STYLE GUIDE:
maternity session
Pregnancy is a pretty wild chapter—beautiful, emotional, uncomfortable, exciting, and somehow over before you know it. Your maternity session should feel like a celebration of you in this season, not a checklist of traditional poses.
This guide is here to help you plan a session that feels natural, intentional, and completely yours. We’ll talk locations, outfits, timing, ideas, and all the little details that can make your photos feel more personal.
The goal? Photos that don’t just show what you looked like while you were expecting—they remind you exactly what this season felt like.
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Step 1: Pick a Date
31–34 WEEKS IS THE SWEET SPOT
One of the biggest things to consider when planning your maternity session is when to schedule it. We typically recommend photographing maternity sessions between 31–34 weeks. At this point, your bump is beautifully defined, but you’re hopefully still feeling comfortable enough to move around, walk, change outfits, and enjoy your session.
Every pregnancy is different, of course, so if your doctor has recommended a different timeframe—or you’re expecting multiples—just let us know and we’ll work with you!
Start by figuring out what month you’ll be 31–34 weeks pregnant, then let us know which days of the week work best for you. From there, we can help find the best available date and location.
WEEKDAYS = MORE OPTIONS
Because weddings take up a lot of our weekends, weekday maternity sessions give you the most flexibility when it comes to dates, locations, and availability.
If your schedule allows, choosing a Monday–Thursday session can give you access to more dates and sometimes more location options. Fridays and Sundays can also work depending on our wedding schedule.
Quick Tip: If you have a specific location or date in mind, don't wait until the last minute to book. Maternity sessions are easiest to plan when we know your ideal timeframe ahead of time.
Step 2: Pick a Location
PICK A PLACE THAT FEELS LIKE YOU
The location of your session is completely up to you! Already have a favorite spot in mind? Tell us about it. If not, we're constantly scouting new locations and are happy to recommend something based on your style.
Our favorite local options tend to fall into three categories:
🌿 NATURE — Open fields, gardens, trees, wildflowers, and lush greenery.
🌊 BEACH — Barefoot, breezy, and dreamy with gorgeous sunset light.
🏙️ URBAN — Architecture, colorful buildings, downtown streets, and a more editorial feel.
You can also mix it up! Depending on the location, we can combine different settings or outfits to give your gallery more variety.
THINK BEYOND TAMPA
We travel often and absolutely love turning sessions into an adventure. If you're visiting a favorite city, national park, or special destination, consider meeting us there! A destination maternity session can create something completely unique to this chapter of your life.
Quick Tip: Don't choose a location just because it's pretty. Choose somewhere that feels like YOU. Your favorite places, activities, and environments can make your photos so much more personal..
LOCATION STYLES
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LOCATION STYLES ✸
URBAN
YBOR CITY
CURTIS HIXON
DOWNTOWN TAMPA
DOWNTOWN ST. PETE
BEACHY
FORT DESOTO
CYPRESS POINTE PARK
PASS A GRILLE
NATURE
HILLSBOROUGH RIVER STATE PARK
SYDNEY DOVER TRAILS
PHILLIPE PARK
TIPS FOR HER
THIS IS YOUR EXCUSE TO GO ALL OUT
Ever wanted to wear a dramatic gown, go full boho, or wear a flower crown but never had an occasion? This is it.
There is no such thing as too dressed up for your maternity session. We love flowing gowns, textures, movement, bare bellies, and outfits that make you feel like the absolute best version of yourself.
Want to show off your bump? DO IT.
Want a little more coverage? DO THAT.
Want one of each? Even better.
We love mixing an outfit that shows off your belly with one that gives you a little more coverage for variety.
MOST IMPORTANT: FEEL GOOD IN IT
Confidence is everything. Before your session, try on your outfits, move around in them, sit down, and make sure you actually feel good wearing them.
If there's something you'd rather highlight—or something you'd rather not draw attention to—tell us. We can help with posing, angles, and styling so you feel comfortable and confident throughout the session.
And remember: you don't need to change your body for these photos. Your body is doing something pretty incredible.
A FEW MORE TIPS
Bring a pair of flats or comfortable shoes if you're wearing heels.
Get your nails done if that's your thing—your hands will make plenty of appearances!
