01. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Trust me on this — rest is everything! A well-rested mama glows, and if your partner is joining in, they’ll thank you too 😉. Clear your schedule the night before, go to bed early, and give yourself a slow start in the morning. You deserve it!

03. Get Your Queen On 👑

This is your day — so pamper yourself! Think of it like a mini-wedding day prep:

Hair & makeup: Book your appointment the day of the session so you’re photo-ready and fresh.

Mani/Pedi: Schedule 2 days before your shoot. Pale shades or a soft French manicure photograph beautifully without being distracting.

Bring: Lipstick, a brush/comb, and any touch-up items (including your hairspray) you’ll want.

Pro tip: I schedule sessions in the late afternoon/early evening so you can take your time and not feel rushed.

02. Fuel Up & Hydrate

Pregnancy takes energy, and you’ll need it for your session! Be sure to have a solid breakfast and lunch before your shoot. Keep blood sugar steady and your body feeling good — this makes a huge difference in how you feel in front of the camera.

Also, feel free to bring any personal favorite snacks or drinks (yes, even the baby’s current cravings 😋).

04. What to Wear – Let’s Talk Outfits

You’ll have access to my client closet with gorgeous maternity dresses, flowing fabrics, and form-fitting options — but you’re also welcome to bring your own!

What to bring:

Strapless & seamless skin-toned undergarments

NO shoes needed, ALL maternity sessions are barefoot.

Want a more casual vibe? These always photograph beautifully:

Jeans that fit below the belly + a bralette or crop

Matching bralette & underwear set

Hubby’s shirt or an oversized button-up

Bodysuits in black, white, skin-tone, or jewel tones

A structured jacket in white or black

Mix and match your comfort + style — I’ll help pose and style you every step of the way!

05. Plan the Little Things Ahead of Time

You’ll thank yourself for checking these off the day/night before:

✅ Gas up the car
✅ Lay out outfits and accessories
✅ Pack a bag with touch-up items, water, and snacks
✅ Double-check travel times
(we know how unpredictable Hampton Roads traffic and tunnels can be - don't forget to check for any bridge lifts!)

Take a deep breath, and get ready to shine ✨

06. Relax — You’ve Got This

At the end of the day, this is about celebrating YOU and the beautiful journey you're on. You don’t need to be a model or know how to pose — I’ll guide you every step of the way.

So take a deep breath, trust the process, and let yourself enjoy the moment. These photos will tell a story your future self will be so glad you captured 💛