The Ultimate Maternity Photoshoot Prep Guide
Because growing a human deserves to be documented properly!
Hi mama, I’m so excited you are here. ✨ I want to congratulate you on this huge event in your life ✨. If this is your first pregnancy, let me tell you a little secret: life will turn upside down (in all the possible ways), but most importantly, you will discover what true love is. That kind of love they talk about in movies, where you simply don’t have words to describe it? that same one! This little human that will come to stay forever in your life will change everything.
It’s totally normal to feel nervous, exhausted, anxious and very much excited at the same time, and let me tell you that 9.5 months might feel like a lifetime right now, but in a blink of a eye you will be holding your precious little human. The one you are creating cell by cell. Can you even believe that? Because I am certainly still baffled by the fact that we can create life.
In this (a bit long but juicy) blog article I will give you the whole picture about planning, preparing and doing your maternity photo session here in Montreal. So when the time comes, your only worry will be looking beautiful and having fun!
✨ Why Maternity Photos Matter
As a mom of two little ones, I can tell you — not just as a photographer, but as a woman — how much I appreciate having photos from those precious, wild months of pregnancy. Time flew by, and I can barely remember everything between medical appointments, working full-time, trying to do some self-care and exercise (you know, preparing for the marathon of my life 😅).
I did my best to take monthly belly photos (which I highly recommend doing!), and at the end of each pregnancy, I planned a full maternity photoshoot. For my second, I even did a self-portrait boudoir-style session at home — and I’m so glad I did. Now I see those photos and can barely hold my tears, one because I am a badass for growing 2 human beings, and two because I know I won’t be pregnant again and I am so grateful I documented it. That is why I really encourage you to do this for yourself and for your kids, because I bet they will love to see those photos later in the future (I know I do with my mom’s old pregnancy photos).
📸 Find the Maternity Photographer that’s Right for You
Let’s be real—there are a lot of photographers out there. But you’re not just looking for any photographer. You’re looking for your photographer. The one whose photos give you butterflies. The one whose style makes you say, “Yes, that’s what I want hanging on my wall.”
Take your time browsing portfolios. Look for images that move you—those quiet, intimate moments, soft light, natural posing. Every photographer has a unique way of seeing the world, and you want someone whose vision matches your own.
Pay attention to their tone too. Do they make you feel seen, supported, and celebrated? If you're not totally sure just from looking at their work, book a consultation call. Ask questions, chat about your vision, and make sure your personalities click—because trust me, you’ll feel it in the photos if they do.
Mama, this is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience. Even if you’re pregnant again in the future, you’ll never be pregnant with this baby again. Let’s make sure the person behind the camera gets that—and gets you.
🗓️ When to Book Your Maternity Session
This part is so important and will vary depending on your pregnancy. Rule of thumb? First-time mamas usually “pop” a bit later, while second (or third… or fourth!) pregnancies show up way earlier.
So, depending on how you’re feeling and how your belly is showing, I recommend scheduling your shoot for somewhere between 28 and 35 weeks. That way, your bump is beautifully round, but you're still comfortable enough to pose and move around without too much huffing and puffing. If you’re expecting twins or are considered high-risk, we might want to schedule it a little earlier — around 26 weeks — just in case baby decides to debut ahead of schedule.
Want a deeper dive into this? I’ve got you covered — check out this post 👉 When should you book your maternity photoshoot
👗 What to Wear for Your Maternity Photos
Mama, you are the star of the show. So do yourself a favour and go get something that makes you feel amazing. Like “I’m growing a whole human and I look damn good doing it” amazing. You will not regret it. Pinky promise.
I’ve got a list of stunning outfit options that won’t break the bank, but here are some quick tips:
Plan ahead. No last-minute “what do I wear?!” panics.
Pick your outfit first, then coordinate your partner’s or family’s clothes around it.
Color coordinate, but don’t match-match. Think soft palettes that complement each other, not identical outfits from the same store rack.
