WHAT TO EXPECT: MATERNITY SESSIONS

WITH SIMPLY COREY PHOTOGRAPHY

Atlanta maternity photographer-expecting mom outside on country road

WHEN TO HAVE YOUR MATERNITY SESSION
You can always schedule earlier or later, but maternity sessions are typically held between 30 and 36 weeks to ensure you have enough baby bump to show off before becoming too uncomfortable.

If you are including a small child in your session, please schedule your session at a time that won’t interfere with meals or nap time!

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
My home studio is located at 8311 W Carroll Rd Whitesburg, GA 30185, and it’s a white house on a dirt road ACROSS from the 8311 mailbox.

Be sure to give yourself enough time to get out of the house and avoid traffic. The time will come out of your allotted appointment if you are late.

Please park through the gates at the beginning of the driveway and follow the sidewalk to the front door.

I recommend using Google Maps for directions because other apps have given wrong directions before. My number is 678-896-9502 if you need me.

WHAT I PROVIDE
You will mark your favorite colors and styles in the questionnaire I sent you and you’re also welcome to send me a look you like from my MATERNITY PORTFOLIO. Some dresses may not be available anymore and I also have several items not yet in my portfolio, but I have a collection of:

  • tulle dresses and robes
  • lace dresses
  • form-fitting dresses
  • bodysuits
  • flowing fabric
maternity photographer near Atlanta, mom in sheer ruffle dress on light studio backdrop


WHAT TO WEAR: YOU
First and foremost – be YOU! Some moms want to wear fancy dresses, some want to keep things casual, and some want a little of both! Be sure to choose clothing you’ll be comfortable in!

Bare belly photos are optional, but if you know you want them, make sure your clothing is not too tight before our session to prevent unflattering marks on your skin.

Here are some suggestions if you’d like to bring something of your own:

• Dresses (your own or rentals)

• Jeans (maternity or non-maternity) with a tee, camisole, or tank top

• Oversized sweater or cardigan (for bare belly shots)

• Button-up shirt (for bare belly shots)

• Pantsuit jacket and pants (for bare belly shots)

• Coordinating bra and underwear sets (for bare belly shots)

• solid colored “boy shorts” with a matching bra or camisole

WHAT TO WEAR: FAMILY
Solid colors are better than patterns to keep the focus on the subjects.

Newer, wrinkle-free clothing photographs best. The camera picks up more than you think!

Choose clothing in the same style and season – formal or casual for everyone, no sweaters with sundresses, etc.

If you want a pattern, use it for one person and have the others wear colors from that pattern.  

Solid colored shoes that are clean, not too busy, and coordinate well with your overall look are best. Or you can all go barefoot!

Make sure your pockets are empty before we start our session!

Villa Rica family photographer, studio maternity session

WHAT NOT TO WEAR
Avoid clothing with tiny stripes, checks, or dots. These will leave weird wavy patterns on your final images called moiré.

Avoid big logos and character clothing.

Cream and ivory are better than white for outdoor portraits.

Do not wear dirty or busy sneakers/shoes.

OTHER ITEMS TO BRING
• Nude-colored bra (strapless is recommended for some dresses)

• Nude-colored seamless underwear or thong

• Favorite accessories, scarves, floppy hats, jewelry, etc.

• Any sentimental items you’d like to include

• Coordinating shoes for each look if you don’t want barefoot

Atlanta maternity photographer, studio pregnancy portraits with red tulle

RETOUCHING, SKIN, & NAILS
Minor retouching is included and covers small blemishes and stretch marks. If extensive editing is needed, there will be an additional retouching fee.

Moisturize! Dry skin can make any skin tone look ashy.

Sunburns and uneven tan lines will not be retouched without additional fees. Please plan ahead to avoid uneven coloring or peeling.

A fresh shave is recommended for both parents, and any facial hair on dad should be neatly trimmed.

Be sure to get a good night’s rest before your session. If you have a late night, your eyes will show it.

Clean, trimmed nails are important for everyone fingers and toes!

Ladies, please remove any chipped or outgrown nail polish. If you have your nails done, make sure it complements all of your clothing choices.

MAKEUP
You’re welcome to apply your makeup as you normally do or have your makeup done professionally by a local MUA.

Avoid glitter, sparkles, highlighters, and too much lip gloss since all of these reflect light and can leave spots on your skin in your images.

Even if you don’t normally wear makeup, I encourage moms to at least wear a light coat of mascara and some lip balm.

HAIR
Wear your hair in a style you’re comfortable with and don’t try a new style or cut at the last minute. If you need a haircut before your session, plan to do so at least 1 week before to allow for a more natural look

Girls and guys alike should stay away from hair products that make the hair reflective or “crispy”.

Atlanta maternity photographer, couple in Atlanta Braves jerseys

RESCHEDULING
As a mom to 5, I understand that germs happen. I just ask that you notify me as soon as possible if you need to reschedule. Everyone attending the session must be symptom-free at least 48 hours before our session without having a fever for 3 days.

If inclement weather is forecast for the day of our outdoor session, we can wait up to 1 hour before your scheduled time to decide if we should reschedule. Making the decision before then will be your decision.

DURING YOUR SESSION
Breathe – we’re going to have a great time together! I’m very laid back and will make every attempt to make you comfortable in front of the camera.

I will be taking a good mix of loosely posed and candid photos during our session and will guide you as needed. Natural expressions are so much better than forced smiles, so you can expect me to (attempt to) make you laugh!

And since these are your images and I want you to love them, please let me know in advance if you have something specific in mind!

No cameras permitted during your session, except for behind the scenes pictures.

My studio space is on the smaller side, so please keep the number of people attending your session to a minimum.

Everyone should be respectful of the studio and props. Please do not touch the camera, lighting equipment, stored props, etc.

VIEWING YOUR SESSION’S IMAGES
Your gallery will be ready approximately 2 weeks after your session.

Galleries are available for 5 consecutive days, and you’ll confirm the best time to start.

I’ll email you the link and instructions for your private gallery on the day you choose.

You’ll receive a redemption code for the digital images included with your session and additional images may be purchased separately.

Orders need to be submitted within the 5 days you select.

A gallery extension may be purchased for $25 per day automatically when you log into your gallery once it expires.

YOUR ORDER
Payment is due in full before orders are fulfilled and delivered.

I offer a variety of digital image collections, as well as heirloom prints, albums, fine art canvases, and more.

Ordered digital images come with a lab recommendation and a personal print release.

A separate email with a download link will be sent within 3 business days after your order has been completed.

All orders are subject to 7% sales tax.

Due to the custom nature of products offered, all sales are final.

NEWBORN SESSION
With your maternity session, you receive a credit toward a newborn session and these are best between 7 and 18 days! If you have specific ideas in mind, I highly recommend booking your newborn session while you’re still pregnant so I can prepare.

award winning Atlanta newborn photographer, portrait of baby in carriage

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
You are always welcome to send me an email at corey@simplycoreyphoto.com with any questions you have. I look forward to working with you!