So today we are sharing Ellen and Billy’s maternity session that we just shot at the VMFA here in Richmond along with maternity photo session tips.

We thought we would share some maternity photo session tips for what you should think of when you are planning on maternity session.

There are a few different things that we recommend and share when clients are booking a maternity session. Really just things that I wish I had considered when we were doing our own maternity session.. so maternity photo session tips I wish I had. 

Maternity photo session tip 1 – Schedule in third trimester

The very first tip is when to schedule your maternity session.

Really wish I had scheduled my maternity session earlier in my pregnancy. We waited until the last few weeks before Niles’ due date. I really wish that we had planned to do it may be a month before.

You definitely want to wait until your third trimester so that you are really showing and have a cute belly. But maybe not huge swollen ankles and can’t fit into your shoes.

Good idea to give yourself a little bit of time. Especially if it’s your first baby and you don’t really know when the true birth date is going to happen. Due dates are not an exact science.

Don’t wanna be too far along that you were uncomfortable but you still want to have a cute belly to show off. So wait until your third trimester but maybe about a month or so before the date.

Maternity photo session tip 2 – Pick a location without too much walking

Our next tip is to pick a location that has a lot of variety without too much walking.

Of the VMFA for that. Ellen and Billy session was perfect because without having to walk around too far you can get a ton of variety and lots of different looks. There are a lot of different locations in Richmond they can give you that same feel of a lot of different variety within a small space so just reach out if you need suggestions.

Maymont and Belle Isle or two locations where a lot of walking could be required so you might want to rethink those locations.

Maternity photo session tip 3 – Choose your outfit early

Our next step is all about picking a good outfit.

So you really want to take time, like you would for any session, to think through your outfit choice. This is especially true when you’re pregnant. If you’re anything like me I was super self-conscious during my pregnancy.

Ellen walked up looking so flawless an address that was super similar to mine and I kind of chewed her out for looking so great.

There are a ton of great online shops for picking maternity dresses. Definitely do that way ahead of time so that you are able to put it on and make sure you feel good in it. I really wanted to find something that had sleeves. That was important for me and for some reason that is so hard to find. So take time and make sure you pick out your outfit way in advance.

Typically for maternity sessions we stick to one outfit. We have certainly shot maternity sessions where you change but you just wanna make sure you think it through. Depending on your location you might have to change in the car or a bathroom and you want to make sure that you feel comfortable still.

Do you want to be able to provide some variety you can always add on a sweater or a jacket and kind of change up your look without actually having to change.

Guys just let her pick her outfit and then you choose something neutral. Slacks, a button down shirt, maybe a jacket and don’t forget the shoes.  And if she wants to dress you, just let her.

Bonus tip – Schedule your newborn session at the same time

Our last little bonus step is to go ahead and schedule your newborn session.

That is something that we didn’t do and really wish we had we schedule our newborn session far in advance.  If you’re with us we always have the option of booking both at the same time to make it easier. If you book with us, we have packages for that.

We can also set a tentative date ahead of time. We’ll pick a date one or two weeks out from the due date so that there’s something in the calendar and then adjust it from there as we know the actual birthday.

We hope these maternity photo session tips where helpful.  If you have any questions or need any suggestions as always feel free to reach out. Enjoy a few of our favorites from this wonderful couple that we love so much Ellen and Billy. We are so excited for you guys!!!

Look at some other blog posts!

See another VMFA Maternity session – Emily + Mike

Maymont maternity session without too much walking 

See Baby registry ideas

Our Nursery reveal