Is Hair & Makeup Included In The Pricing? Do You Have Any Hair & Makeup Artist Recommendations?

Professional hair and makeup services are not included in the collection price, but I’m thrilled to recommend Andreina, an exceptional hair and makeup artist who specializes, in how makeup translates on camera. Keep in mind, without proper coordination, makeup can sometimes clash with studio lighting, creating a flat or unflattering effect. Cameras capture details differently than the human eye, so makeup that looks natural in person might appear too subtle on camera, requiring a slightly heavier application to look balanced. Studio lighting plays a significant role in how makeup is perceived, and she has a deep understanding of my specific lighting setups to ensure the makeup harmonizes perfectly with it. Many makeup artists lack experience in crafting looks tailored for photography, making it essential to choose someone who understands concepts like the "fall-off effect" and knows how to adjust makeup to suit the camera’s eye. If you’d like to include her services, simply let me know when you inquire. Once we’ve selected a few potential dates for your maternity shoot, I’ll handle all the coordination with her to ensure everything runs smoothly. On the day of your session, Andreina will be at the studio, ready to help you look, and feel your best as soon as you arrive. Please note that her availability is limited to weekdays, so early planning is recommended. Below is the recommendation to another amazing HMUA in case, you would prefer to travel to the artist before your scheduled maternity photoshoot.

When Is The Best Time to Schedule My Maternity Session & Will You Help Me Find a Location? Where Is Your Studio Located?

The ideal timing for scheduling your maternity photography session is typically between 28-35 weeks of pregnancy. However, it's acknowledged that some women show early, while others show later. When you feel you have a clearly defined baby bump is when I suggest booking your session. The list of locations will be emailed to you upon inquiry. Locations available are in Dallas, Richardson, Plano, Rockwall..etc. Fine Art Maternity Photography sessions take place in my home studio, located at 4014 Dalton Dr. Rowlett, TX. The studio is a custom designed private space which holds everything needed for your custom maternity photoshoot experience. My maternity photography studio is stocked with an extensive amount of couture designer gowns and accessories. Use of these item, are all included in your collection price total.

Do You Specialize in Comprehensive Maternity Photography Editing? Is This Something I Should Take Into Consideration While Shopping For A Maternity Photographer

Absolutely! There’s much more to consider than just pricing when it comes to professional pregnancy photography. As the saying goes, "you get what you pay for," and this couldn’t be more true in this field. Not all maternity photographers possess the refined skills required to truly master this art form. Personally, I’d rather deliver a carefully curated selection of beautifully polished images that capture clients feeling empowered and at ease, rather than dozens of photos where they don’t look their best. Quality should always outweigh quantity. As a dedicated Dallas maternity photographer, the editing process becomes an essential part of this transformation, enhancing the natural elegance of both the expectant mother and her surroundings. Every image is meticulously refined to highlight the glow of anticipation and the subtle nuances of each moment, ensuring that the photographs not only tell a story but also evoke feelings of warmth and joy. By focusing on comprehensive editing, I bring forth a polished result that resonates with the essence of this life-changing journey, allowing clients to cherish their memories in the most captivating way. The goal is to create timeless pieces that reflect the unique beauty of each pregnancy, inviting viewers to share in the celebration of new life.

What Time Of Day Do You Schedule Maternity Sessions & Do You Offer Weekends Appointments?

Outdoor maternity photography sessions are typically scheduled between 6:30-7pm in the spring and summer, and 3:30-4pm in the early fall and winter, timed 1.5-2 hours before sundown for that perfect soft afternoon golden glow. Concerns about heat and humidity in summer are common, but rest assured, it's never a problem. I'm meticulous about ensuring your gown and hair look flawless, ready to address any sweat promptly. Surprisingly, a touch of sweat can even enhance your look, creating a radiant shimmer in post-processing. Since I also specialize in weddings full time, maternity photoshoots, weather indoor or outdoor, are not scheduled on weekends. They must be scheduled during the week, Monday - Friday. Studio availability, is anytime between 8am and 7pm.

Why Do You Only Deliver the Said Amount of Digitals? What Is The Cost For Additional Files?

Maternity photography sets itself apart from any traditional forms of photography. It requires a delicate touch when working with expecting mothers, as capturing these moments artistically demands significant time and effort. The ability to skillfully pose and refine these maternity photoshoots is paramount in creating, true works of art. Yes, you might have come across other maternity photographers who may offer a larger volume of maternity photos. However, I firmly believe in dedicating ample time to meticulously create clean, crisp, and fine-art maternity photos that truly capture the radiant essence of my clients. Each image is thoughtfully composed, ensuring that my clients feel comfortable and look absolutely stunning throughout the entire pregnancy photoshoot experience. Fine art maternity photography involves meticulous attention to detail, both during the shoot and in the post-processing stage. Due to the intricate and time-intensive editing required for each image, additional edited files are available at a rate of $95.00 per file.

How Do I Book My Maternity Photoshoot With You?

