Hi Mama! Always behind the camera?it’s your time to get in front of the lens so you can be a visible part of memories you’re making with your loved ones.
How to Prepare for a Maternity Photoshoot in Glasgow
– What to Wear, Bring and Expect
Preparing for a maternity photoshoot does not need to be complicated.
Most women who contact me worry about two things first: the weather and what to wear. That is completely normal.
You do not need to know how to pose. You do not need to buy a special dress. You do not need to arrive with a bag full of props.
The best preparation is simply knowing what to expect, choosing clothes that make sense for the season and letting me help with the rest.
When should you start preparing for your maternity session?
The first thing I usually ask is how many weeks pregnant you are and how you are feeling.
That matters more than choosing a location straight away.
Some women still feel full of energy later in pregnancy. Others feel tired, heavy or uncomfortable much earlier.
We look at roughly when you would like to have the session, whether weekdays or weekends work better for you and whether you already have a date in mind.
The exact time of day is often decided closer to the session, especially for outdoor maternity photos, because I prefer to see what the weather is actually doing.
If you are unsure what stage of pregnancy is best for photos, I have a separate guide about the best time for a maternity photoshoot.
Send me a few photos you like
Once we know roughly when the session will happen, I usually ask you to send me a few photographs for inspiration.
They can be mine or something you found online.
That helps me see whether you are drawn to home, open landscapes, beaches, woodland, mountains or something much simpler.
From there, I can suggest locations, colours and the overall feel of the session.
If you suggest a location I have not photographed before, I will usually go and check it first.
What should you wear for a maternity photoshoot?
You do not need to buy a special maternity outfit. Simple clothes often work best. I usually recommend single colours, soft tones and outfits that suit the season and the location.
For outdoor sessions, comfort matters first. If it is winter, dress for winter. If it is summer, choose something you can comfortably walk and sit in. For couples or families, I prefer coordinated colours rather than everyone matching exactly.
You can also use dresses from my client wardrobe. If you want, you can come to me before the session, look through the dresses, try a few on and even take one home with you so you can arrive at the session already dressed and ready. That can make the day itself much easier.
For longer maternity sessions, there can also be time for an outfit change. I always bring a portable changing tent to outdoor sessions, so if you want to change into another dress or outfit, we do not have to depend on finding somewhere private nearby.
Whether we actually plan one or two outfits depends on the session, the location, the package and how the day is going.
If children are involved, it is still possible to change outfits, but I keep it flexible rather than forcing the session around clothing changes.
If you know you definitely want more than one outfit, this is usually better suited to a longer session such as Connection or Full Story, because we have more time.
You can send me photographs of what you are considering beforehand and I can help you choose colours, shoes, layers and anything else that will work with the location.
Hair, makeup and nails: prepare in the way that feels like you
You do not need professional hair and makeup unless you want it. But it is worth remembering that I photograph you as you are on the day.
I can make small retouching adjustments afterwards, but I am not going to completely change your hair, cover regrowth, repaint your nails or create makeup that was not there.
So if you normally wear makeup and feel more like yourself with it, wear it. If you normally do not, you do not need to suddenly become a different version of yourself for the session. The same applies to hair and nails.
The best preparation is simply making sure you are happy with how you look before we start.
What should you bring to an outdoor maternity photoshoot?
Usually, less is better.
Some outdoor locations involve walking, and I want to be able to photograph you naturally while we move rather than having everyone carrying bags through the whole session.
If you want to include a scan photo, bring it.
I personally do not use lots of props and I do not usually photograph things like baby shoes. I would rather keep the focus on you.
Depending on the season, it can also be a good idea to have a warm or cold drink waiting in the car for afterwards.
For an in-home maternity session, you do not really need to bring anything because everything is already there.
What if you are tired, swollen or do not have much energy?
Tell me.
That matters when we choose the location. If you do not feel up to a long walk, I will not choose somewhere that requires one.
We can use a smaller area and still create plenty of variety.
Places like Mugdock Country Park, Pollok Country Park or certain viewpoints around Rest and Be Thankful can work well because we can stay relatively close to where we parked and do not need to turn the session into a hike.
Your energy level is part of the planning. You do not need to push yourself for photographs.
Should you choose an outdoor or in-home maternity photoshoot?
That depends on what feels more like you.
Outdoor sessions give us more space, movement and variety in the background.
In-home maternity sessions usually feel quieter and more intimate.
If you like being outside, walking and using the landscape as part of the photographs, outdoor may suit you better.
If you feel more comfortable somewhere familiar, or if you are tired and do not want to travel, home can be a better option.
Sometimes we can also combine both if the outdoor part is close to your home.
Do you need to know how to pose?
No. Neither you nor your partner need to know how to pose. That is my job.
I will guide you when you need it. Sometimes I will tell you where to stand, where to put your hands or which way to turn. But I do not want you thinking about posing for the whole session.
One thing I often ask mums to do is focus on the baby.
Put your hands on your bump. Feel where the baby is. Take a moment. It sounds simple, but it usually changes everything.
Your face relaxes. Your body relaxes. You stop thinking about the camera.
What if your partner does not like photos?
That is very common. They do not need to know what to do either. We talk, walk, joke and keep things moving.
I will give direction when needed, but I am much more interested in how you are together than in creating perfect maternity poses.
You do not need to perform. You just need to be with each other.
What if children are joining the session?
Then the session naturally starts to revolve around them more.
If the children are happy, the parents usually relax too.
I do not expect young children to follow instructions for an hour.
They can move, take breaks, run around, come back into photographs and then go off again. We work around them.
If they need a break, I can photograph you alone or with your partner. Then they can join again later. Trying to control every minute usually creates more stress than it solves.
What happens if the weather changes?
We stay flexible.
If we wake up and the forecast has changed, we can move the time or move the session to another day.
If we are already at the location and a shower comes through, sometimes we simply wait in the car for a bit.
We do not need to force the session through heavy rain.
At the same time, cloudy weather is not bad weather for photos. Soft overcast light can be beautiful. So I do not cancel simply because the sky is grey.
What do you actually need to do before the session?
Not much.
You do not need to practise poses. You do not need to buy props. You do not need to overthink every detail.
Choose clothes that feel right for you. Prepare your hair, makeup and nails in the way you want them to look in the photographs.
Bring as little as possible to an outdoor session.
Tell me how you are feeling physically.
Be open to a little movement and to the weather not being absolutely perfect.
And then just be with your partner, your children and your baby.
That is enough.
If you are planning a maternity photoshoot in Glasgow and are not sure what to wear,
where to go or how to prepare, get in touch and I can help you work it out.