Should I book a maternity session?


This is something that is commonly asked. The truth is, it's personal preference. But I am going to tell you why as a first time mother that had a rough and scary pregnancy; and as a photographer as to why I believe it is worth the investment for yourself and your baby.

Black and white maternity photo of a pregnant woman in a floral gown sitting on grass under Spanish moss trees.

Have you ever looked back at photos and thought, “I’m so happy i took those photos?” Well if you haven’t, a maternity sessions is the one that you will definitely say that for. Pregnancy is such an incredible journey. And a lot of times, it’s not an easy journey. Documenting this this journey will have you in all the feels. Especially when your baby is all grown up. 


Seeing the changes in your body is both scary and astounding. The lengths our bodies go through is wild. This journey should be celebrated. Whether you had the most peaceful pregnancy or one that made you contemplate every life decision, you should reward yourself with a session documenting this journey of you and your babies life. 


Looking back at your maternity session, you will treasure the time when your baby was still inside of you growing. How every day you anticipated what they would look like. Wondering whose eyes they will have or what their laugh will sound like. Dreaming of all the adventures you plan on taking them on. Planning for their arrival and making sure their nursery is ready for them. 

Couple holding hands walking on a sandy beach with a pier and calm ocean in the background under cloudy skies.
Couple holding hands on a white sand beach, woman in pink flowy dress, man in light pink shirt, with a pier in the background.

There are so many different styles of maternity sessions that could be done and it can be difficult to decide what you want to do. A few examples would be: 


An outdoor session done at a park. 

  • Attire options: 
  • A flowy dress that still shows off the bump. This could be a long or short dress. 
  • Denim jeans that are unbuttoned with a crop top or button down shirt opened to expose the bump. 
  • A dramatic dress this is long or poofy. Amazon has a ton of options or your photographer may even have options for you! 

A studio session

  • Attire options:
  • I love seeing cheesy 90's JC Penny style photos
  • A dramatic dress that makes a statement
  • A classic white button down shirt with denim jeans or even black jeans.
  • Linen button down top with linen shorts. Maybe have a simple white backdrop for this.
  • A long fitted dress to emphasize your baby bump.

An in home session

  • This to me are very personal and touching photos. This session is perfect to do in the nursery showing your and your partner/ family preparing for your newest arrival.
  • Attire options:
  • Cute and casual outfits work best. Nothing dramatic.
Pregnant woman in pink floral maxi dress cradling her baby bump outdoors under Spanish moss trees.
Pregnant woman in pink lace gown sits on grass under Spanish moss-draped oak trees during maternity photoshoot.
Pregnant woman in pink floral dress kneeling on grass under Spanish moss-draped oak trees during maternity photo session.

So, is doing a maternity session really worth the investment?


I would never persuade you to do a session you truly don't want to do. Your comfort is what makes your photos truly shine. However, as someone who has struggled with fertility and pregnancy loss and as a photographer who loves capturing milestones in peoples lives; I say yes, maternity portraits are truly worth every penny. No matter what style of maternity session it is, you will look back and smile at this time in your life.

For my parents expecting another little one, including your older children in the photos makes the experience even more meaningful. You aren't just welcoming a new baby; your oldest child/ren are beginning a new journey of their own, which is a milestone worth celebrating. These portraits are a beautiful keepsake as your last family session before your newest arrival completes your circle.

Photos taken at Fountainbleu State Park in Covington, LA.

Couple: Richell and Richard K.

A man kneels at a pregnant woman's belly on a beach, both dressed in pink, sharing a tender maternity moment by the sea.