MATERNITY SESSION GUIDE

HELLO + WELCOME

I am so thrilled that we will be working together soon, and hope this session planning guide is helpful as you prepare for our time together. It is my sincere hope that these pages answer any questions you may have about your PLUME Photography experience, but please feel free to reach out with any additional questions you may have.  

This guide includes my learned-from-experience tips for preparing for our session, including what to wear and where we should shoot, and, perhaps most importantly, how these images can become heirloom artwork in your home following your session.

 
 

Session Checklist

 

After nearly a decade photographing in-home newborn sessions, I’ve created a short and simple checklist for parents to review before our session. If you do nothing else, try to review these in the days leading up to our time together!

  • Because spit-up (among other things) happens, and it’s best to be prepared!

  • Even if Baby ate right before our session (which I recommend whenever possible), sometimes the camera makes them hungry!

  • Typically, a warm, fed baby is a content baby. I recommend setting your thermostat 1-2 degrees warmer than normal, but make sure you are still cool & comfortable!

  • While I don’t incorporate props or costumes, I’m happy to include a hand-me-down outfit, a beautiful rattle or a handmade blanket. (This can also be a nice way to “include” extended family in the session without having them there.) 

  • You absolutely do not need to clean your whole house, or even an entire room, but do clear side tables and surfaces of clutter (you can sweep it all in a laundry basket and stash it in the closet!) and make sure there are plenty of pillows on the bed if we are working in there.

 
 
 

When choosing your Portrait Session wardrobe, I always recommend first and foremost to choose outfits that you feel comfortable in, and secondly, that everyone is adhering to the same dress code / is dressed for the same event - for example, if one person is very casual, everyone should be casual.

Consider your home decor and our shoot location when choosing your color palette and outfits. You’ll want the setting to compliment the outfits, and you’ll also want the final images to look beautiful and intentional when displayed on your wall. Generally, it is best to stay within a neutral, organic color palette: cream, gray, navy blue, and pastels in the pink and blue families work well. Solid colors that layer well together, with details in the texture such as knits, linen, and lace are good options. If you choose white or black, be sure there is texture to the fabric, as that helps preserve the detail in the photographs.

I recommend clients stay away from brighter colors in the red & orange range as they do not photograph as well. Any prints or patterns should be minimal or soft, and I recommend you avoid clothing with writing or logos, as they can be very distracting in photographs.


WHAT TO WEAR

 
 

FAVORITE MATERNITY Wardrobe RESOURCES

Hill House Home 

merlette

tuckernuck

MI GOLONDRINA

HATCH

seraphine

DOEN

NOTHING FITS BUT

 

For maternity sessions, I recommend wearing a flowy, long dress, or slim trousers and a beautiful tunic. You may wish to include a second casual outfit that includes a slouchy sweater, button up shirt, or blouse. 

Consider choosing an outfit that will work for a baby shower as well as your maternity session and try not to feel limited to “maternity” lines of clothing. Rental programs, like Rent The Runway, are also great options for special outfits that you might not otherwise wear again.

I am more than happy to help specifically with the styling of your session, so please feel free to email me with any questions.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Will I receive color and black & white images?

    Yes, all clients receive both color and black and white images to choose from, with the gallery being split about 50-50 unless you have communicated a desire for an all black and white gallery to Amanda.

  • Does my home need to be perfect for the shoot?

    Not at all! Photographing in the home allows everyone to feel safe and comfortable, and everything we could need is already on hand. It should not, however, be a source of stress or worry in the days leading up to the session!

    All we need is one room with ample window light, light color/preferably neutral walls, and a soft space for everyone to snuggle up. In most cases, this will be a bedroom. I recommend clearing away any “clutter” from bedside tables, investing in or borrowing from another bedroom, lots of pillows for the bed, and having a solid, light-colored spread for the bed.

  • Will you be using props or swaddling techniques like I see on Instagram and Pinterest?

    My newborn session approach is about capturing the connection between a new baby and parents and showing intimate emotion. 

    I am always delighted to incorporate family heirlooms and special gifts - like a silver rattle, or needlepointed baby shoes - into the images in your gallery. I respectfully ask that you refrain from introducing any costumes to your session, and props will not be included.

  • When will we receive our gallery preview?

    Depending on the season, it usually takes about 3-4 weeks. This includes time to develop the film. Preview images will be posted to Instagram (with your consent) within 48 hours.

  • Do we receive digital downloads?

    Every session includes low-resolution digital downloads for your personal digital archive, which can be shared on social media and printed up to 4x6. The “Classic” collection includes 10 high resolution downloads, but you may upgrade your collection once you receive your gallery preview.

  • Can you help with Birth Announcements?

    I’m happy to help with birth announcements, albums, and custom framing after your session.

 

TOP TIPS

  • Slow is OK

    Sessions typically last around 90 minutes, but can be quicker or longer depending on what kind of day you guys are experiencing! If baby needs a break, we take it!

  • Be Yourself

    I will guide you in the best light and suggest different posing when needed. But if anything doesn’t feel “like you,” please say so! If you are feeling discomfort, it will show in your images. 

  • Embrace the Moment

    Look for opportunities to be intentionally affectionate with one another (in ways that feel natural to you!) 

  • Don't Say Cheese, Please

    We want to capture authentic moments and I have more than a few tricks to get older children to participate in a way that doesn’t look forced! 

  • It Takes a Village

    If you have older children, please consider having an extra set of hands (a family member, nanny, babysitter, or friend) to help keep them occupied when they are done with photos.

AFTER THE SESSION

Baby’s First Heirlooms

Over the years, the most common remark I hear from clients after they receive their gallery is they can’t wait to have time to properly display and share their photos.

I know that you didn’t choose to work with me to let your new photos simply live on a screen, but I also understand this season of your life is likely very chaotic, and making a baby book or ordering framed prints for your gallery wall requires time and energy you need to focus elsewhere.

I’m here to help. I am passionate about seeing your photographs printed, and I have curated a collection of heirloom quality prints, frames, albums, and gifts you can access directly from your Gallery Shop, or feel free to set up an ordering consultation with me to walk through your the options together.