Sutherland Shire Family Photographer
Cronulla Photographer
Sutherland Shire Newborn Photographer
Cronulla Newborn Photographer
.png)
Maternity
Session Guide
Celebrating Your Beautiful Bump
There's something so special about pregnancy those fleeting months when you're growing life, glowing with anticipation, and feeling all the emotions. Before the baby arrives, before the newborn photos, before everything changes (in the most beautiful way), we're here to celebrate you and this incredible moment in your story.
Your maternity photos are for you. For your baby to see someday and understand just how radiant their mama was. For you to look back on and remember how it felt to be pregnant with them — the joy, the anticipation, the love that was already there.
This guide will help you feel prepared, comfortable, and absolutely gorgeous on the day of your session.
What to Wear
The key to beautiful maternity photos is wearing something that makes you feel amazing. This isn't about hiding your bump it's about celebrating it.
Style Options
Flowing Dresses The classic choice for a reason.
Look for: soft fabrics, maxi length, wrap styles that emphasise your bump. Bonus points if it has beautiful draping or movement.
Fitted Styles If you love showing off that gorgeous bump, fitted dresses or tops with bump-hugging bottoms are stunning. The contrast of fitted clothing against your round belly is absolutely beautiful in photos.
Casual Partner's oversized linen shirt, comfy jeans or leggings, bare feet in the grass. Sometimes the most beautiful maternity photos are when you're dressed like yourself.
Mixed Approach Bring multiple outfit options! You might start in something flowy and change into something fitted, or vice versa. More changes = more variety in your gallery.
Color Palette
Warm, Earthy Tones (Our Personal Favourite) Terracotta, rust, warm cream, soft gold, dusty rose, olive these tones absolutely sing with that golden light and complement pregnancy glow beautifully.
Soft Pastels Blush, sage, soft blue, lavender - dreamy and romantic, especially at sunset.
Neutrals White, cream, beige, grey - timeless, elegant, and let your natural beauty take center stage.
Bold Colors If you love color, wear it! Deep greens, jewel tones, navy - just avoid anything too bright or neon that might distract from your beautiful face and bump.
What NOT to Wear
❌ Super tight clothing (uncomfortable for you, not as flattering)
❌ Busy patterns or logos (they distract from you)
❌ Anything you don't feel 100% comfortable in
❌ Underwear that creates visible lines (trust me on this!)
❌ Shoes that make you uncomfortable (we might be walking or standing for a bit)
Styling Tips
Hair & Makeup:
-
Do your hair and makeup the way that makes you feel most confident
-
No need to get professionally done (unless that's what makes you happy!)
-
Natural, glowing skin photographs beautifully
-
Loose waves or soft styles work gorgeously with wind and movement
-
If you're wearing makeup, aim for something that feels like you, slightly more than everyday
Accessories:
-
A delicate necklace that draws eyes toward your face
-
Rings if you love them (maternity bump + ring on hand = beautiful detail)
-
Avoid anything too chunky that might feel uncomfortable
-
A lightweight scarf or shawl for layering (and for staying cozy during sunrise/sunset)
Partner's Outfit:
-
Coordinate colours and vibes without matching exactly
-
Something he feels comfortable in (confidence shows!)
-
Consider having him in a neutral tone so you're the star
-
Same colour palette as you = cohesive, beautiful photos
What to Expect on the Day
Before You Arrive
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water the day before and the morning of your session. It helps you feel great and photographs beautifully.
Eat Something: You don't need to be fasting for maternity photos! A light snack beforehand keeps your energy up and helps you feel your best.
Get Comfortable: Wear something loose and easy to change out of. Bring your maternity outfit ready to go.
Arrive Early: Come about 10-15 minutes early so we can chat, get you settled, and make sure you're feeling good.
During Your Session
What We'll Do:
-
Chat and get comfortable (no rushing straight into photos!)
-
Take some standing, full-body shots (celebrating that gorgeous bump)
-
Some close-ups of you and your bump (these are intimate and beautiful)
-
If your partner is joining, some couple shots and connection photos
-
Lifestyle moments walking, laughing, being together
-
Any specific shots or poses you've been dreaming about
How Long Does It Take? Typically 60 minutes, depending on outfit changes, location, and how you're feeling. If you need breaks, we take breaks. This is about you feeling good, not about rushing.
The Vibe:
-
Relaxed, no awkward posing or uncomfortable angles
-
I'll guide you gently through everything (your job is just to be yourself!)
-
Lots of movement and natural moments (walking, laughing, dancing, swaying)
-
If you're not feeling something, we adjust immediately
-
This should feel fun, not stressful
After Your Session
Sneak Peek: You'll get a few beautiful sneak peek photos within 48 hours so you can start sharing the excitement!
Full Gallery: Your complete edited gallery will be delivered within 3 weeks. You'll receive a link to view, download, and share all your beautiful photos.
Prints & Products: Want prints? Canvas? A coffee table book? I can help you create beautiful keepsakes from your session.
Preparing Your Heart & Body
Physically
-
Walk: Gentle walks are wonderful. They keep you moving, feeling good, and energised for your session.
-
Stretch: Prenatal yoga or gentle stretching helps you feel open and comfortable in your body.
