Maternity Photography by Victoria Sturdy | Cambridge Cambridgeshire | Newborn Photographer How to get the most out of your Maternity Photography session

Maternity Photography by Victoria Sturdy | Cambridge Cambridgeshire | Newborn Photographer Maternity Photography by Victoria Sturdy | Cambridge Cambridgeshire | Newborn Photographer Maternity Photography by Victoria Sturdy | Cambridge Cambridgeshire | Newborn Photographer
WHY MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHS ARE SO IMPORTANT...

It's not surprising that people ask why should I have a Maternity session, is it really that important? I hate photos of myself, especially while I'm pregnant. 

To me, it's simple - you are telling the story of your greatest adventure! Pregnancy is only temporary...9 months and then your bump is gone! Once it has passed you'll never get it back. Yes you may have more babies, but you won't get THIS pregnancy with THIS baby you're carrying right now back again

Maybe you've waited a loooooooonnng time to become pregnant in the first place after suffering years of fertility issues, maybe this is your rainbow baby and you're now at a stage in your pregnancy that you've never been at before and your heart dares to hope that you will actually get to hold your baby in a few weeks time, or even if you got pregnant with your first baby on your first try and just want to enjoy each and every second that being a pregnant woman entails and love the changes that happen to your body on a daily basis as it creates a whole new human being

One of the most fascinating things about having a baby is you fall in love with a person you haven't even met yet. They stole your heart the moment you saw them on the ultrasound to the first stomach flutters and sharp kicks.

When we photograph your pregnancy, we aren't just capturing a baby bump, we are capturing the connection between you and your unborn child - it's a love that transcends any spoke language. 

Together we will create images of your motherhood journey that are guaranteed to take your breath away and I cannot wait to show you why! I will guide you on the whole process, from what it wear, posing, camera angles, and give you advice that will prepare you fully for you photo session

Much love 

Vicky xxx

Here are my top tips to help you prepare for your maternity session

 1. Book your session well in advance

Our diary can become full quite quickly, sometimes up to 8 weeks in advance. 

If you know you want us to create images for you of this precious time in your life then please book your shoot with enough notice. 

Maternity sessions are best carried out between 30-34 weeks gestation, so it is never too soon to book your shoot. We have had expectant Mums have a shoot later in the pregnancy, but you're taking a risk as baby could arrive earlier than expected.

People booking as early as after they've had their 20 week scan, though earlier still is not unheard of.

You'll also need to book your Hair and Makeup Artist, which brings me onto point number 2 ...

2. Book your HMUA

Unless you're confident with styling your own hair and make-up (or even if you are but fancy a bit of pampering!) then we strongly advise you get in touch with a reputable hair and make-up artist, or I organise Hair and makeup for you so you have a stress free service.

I recommend Amineh from Beauty by Amineh. 

On your big day, you want to look flawless and walk in confidence, and you need someone comfortable and confident in what they do. You want your Makeup Artist to have a great understanding of skin tones, types and problematic skins.

You don't want to be worrying about your makeup lasting all day long, or whether or not the camera picks up your makeup and captures your best features. Instead be safe in the knowledge that your Makeup Artist is with you every step of the way, and will match your skin tone perfectly and enhances your natural beauty, so you have one less thing to be worrying about on your wedding day. Amineh is an amazing make up artist and she will enhance your beauty and bring out that inner goddess as you deserve to be. 

You want to look your best for your photo session, and rightly so. 

You should ideally:

- Have hair that is down with big loose curls is, in my opinion, the best look for this type of session. The pictures below are perfect examples. It's a very feminine look and looks even better when we get the fan out to add some movement to the hair!

- Have make up that is similar to a brides on her wedding day - obvious but subtle, with big beautiful eyes.

Recommendations for HMUA's that we have worked with are available upon request.

Maternity Photography by Victoria Sturdy | Cambridge Cambridgeshire | Newborn Photographer Maternity Photography by Victoria Sturdy | Cambridge Cambridgeshire | Newborn Photographer

3. Consider your wardrobe

We have a selection of dresses in various styles, colours and sizes in the studio which you are very welcome to use, as well as beautiful long wraps to drape around you.

We do encourage you to bring your own garments if you have any you would like to use. These help make your session that little bit more unique.

Items of clothing to consider are:

- A long dress (any colour)

- A ladies summer hat or floral headpiece

- Special pieces of jewellery 

- A pair of jeans you wore before pregnancy that you can pull on but not do up

We offer a large collection of stunning gowns for women and little girls including several matching or coordinating sets. We frequently update our collection of gowns with the latest styles and trends.

You are welcome to schedule a design consultation to view and try on some of these gorgeous dresses. We offer an assortment of styles, sizes, and colours. You may also choose to add professional hair and make-up for your session. Relax and let someone else take care of you for a bit as you prepare for your upcoming session. Check out my Client Closet of all my gorgeous dresses and silk drapes

4. Incorporate your partner or children

Not everyone will want to but we love it when your partner gets involved in the shoot.

Whilst we will focus primarily on you, some beautiful images of you both are very special indeed.

If you’re still unsure on the day of the shoot, your partner is welcome to attend the shoot at the end of the shoot and if they so wish.

If they do decide to join in (and we hope they do!) then items of clothing that are simple and match yours where possible are best. If in doubt, a plain shirt and/or a black t-shirt is perfect.

5. After your photo session

After your photo session, your images will be ready to view around 2-3 weeks on an online gallery. Around 20-30 images will be shown on your gallery for you to choose your favourites for your collection. If your package includes prints and products these will be ordered and you would receive these in. about 10 days. Albums and wall art are custom handmade and may take 3- 4 weeks. Discover what beauitful artwork we can create for you. Beautiful printed products available to display your beautiful portraits in my guide here

6. Now relax!

Relax, We have got all this sorted for you!

You can now rest safe in the knowledge that something as important as your maternity photograph are in the best of hands! From arranging the 

We look forward to seeing you soon, beautiful Mama! from helping you organise a makeup artist to choosing your outfit to guiding you through your shoot , you are in safe hands...you got this!

CONTACT US

Always just a message or phone call away...

If before your photo session you have a question please don't hesitate to get in touch at any time. Click below to drop me an email or use one of the buttons at the top of this page if you want to call.

W H A T   TO  W E A R   G U I D E

Are you Overwhelmed with what to wear and buy for your Maternity session? Let me help you?

With all of our pregnancy stresses and aches, and 3 pregnancies and 4 late night feeds I spent A LOT of time on Amazon during my kids's first year! Thank goodness for Amazon Prime for those last minute buys for mums everywhere!

I compiled a list of my favourite maternity shoot dresses and skirts, including some of our my favourite dresses my clients have bought. If you're expecting and overwhelmed, if you're looking for something particular for your baby's newest stage, or if you need a baby shower (or first birthday) gift, check out our suggestions! Click the graphic below


(Disclosure: These are affiliate links and I may receive commissions for purchases made through these links.  However, these are all products I have used personally and I highly recommend them.)

If you are ready to book, check out my availabilty and Maternity collections here 

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