How to Prepare for Your Maternity Photoshoot

Everything you need to know before your session - from timing and outfits to what to bring on the day.

Filaneyka Photo Studio is a professional maternity, family, and newborn photography studio in Chicago, Illinois. This guide is written by our team based on hundreds of maternity sessions to help you prepare for the perfect photoshoot experience.

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful chapters of your life. A maternity photoshoot preserves this moment forever. But if you've never done a professional shoot before, you probably have a lot of questions: What should I wear? When should I book? What if I'm not photogenic?

Take a deep breath. This guide covers everything - step by step - so you arrive at your session confident, prepared, and excited.

When to Book Your Maternity Photoshoot

The ideal time for your shoot: weeks 28-32 of pregnancy.

Why this window works best:

• Your bump is beautifully rounded and visible

• You still feel comfortable enough to move and pose

• You have energy before the fatigue of late third trimester sets in

• There's enough time to receive and share your photos before baby arrives

Book early! Start planning from week 20 - this way you'll get the best date and time options. Most maternity photographers book 4-8 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons (spring and fall). The sooner you reach out, the more dates you'll have to choose from.

Too early? Before week 26, your bump may not be as visible in photos, especially with a first pregnancy.

Too late? After 36 weeks, discomfort and swelling can set in, and baby might decide to arrive early. We want you feeling your absolute best.

What to Wear to Your Maternity Photoshoot

This is the number one question we hear. Here's the honest answer: it depends on the look you want. But we have great news.

Studio Wardrobe (the easiest option)

Our studio offers a collection of designer maternity dresses made for photography. These aren't ordinary store-bought dresses. Each one is specially selected for photoshoots: flowing fabrics, perfect silhouettes, luxurious colors. They accentuate your bump and create that wow effect in your photos.

You don't need to buy anything - just come in, choose a dress, and enjoy the experience. We'll help you pick the perfect option for your skin tone, hair color, and mood.

Bringing Your Own Outfits

If you'd like to bring something of your own, here's what works well:

Yes:

• Solid colors (no large patterns)

• Fitted silhouettes that accentuate your bump

• Flowing dresses and skirts

• Soft tones: cream, beige, dusty pink, sage, white

• Bold accents: deep red, emerald, royal blue

Better to avoid:

• Busy prints and large logos

• Neon and acid colors

• Shiny/reflective fabrics - they create glare in photos

• Thick knit sweaters - the bulk of the fabric loses the line of your figure in photos

• Layered outfits with belts and buckles - they cut through the silhouette and distract from the bump

How Many Looks?

The number of outfit changes depends on your package. View our maternity packages to see what's included. Typically 2-4 looks: one elegant, one cozy/intimate, one together with your partner, and if your package allows, one additional look.

Include Your Partner? Absolutely Yes.

Couples maternity photos are among the most requested. They capture the connection between you and your partner during this special time.

Great news: you can include your partner in any of our packages. So don't worry if you haven't decided yet - you can make that choice later. This is your moment together, and we'll help make it special.

What Should Your Partner Wear?

Simple and tasteful, coordinating with your look (not matching, but harmonious):

• Jeans + t-shirt or button-down (ironed!)

• Or dress pants + clean button-down

• Neutral colors that complement your outfit

• No logos, prints, or bold patterns

• Clean shoes (wipe the soles!)

Tip: choose your partner's outfit to coordinate with your look from the studio catalog - that way everything will be harmonious.

Makeup Artist: Do You Need One?

Why We Recommend Professional Makeup

A professional makeup artist knows how to do makeup for camera - it's a completely different technique than everyday makeup. Long-lasting for 2-3 hours, proper contouring that enhances your features under studio lighting. Plus - you don't have to think about it yourself. You arrive, sit in the chair, and relax while they transform you into a goddess.

If You Added Makeup and/or Hair When Booking:

• If you booked a makeup artist: arrive with a clean face, no makeup

• If you booked a hair stylist: hair should be clean and dry, no masks or leave-in products

• Bring reference photos of looks you like (we'll show the artist)

• Allow extra time: makeup and hair take 75 minutes (or 80 minutes if two artists work simultaneously)

If Doing Your Own:

• Natural, slightly enhanced makeup

• Waterproof mascara (happy tears happen!)

• Don't apply anything you don't usually wear - you should look like you

• Moisturize your belly the night before (not the morning of - skin should be dry for accessories)

Learn more about our Hair & Makeup service.

