Maternity Session

As a maternity photographer, I like to meet with each client ahead of time to plan the perfect photography experience. So, when this gorgeous mom-to-be contacted me through Instagram for a maternity photo session, we scheduled an in-person consultation at my studio to talk through the entire process.

At our consultation, we discussed everything from the best stage of pregnancy for maternity photos to what expecting parents should bring to the session. The client also chose her favorite outfits from the options I offer. I keep a wide range of pregnancy-friendly dresses available for use in maternity photo sessions: this way, clients don’t have to buy formal maternity outfits that will only be worn once! She particularly liked a white tulle skirt and a sparkling silver gown.

Next, we discussed the best hair and makeup choices to ensure the right look for the session. As any maternity photographer can tell you, maternity photo sessions require more than just your usual daytime makeup! And of course, we didn’t forget about the father-to-be: we reviewed the ideal colors and textures for his outfits that would complement his partner’s outfit.

On the day of our maternity session, mom, dad, and I had a wonderful experience. They were such a personable, cheerful couple - full of jokes and laughter throughout the session! Plus, they both looked so good, it couldn’t have been easier to pose them - truly a maternity photographer’s dream. I would have loved to look this good during my own pregnancy!

After such a successful maternity photo session, I’m very excited to meet and photograph this sweet couple’s baby in just a few short weeks!

Newborn Photo Sessions: What Every Parent Should Do Before Baby is Born

You’ve done your research, found a newborn photographer you love, and officially booked your newborn session. Congratulations - but don’t kick back and relax just yet! Preparing thoroughly as your due date approaches will ensure a smooth experience at your session and gorgeous photos of your new arrival. Here are four important steps to take ahead of your baby’s birth.

1. Sign a contract

Any professional newborn photographer will ask you to sign a contract to make your agreement official. Contracts should spell out all key details, such as the timing of payments, what’s included in the photographer’s services, and refund/cancellation policies. Read the contract carefully and ask questions about anything that seems unclear.

2. Meet with your photographer in person


It’s important for you to be comfortable with your newborn photographer: the average newborn session is about 3 hours long, and the photographer will be holding, changing, and posing your baby throughout. If at all possible, meet with your chosen photographer face-to-face before your baby is born.

In addition to helping you get to know your photographer, the appointment will give you an opportunity to get familiar with the studio, props, and outfits. This first meeting is the perfect time to share your ideas for the session, discuss favorite colors and styles, and make any special requests.




3. Schedule an approximate date for your session

Unless you’re planning a scheduled C-section, it's difficult to predict your baby's arrival. However, it still helps to have an approximate session date in mind. Knowing your preferred date ahead of time helps your photographer accommodate your needs. Ideally, you should schedule your newborn session while your baby is younger than 2 weeks old.

Your photographer should check in with you when your session date is approaching, giving you an opportunity to reschedule if baby arrives later. If you don’t hear from her, don’t be afraid to reach out - you want to be sure your photographer is available when you need her.




4. Ask about a pre-session questionnaire

Many newborn photographers send clients a pre-session questionnaire, which helps ensure you’
re 100% satisfied with your experience. If your photographer doesn’t have a formal questionnaire, see whether you can email her your ideas and requests. Even if you’ve discussed ideas in person or over the phone, it’s best to have them in writing.

Don’t forget to let your photographer know if you’ll be bringing something to the shoot (e.g. a special family heirloom or a favorite outfit.) And don’t be shy about sharing your ideas - a professional will always happy to try something new. It's your baby and you should love every single photo!

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How to photograph your newborn baby

Please check out my article with some tips for photographing your kids!

https://lowell.macaronikid.com/articles/5968f0bacc7ead2974d36a1b/tips-for-photographing-your-baby-from-photographer-polina-kuklina

Newborn Photography Session. Baby Ruby from Chelmsford MA

Baby Ruby was well prepared for her newborn session and rocked it! She was fully fed right before leaving the house and came to the studio really really sleepy :)

We briefly discussed the outfits and colors with her mom and grandma, I turned on my baby shusher, undressed Ruby and started posing right away. We had a pacifier handy but barely used it as Ruby didn't mind me moving her from pose to pose since she wasn't hungry or gassy at all!