Once you're ready to finalize the booking process by selecting your collection, securing the session date, I will create a contract and provide you with a PayPal invoice link for the non-refundable retainer fee of $35. The retainer fee will be deducted from the total amount due, and the remaining balance can be paid the day before your scheduled session. Please note that all collections are subject to an 8.25% Texas State Sales Tax. You have the option to make payments via PayPal or Zelle Quick Pay. All my maternity photography collections encompass not only my time, talent, and session design, but also include meticulous editing of your maternity photos. Upon completion, you'll receive a stunning high-resolution gallery link containing your chosen digital files.

I'm a Bit Anxious About The Whole Process! How Do You Make Clients Feel Comfortable In Front Of The Camera?

Yes, I most certainly will! Let’s be honest, most don’t have the opportunity to get professionally photographed on a regular basis so it’s completely normal for clients to feel uneasy and anxious about the whole maternity photoshoot process. I don’t want you to worry. I come with enough experience to already envision the whole maternity session before we even begin; posing, lighting, angles..etc. In my years of experience, creating a comforting atmosphere is also essential to a successful maternity shoot. It allows clients to embrace their journey and express their unique beauty. To achieve this, I focus on establishing a warm connection right from our initial conversation, encouraging open dialogue about your feelings and expectations. During the shoot, I employ gentle guidance while celebrating spontaneity, ensuring you feel empowered, rather than posed. Soft music fills the air, fostering a relaxed ambiance, and I often share encouraging words to capture their natural glow. By highlighting their strengths and the intimacy of the moment, I help client shed any self-consciousness, allowing for tender interactions to shine through in every frame. Also, to help put your mind at ease, I'm happy to schedule a consultation before booking. I want you to feel confident in your decision to have me as your maternity photographer and I'm more than willing to schedule a pre-consultation, at your convenience. After booking has been confirmed, you will also receive a maternity photography session prep guide that’ll discusses in detail, every aspect of your maternity session and how you can prepare with regard to hair, makeup, skin prep, shoes, props, nails, use of gowns..etc.

Do You Offer Maternity Gowns & How Many Outfit Changes Am I Allowed?

Yes, I do! I have a wide selection of designer couture and casual maternity gowns, clients are welcome to use, free of charge. Casual maternity photography gowns are made of very stretchy, long and forgiving fabric, so they can fit anywhere from a size 6-14. Couture maternity gowns are offered in sizes, 10 to 14. Adding fastening clips at the back provides a streamlined fit that is more manageable than constantly readjusting between different sizes. Outdoor maternity portrait sessions include one couture gown. If you wish to wear an additional studio gown, a $150 fee will be added to your final invoice. For those who prefer to incorporate their own outfit along with a studio gown, an additional fee of $35 will applied. Since these sessions are scheduled about an hour before sunset, time is limited, and no more than two outfit changes are permitted to ensure we make the most of the beautiful light. Over the years, I’ve learned that too many changes can overwhelm clients and disrupt the flow of the session. Outfit changes take time and care, so keeping it simple helps create a smoother, more enjoyable experience.

Do You Provide Props For Maternity Sessions?

I do not provide props for outdoor maternity sessions. Props, are only used for in-studio newborn sessions. However, I’d recommend bringing a sonogram and (or) baby shoes to incorporate into your session. Your maternity session prep guide will discuss in detail, what props options you can incorporate. For lifestyle maternity photography, only sitting props are provides, such as stools or cube boxes.

Choosing Between Fine Art Maternity, Outdoor or Lifestyle?

I've always believed that the beauty of a pregnant woman shines through, irrespective of her surroundings. Whether indoors or outdoors, neither setting surpasses, the other, in terms of beauty. In-studio maternity photography portraits or on-location can both be amazing, different – yet equally amazing. Nothing will compare to the effects natural lighting has on outdoor maternity photos, especially during golden hour, which is about 1.5 - 1 hour before sundown. It creates such soft, romantic, golden diffused lighting which is perfect if you’re wanting a more traditionalistic approach to your maternity photos. Aesthetically, studio photos give more of a high-end and lavish feel to your imagery than outdoor maternity photos. It's a controlled atmosphere, which is great for clients that are more comfortable indoors, than they are in the great outdoors, taking into account the summer and winter weather. You’ll have more privacy making it great for shooting tasteful semi-nudes, and nudes and not having to worry about prying eyes. Indoor portraits tend to be more flexible in scheduling since they can be scheduled at any time of the day. Indoor maternity portraits are great for high-risk pregnancies because of the limiting of walking and also, for clients that have significant others that prefer to be limited on the photo aspect of this beautiful journey. These sessions solely focus more on the task at hand, in such a way that artistically and yet tastefully, enhances the miraculous gift of growing a baby- yay-you! Fine art maternity photography captures elegance and sophistication through formal poses and artistic composition. In contrast, lifestyle maternity photography takes a more relaxed and natural approach, using gentle prompts, to guided poses. It provides a relaxed, natural, and minimalist way to celebrate your pregnancy. My approach emphasizes simplicity, using a clean white backdrop (only) to create timeless and elegant images. This style focuses on creating an authentic, comfortable atmosphere, helping subjects feel at ease while framing meaningful moments. By blending these two approaches, I can deliver a dynamic and heartfelt portrayal of maternity photos, enriched with depth and emotion.

