How to Prepare for your OGP Maternity Photography Session

First of all, congratulations on your baby on the way! Preparing for a new baby comes with a lot of decisions to make, so I'm really happy you're making maternity portraits a priority. Whether you're feeling excited, nervous, amazing, or uncomfortable (let's be real, probably a mixture of all of those), I want your maternity session to be easy and memorable. This is such an important time in your family's story. If you're on the fence about doing maternity portraits, believe me, I get it. But know that with the right location and wardrobe guidance, the right beautiful hair and makeup, and most importantly, a photographer whom you trust to make sure you look gorgeous, you will be so happy you didn't skip documenting this time. You and your children will look back at these photos in the decades to come. I wish I had more photos of my mom when she was pregnant with me!

Once we book your session, you can let me take the reins. When we meet for our pre-session consultation, we'll talk over your vision for the session and how I can make that come to life. Here's a few things to think about:

1. Decide on the style.

The best way to decide on the style of your newborn is to think about what makes you most comfortable. Do you want to be in your home or come into the studio? Would you prefer a beautiful outdoor location around New Orleans? If we choose your home, I'll work with the natural lighting in your home to create your portraits. We can integrate special pieces in your home into the photoshoot. These lifestyle maternity session images will feel relaxed and natural. On location, we can work with whatever gorgeous background surrounds us, from Spanish moss to the amazing architecture of the French Quarter. In our studio, I have control over lighting and can create very specific images with posing and backdrops. These feel dramatic, but still intimate.

2. What to wear?

One of the most important things to consider when thinking of your wardrobe for this session is how your belly will look. We definitely want to highlight the belly! Typically, I find that most expectant moms feel most comfortable taking photos around 6-8 months pregnant. Your belly is nice and round, but hopefully you're not SUPER uncomfortable. If you come into the studio for your session, I have beautiful maternity gowns for you to choose from. If you'd like, we'll want get a few shots of your bare belly too, so having a pant and shirt option is a good idea. You can also always send me a photo of clothing you may purchase or already have in your closet and I'll let you know if they'll photograph well!

3. Who do you want to be a part of your portrait session?

If the answer is just you, that's totally okay with me! I love a mom who wants to treat herself to a glamorous photos shoot (remember, we can set up professional hair and makeup for you). I'm also just as happy to have other family members join in: your partner, older kiddos, and even four-legged children! Just think about what would mean most to you.

4. What to do for hair and makeup?

I can set up a professional make-up artist to come to the studio and get you ready - not overdone, just a really natural, beautiful look. I also have a few salons here in New Orleans I highly recommend for hair styling. Usually, my suggestion is always to keep it natural. That goes for nails, too. You don't want to have bright green nails that might draw attention in your portraits!

5. How to prepare physically?

It's always a good idea to make sure you feel as relaxed as possible on the day of your maternity shoot. That's why I like to suggest to pamper yourself - make sure you love the outfit you've chosen, let me set up a makeup artist for you, get your nails done, get a prenatal massage...in essence, make the day about YOU and your precious baby. Your body is doing incredible things. You deserve this.

Most importantly...

All of us here at Olivia Grey Pritchard Photography want you to know that we can't wait to meet you and your little one when she's ready to enter the world. Since I started photographing families here in the New Orleans area 10 years ago, I've watched babies grow from their maternity sessions inside their mamas' bellies all the way to their First Communion Sessions. It is such a privilege to be chosen to help you create your family's visual legacy, and nothing makes me happier than watching your babies grow into good, special, unique children. I love being a part of your family's journey!

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How to Prepare for your Maternity Session at OGP