Ariana called the studio to book a maternity session in the studio to avoid being outdoors in cold winter weather. She wanted to schedule on the later end of her pregnancy with her baby girl so her belly would be on the larger side. We typically schedule maternity sessions to take place between 26-34 weeks, depending on each expectant mother’s situation. If they’re more petite, carrying multiples, or higher risk for pre-term labor/bedrest we schedule on the earlier side of that window. If you’re reading this and already past 34 weeks of pregnancy, don’t worry! You can absolutely still book if we have any availability, and we recommend doing so ASAP. Contact us right away to discuss available options for scheduling!
MATERNITY ADD ONS AND FITTING SCHEDULING
When she booked her session, Ariana also asked to add on makeup services, and we took care of connecting her with an artist available for her session date. We have an incredible team of hair and makeup services that provide hair and/or makeup services to our clients. They’ll work with you to create a look that you love, that accentuates all your best features while still looking like you.
At booking, we had also scheduled a maternity fitting for Ariana to come into the studio. The majority of these fittings are scheduled for weekend afternoons, while some take place during the week if you happen to be in the area already for a doctor’s appointment. We’re conveniently located on the Beltline in the Poncey-Highlands neighborhood close to Ponce City Market and right next door to two.urban.licks.
THE MATERNITY FITTING
On the day of Ariana’s fitting, we had a lot fun chatting and getting to know each other as we went through the wardrobe pieces. Ariana had been a little concerned that we wouldn’t have enough options for her more petite frame, but quickly realized that wouldn’t be an issue! I took photos of her in each of the dresses she liked the most, since she wanted her husband’s feedback before making a final decision about which to wear for her session.
She ended up choosing a gorgeous ruffled off the shoulder fitted gown in blush pink, and a beautifully detailed sheer lace dress that showed off the belly perfectly. We talked about what her husband could wear as well, and she headed home.
MATERNITY SESSION PRE-SESSION PREP
The afternoon of their session, Ariana arrived to meet her makeup artist and get started. I am usually not at the studio during pre-session prep with the HMUA, but I was that day to get some work done in the office. I left them alone and heard lots of chatting and laughter during their time together, which is the norm. Our hair and makeup artists are super personable and fun to talk to!
When Josh arrived later on, I went through his wardrobe options and determined which ones he would wear with each of Ariana’s dresses. Some clients aren’t 100% sure, so they’ll bring an armful of clothes for me to go through. I welcome and encourage clients to do this if they want my input! The two most important things regarding bringing clothing from home are: (1) make sure it FITS and has been tried on recently, and (2) make sure it’s steamed/pressed/ironed and ready to go as we will not have time to do that before your session. I make sure studio wardrobe pieces are ready to go before you ever walk in the door, so anything you bring from home should also be ready to go as well so it doesn’t cut into your session time.
Both Josh and Ariana changed into their first outfits, and we got started with their session!
THE MATERNITY SESSION & WHAT TO EXPECT
Ariana was already very comfortable with me, and Josh was beginning to warm up. She had warned me that he wasn’t super comfortable in front of the camera, and he reiterated this as well and stated that I would need to tell him what to do. Guess what? “You’ll need to tell me what to do” is the NUMBER ONE statement of my clients before their session gets started. I’ve got good news for you! You don't need to worry about this. I will gently direct you through your entire session by giving you gentle guidance and prompts for genuine interaction with each other.
Ariana and Josh were so lovely together, and we spent about an hour in the studio together. My typical portrait session takes about 45 minutes, but I allot an hour to allow for changing time, breaks to use the restroom, get a snack or just sit down for a breather!
WHY A LOT OF FIRST TIME DADS HATE THE IDEA OF SCHEDULING A MATERNITY SESSION
We’ll have a great time together and most of my guy clients tell me how much fun it was as they’re leaving. Most of my expectant dads are surprised that having their photos taken actually turned out to be fun. I used to wonder why, and then I started asking questions, because I wanted to know why so many dads assumed it was going to be the worst experience ever that they’d just need to grit their teeth to get through.
Want to know what the vast majority of first time expectant dads told me when I asked them why they thought it was going to be so awful?
They had to endure an HOURS long engagement session, with the photography asking them to do the SAME things repeated over and over in different outfits. Then they had to endure it again on their wedding day when the photographer constantly pulled them away for “just a few more couples photos” when they just wanted to be celebrating with their friends and family. In the words of one dad who ended his tirade: “Just how many pictures of us in 10 different locations walking while fake smiling at each other and holding hands do we actually need?” (the answer is not 100)
I get it, and my session experience is crafted to be respectful of your time AND to be fun! You won’t be in front of my camera for hours and hours during your maternity session. Nope! My sessions are efficient, but not rushed, and we’ll be done in an hour or less and have FUN!
Enjoy a few of my favorites from this awesome couple’s maternity session!
If you're expecting a baby or already a parent and looking for a newborn, maternity, or family photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Watch this video to hear about my philosophy and see how I work in the studio so you can determine if I'm the right fit for you. I can't wait to meet you!
Lily Sophia Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, and family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.