After My Session, Who Chooses The Final Image Count?

Within a week after your session, I will begin selecting my very favorites images from your session, to provide you with your online proofing gallery. From the gallery link, you'll be able to pick and choose which files you'd want edited and delivered. Keep in mind, the online gallery proofing link will only contain images that meet my high quality expectations. You will not receive the gallery of hundred of the photos taken. I'd much rather overshoot a certain pose, angle and expression to have plenty to choose from, than not enough.

What Is The Turnaround On The Files?

Turnaround on your digital files is 4 weeks from your maternity session date. Once the said photos have been post-processed, files will be added to another online gallery. I will text you once the gallery has been emailed. From the gallery, you’ll be able to download your high-resolution non-watermarked images to your computers. You will also receive a PDF of your print release/usage rights. You’re more than welcome to share the gallery with family and friends. Online gallery also has the option to also purchase prints directly from the printing lab. Prints start at $15.00 and orders are shipped directly to the lab and arrive within 2 weeks of the order date.

Can I Incorporate My Husband and (or) My Other Children Into My Maternity Session?

Yes of course! However, with fine art maternity sessions, they solely focus on the task at hand; expectant moms. Since the digital count for indoor sessions is a lot less than outdoor and lifestyle, your significant other will only be in 2-3 photos. If you would like them to be more involved in the posing aspect, I would recommend the outdoor or studio lifestyle session, where you can maximize every single pose with different looks and angles.

Maternity Portraits | 5 Great Tips For Maternity Posing

Bringing a new life into the world is one of the most beautiful and significant experiences that a woman can go through. Pregnancy is a remarkable time, filled with excitement, anticipation, and a whirlwind of emotions. There’s truly nothing that compares to the sheer joy of carrying a precious bundle of happiness. That’s precisely why maternity portraits with a maternity photographer hold such significant value in immortalizing these priceless moments.

However, as every expecting mother knows, posing for maternity portraits can be quite challenging. The discomfort and physical changes that come with pregnancy can make it difficult to feel confident in front of the camera.

In this blog post, I will provide you with valuable tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your maternity portraits session. From choosing the perfect location to selecting flattering poses and outfits, I’ll guide you through every step to ensure you have a memorable and enjoyable experience.

So, let’s dive in and capture those precious moments of your journey to motherhood in the most beautiful and authentic way possible during your maternity portraits.

Wear Something Comfortable and Flattering

It’s essential to wear clothing that’s both comfortable and makes you feel beautiful. Choose items that highlight your baby bump without overemphasizing it. Flowy dresses, maxi skirts, and belted tops are great choices for your maternity portraits. However, don’t be afraid to bring a more fitted outfit as well, as it can also make for some beautiful photos.

Pregnant Person In A White Tank Top And Ripped Jeans Stands Barefoot Against A Plain White Background, Looking Off To The Side.

Find The Right Lighting –

Lighting is key to any good photography photograph and maternity portraits are no exception. Look for a spacious and naturally lit area with lots of windows if you’re taking your maternity portraits with a maternity photographer, indoors. You could also consider an outdoor location during golden hour, like a garden or park, an area with plenty of greenery and open space. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to shoot as the sunlight is soft and flattering during the afternoon golden hour.

Relax and Be Yourself –

It’s common to feel nervous or self-conscious in front of the camera but try to relax and be yourself. Remember that this is your special moment, and you should enjoy it to the fullest. It’s an opportunity to showcase your joy, excitement and how much you love and cherish your bump. Trust your Dallas maternity photographer, they will most likely guide and support you throughout the session to capture the best images.

Get Your Partner Involved –

Including your partner in your maternity photography session with your maternity photographer is not only a great way to create beautiful and meaningful moments, but it also captures the essence of your relationship. During the session, take the opportunity to embrace each other, gently hold hands, and get as close as possible. These intimate gestures will result in stunning maternity photography images that authentically reflect your love story. By documenting these precious moments, you are preserving the memories of your journey together as you continue to grow your family and create a legacy of love.

Try Different Angles –

Capture the essence of your beautiful baby bump by exploring different angles and poses. Experiment with sitting, standing, and lying down poses, each bringing out the natural curves and roundness of your bump. Add a touch of excitement by incorporating props like small booties, adorable hats, or even a cherished sonogram. Embrace this special time and create lasting memories of anticipation and joy.

A Pregnant Woman In A White Top And Ripped Jeans Stands Barefoot Against A Plain Background, Looking Slightly To The Side.

Maternity Portraits –

Maternity portraits are a great way to document this joyous time in your life. The key to making the most out of your maternity photography session is to embrace the moment and be yourself. Find a comfortable, relaxing environment with great lighting, and include your partner to make it more meaningful. Taking the time to think about what kind of photos you want and what you will be wearing will help you and your photographer create beautiful images that you will cherish forever.

Interested in scheduling maternity portraits with Dallas maternity photographer, Lily Hayes, please submit an inquiry here.

5 Great Tips For Posing For Maternity Portraits