Preparation for Your Photography Session

Preparing for your photography session is simple. Choose comfortable, coordinating outfits, arrive well-rested and bring any personal items you would like included. Maternity clients can also access our studio wardrobe. These practical tips will help your family feel relaxed, confident and ready to create beautiful, timeless photographs.

A little preparation can make your maternity, newborn or family photography session feel more relaxed and enjoyable. You do not need to arrive knowing how to pose or what to do—we will guide you throughout the entire experience.

Use this guide to choose your clothing, prepare your family and decide what to bring to your photography session.

What Should Mum Wear?

Choose clothing that makes you feel comfortable, confident and beautiful. Neutral colours, soft pastels and earthy tones photograph especially well and help create timeless images.

Depending on the style of your session, consider bringing:

A well-fitting strapless bra in nude, white, black or a soft pastel
Coordinating lingerie or black boyshorts
Simple white and black tops
A meaningful or playful T-shirt, perhaps borrowed from your partner
Pre-pregnancy jeans for relaxed maternity portraits
Flowing skirts and dresses
Fitted dresses that celebrate your pregnancy shape
Jewellery, scarves or other simple accessories

High heels can complement long dresses, but your comfort and safety come first. You may wear them briefly for selected photographs, but most of the session can be completed barefoot or in comfortable shoes.

Maternity Dresses Are Available in the Studio

You do not need to purchase an entirely new wardrobe for your maternity photography session. A selection of beautiful maternity dresses is available in the studio.

We can discuss the look you would like to create and help you choose pieces that flatter your shape and suit your preferred style. If you bring your own clothing, select outfits within a similar tonal range and keep the overall style consistent—for example, soft and casual or elegant and glamorous.

Some lovely clothing stores to explore include AJE, Sabo Skirt, Baby Lemonade, VICI, Petal & Pup, Spell, Auguste, Coven & Co, Fillyboo, Free People and Jen’s Pirate Booty.

What Should Dad Wear?

Dad’s clothing should complement Mum’s outfit without matching it exactly. Simple, well-fitted clothing in neutral or understated colours usually works best.

Good options include:

Avoid large logos, bold patterns, fluorescent colours and clothing with distracting writing.
Dad can also bring a meaningful accessory or keepsake that he would love the baby to have included in the photographs.

What Should Siblings Wear?

Sibling outfits should coordinate with the rest of the family while allowing each child to feel comfortable and be themselves.

Clothing Ideas for Boys

Clothing Ideas for Girls

Two Birds, Arabella & Rose and Zara are helpful places to look for children’s clothing.

Styling Guidance · What to Wear

How to Coordinate Family Outfits

Your family’s clothing does not need to match. Instead, choose two or three complementary colours and dress everyone within that palette.
Cream, beige, white, grey, black and soft pastels create a calm and timeless result. Rich earthy colours can also work beautifully, particularly during outdoor family and maternity sessions.

Try to avoid:

The most important thing is that everyone feels comfortable and looks like themselves.

Preparing for a Maternity Photography Session

Maternity photography can involve standing, sitting and moving in ways your body may not be accustomed to. The session will be paced gently, with time to rest whenever you need it.

Before your session, we recommend that you:

Get a good night’s sleep
Eat a balanced meal containing carbohydrates and protein
Drink plenty of water
Stay off your feet for one or two hours before the session, if possible
Bring a snack that meets your dietary needs
Let us know about any pain, mobility concerns or pregnancy complications

Bottled water is available at the studio, but you are welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks.

Preparing Your Partner and Children

Please make sure your partner and children have eaten before arriving. Hungry or tired children may find it more difficult to settle into the session.

For younger children, consider bringing:

A favourite quiet toy
A small, non-messy snack
A drink bottle
Nappies and wipes
A change of clothes
A comfort item
Any meaningful object you would like photographed

There is no expectation for young children to behave perfectly. We allow time for them to settle, play and become comfortable in front of the camera.

Styling Guidance

Hair, Makeup and Personal Grooming

Professional hair and makeup can help you feel polished and confident, particularly for a maternity session, but it is not essential.

If you are preparing at home, soft curls, natural makeup and defined lashes photograph beautifully. Keep your look consistent with the style of clothing you have selected.

A manicure and pedicure can also help you feel prepared, as hands and feet may appear in close-up photographs. For newborn sessions, clean, natural nails or subtle neutral polish usually work best.

What to Bring to Your Photography Session

What you need will depend on the type of session, but this checklist is a helpful starting point:

Your selected outfits
Nude or strapless undergarments
Accessories and jewellery
Comfortable shoes
Water and snacks
A change of clothing for babies and young children
Nappies, wipes and feeding supplies
Meaningful keepsakes or family items
A favourite comfort item for your child
Any specific props previously discussed with your photographer

Please do not feel that you need to bring a large collection of props. Simple, meaningful details generally create the most beautiful and timeless photographs.

Preparing for a Newborn Photography Session

Newborn sessions are calm, unhurried and guided by your baby’s needs. There is plenty of time for feeding, cuddling, changing and settling.

Bring enough nappies and feeding supplies for several hours, as well as a dummy if your baby uses one. A spare top for each parent is also a sensible precaution.

You do not need to worry if your baby is unsettled or needs frequent breaks. This is completely normal, and the session will move at a pace that keeps your baby comfortable.

FAQs

Parents often ask before booking.

These answers help you feel prepared before your consultation or session.

What should I bring to a newborn photography session?

Bring nappies, wipes, extra feeds if needed, a dummy if your baby uses one, spare clothing, and anything sentimental you would like included. You do not need to overpack. The most important thing is that your baby is comfortable, fed, and cared for throughout the session.

Can my partner and children be included?

Yes, your partner and children are very welcome. Maternity photography is not only about your pregnancy; it is also about your growing family. Including your loved ones creates meaningful images that show the connection, excitement and love surrounding your baby before they arrive.

What happens if my child does not cooperate?

That is completely normal. Family photography sessions are designed to work with children, not against them. The session may include play, cuddles, movement and gentle prompts to help children relax. Some of the most beautiful images happen when children are simply allowed to be themselves.

What colours photograph best for family photos?

Neutral colours, soft pastels and earthy shades photograph beautifully because they keep attention on your family’s faces and connection. Cream, beige, white, grey, soft pink, blue and muted green are reliable choices. Select two or three complementary colours rather than dressing everyone identically.

Do we all need to wear matching outfits?

No. Coordinated outfits generally look more natural and sophisticated than identical clothing. Choose a shared colour palette and combine different tones, textures and simple layers. Your family should look connected while each person still feels comfortable and like themselves.

Can I use the studio maternity dresses?

Yes. A selection of maternity dresses is available at the studio, so you do not need to purchase a special dress solely for your session. We can help you select a gown that suits your body, personal style and the overall look you would like to achieve.

Should I have my hair and makeup professionally done?

Professional hair and makeup are optional, but they can help you feel confident and make the day more enjoyable. If you prefer to prepare at home, choose natural makeup, defined lashes and softly styled hair. The goal is to feel polished while still looking like yourself.

Ready to plan your session?

Relax—We Will Guide You

You do not need to arrive perfectly prepared or know how to pose. From choosing your wardrobe to positioning your hands and helping your children feel comfortable, you will receive gentle guidance throughout your session.

The goal is to create a relaxed experience and meaningful photographs that feel natural, emotional and true to your family.