Pro tip: it is really helpful to feed the baby before you leave the house, as well as arrive in loose clothing so we can undress the baby without waking her up.

cell phone picture

Newborns usually make me work to pose them in a basket but this session was a breeze.

      cell phone picture

   

Some finished images from Ruby's newborn session:

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Privacy: the basics

When you book a photo session, you will be asked to sign a contract. The contract defines the timeline (when you are being photographed, when your gallery should be delivered, by when you will have to select your favorites, etc). It also defines the ownership model for the photographs. As a rule, the photographer retains the copyright (rights to use the photographs whichever way they fancy), which ranges from low-volume promotional materials to high-volume wholesale.

An example of low-volume promotional materials is using a photograph in the portfolio. Portfolios are viewed by a smaller audience, have very few photographs (usually, less than 30) in them, and photographers constantly update their portfolios. Result is such that only a few people will see it, hence "low-volume". An example of high-volume use is selling a picture on Adobe Stock Photos. Potentially, completely unrelated 3rd party, say a postcard manufacturer, could buy the right and put the photograph in every supermarket of every town in your country. Some people like it, others are less comfortable with such scenario.

As with any other commercial activity, always seek to obtain a photo session contract, and read it somewhat carefully. Make note of every question you have.

Remember that family photographers genuinely love people---they will work with you to make you be comfortable. Even if you did find something in the contract that gives you a pause: reach out and ask the photographer about their stance on the issue, explain your uneasiness. Your photographer can always modify the contract to address your particular concern.

Professional photo sessions create memories you will enjoy for years to come---they will help you decorate your workplace and living room. They are fun and designed to enrich your life, not make it more complicated. So, glance over the contract, discuss if you have questions, and:

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Tips for Holiday Mini-Sessions

Before You Leave the House

Make sure your children had some rest, ate, went to the bathroom, and napped before the session. If your session scheduled for late evening – please give kids extra nap time before that. It is better to have less fun activities than more stressful ones.

Give yourself extra time for a car ride to allow for traffic, unplanned stops and avoid unnecessary stress.
At the session, the most important thing is to be happy. Your family needs your positive energy and they feel it when something is troubling you. They should know – it's a fun event: we will play and have a great time.
Once again, please start early – it is important not to be late, as mini-sessions are usually scheduled back-to-back. If you run out of time due to late arrival – you might need to wait for the next available slot.

Outfits

Planning your outfits takes a bit of time, don't leave it for the last minute. Start with the mom. It is easier to match kids to your outfit rather than vice versa. Pick something you feel comfortable in. If your outfit is beautiful but not very comfortable - you might get tired and not enjoy the session as much. Next, coordinate your outfit with that of your spouse and, finally, kids'. Unless you have a specific reason I recommend avoid matching styles. Matching outfits make it harder to create a striking image and have fallen out of fashion with family photographers. Consider wearing layers and textures.

Look at your home decor. Make sure the colors you are wearing for the photo session go with your house color scheme. Consider this: after the session you will own a beautifully printed canvas, which you would love to hang on the prominent place in your house. You would want to make sure that the colors on the canvas are working with the surroundings.
Important For holiday pictures I recommend to avoid tight and short skirts for girls. It’s a plus to have coordinated shoes OR no tights or socks at all (yes, barefeet are just fine). Please try to avoid large hats as they create deep shadows on your face. For toddlers and newborns – full diaper doesn’t photograph well, please have ‘extras’ with you just in case :)).

Fun Details

Accessories add element of fun to the session and look flattering on pictures. Ties, necklaces, scarves, something for kids to carry – are all fun to play with! However, exercise judgement – avoid bulky plastic non-textured toys that you would not enjoy seeing on final images.

Another clothing tip: try to limit patterns and avoid prints and characters on your closing – they look quite distractive in photographs. You will enjoy timeless pictures that are relevant long after the kids have left home. All-black clothes are not recommended because they erase much of the details in the image as black is the highest contrast color. On the other hand, if you picked “Let it snow” theme – white and burgundy will look fantastic!

Picture Perfect

Above all - don't forget that mini photo session is a fun event, that should preserve your cherished memories. Please, don't discipline your kids during the session – smiles and good mood are more important than rules! This helps to catch fun moments and preserve good memories!
See you at the session :)

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