Skip the spray tan. Uneven tones can be tricky to edit.
Avoid visible tags, bra straps, logos, and branding.
Skip neon colors and extremely loud patterns.
Bring shapewear or undergarments that work well with your outfits if needed.
Steam or iron your outfits before arriving.
GO PRO!
Professional hair + makeup is one of our favorite ways to make your session feel extra special. From soft glam to blown-out hair and lashes, having someone else handle the getting-ready part can give you an extra boost of confidence—and it photographs beautifully.
Our favorite hair + makeup teams:
Style Hair and Makeup
Bridal Beauty by Tara
Lasting Luxe
Femme Akoi
DRESS SHOPPING
Looking for something beautiful without spending a fortune?
Affordable dresses: Amazon Maternity Dresses
Rentals: Golden Hour Gowns · Flutter Dress Rentals
TIPS FOR HIM
DRESSED UP OR EFFORTLESSLY COOL—BOTH WORK
A maternity session is about the two of you, too! We love when partners look polished and put-together, but most importantly, we want them to still feel like themselves.
A well-tailored suit is always a great option if you want to go elevated. Navy, charcoal, tan, or other solid tones tend to photograph beautifully and pair easily with a variety of maternity looks. If you don't own a suit, no problem—there are plenty of rental options for a polished look without adding a permanent suit to the closet.
Not really a suit person? Don't force it. Try tailored trousers or dark jeans with a button-down, polo, sweater, or nice tee. Layers like a jacket, overshirt, or cardigan can also add texture and variety.
A FEW STYLE TIPS
Coordinate with your partner's outfit without matching exactly.
Solid colors and subtle patterns photograph beautifully.
Avoid large logos, heavy branding, or distracting graphics.
Skip overly baggy clothing—it can hide your shape and look less polished.
Long pants and closed-toe shoes tend to create a more elevated look.
Leave the athletic shorts, flip-flops, and white socks at home.
Hats can cast unflattering shadows, so we'd recommend skipping them.
Consider a fresh haircut or trim before your session.
Make sure shoes are clean and camera-ready.
MOST IMPORTANT: KEEP IT YOU
You don't have to wear a suit just because a Pinterest board told you to. If your everyday style is more relaxed, lean into that. The goal isn't to dress like someone else—it's to look like the best version of yourselves.
Think about the overall vibe you're creating together. If your partner is wearing a flowing gown, a simple neutral outfit can complement it beautifully. If you're both going for a more editorial look, dress it up and have fun with it.
Quick Tip: Eat before your session! Nobody wants to be hangry halfway through photos.
WHAT TO EXPECT
RELAX. HAVE FUN. WE'VE GOT YOU.
Our goal? To create images that feel like you—natural, joyful, connected, and a little bit cinematic.
When you arrive, we'll take some time to walk, chat, and settle in before jumping into photos. If it feels a little awkward at first, totally normal. You don't need to know how to pose or channel your inner supermodel. That's our job.
We'll guide you with easy prompts and natural poses designed to create genuine moments rather than stiff, overly-posed photos. And if something feels awkward, uncomfortable, or just doesn't feel like you, tell us! We want this to be collaborative.
Because you're pregnant, we're also not going to keep you moving for 90 minutes straight. We'll take plenty of breaks to sit, hydrate, adjust outfits, chat, and catch our breath. Your comfort comes first.
More than anything, we want to get to know you. Tell us what makes you laugh, what you love doing together, and what you're excited about in this next chapter. The more comfortable we are with each other, the more natural your photos will feel.
A FEW THINGS TO KNOW:
TURNAROUND TIME
Your final gallery will be delivered within 2–3 weeks after your session. We'll make sure you have plenty of beautiful images to remember this chapter by.
FLORIDA WEATHER
Ah yes, our favorite wildcard.
Florida weather can change quickly, especially during the summer and hurricane season. If there's a 50%+ chance of rain, we'll typically reschedule your session. Because forecasts can change so quickly, we'll make the final call the morning of your session whenever possible.
For major storms or hurricanes, we'll touch base earlier and make a plan together. Your safety and comfort always come first.
AFTER THE SESSION
You're already dressed up, your hair and makeup are done, and you're feeling cute—go do something with it!
