Maternity sessions have a fairly narrow ideal window, so timing matters more here than with most shoots. Here is when to book, what to wear, and what a session looks like.
The timing
Aim for somewhere between 28 and 34 weeks. Before about 28 weeks the bump often is not defined enough to read clearly in photos; much past 34 and comfort starts to get in the way — standing, walking, the drive to the location — along with the small chance of an early arrival. If you are expecting multiples, move everything a few weeks earlier. Book the session itself a month or two ahead so we can pick a date inside that window.
Time of day and season
We shoot in the soft light of early morning or the last hour or two before sunset. The season is up to you: a summer evening in the tall grass at Kernaghan Nature Park, spring green at King’s Park, or the clean light of fresh snow if you are due in late winter. For an outdoor session in a Winnipeg winter we keep it short and have somewhere warm to retreat to.
What to wear
Fitted is better than flowing here — you want the shape of the bump to read clearly. A stretchy dress in a solid colour, or a simple top with the bump uncovered, both work well. Bring one option that is more dressed-up and one that is relaxed. If your partner and older children are joining, dress them in the same soft palette.
Who is in the photos
That is your call. Many maternity sessions are just you: quiet, calm portraits of this specific moment. Others fold in a partner and older kids, which shifts the feel toward “our family, about to grow.” We can do both in one session.
After the session
You get a private online gallery of edited high-resolution images to download and print. Plenty of clients book a newborn session for a few weeks after the due date at the same time — it makes a nice bookend, and the light in your own home tells that part of the story well.
Read more on the maternity photography page, or get in touch with your due date and we will find a date that works.
