Maternity Sessions

So you're interested in a Maternity session but feel a little bit nervous or overwhelmed?

Let me start by saying that is completely normal. I don't think I've had a lady come through My door and not say they're nervous or apprehensive - but let me tell you this - by the time they leave, we are like long lost friends, and they leave feeling like Beyonce with a new found confidence and a feeling of empowerment.

"Getting your kit off" in front of someone you don't know (or you may have met me a few times before) can be super daunting, I totally get that. Its done very tastefully and nothing is on show.
All of my ladies wear nipple covers (which I provide) and everything down below is always covered by a leg or a hand. I even joke ill get naked with you if it helps (thankfully no-one has taken me up on this yet haha)

Nude shots are always done last, so your used to how I work, and how I pose you. Most importantly, there's no pressure for you to pose nude. It's entirely up you what you want to do and how much you want to bare. Of course I never share images you're not comfortable with so you can do nude and nobody need know! Back to posing. You may see my images and think wow I could never pose like that. Rest assured neither can my ladies!

I pose everyone and every image you see. I've spent years perfecting my craft, years studying women's bodies and pregnancy so I can get the best out of your session and your body. I'd never expect you to just stand there and know what to do. Every pose I show you what to do, how to position your feet, your hands, your head, your bump literally everything. I will be moving your hair telling you to lift your chin and adjusting as I go. Posing is a massive part of your session besides the lighting and the styling.

Styling - you are welcome to bring your own clothing however, I do prefer to use my own client wardrobe (apart from lingerie for hygiene purposes I will request you to bring a set of white and black lingerie, or red if you prefer) this is because I know what works in images. Less is more - I have the occasional wow dresses but simplicity is best when the main focus is you and your baby bump. I have a huge array of items available to make your session unique so I will request you to send me some images of yourself so that I know what you look like so I know what will suit you. Again something I've studied for many years is Styling.

My style is very "fine art" I don't shoot light and airy portraits so if this is what you're after then I can find a photographer to best suit you. I'm all about the shadows and contrast, creating dramatic portraits which will last a lifetime and be timeless. I use very few props in My Maternity sessions, again less is more. Unless it's something sentimental to you then of course I'm happy to incorporate this for you, after all we need to work together as its your session too.

Partners and children are of course welcome in the session too, and I can style them as well. If you're opting for nude pre prepare the dads that they'll be whipping their tops off too!

As you'll see from many of my images lots of the ladies are laughing, as well as having serious faces. The sessions are actually so much fun and we have a right laugh! We talk like we've been friends for ages and after the first few minutes they're so relaxed that even if they didn't plan nude they end up doing it. I've had a few ladies even forget they had nothing on before and just walk around the studio haha.

For your safety my studio is locked during these sessions. No one can enter at any time. No session is booked in for an hour after your session is finished just in case we do run over so there is no rushing. We can stop for toilet breaks, drink breaks and even snack breaks.

I aim for 4 or 5 different sets. This can include nude or not. Again this is your choice. No pressure from me at all.

Your galleries are available the evening of your session where you will select your favourite images in your chosen package. Packages can be upgraded or you can stick to the package you have purchased. I don't pressure sell. Any images you let me share are always gifted to you, because that's how I get more clients, by show casing my work. Word of mouth is my only advertising tool because I'm a firm believer that people recommending me as a person is far better than any advert they'll ever see, so it's my way of giving back.

Editing - Editing can take me hours and hours, Your skin tone will change during pregnancy because of your hormones so I will fix this for you. Some ladies worry that they will look patchy but I assure you, you won't. Also please be mindful if you're having your make up done professionally. Make sure it's how you would normally look. Be mindful of your nail varnish (if you wear it) that it is not chipped. Fake tan (if you wear it) is evenly applied. Stretch marks can be edited out if you wish, but if not requested they will remain in your images because they're part of your journey. Bruises and pimples will be edited out. Skin will be smoothed - this is because my camera does pick up every little detail and I want your portraits to be flawless (but not fake) I will contour your skin (slightly) but this will not change your shape or how you actually look - Volume will be added to long hair so that it doesn't appear to be flat, and I do prefer hair if possible to be curled as I often use a fan to create movement. Again this isn't a HAS to be, if you prefer your hair straight then that is fine also.

Of course ill always be out of someone's budget and that's OK. However what people don't see is the hours that go into my work. Maternity session don't just take me 1 to 1.5 hours in the session. It can take me several hours to perfectly edit each image, and we are all aware how much rent and electricity costs on business premises. I'm also the sole income for a family of 5. You'll also see how often I refresh my client wardrobe to keep things relevant and new for my clients, and very often I'll buy something new just for your session.

Above everything else I absolutely adore what I do, maternity and newborn sessions are my passion and something I would love to focus mainly on going forward (although I could never drop the fine art children's portraits)

So if you'd like to book in drop me a message! The sessions are best done between 24 and 34 weeks so that you're still able to move comfortably and hopefully you don't have much back or hip pain! I've had 3 babies myself so I'm all too aware of the pain these little bundles can cause our bodies!

Let's embrace what our bodies can create, let's empower each other and lift each other up. We should be proud that our bodies can grow and create something so wonderful and there really is only one chance to capture that moment. x