-
Hydrate: Seriously, drink so much water. It makes a visible difference in how you feel and photograph.
-
Sleep: Try to get a good night's sleep the night before. You'll feel more energised and radiant.
Emotionally
This is a big moment. You might feel vulnerable about your changing body, worried about how you'll look, or emotional about how fast pregnancy is flying by. All of that is completely normal.
Here's the truth: Pregnancy is beautiful. Your body is creating life. That's not something to hide or feel self-conscious about
it's something to celebrate and honour.
During our session, I want you to feel seen, held, and celebrated. Not judged. Not self-conscious. Just absolutely radiant in this season of your life.
If you're feeling nervous, let me know. We'll talk through it, take our time, and make sure you feel completely comfortable.
Location Choosing
Can't decide where to shoot?
Here's a quick guide to help you think about what feels right for your maternity photos:
For that Epic, Romantic Feel: Voodoo Headland, Blackwoods Beach, Audley & The National Park
For Dreamy, Golden Light: Salmon Haul Bay (at low tide), Wanda Sandhills, Darook Park, Kurnell
For Intimate, Private Moments: Blackwoods Beach, Salmon Haul Bay, Your Home
For Adventure & Connection: Audley & The National Park, Oak Park, Voodoo Headland
For Peaceful, Accessible Locations: Lilli Pilli Point, Camellia Gardens, Oak Park
Not sure? DM and let's chat! I know these spots inside and out, and I'd love to help you choose the location that feels most like your story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I'm feeling self-conscious about my body? Totally normal and completely valid. That's actually something I hear a lot, and here's what I know: the camera loves pregnant women. The softness, the curves, the glow it's all so beautiful. And by the time you see your photos, you'll be amazed at how radiant you look.
Can my partner be in the photos? Absolutely! Some of the most beautiful maternity photos include the partner looking at each other, holding the bump together, embracing. It tells the story of your love and anticipation together. Totally optional, but definitely encouraged.
What if I'm having a difficult pregnancy? We can absolutely adjust. If you're not feeling great, we can keep it shorter, do it in a more comfortable location, or even do it at your home. Your comfort and wellbeing come first, always.
What if I don't like how I look when I'm pregnant? Here's the beautiful thing about maternity photos with me: we're not trying to hide anything or make you look different. We're celebrating exactly what you are in this moment glowing, growing, radiant. The photos often help mums see themselves the way others see them: absolutely beautiful.
Can we do maternity photos before 32 weeks? Of course! If you're feeling amazing at 28 weeks, let's do it. The magic really happens around 32-36 weeks when your bump is most pronounced, but every stage of pregnancy is beautiful. Chat with me about what feels right for you.
What if I go into labor before our session? We'll reschedule for your newborn session! If you've already booked your maternity slot and baby arrives, we'll just pivot to capturing those precious first days instead. Life happens, and that's beautiful too.
Can I bring my other children? Yes! If you want family maternity photos with your older kids, that's absolutely doable. Just let me know so we can plan accordingly and keep everyone comfortable and happy.
The Day-Of Checklist
Before You Leave Home:
-
✓ Eaten something light and hydrating
-
✓ Hair and makeup done (the way that makes you feel gorgeous)
-
✓ Outfit and backup outfit packed
-
✓ Comfortable shoes for walking/standing
-
✓ Underwear that won't show lines
-
✓ Phone charged (we might want to capture some behind-the-scenes moments!)
-
✓ Any props or meaningful items you want included
Things to Know:
-
Wear something loose and easy to change out of to get there
-
Bring a small bag with touch-up makeup if you want it
-
If you're doing outdoor photos, bring a light layer for in between shots
-
Wear comfortable shoes to arrive in (we'll do barefoot or different shoes for photos)
-
Use the bathroom before we start (trust me!)
Mindset Going In:
-
You're going to feel amazing
-
Your bump is beautiful and worth celebrating
-
You're creating a memory that your baby will treasure forever
-
This is YOUR moment
-
It's okay to feel emotional, vulnerable, joyful, or all of the above
-
I've got you
After Your Session
In the First Few Days: Your sneak peek photos will arrive in your inbox within 48 hours. Feel free to share them, celebrate them, scream about them on Instagram whatever feels right!
In the Following Weeks: Your full edited gallery will be ready within 3 weeks. You'll get a private link where you can view, download, and share all your photos. Order prints, create a canvas, or just save them for your heart.
Before Baby Arrives: Your maternity photos are now part of your growing story. When you're in the hospital, when you're holding your newborn for the first time, these photos exist proof that you were radiant, glowing, and ready to meet your baby.
When Baby Arrives: Let me know! Send a text, an Instagram message, an email I want to celebrate with you.
Let's Create Magic
Your maternity session isn't just about beautiful photos (though they will be beautiful). It's about pausing in this whirlwind of pregnancy, taking a breath, and celebrating exactly who and where you are right now.
It's about looking back years from now when your baby is asking to see photos of when you were pregnant with them, when your other kids are asking what mommy looked like with their sibling in your belly and having gorgeous, tangible proof of this moment.
You're growing life. You're glowing. You're absolutely radiant.
Let's capture that.