Textures > patterns. Flowy, soft, layered fabrics = dreamy photos.
Want the full breakdown on styles, colours, accessories and more? 👉 my guide What to Wear for Your Maternity Photoshoot will help you with this very important part of the planning.
📍 Best Locations for Maternity Photos in Montreal
Montreal is gorgeous and full of dreamy locations for your session — no matter the season. Here are some of my favourite places:
Cap-Sainte-Jacques for romantic golden hour beachy vibes
Angrignon Park for stunning nature and views (great for summer sessions)
Maisonneuve park if you want something quiet and stroller-friendly
Your own home — yup, in-home sessions are cozy, intimate, and perfect if it’s chilly outside (or you just want to be near your snacks)
Each spot has its perks, and I’ll help you choose the one that fits your vibe and comfort level. If you have a park or particular place that feels close to your heart, please don’t hesitate to let me know and we can discuss it together, I want this experience to have an impact on you and for it to stay in your heart forever. In my maternity portfolio you can see the different locations I’ve photographed in and how the photos turn out.
🌤️ Indoor vs Outdoor: Which is Better?
There’s no wrong answer here! Some mamas love the natural beauty of outdoor sessions, while others feel more relaxed inside — especially in the middle of Montreal winter. (No one wants to fake-smile in -15°C unless absolutely necessary.)
Indoors gives us more privacy, flexibility (hello wardrobe change), and warmth. Outdoors brings dynamic light, changing scenery, and seasonal flair.
In this blog post I talk about this in more depth 👉 How to choose: In-home vs outdoor maternity photoshoot
🧘♀️ How to Prep for Your Photoshoot (Without Stress)
I promise you don’t need to stress, I will guide you and your partner the hold time. I will basically be your personal cheerleader for an hour. But here are a few practical tips that’ll make a big difference:
Get a good night’s sleep (easier said than done, I know)
Eat something before the session — no hangry mamas allowed
Bring comfy shoes if we’re walking to a location
Treat yourself to professional hair/makeup if it makes you feel amazing
Pee before we start (seriously — we will be moving around). We will be taking breaks if necessary, I know the bladder has a mind of its own during pregnancy, so do not worry about this!
👨👩👧👦 Can I Bring my Partner, Kids, or Even Our Dog?
Yes, yes, and YES. Your maternity session can be just you, or include your partner, older kiddos, and even your fur baby — especially if this is a full family moment.
I’ll guide everyone through prompts and make sure it doesn’t feel stiff or forced. Plus, big siblings (human or furry) make the sweetest additions to these memories. Just let me know ahead of time so I can plan accordingly.
🎞️ What Happens After the Session?
Once the magic is captured, I’ll work on professionally editing your images with care and a whole lot of love. Within a few weeks, you’ll receive an online gallery where you can:
Download your favourite images
Order fine art prints or wall art directly from your gallery (yes, you deserve to be in the photo albums!)
Share them with friends and family who are just as obsessed with your bump as you are
If you’re also planning on newborn photos, I highly recommend checking out my Maternity + Newborn package. It’s one of the best ways to capture your full journey.
😬 Not a “Camera Person”? That’s Totally Fine.
So many moms tell me:
“I feel so awkward in front of the camera.”
“I don’t usually like how I look pregnant.”
And I get it. You’re doing this miraculous, exhausting, life-changing thing—growing a whole human. But I promise: I’ll guide you every step of the way. I’ll pose you if needed, compliment your best angles, fix your hair and help you feel confident and relaxed.
You’ll look back and be so glad you did this.
💛 Let’s Plan Your Session
Whether you're ready to book or just want to chat, I’d love to hear from you.
You deserve to have this moment remembered—not just the stretch marks and cravings (although, iconic), but the glow, the power, and the deep, deep love that’s already growing.
You've got this, mama.
And I’ve got your photos!
Jen
