Hiya! I'm writing today to talk a little about maternity sessions and how to prepare for them, what to pack and when to schedule! Read on for my best 3 tips....

1. Schedule Your Maternity Session Well Ahead of Your Due Date

No, this doesn't mean you should have your maternity photos taken when you're not even showing yet, I'm just saying that life gets crazy and you have no idea how pregnancy brain will affect you or what else may come up in everyday life that might get in the way of getting the maternity photoshoot of your dreams! Plus, if you know which photographer you definitely want to take your pics, they most likely book up for weeks or months ahead of time, so pick up the phone and call them!

I always suggest my maternity clients schedule their sessions somewhere between 7 and 9 months, preferably no later than 8 months. Why? Because by the 7th month your gorgeous belly is big enough to be the center of attention, but you don't feel like a ridiculous whale yet, either. Trust me, I've been there. Obviously if you are having multiples, a slightly earlier maternity photoshoot may be in order. AND you never want to run the risk of possibly having that baby early enough that you miss having the pics taken altogether:)

2. Pretend It's the Biggest Date of Your Life

That's right, ladies. Make sure those nails are well manicured (toes too!), hair is gorgeous and makeup is on point! Every detail is important in these photos, and a professional will make sure to make you look your most beautiful....but there's a limit to what we can do if you come unprepared. This is another reason to get that session booked early - just in case you want to have your hair and/or makeup professionally done, so you can plan appropriately.

3. Pack Alllll the Undies

Ok, first a word about being self-conscious about our bellies, pregnant bodies and all the fun stuff that may come with it - stretch marks, cellulite, acne...ugh. I know, paying attention to what's covering our pieces and parts underneath our clothes is likely the last thing on our mind. However, whether you're bringing your own gowns to your maternity session or your photographer has them for you, there are an endless number of reasons to have a thong on hand, nude underwear and a nude bra, a couple pair of "pretty" panties and a strapless bra or bandeau (or both). There are times when my Indianapolis and Franklin clients come in for a maternity photoshoot that I may use a gown that is split in the front to feature that belly. This means undies may peek out somewhere and trust me, you don't want granny panties in that shot!

When a maternity session is happening in my studio, I want to make sure that all the beautiful curves are the spotlight of the session, and there aren't any distractions like armpit fat, a cutting bra strap or bumpy undie fabric. So be prepared for everything you can.

If you'd like to see some more examples of my maternity session photos in Indianapolis and Franklin, go have a looksee here!

That's it for now, folks! Have a blessed day, and we'll talk soon!