregnancy. Check the FAQs link here for detailed recommendations. 

Styling questionnaire

Submit the Maternity Style Questionnaire at least 3 weeks before your session.

find your perfect style

Explore my Maternity Client Closet and pick the looks you absolutely adore!

session prep

Check the planning list and gather everything needed for your session.

session time

Make sure you've planned your travel time, reviewed the checklist, and more... then let's celebrate that beautiful glow!

gallery delivery

Proof Gallery - 3-5 business days 
Final Gallery - 7-10 business days

After proof gallery submission

1

2

4

7

3

5

6

Planning Your Session

Planning the perfect start to your maternity session ensures every detail aligns with your vision, creating timeless images that capture this special moment and set the tone for a confident, enjoyable experience..

we have lots of plans to make your session perfect! so let's get started!

Effective planning and styling are the keys to a successful Maternity session!

Step 1: Decide

STEP 3: Book & Plan!"

STUDIo

Studio sessions are styled around the outfits you select. Each set is carefully coordinated, regardless of who is in the session. Planning and pairing outfits with mom’s dress will ensure a cohesive, frame-worthy look!


outdoor

Outdoor sessions start with one of two key elements: your chosen location or attire. Once we decide which is most important to you (location vs outfits), we'll coordinate the other to ensure everything is styled to perfection.

Session Location + Participants
= Styling Time!

STEP 2: PARTICIPANTS 

I offer two types of sessions:
  • Mommy Only – The Glowing Motherhood Session
  • Couple/Family  – The Family Togetherness Session

You can find all the details about what each package includes on the Maternity page of my website.


Knowing who will be participating is key to styling the session and ensuring we book at the perfect time for you and your family.

For outdoor maternity sessions, we shoot either 2 hours after sunrise or 1-2 hours before sunset, depending on the time of year and my availability (fall and spring book up quickly, so it's best to book 3-4 months in advance).

Studio sessions typically start at 9:30 AM or 1:00 PM and can be scheduled Monday through Friday. For a weekend studio session, you can opt for a 9:30 AM spot with an additional fee, depending on availability.

Once we know who’s participating, we can finalize all the details!








still undecided?

Check out My Portfolio Page For Amazing Examples of Studio and Outdoor Sessions with Expecting Moms!

Expecting mom only or couple/family session?

Outdoor beauty or studio elegance?

It all starts with Mom—let’s make you shine!

next up - what to wear?

I totally get it… too often moms prefer to stay behind the scenes, or are always the one behind the camera, never in the frame!  Why?  I’ll never understand, but let’s stay focused.

Here’s the truth: You deserve to be spoiled! This is YOUR moment to shine. Your body is creating the most amazing person, and one day, they’ll look at these photos and talk about how beautiful mommy was when they were growing in her belly. It’s time for you and that gorgeous bump to take center stage—you deserve to have the spotlight on YOU!

Think about your personal vibe and style—this helps set the foundation for your session.

For outdoor sessions, your style will be influenced by the location you choose, while studio sessions offer more flexibility to mix and match different styles in one shoot.

If you're torn between a dress and a jeans & tank combo, no worries! We can absolutely do both. We just need to ensure the location or studio setup complements your chosen style.

So, let's start with this: What look are you going for?

Styling Mom: Tips & Tricks!

Once you've nailed down the "look" you're going for, it’s time to choose your outfit. This is where working with me is a breeze! I have a fully stocked client closet with tons of stunning options for your session.

Want to take a peek? Click HERE!

let's get planning your ideal maternity session!

Planning  outfits...

Say yes to.....

I hope you’ve had a chance to explore all the wonderful options in the Maternity Client Closet.

Each style has detailed information about sizing, studio or outdoor suitability, and whether it’s a belly-in or belly-out style. You’ll also find some helpful guidelines below to assist in narrowing down your choices.

If you’ve decided to stick with my wardrobe options, that’s fantastic! I invest in my client closet to provide you with beautiful, high-quality gowns—pieces you might only wear once, but that are classic, versatile, and come in a variety of colors and styles. Once you’ve made your final choice, simply note the dress number and color on your styling questionnaire, and we’re all set!

If you have any questions about the available options, feel free to email me, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!  If you are choosing to bring your own options let's go over a few recommendations based on my personal experience.

pro tips on how to dress for photo success!

My ultimate goal is for you to love your photos for a lifetime. I want your little one to grow up looking at these images of you and smiling, knowing just how beautiful mommy was while they were growing in your belly!

