What to expect from a maternity photoshoot

Welcome to the first in my series about what to expect if you have a portrait photography session with Moments by Katie Mitchell. This time it’s all about those mums-to-be coming in for their maternity photoshoots.

Before you book

I want you to feel excited about coming in for your maternity photoshoot but I understand that not everyone feels entirely comfortable with the idea of being in front of the camera. So I always like to speak to clients on the phone, over Zoom or even meet in-person before my photoshoots, particularly where clients may feel nervous about what’s to come. I find it helps to put them at ease and lets us both to get to know each other a little bit beforehand. I’ll ask what it is you’re looking for from your session, whether there’s certain colours you like or if there’s an absolute must photograph that you want; perhaps you want to bring someone along with you. I do encourage this actually, as they not only help to make you feel more relaxed but they can also help with some of the behind the scenes dress swooshing as seen below! And of course, if you want to involve your partner or older children in your photoshoot, then you are more than welcome to do so.
Pregnancy Maternity Photoshoot

On the day

If you choose to have your hair and make-up done, then we’ll arrange for you to come to my Gloucester studio about an hour and a half before your photo session. You’ll sit and relax with a cuppa or some non-alcoholic bubbly while my good friend Gemma Hull from Gemma Hull Hair and Make-Up gives you the look that you’re after. She is amazing at natural hair and make-up and stunning up-dos – and she loves a good natter!
 
If you come all made-up and ready to go (kudos to you because I suck at doing my own hair and make-up!), then we’ll get straight into the studio so that you can choose from the range of maternity dresses and outfits for you to wear. Then I’ll give you a spot of privacy while you get into your chosen outfit.
 
Most people are feeling pretty nervous at this point, but we’ll keep the conversation flowing and you’ll soon be chuckling at my demonstrations of what to do and what not to do! (Have you seen my intro video? It shows I don’t take myself too seriously!) I’ll show and tell you how to do every single pose, each one designed to make you look at your best. If there’s something not quite right, like your hair’s out of place or your outfit isn’t fitting as flattering as it could be, then I’ll fix it there and then.
Pregnancy Maternity Photoshoot

We’ll go through a range of different poses to make you look amazing as well as outfit changes to give you lots of choice in your final gallery. Then, at the end and only if you’re up for it, we’ll do some of the nude poses. Some women come into the studio specifically wanting one of my signature nude silhouettes, however often women will come with zero intention of getting naked! I do have a knack of getting ladies comfortable enough to at least give it a go by the end of the session. Letting them know that they don’t necessarily need to get ALL of their kit off often helps!

At the end of the session, I’ll let you get changed and we’ll talk about next steps; in a few weeks, I’ll invite you to come back for your photo viewing and order session – unless you picked a maternity mini session in which case you’ll receive your photos via digital download. For those who can’t wait that long to get a glimpse of their photos, I offer the opportunity for a sneak peek on Facebook that very evening!

The editing process

A lot of people wonder how much editing or ‘Photoshop’ goes into these photoshoots. I always reassure my clients that I’m not planning on changing them or their body when I edit the photos and that it’s just to tidy up loose ends, get rid of stray hairs, perhaps fix where your pants are digging in – and of course to add my signature style to the photograph. Most women normally joke at this point that they wouldn’t mind me getting rid of a chin or two. Or at least I think they’re joking… 

At the View and Order session

When you come back for your view and order session, I’ll welcome you back into the studio where this time you’ll get to sit and relax (perhaps nervously!) on the sofa before watching a slideshow dedicated entirely to you! Now the hope here is that you soon lose that awkward feeling and begin to realise just how amazing you look!

The next step of a view and order session is typically to choose the package you want to buy, however the maternity session is slightly different in that you’ll already have chosen the package you want to buy before you book. So, as long as you’re in love with your photographs, all you need to decide is which style of wall art you want to use your £100 credit towards! Then, if you haven’t done so already, you can go on to book your newborn photoshoot! Eeeek! ?

To find out more about booking a maternity photoshoot with Moments by Katie Mitchell, click here.

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Fantastic experience! I took my family for a shoot with Katie & she was amazing from start to finish. My toddler was a terror and my daughter a diva but some how she worked her magic and we have beautiful digital photos, prints and a lovely big frame for the wall. We had a lovely viewing where we were able to select the photos we wanted, we couldn’t possibly chose from them so we bought them all! 🙂 She made us all feel very welcome and my children and even my husband enjoyed the experience. Highly recommend! I will be back for more photos as my family grow. Thank you Katie

Natalie

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