Waiting for a baby is a special time: during the first nine months you have strange feelings, an amazing spirit and new emotions. Naturally, an expectant mother wants to leave these moments in her memory for a long time. And the best way to capture yourself during pregnancy is to book a professional photo session. If you are deciding whether you should book this important photo shoot, you need to know the answers to some common questions.

At what stage of pregnancy is it better to book a maternity photo session?
A maternity photo session normally takes place at about 29-35 weeks: you already have a pretty tummy but are still able to do some physical activity without getting tired too soon. It is better to book your photo session in advance in order to be able to choose a convenient time, discuss details and consider different options.

How to prepare for a photo session ?
Of course we will discuss all of the details with you and will advise on the preparations but you will still need to take some actions. For example, it is recommended to spend the day before the photo session for yourself: to relax, get a manicure, pedicure, take a relaxing bath. Also make sure to prepare important things and accessories for the next day: toys, hairpins, cute rompers… You should certainly get enough sleep before your photo session and leave your worries and troubles at home!

How long time does such a photo session take?
You should be ready to spend at least 1 hour with a photographer: this is the optimal time required to create beautiful images.

What clothes should I choose for this photo session?
Our main task is to accentuate on your cute tummy, so we need proper clothing. Take a look on my collection of dresses! New pieces are constantly being added to my Client Closet. These are items that best represent my style of photography. I have more than 20 dresses/gowns for mamas and many options for babies and children up to 7 y.o. For men I suggest neutral colours (white, grey, taupe, beige, ivory, white or black).

Is it necessary to book a stylist?
Of course a stylist will help you look better, more fresh and natural on the photos, so I recommend to use such services if you have the opportunity. My Studio works closely with a stylist who creates the perfect hair style and makeup for the occasion. Please note that it’s necessary to dedicate approximately 1-2 hours to the stylist before the photo session. It is best to invite your stylist directly to the Studio.

1. As the photo session should be done within the first two weeks of life it is important to understand that time spent on feeding, changing baby’s clothes and poses will be included in the total photo session time. Accordingly, the actual time of photo shooting may vary.
2. Young children are very sensitive to the mood of their mother, therefore try not to panic or be nervous. If you are calm, then your baby will be calm and the photo session will be performed with ease.
3. You should bring some food, so that you can have a snack during break time. If you feed your baby with a mixture you should take enough of it. Don’t forget to take diapers and a dummy for your baby. Tea/Coffee and sweet snacks are available for you in my Studio 🙂

Of course, I will remind you about everything you need to know prior to the photo session, it is important for you to know these things so that everything goes smoothly.

When is the best time to book a photo session?
Better to book a photo shoot in advance in the last months of pregnancy. Preferably time is 1-2 months before the expected date of birth of the baby. We can choose together an approximate date for photo session and then after the happy event we can call each other for the exact date and time. If the idea of a newborn photo shoot comes in your mind suddenly after a childbirth call me: most likely I can find the time for photo session.

What age is the best for a photo session?
It is a good practice to arrange a newborn photo session in the first two weeks of life. These days babies like to sleep and can not be distracted with anything so the process of the photo session can not disturb them . Moreover at this age touching poses are still very natural for a baby and they make photos so attractive. An additional argument in favor of a photo session in the first days after birth is that the baby still is not yet worried about tummy.

How long a newborn baby photo session takes?
The photo session lasts approximately two to three hours, including breaks for feeding, rocking and mother and baby contact. But sometimes it happens that if a baby has a good sleep for a couple of hours it’s enough for me to do a photo shoot in a proper way.

Why do they take photos of a sleeping baby?
Just born baby eyes are not focused yet so the photos where they keep their eyes open are not so good. Besides that the photos where babies do chaotic motions look strange. Besides a sleeping baby looks so good! But if you want we can take some photos in the moments when a baby doesn’t sleep.

How are selected accessories for a photo session?
Since I am a professional newborn baby photographer I have a required props for beautiful scenarios.

Can parents and elder children participate in the photo session?
No doubt! I will gladly take a picture of the baby with mom, dad or older brothers and sisters! But don’t forget that other participants in the shooting need to prepare for: pick up clothes, do makeup and hair. All that we discussed with you in advance, so on the photos with the baby you will look harmoniously.

What if the newborn’s skin has defects?
If the baby has red skin or slight peeling, do not worry: on photos it won’t be noticeable.