Alrighty friends, here is is – your cheat sheet for booking the best maternity photography in Philadelphia. You’ve decided to have this fleeting time in your life photographed, found a photographer whose style you love, and you’re ready to get that dang date on the calendar! I’ve been a maternity photographer in Philadelphia for YEARS and I’m sharing all of my best tips and tricks for booking the best maternity session. Here we go!

Let’s nail down timing first – exactly when should you book your session?

Most of my clients reach out very early in their second trimester (12-13 weeks along is a good bet, timing wise) and schedule their session for that sweet spot between looking like you ate a big lunch and looking like you’re two seconds away from giving birth. When’s that you say? I’m gonna be wishy-washy here for a minute and say that everyone’s body is different and depending on your body type, if you’re having multiples, or if you’ve had pregnancies in the past, you’ll start showing at different times.

For example, if you have a long torso, there’s a lot more room for baby to hide and erring on the later side can be better! Most of my clients reserve their maternity photography in Philadelphia between 28-32 weeks of pregnancy.

What kind of location should you choose?

This is really a personal preference but a few things can play into your choice either way. If you’re sweet spot of 28-32 weeks falls in the winter and you happen to live in the Philadelphia area, you’ll know it’s pretty brown and bare outside from early November to early April. A studio session is a great option if your maternity session falls within those dates, or maybe you’d like to consider an in-home maternity session! If you do feel passionately about going somewhere for the session, there are a handful of spots that I’ve scoped out over the years that offer an indoor option for a permit fee.

If your schedule isn’t flexible for a rain date and you have an outdoor session planned in, say, the summer, you will want to have an indoor option as a backup. My studio is a beautiful option for maternity photography in Philadelphia!

Now that you’ve committed to maternity photography in Philadelphia, let’s chat what to wear!

This is a two part answer. If you’ve booked your maternity photography with me, you’ll have access to the Willy Wonka Wonderland equivalent of a wardrobe: my Client Closet. Yes, it’s really that good. You’ll have access to over 220 size inclusive dresses and hundreds (yes, you read that right) of options for children – as well as shirts and sweaters for dads! Not only do I have dresses for every size and style preference, I also have robes, sweaters, and the prettiest lace gowns for your maternity photography in Philadelphia.

Now, if your photograph does not offer a Client Closet, you’ll want to spend some time on this part of session planning. I suggest something in a lighter color, either solid or with a smaller print. Many of my clients prefer sleeves, and a flowy fabric that moves while they walk.

Can my partner and kids (furry ones included) come?

Of COURSE! Partners, children, and pets are always welcome at maternity sessions. It’s a really sweet opportunity to have yourself photographed with your first baby before your new one is born. There’s truly nothing sweeter than a toddler’s head and hands resting on mama’s bump. However, if you’d prefer an intimate maternity session alone, I do have plenty of clients who choose that route. These sessions can be a sweet present to your partner or just a special way to remember your pregnancy.

“But like…I don’t know what to do with my body.”

I GOT YOU. Your body is changing and feels like something changes every day. Been there, done that (twice). As a photographer who has been offering maternity photography in Philadelphia for years and is extremely experienced in maternity portraits, I will direct you as much or as little as you’d like. Some of my clients would like me to tell them what to do with every part of themselves, from their head to their toes. Some feel more comfortable posing themselves. It’s something we’ll chat about ahead of your session and you’ll have all the guidance that you’ll need to love your session.

If you’re on the hunt for maternity photography in Philadelphia, I’d love to learn more about your family and your vision for your session! You can contact me here for all the details on maternity sessions.

A cheat sheet for booking the best maternity photography in Philadelphia

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