Your Maternity Session Planner
honouring the beauty of new beginnings
timing
location
vibe / inspiration
wardrobe
weather
BEFORE WE BEGIN
A little note from me
No two pregnancies are the same, but one thing is always true — what your body is doing right now is nothing short of extraordinary. One of the most transformative seasons of your life, and one that deserves to be celebrated.
Your maternity session is designed to hold onto this moment forever — to honour your body, celebrate the extraordinary beauty of creating life, and give you something truly precious to look back on.
There is nothing quite like this season. It is radiant, powerful, and so worth remembering.
I cannot wait to capture how beautiful it looks on you.
Sarah x
timing your session
I recommend having your maternity session between 28 and 35 weeks pregnant. This is when you will have a gorgeous full belly without leaving it too close to your due date. It is the perfect time to embrace your body and everything it is doing. You may not feel your best right now, but you are literally growing a beautiful baby — and these images will be a reminder of that incredible journey forever. Trust me, it will be so worth it and you won't regret having this season captured once your beautiful baby arrives!
setting the scene
Outdoors
Outside in nature during golden hour is everything. The most popular option making the most of the warm, soft light during sunset this is the most flattering and beautiful light of the day. Outdoor sessions are full of fun and movement enjoying some of Marlborough's most beautiful scenery. From the hills to the ocean there is a perfect spot for your session.
Home Property
If you have a beautiful property or farm, this is such a special setting for your maternity session. Whether it's a stunning view, a gorgeous garden, or wide open paddocks with animals — there is something incredibly intimate about being photographed in a place that already means something to you. I would be really happy to help plan a session based on creating some fun memories at your property.
Studio
If you prefer an intimate, controlled setting, a studio session is a beautiful option. Clean, simple backdrop let the focus fall entirely on you and your bump. This is especially lovely if you're feeling tender or would prefer to be closer to home as your due date approaches.
Option to request a half studio half outdoor session (Set location close to the studio during sunset).
location gudie
Marlborough is such a special part of the world with the most beautiful landscapes. With sweeping golden hills, stunning coastlines, lush vineyards and wide open skies, the beauty here is truly endless. Whatever your vision, there is a perfect spot waiting for you.
FAQ
Do you travel for photoshoots?
Absolutely! If there is a location that feels perfect for your session, I would love to hear about it. Anything within 40 minutes each way is included as part of your session — no extra charge. If you have somewhere a little further afield in mind or a special location that means something to you, please don't hesitate to reach out and we can have a chat about making your vision a reality. I am always happy to travel for the right spot.
Can my partner and children be included?
Absolutely! Having your partner and children involved is such a beautiful way to document this new chapter for your whole family. We can arrange the session to start with the kids first while their energy is at its best, working through each combination before giving you some gorgeous time to focus on you and your bump. If at any point the kids have had enough, your partner is more than welcome to take them off for a play while we finish up with some beautiful solos. Entirely your call — however you want to do it, we will make it work.
Is there space to bring something sentimental along?
Of course! This is your session and if there is something special you would love to include, please do bring it along. A bunch of flowers, a print of your ultrasound, a pair of tiny booties, or anything else that feels meaningful to this season.
Feel free to browse Pinterest before your session — if you come across something that speaks to you, share it in your questionnaire and we can put your own beautiful spin on it. And always remember — you are allowed to laugh, move freely, and make every prompt completely your own.
What if the weather has other plans?
Marlborough weather has a mind of its own! I'll email you on the day of your session if conditions look like they'll affect your session. Rain or strong wind means we can postpone to the next mutual date. Overcast days are actually beautiful for photography — soft, flattering light etc. If your heart is set on golden hour we'll find a way to make it happen!
WHAT DOES YOUR DREAM SESSION LOOK LIKE?
Every pregnancy is different and your gallery should feel completely and uniquely yours. Whether you are drawn to something soft and dreamy, warm and intimate, or a little more fun and playful — I want to create something that feels genuinely true to you. Have a browse on Pinterest and share anything that speaks to you in your questionnaire. I love bringing a vision to life!
What to wear?
+ For mum-to-be, I want you to wear something that feels beautiful and comfortable for you. This is your opportunity to dress up or keep it relaxed and casual. These are your photos and I want you to feel good, for you.
+ My client wardrobe is available for your session with gorgeous bump friendly pieces in neutral tones. Some of the dresses button down so you can have your bump out too, and you are more than welcome to mix and match with your own things. Open jeans, a nice matching underwear set, a shirt or log flow maxi skirt are all really popular at the moment. I personally love the idea of flowers as a pop of colour and texture!
+ If it is just you or you and your partner, you could have up to three looks — though I never want to overcomplicate things with too much changing. Sometimes less really is more and I want the session to feel easy and enjoyable from start to finish.
+ If family is involved, I recommend keeping everyone else to one outfit and giving yourself two looks maximum — one change halfway through works really beautifully. When little ones are involved we never want to lose momentum with too much stopping and starting.
If you would love any styling advice or would like to come in for a try-on using our Client Wardrobe, please just get in touch — I would love to help! 🤍
CLIENT WARDROBE
My client wardrobe is available for your session! I have a gorgeous range of neutral-toned dresses that fit a range of sizes beautifully. You are more than welcome to come in for a try on at the studio and choose items from the wardrobe for your session.
Hair & Make up
This is something that is really personal, don't overthink it. If it's going to be breezy and you never wear your hair out it's probably going to annoy the heck out of you so a soft updo might be a good option. However most women will have it down and rock soft curls.
If you need to outsource this you can ask me If I have capacity to do your hair (I am an ex hairdresser) at the studio
Or try Samantha @ameliamaevehair
Make up soft and natural, what ever you're comfortable with. If this is something you would like to outsource try @stephaniebelt_makeup / www.stephaniebeltmakeup.com.
weather expectations
Marlborough weather has a mind of its own and not every session has perfect conditions — and that is completely okay! Going in with a relaxed attitude and a go with the flow approach means we will always make the most of our time together regardless of what the sky is doing.
Please do check the forecast before your session and always have a warm layer to throw on afterwards — comfort is everything, especially at this stage of pregnancy. It is also a really good idea to have a spare outfit in the car just in case things get a little muddy or wet during the session, so you have something clean and cosy to change into after.
I will be in touch with you on the day around 12pm should we need to postpone due to weather.
my workflow
I have a few simple poses that are super easy and flattering to show off your bump. Soft movement is always great and you don't even need to look at the camera — I will give you lot's of gentle direction throughout.
I recommend having up to three looks maximum. You can use the client wardrobe, your own clothes, or a mix of both. If you are feeling open to it towards the end, there is always a beautiful opportunity to show a little more skin.
This session is about you - your body, your moment, and your comfort above all else. Every decision we make is in honour of you and this beautiful season you are in
I look forward to capturing you and creating something that truly honours you in this chapter of your life for years to come.
A gorgeous selection of pieces lovingly chosen so you can feel comfortable, confident, and completely yourself during your session.
client wardrobe
What happens next?
1 month prior to your session you will receive a maternity questionnaire - this is when you can fill in all the details and we can have a chat to lock everything in! I am always available on email should you need to get in touch sooner.
A final note from me
Thank you for trusting me with this incredibly precious and fleeting time. Please don't worry about posing or knowing what to do — I am here to guide you gently through every moment. My goal is simply to make you feel at ease, celebrated, and completely yourself.
I can't wait to see you soon.
Sarah x