Congratulations on your growing family! My little blessing, Sophie, is turning 7 this year, and I can still remember the excitement and amazement of being pregnant for the first time. There is beauty and grace in the power to create life… and also loads of stress. Chances are that while your bun is baking away in the comfy, cozy oven, you and the rest of the family are trying to prepare for their arrival! I’m sure you have a mile-long To Do list and a maternity photo shoot is yet another task added to it.

Well, your portrait experience doesn’t have to be a source of stress. Here are a few tips to prepare for your maternity photo shoot in a way that will allow you to relax and enjoy the experience!

Book Early.

Ideally, you should schedule the session for your third trimester, between weeks 28 and 36. At this point, your belly will be rounded beautifully and you can be on your feet for a period of time without too much discomfort, so posing will be a bit easier. Also booking earlier may give you a better chance to hire the specific photographer you wanted for your photos.

Pamper Yourself.

If there is ever a time to justify a bit of pampering, now is it! A maternity photo shoot is the perfect excuse to get a full mani-pedi, ladies. Get your nails done 1-2 days before, and go for simple colors. When you feel good, you look good. If it’s within the budget, then a hairstylist is in order too. Some photographers have hair and makeup artists (HMUAs) that they work with so be sure to talk it over with your photographer- they might be able to recommend the perfect artist! This brings me to my next tip…

Talk It Out.

Any good photographer will want to know what you’re envisioning for your day. What colors do you want to be included? What should you wear? Where do you want the shoot to take place? Should you do your own makeup? Talk to the photographer you’re thinking about hiring, especially if this is your first maternity photo shoot. They will have the insight and expertise to help you make decisions for a gorgeous, stress-free portrait experience.

Get Sentimental.

Your maternity photo shoot is a special time! Bring those teeny-tiny baby shoes, that cute knit hat, or even your ultrasound images. It’s your day and we’re all here to experience this moment with you. Make it even more special by bringing along a family heirloom. Clothes, lockets, and photos all make the perfect props. Don’t shy away from adding your personal touch!

Sleep Well and Hydrate.

I know, I know. Getting a good night’s rest is probably going to be a little hard, but try to go to bed a little earlier than normal. It’ll go a long way toward helping you feel relaxed and energized for the next morning. Drink plenty of water the days leading up to the shoot, and don’t skip breakfast the day. Water all throughout the day should keep you hydrated and your skin looking glowy!

Overall, mama, have fun. Bask in your radiance and allow your photographer to work their magic in capturing a precious moment you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Sylwia Ok is an award-winning Portrait Artist and Master Photographer. She is based out of Sarasota, Florida, and serves anyone in the Bradenton area that is looking for a quality portrait experience.