Preparing for your MATERNITY SESSION with Tiffany Edwards, Photographer

At any point the expectant mama's baby bump be baby bumpin' is fine for photos, I recommend scheduling your maternity session around 32 - 34 weeks pregnant.

This is far enough along for the average mama to be clearly pregnant, but not so heavily pregnant that she's unable to enjoy the session due to being fatigued and more uncomfortable toward the end.

Pregnant woman stands in a field at sunset, silhouetted against a golden sky. She cradles her belly, evoking a serene, hopeful mood as captured by Tiffany Edwards, Newborn, Maternity & Family Photographer in Billings MT

In the weeks before your session...

Take the time to consider any themes or overall vibes you might have or ideas for sentimental items to incorporate and share them along with any inspo images with your photographer. Decide on outfit(s) and purchase anything needed with plenty of time to spare. Schedule professional hair and makeup if desired.

In the days before your session...

Finalize and gather outfits for self and the family or partner, if participating. If it's something you can do ahead of time to make session day run smoothly, do it! From trimming fingernails and locating specific jewelry you'd like to wear - cross out whatever you can from that list a little early and you'll be glad you did.

The day before...

Baths and showers all around (clean dry skin and hair for hair/MUA if applicable), double check the diaper bag is fully stocked with all the essentials if you'll be bringing a little one, pack and prepare sentimental items and anything else you plan to bring (or have handy, if I'm coming to you) for session day. A favorite toy or noisemaker can be the perfect way to capture big baby smiles from babies and small children.

Plan to feed babies and little ones on their normal schedule but be prepared with a quick and easy snack just in case/to top off with bottle or breastmilk as needed. Brainstorm rewards for older child(ren) to offer as incentive in the moment if needed (I highly recommend not mentioning the reward ahead of the session, allowing the excitement and eagerness to participate to be fresh and new during the session itself, typically getting better resulting images!)

Session Day...

By following the recommendations made here, you should be going into session day as ready as you can be! Please aim to arrive (or be ready upon my arrival for in-home sessions) right at the scheduled session time, or up to just 5 minutes early. You will get a day-of session reminder to your email.