That’s why it’s so important that you absolutely love these photos and want to keep them forever. While trendy outfits can be fun for a look or two, I highly recommend choosing a more classic, timeless style. This way, you'll cherish these images for years to come and want them displayed proudly on your walls forever!

planning anyones outfits before planning for mom

Essential Tips for Choosing the Perfect Outfits for Your Session:








Something that makes you feel amazing!

The key to perfect styling is choosing something that makes you feel truly wonderful and confident! Whether it's a flowing dress that gracefully drapes without clinging, a stunning mermaid-style gown that highlights your curves, or a boho-inspired outfit that adds a relaxed yet elegant vibe, the most important thing is finding what works best for you. One amazing thing about a studio session is that you're not limited to just one look. You can completely vary your style throughout the session, allowing you to experiment with different outfits and truly express your personality. Aim for outfits that are comfortable, timeless, and enhance your natural silhouette, ensuring your maternity photos are both flattering and unforgettable!

simple color palletes

I always feel like this depends on whether you're doing a studio or outdoor session.
  • For a studio session, the possibilities are endless! We'll choose a background color that complements and enhances your outfit, so you have a perfect canvas to work with.
  • For outdoor sessions, there are a few more factors to consider. The time of year plays a big role—whether it’s lush and green or the leaves are changing colors—along with the location itself. If you’ve already picked a location before choosing your dress, make sure your outfit coordinates with the surroundings. Don’t worry, though—I’m here to help! You can also check out the location options below for some great ideas on spots that work well with various styles!

dress for the season

While this doesn't apply to studio sessions, it's especially important for outdoor sessions to consider the season when choosing your outfit.

For mamas expecting in the spring or summer, lightweight and breathable fabrics are key to staying comfortable in the warmer weather. Since we live in such a lush, green environment, you’ll want to choose colors that complement the natural surroundings—especially if you’re hoping for a tall grass or field backdrop.

For those expecting in the fall or winter months, this is the perfect time to embrace rich, warm tones in your wardrobe. Opt for cozy fabrics and textures that not only look stunning but also help keep you warm, so you don’t end up with purple skin or chill bumps during your shoot!

classic over trendy

The three biggest recommendations I have for mamas are to consider hiring a professional for the following:
  • Hair - A simple blowout with soft curls is always a great option to add a polished, natural look to your session.
  • Makeup - Hiring a professional makeup artist ensures your makeup is perfectly suited for photography. It’s crucial to go for a matte finish, avoiding highlighter enhancers, which can reflect light and create unwanted hotspots in your photos.
  • Nails - Both your nails and toes will be visible, so treat yourself to a mani/pedi a day or two before your session. A fresh, clean look will help you feel extra polished for your photos!

coordination is key

If you’re planning to have your significant other or older children join the session, it's a great idea to start by selecting your own outfit and then coordinate theirs to complement yours.

The key to success is choosing outfits in colors that complement each other—nothing too "matchy-matchy." While matching patterns can be cute for everyday wear, in photography, they often create a blob effect when everyone is close together. Instead, I recommend picking outfits that align with the tones and colors of mom’s outfit, creating a cohesive and harmonious look for the entire family.

places to shop for mom

spoiling yourself

Matchy-Matchy clothes/colors

Uncomfortable clothes

hats for anyone but a fun one for mom is ok for a few photos!

trendy styles, makeup, nails

out of season styles/colors

Baltic Born, pink blush maternity, piper & scoot, Reclamation & poshmark
sometimes amazon too but make sure to confirm quality and sizing before your session!

shorts for dad

Say no to.....

primary, bright or neon colors

NOTE - I AM ALSO ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW GOWNS SO IF YOU WANT TO DO A DISCOUNTED SESSION (OPTION AVAILABLE BASED ON PHOTOGRAPHER SCHEDULE AND MUST BE DISCUSSED PRIOR TO BOOKING)
I AM HAPPY TO DISCUSS!!

I want to make the process of choosing the perfect session as easy as possible for you. If you're booking a Glowing Motherhood session, the process is straightforward—it’s a studio-based session only. However, if you're considering a family session, you might be wondering which option is best for you.

Let’s break down the differences between studio sessions and outdoor sessions!

Studio vs Outdoor Sessions

Family togetherness package - The choice is yours

Outdoor maternity sessions

Now let’s talk about studio maternity sessions!

These are a more luxurious option for clients, offering a high-end experience. With controlled lighting and access to my full client closet, you’ll have everything you need to feel your best. And let’s not forget the bathrooms—yes, it’s a big deal! No need to worry about finding facilities when you're at a remote outdoor park after a long drive.

In the studio, we have a fully controlled environment, with tools like fans to enhance the glam of your session. Plus, weather is never an issue—no need to worry about rain or unpredictable elements.

