7 Things to Do Before Your Maternity Photoshoot | Quad Cities Maternity Photography Studio
A little prep goes a long way in creating dreamy, stress-free photos you’ll treasure forever.
Your maternity session is more than just a photoshoot—it’s a celebration of the beautiful season you’re in right now. Whether this is your first baby or you’re adding another little heartbeat to your family and you’ve been thinking about a maternity experience in our Quad Cities Photography studio, this moment deserves to be remembered.
As your photographer, my goal is to make the entire experience easy, relaxed, and genuinely you. So here are a few tips I have put together to help you feel fully prepped and ready for your session in the studio:
1. Timing Is Everything
The best time to schedule your maternity session is between 28–34 weeks. I recommend scheduling your session when you are between 16-20 weeks in term as we typically schedule a couple of months in advance. Your bump is usually round and prominent by then, and you’re still feeling fairly comfortable moving around. Of course, every pregnancy is different—if you’re showing earlier (or later), we’ll plan around what works best for you.
2. Choose Outfits That Make You Feel Amazing
Soft, flowing dresses, snug bump-hugging gowns, or cozy layers—you’ve got so many options. Our Quad Cities studio is equipped with a client closet with so many options for you to use throughout your session. In our studio you never have to worry about what outfits you have to bring! Of course if there is a specific outfit you’d love to wear we will incorporate it into the session and style it in the background that suits it best. I always recommend neutral, earthy, or muted tones because they photograph beautifully and keep the focus on you. But if color makes your heart happy, go for it! We’ve got it! Our wardrobe guidance and styling is one thing that our mama’s love about our studio. (Yep, no stress shopping required!)
3. Treat Yourself
You’re growing a whole human—this is the perfect excuse to pamper yourself a little. Hair and makeup? Yes, please. Our in studio makeup artist is here to make the experience one to remember. Our mama’s sit back and enjoy every minute! Even something simple like freshly painted nails or a quiet morning to rest before your session makes a big difference. You deserve to feel like the radiant goddess you are.
4. Think About Who You’d Like to Include
Partners, older siblings, pets—they’re part of the story, too. If you want to include loved ones, we love that! I will plan the flow of the session and make sure everyone feels included and relaxed.
5. Bring a Few Extras
While I always keep things low-key, here are a few little things that can help:
• Water & a light snack
• Nude undergarments and nipple pasties are essential- making everything under our outfits and gowns seamless and clean
• Any sentimental items—ultrasound photo, tiny shoes, or a family heirloom
6. Trust the Process (and Me!)
You don’t need to know how to pose or worry about what to do with your hands—I’ll guide you every step of the way. I’ll help you feel comfortable, look natural, and capture those real, in-between moments that say the most.
7. Relax & Be Present
This is your time to just be. To breathe, connect, and celebrate everything that’s led you to this moment. Let go of perfection, leave all of the details to me, and lean into presence—I promise that’s where the magic is.
Let’s Capture Your Glow
If you’re dreaming of a session that’s relaxed, meaningful, and feels like you, our Quad Cities studio is here to make that happen. Let’s document this incredible chapter before baby makes their big debut.