Body Preparation

2-3 Days Before:

• Manicure and pedicure (your hands will be on your bump in many shots)

• Waxing if needed (not on shoot day - skin needs time to calm down)

• Moisturize: belly, arms, legs

The Night Before:

• Moisturize your whole body

• Get a good night's sleep - this is the most important thing you can do

• Pack everything you're bringing (use the checklist below)

Day of the Shoot:

• Eat well before your session (low blood sugar = dizziness)

• Drink water

• Wear loose clothing on the way to the studio - tight waistbands, straps, and socks leave marks on skin that show up in photos. These marks take 30+ minutes to fade

• Remove any jewelry you won't be wearing during the shoot (watch marks, ring indentations)

Props

Props add a personal touch, but less is more. Here are some ideas:

• Ultrasound photo - a classic, always beautiful

• Baby's first outfit or booties - tiny items look incredibly touching

• Fresh flowers - we'll weave them beautifully into the frame

• Name sign (if you've already chosen a name)

• Something meaningful - a family heirloom, a book you'll read to your baby, your wedding veil

• Stuffed animal for baby - a sweet and heartwarming touch

Tip: don't bring too many items. 2-3 props are enough. Too many props overwhelm the frame and draw attention away from what matters most - you and your bump.

What If I Don't Feel Beautiful?

Let's be honest: pregnancy is beautiful, but it's also hard. You might feel swollen, tired, or just think "today isn't my day." Here's what we want you to know:

You don't need to feel perfect to look perfect in photos.

Professional lighting, the right poses, and the right angles make a huge difference. Your photographer knows how to accentuate your bump, elongate your figure, and capture you in the best light - even on an "off" day.

Every client who told us "I'm not photogenic" was thrilled with their photos. Trust the process.

During the Session: What to Expect

• Relax. You don't need to know how to pose. Your photographer will guide you through every pose

• Sessions typically last 1-2 hours depending on your package

• You'll change outfits (we have a private changing area)

• We'll try different poses: standing, sitting, lying down, close-ups of your bump, hands, details

• If your partner or children are joining - they usually participate in part of the session

• This should be fun. We'll play your favorite music, laugh, and enjoy this moment together

After the Session

• Gallery delivery: you'll receive a beautiful online gallery

• Photo selection: choose your favorite shots for retouching

• Final photos: retouched photos in digital format

• Prints: consider wall art, albums, or prints - digital files live in your phone, but prints live on your walls forever

Explore our Harmony Memories Collection — a beautiful photo box with prints.

Ready to Book?

Your pregnancy is happening right now. The window to capture it is small.

We'd love to preserve this special time for you.

Book Your Session View Maternity Packages

Complete Maternity Photoshoot Checklist

Print this out and check off each item before shoot day:

print Print / Save as PDF

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Booking & Planning

• Book your session at weeks 20-24 (for a shoot at 28-32 weeks)
• Choose your date and time on the website
• Add makeup and hair when booking (if desired)
• Coordinate your partner's schedule (if joining)
• Review all materials sent after booking
• Select outfit options from the studio wardrobe online catalog
• Review the contract

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1 Week Before

• If bringing your own outfits - try everything on, make sure it's comfortable and fits well
• Gather props (ultrasound photo, booties, flowers, stuffed animal, etc.)
• Start moisturizing your belly daily
• Coordinate your partner's outfit

spa

2-3 Days Before

• Manicure and pedicure
• Waxing (if needed)

bedtime

The Night Before

• Moisturize your whole body (belly, arms, legs, hands)
• Pack everything in one bag:
• Strapless bra (nude)
• Seamless underwear in nude
• Black underwear (for dark outfits)
• Outfits (on hangers, don't fold)
• Partner's outfit (ironed)
• Props
• Hairbrush
• Touch-up cosmetics
• Heels (if planning to wear - but most shoots are barefoot)
• Get a good night's sleep!

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Morning of the Shoot

• Eat a full meal
• Drink water
• Wear loose clothing (no tight waistbands, straps, or socks)
• Remove jewelry that leaves marks (watches, rings)
• If booked for makeup: arrive with no makeup
• If booked for hair: clean dry hair, no masks
• Bring water and a light snack

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What to Bring

• All outfits (including partner's)
• Strapless bra (nude)
• Seamless underwear (nude + black)
• Hairbrush
• Bottle of water
• Light snack (crackers, fruit, nuts)
• Ultrasound photo
• Booties or baby's first outfit (optional)
• Fresh flowers (optional)
• Stuffed animal (optional)
• Personal meaningful items
• Phone charger
• Comfortable shoes for the ride home

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Mindset

• Remember: you don't need to know how to pose
• Trust your photographer - we have hundreds of sessions under our belt
• Let go of perfectionism - your real emotions are what make photos beautiful
• Enjoy the moment. You're creating life. That's incredible.