Grab dinner. Get ice cream. Go somewhere you love. Make a date night out of it.
This is such a special season of life, and your session doesn't have to be the only memorable part of the evening. Celebrate each other, celebrate this baby, and soak it all in.
And as always, we're here for you before, during, and after your session. Questions? Outfit panic? Location dilemma? Just ask. We've got you.
INCLUDING SIBLINGS
LET'S GET THE WHOLE CREW INVOLVED
If you're bringing big brothers or sisters along, we absolutely want to include them! Sibling photos can become some of the sweetest images from your session—but little ones definitely have their own agendas.
Our goal isn't to make them smile for two straight hours. Instead, we'll work with their attention span and let them take breaks when they need them.
A FEW TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Coordinate, don't match. Choose colors that complement one another without everyone wearing the exact same thing.
Skip logos, characters, neon colors, and super-busy patterns.
Bring a helper. Having a family member or friend along to hang with the kids when they're not being photographed can be a lifesaver.
Keep expectations low. We may only photograph the kiddos for a few minutes at a time. We'll get what we can, give them a break, and bring them back in when they're ready.
Bring a favorite toy, snack, or small reward if that helps keep them happy and engaged.
Don't stress if they aren't smiling. Depending on their age and personality, we may get giggles, serious faces, cuddles, or complete toddler chaos—and honestly, we love all of it.
Most importantly, don't force it. Some of the best sibling photos happen when they're simply interacting with you rather than looking at the camera.
Quick Tip: Let us be the ones to worry about getting the perfect photo. Your job is to love on your kids, have fun, and enjoy this little moment together.
Colors + Coordination: Matching outfits are officially retired. Instead, aim for coordinated, not identical. Choose colors that complement each other and your location without making everyone look like they're wearing a uniform.
Think About the Bump: This is your moment to show it off! Fitted dresses, flowing gowns, crop tops, open shirts, and bare-belly looks can all photograph beautifully. You can also mix it up with one outfit that highlights your bump and another with a little more coverage.
Patterns: We love a good pattern, but keep things intentional. Florals, subtle prints, and textures can work beautifully, while large logos, characters, neon colors, and super-busy patterns can distract from the people in the photo.
Textures + Layers: Texture adds depth and visual interest. Think linen, lace, knits, denim, leather, or a great jacket for your partner. Layers can also give you variety without requiring a complete outfit change.
Comfort Is Key: You’re pregnant, so comfort matters! Choose clothing you can actually move and breathe in. If you're uncomfortable, it'll show—and we want you feeling confident, relaxed, and amazing.
The End Goal: Think cohesive, intentional, and completely you. There’s no single “perfect” maternity look. Whether you're going for romantic, boho, modern, editorial, casual, or somewhere in between, we're here to help you pull it together.
Quick Tip: If you're stuck between two outfits, send us photos! We're happy to help you decide what will photograph best with your location and the overall vibe you're going for.
OUTFIT PLANNING
COLOR PALETTE INSPIRATION
Not sure where to start? Here are a few color combinations we love for maternity sessions. Think of these as inspiration, not rules—the best palette feels like you and works with your location.
SOFT NEUTRAL
Cream, ivory, beige, tan, soft blue, muted pastels
EARTHY + ORGANIC
Terracotta, rust, olive, sage, caramel, cream, warm browns
SOFT + ROMANTIC
Blush, dusty rose, mauve, champagne, ivory, soft neutrals
DARK + MOODY
Black, charcoal, espresso, navy, deep olive, burgundy
BLUE + NEUTRALS
Denim, navy, soft blue, cream, beige, tan
BURGUNDY + BLACK
Rich, romantic, and a little dramatic. Perfect if you want something moodier or more editorial.
WHITE + ANYTHING
White is basically the ultimate team player. Pair it with neutrals, denim, soft colors, or something bold.
NEUTRALS + A POP OF COLOR
Keep most of the palette classic and let one outfit bring the personality—think cream + emerald, beige + rust, or black + red.
SAME COLOR, DIFFERENT SHADES
Pick one color family and play with different tones. Think light blue + denim + navy or cream + tan + caramel.
Quick Tip: Don't be afraid of color! We love a good neutral palette, but a beautiful pop of color can make your gallery feel vibrant, joyful, and completely you.
