Session Prep Guide
Let’s get you ready for your session!
Hi, I’m Soph!
I’m so glad you’re here. This page has everything you need to know about your upcoming session - what to expect, how to prepare, and a few tips to make the whole experience relaxed and fun.
A bit about me: I’ve always loved photography - people, places, animals, adventures, you name it. But after having kids of my own (and chasing toddlers around with a camera!), I completely fell in love with lifestyle photography.
FOR ME, IT’S ALL ABOUT CREATING MEMORIES THAT FAMILIES CAN LOOK BACK ON AND RELIVE THE
joy, laughter and emotions
OF THE MOMENT
Whether you're welcoming your first baby or growing your family, a maternity session is such a beautiful way to pause, celebrate how far you've come, and hold onto this chapter forever.
What Happens Next?
Questionnaire- please take 10 minutes to fill out your questionnaire. Feel free to include as much detail as you'd like. It helps me get to know you, your pregnancy journey, and plan a session that feels personal to you. My sessions are relaxed and go with the flow - but if there's anything specific you'd like captured, or any inspo you'd like to share, this is the perfect time!
Location - If we haven't already decided on a location for your session, let's chat! You can let me know in the questionnaire or shoot me an email. Here are the main spots I love to shoot at on the Northern Beaches. If you have somewhere special in mind - somewhere meaningful to you and your growing family, I'm so happy to go there too, just let me know.
What to wear - scroll down for my maternity style guide! I also have a maternity client wardrobe which you are welcome to borrow from for your session - just let me know in the questionnaire. Check out my items here.
One week before your session -You'll receive a reminder email asking you to pay the balance on your session.
24 hours before your session - You’ll receive an automated email, plus I’ll send you a text message (night before for sunrise sessions, morning of for sunset sessions!) - confirming meeting spot and to do a final weather check. I don’t usually make a call on rescheduling until this point as the weather forecast can change so much in a few days.
What to Wear
Some tips to help you plan outfits for your photo session!
One of the things I love most about maternity sessions is that they give you the chance to play a little with your look. My suggestion is to plan for two or three outfits that take you through a few different moods, from soft and ethereal to relaxed and real.
A beautiful flowing dress or robe from my client wardrobe is a gorgeous place to start, then we can transition into something more you for everyday, whether that's unbuttoned jeans with a knit or a favourite top that shows off your bump. If you're up for it, we can finish with some water shots, either in swimmers, a robe, or something in between, and I'm always happy to chat about nude or semi-nude shots if that feels right for you.
Quick Styling Checklist
Here are a few things to keep in mind when pulling your looks together:
You have time for 2-3 outfits, so feel free to bring options and we'll work through them together.
Take a browse through my client wardrobe before your session. I have a range of flowing dresses and robes available to borrow, and it's all included.
Dress hire is another great option. Mama Rentals is Northern Beaches based and has a beautiful range of maternity-friendly styles. Check your session confirmation email for a discount code!
Flowy dresses and robes are universally flattering and gorgeous for showing off your bump, especially in the golden hour light.
For a more casual look, think unbuttoned jeans or a skirt paired with a bikini top, knitted jumper, or open cardigan.
Texture adds so much to maternity photos. Lace, crochet, and knitwear all catch the light in the most stunning way.
If you're planning water shots, don't forget your swimmers (they can also be worn under a robe) and a towel.
For nude or semi-nude shots, just let me know in your questionnaire and I'll suggest the most private and beautiful locations for that.
Remember - this is just a guide. If you have a specific outfit you want to wear for the whole session - that is completely fine too!
Some inspiration
Your Session Experience
My goal is simple: make you feel so relaxed you forget there's even a camera there. Maternity sessions are as much about the experience as the photos, and I want you to leave feeling like you had a proper moment to slow down and celebrate this season.
All you need to bring is a good mood. I'll guide you through everything, so there's no need to worry about posing or "not being a photos person." What we're capturing isn't a pose anyway. It's just you, right now, and that's everything.
If your partner or little ones are joining, having everyone fed and ready goes a long way. Kids do best when they're not hungry or overtired, but if someone's having a moment, don't stress. I've seen it all.
One thing that really matters: please arrive on time! Your session is booked around the light, so aim to arrive a few minutes early if you can.
Pregnancy moves so fast, and these photos have a way of becoming some of the most treasured you'll ever have. I can't wait to take them for you.
After the Session
2-3 weeks after your session you will receive an email linking you to your personal online gallery. Photos are watermarked. You’ll be able to download your digital photos (amount is dependant on your package), and it’s easy to upgrade to purchase extras or the lot.
You’ll also be able to order high quality print products through a professional, Aussie print lab, so you can get those photos off your phone and onto your walls!
Your gallery will be online for around 30 days, however I do encourage you to download and save your session images to cloud storage and a hard drive (I always recommend at least two spots!) as soon as possible so you know they are safe.
I would love if you could share your positive experience with your family and friends, even a shout out on social media if you share your images would be appreciated, my business thrives on word of mouth bookings which is the biggest compliment.
A few FAQs
How long is the session? Maternity sessions go for 45-60 minutes. That gives us plenty of time to work through a couple of outfit changes and not feel rushed. If little ones are joining and hit a wall early, we can be flexible, and if they need time to warm up, the best shots are usually in the second half anyway.
What if the weather isn't great? If it's wet, we reschedule. Overcast but dry? We go ahead. Some of my favourite sessions have been on cloudy days, the light is actually really beautiful and flattering.
What should I bring? For beach sessions, pack a towel even if you’re not planning on swimming, and spare outfits for little ones. Also if you are bringing kids along, clean snacks, water, and if you like, some bribery/rewards for afterwards!
Can we bring our dog? Absolutely. Fur babies are very welcome. A good walk beforehand helps burn off some energy so they're a little calmer on the day!
What if someone is sick? We reschedule, no stress. I know how unpredictable life with kids (and pregnancy!) can be. Just give me as much notice as you can and we'll find a new date.
When do we get our photos? Your gallery will be ready around 2 to 3 weeks after your session. You'll receive a private link where you can view, download, and order prints directly through a professional lab, all in your own time.
I hope this has answered all your questions and settled any nerves! I cannot wait to meet you and make sure you have the most beautiful, relaxed experience.
Sophie
