Everything You Need To Know About Your Maternity Session

Hi there mama! So glad you are thinking of taking some pictures to remember this magical season of  pregnancy. I wanted to write this blog post to tell you everything you need to know about booking your maternity photo session with Samantha Sloan Photography. 

First off, the best time to take pictures while pregnant is between the weeks of 29-36 of your pregnancy. That way you are sure to have a cute baby bump – but you’re also not so late in your pregnancy where you just feel huge and uncomfortable – and hot! haha

BOOKING YOUR APPOINTMENT

When you contact me to book your appointment – I will ask a few questions:

First, when are you due/what is your ideal date to book? And second, would you rather have a studio session or an on-location session somewhere in the San Antonio area.

Check out this maternity session at Denman estate Park

I can then let you know my availability and if that date works and then we will talk about location ideas as well as what time works best. I’ll talk more about that in the next section. If you are booking one of my mini sessions, then the location will already be chosen and all you need to do is simply click on your choice of time.

Once those details are figured out, you will receive a booking confirmation email as well as an invoice. Once the invoice has been paid – you are officially booked!

PLANNING YOUR MATERNITY SESSION 

Locations- As I stated before, we will first need to figure out if you would like to do a studio session at my private studio or if you would rather do an on-location session somewhere in San Antonio. Don’t know where to have your session? Don’t worry, I have a whole list of awesome locations to choose from for your ideal session! 

Outfits – I offer a complimentary wardrobe to all my maternity clients here at Samantha Sloan Photography. You are more than welcome to wear one of my gowns or bring your own outfit – or both! I am happy to set up a time for you to come by and do try ons before your photo session, or you can just look through my gowns the day of if you are having a studio session. Multiple outfits are encouraged! I personally think solid colors and minimal patterns look the best. I also suggest steering away from short black dresses as they tend to hide your figure and we don’t want that. We want to highlight your figure for your session! 

Hair and Make-up – I have some great referrals for professional hair and makeup if you are wanting to go all out glam. If you prefer to do it yourself, I just suggest going all out. I literally tell moms to double up on what they normally do. It can look and feel like a lot of makeup in person, but on camera it will look great! Trust me. Q those youtube contouring videos…

Props – For maternity sessions I really prefer to use minimal props. I typically incorporate some in my studio sessions, but for outdoor sessions I find them to be unnecessary. I do, however, encourage you to bring anything sentimental to the session that you would like incorporated. I.g. baby shoes, sonogram, etc. 

AT THE SESSION

Yay, you made it! If you are doing a studio session, I give the address in the booking email. It is located in the Encino Park area near Stone Oak. If you are doing an on-location session, I will text you beforehand and let you know exactly where to meet once you arrive at the location. Sometimes I even drop a pin if I need to.

If clients run more than 25 minutes late, then we have to reschedule for another day so please try to be on time. 

If you have small children, it never hurts to bring along bribes to ensure things go smoothly. 

If you are doing an on-location shoot and changing into multiple outfits – I bring along a pop up tent changer for you to change in if there are no restrooms nearby.

Check out my Instagram for more!

AFTER YOUR MATERNITY SESSION

After the session I will post your sneak peaks online. I will also invoice you for the remaining amount due. You can expect your online photo gallery within 7-10 business days from your session date. 

When you receive your online gallery, I will also send along directions on how to download your images, tips for keeping them safe, as well as how to order prints and products.

I offer professional prints through my ordering system. These are great quality and come from my pro lab and are delivered right to your door!

All of my clients have the opportunity to earn a referral credit for a future session with me! Any clients that you send my way and books with me – you will receive a $50 credit for your next session. Your credit is good towards any type of session with me – even my family mini sessions!

Well, if I didn’t answer all your questions about everything you need to know for your maternity session – go ahead and send me a message