Studio sessions are also much easier to schedule, especially if you have toddlers who still nap or early-bedtime kiddos. And, of course, you can enjoy a snack without worrying about bees or flies interrupting the moment!

Each set is customized based on your wardrobe selections, and you have the option for 3 total looks from the client closet. You can choose two bodysuits or dresses (or bring your own), and even add a wrap set for a special "mommy-only" set of images.

The best part? Once dad and the kids are done, they can step outside, leaving you to finish your session solo if you prefer—creating a relaxing, uninterrupted experience just for you!

studio maternity sessions

Outdoor maternity sessions are beloved for the magic of nature—the changing seasons throughout the year provide incredible scenery and unique vibes every month.

You can expect beautiful natural light (sometimes brighter than others) and stunning location options that align with your personal style. I offer outdoor maternity sessions in the morning and evening when the light is at its best.

You can check out some of my favorite locations in the guide’s location section.

While there are so many benefits to an outdoor session, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, timing. If you have little ones with earlier bedtimes, a morning session might be your best bet. Evening sessions are held 1-2 hours before sunset, and during the long days of late spring and summer, this can mean a later start. On the flip side, during the fall and winter months, sessions are earlier, around 3-4 pm, as the days are shorter.

Next, consider hair and makeup. While I can control many aspects of the session, outdoor weather is less predictable. Cold temps can lead to pink noses and blue lips, while the hot, humid North Carolina summers can cause your hair and makeup to react quickly. I always prep for hot or cold conditions, and I bring blankets or a fan to keep you comfortable. While I never insist on shooting in the rain, we’ll continue the session as planned unless the weather is truly problematic.

As for weather and other outdoor elements, I have a strong weather policy regarding rescheduling. For outdoor sessions, I highly recommend booking before 34 weeks to ensure flexibility with your session date. If weather impacts our plans, we may need to reschedule, and alternate dates could be limited based on availability.

Additionally, popular locations may get busy, which can limit the areas we can use during the session. And let’s face it, some people aren’t fond of bugs!

Lastly, because we're usually chasing the perfect light, I limit outdoor sessions to one outfit change for mama, with two approved looks from my client closet or outfits you bring yourself.

Outdoor sessions are absolutely amazing—whether it's the vibrant fall leaves or the fresh blooms of spring and summer, there's no denying the beauty of nature. But as you might have already guessed, it’s not always perfect. It’s important to know all the details upfront so you can make the best decision for you and your session!

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either choice—just trust your instincts and go with what feels right for your family. We’ll work together to plan the perfect session that suits your needs and vision!

Outdoor Locations I LOVE!

Each of the locations listed above can be easily found on Google, but please keep in mind that elements like flowers, fall leaves, and other seasonal features may not look exactly as shown in online images, depending on the time of year of your session.

*Note: Some locations may have associated fees and may require reservations.









Contact me

Downtown Matthews

The Ivy Place Gardens *

Andrew Jackson State Park

Glencairn Gardens

Cullman Park

Marvin Efird Park

Uptown Charlotte *

Downtown Monroe

Anne Springs Close Greenway *

Bluehill Garden *

Colonel Francis Beatty Park

Downtown Waxhaw

Feel free to bring items like ultrasound photos, booties, little jerseys, etc....just remember nothing in glass as that will reflect and wont photograph well

Extras

Mommy - required undergarments nude and black WELL-FITTING strapless or small strapped bra and nude underware.

The Look

What to bring to your session

For kiddos under 4, I recommend bringing a baby sitter/aunt or grandparent - or if none of those are available a device with headphones that can be kept in a bag that will keep them sitting and entertained while we photograph dad & mom together.

For outdoor sessions mommy will need a pair of shoes that are easy to walk in and to slide on and off (aka flip flops) AND a simple No elastic  dress to slide on and off as we walk between locations

Family/Couple Session - everyone's outfits - I would ensure I arrive at least 15 minutes BEFORE the session to change into all the outfits especially if you have younger children or your clothes will easily wrinkle.
NOTE - if you are using the client closet you are asked to arrive 15 minutes early anyway so back the time up more if you will need to assist dad in dressing kiddos so you have time to change.

Accessories

Earings, necklaces, floral crowns, etc to highlight your session

Touch-up make up and hairspray for fly-aways

Bring water in a non-spill cup for everyone  (water only please so you don't stain before or during your session)

Simple - non-staining - snack for younger kiddos.   (think gummy snacks, cheerios, puffs, etc) - No chocolate or crumby foods please

Entertainment

For outdoor sessions please bring a blanket or large towel for kids to sit on while parents are photographed