The Ultimate Maternity Photoshoot Prep Guide

Because growing a human deserves to be documented properly!

Hi mama, I’m so excited you are here. Firstly, I want to thank you for trusting me to capture this incredibly special moment of your life. I take my job very seriously and my goal is to give you photos that you will want to brag about forever! ✨ I also want to congratulate you on this huge event✨

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) welcome prep guide I will give you the whole picture about planning and preparing for our photo session. So when the time comes, your only worry will be looking like a goddess and having fun!

Child giving a kiss on a pregnant woman's belly while other children look on, outdoors in warm clothing

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).

Progression of a pregnant woman taking mirror selfies at 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, and 3 weeks of pregnancy, showing her growing belly.
Pregnant woman in a floral dress leaning against a tree in a park during sunset.
Series of nine mirror selfies showing a pregnant woman at various stages of pregnancy, from 12 weeks to 40 weeks, with her two children appearing in the last two photos.
A pregnant woman with curly hair wearing a blue dress stands outside on a grassy field, smiling at a young girl and man. The man, wearing a white shirt, khaki shorts, and a straw hat, holds the girl who wears glasses and a floral dress. The girl and woman are smiling and holding hands during sunset, surrounded by trees.

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. And if you want to rent a stunning dress for your session I have the perfect contact for you!

A couple lying on a bed, embracing and kissing, in a cozy, intimate in-home maternity photoshoot
A couple, with the woman visibly pregnant, touching foreheads and smiling at each other inside a room with sunlight coming through a window.
Pregnant woman in black lingerie and lace robe taking mirror selfie in bedroom, focused on her pregnant belly, with a blurred figure visible in the foreground.
A man and woman sitting on a couch, the man comforting the pregnant woman by holding her hand and shoulder, with a dark background.

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

If you do decide to do an in-home session I really recommend you take a look at this next Blog post where I help you make sure your house is camera ready 👉 How to Prepare for a montreal In-Home Photoshoot: Practical Steps for Authentic Family Photo

A pregnant woman and her partner sharing a kiss in a living room.
A woman in a white headscarf and purple dress kneeling on a blanket in a field of pink tulips, smiling with her hand behind her head, during daytime.
A couple embracing by the water at sunset, with the woman in a white lace dress and the man in a white shirt and dark pants.

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.

A pregnant woman and a man stand together on a park path during sunset, sharing a kiss while holding hands. She is wearing a white lace dress, and he is dressed in a dark shirt and shorts. They are accompanied by two dogs, a husky and a shepherd mix, both on leashes, with the shepherd mix wearing a harness. The background includes trees and a person jogging in the distance.
A woman and a man sitting on the floor with a curly-haired dog between them, in a room with a crib in the background. The woman is smiling and the man is petting the dog.

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.

A couple sitting on grass in a natural outdoor setting, with the woman wearing a patterned dress and the man in a light t-shirt, illuminated by the setting sun.

the fun part begins now, mama!

Get the fam ready and let’s have some fun together. All of these are just recommendations, at the end of the day I want you all to feel comfortable and have lots of fun. If you have any questions, please reach out to me ♥️

Jen!