What was your first reaction when you learned you were pregnant?

For me, I remember the wash of emotions when I saw the positive test. I was alone after work one afternoon in the small bathroom of the Decatur home my husband and I (and three dogs) rented at the time. I was elated, nervous, overwhelmed, surprised … it was my first child and I immediately thought, “well now what?” Like, okay I’m pregnant, now what do I do??

It’s such a life changing event, a moment that quite literally altered the course of everything that came after it. So my first tip – sit with it. Get your phone and snap a photo of the test, take a selfie of your expression immediately after you learn you’re expecting, journal your thoughts at that very moment. Let it wash over you, because before you know it, that to-do list will grow and grow and come faster and faster until your pregnancy journey is one, big beautiful blur.

… and after it settles, let’s decide what’s important to you in this season. Maybe it’s a big announcement party or a small gender reveal with your partner. Maybe you haven’t ever considered maternity photos, or you might already know the exact spot on your wall you want to hang a huge canvas. Do you already have a kiddo? Maybe you envision telling them they’ll be a big brother or sister and you want that experience documented. Maybe you KNOW you want newborn photos and you want to work with an Atlanta photographer who specializes in that but an also photograph your maternity journey.

Wherever you are, having a brief overview of when to book, what to wear, what options you have for add-ons, locations, etc. can really help alleviate the decision fatigue and overwhelm when you start considering photography during this season of growth for your family.

When to book your maternity photos & other considerations

It’s true that maternity and newborn photographers book out a little further in advance than some other types of photographers and the reason is this: pregnancy and bringing a baby into the world are unpredictable and there needs to be plenty of flexibility. That’s why I only take a certain number of expecting mamas and newborns each month, so I can be sure I’m able to accommodate the unknowns with care.

I recommend reaching out to photographers around the half way mark, 20ish weeks, to give yourself time to find someone who’s a really good fit for you.

So before we set a date, let’s take a quick peek at logistics.

When do I book my maternity session?

Reach out anywhere from your half way mark, 20ish weeks, all the way up to when you finally decide a maternity session is right for you. The earlier the better, since a lot of motherhood photographers limit capacity to ensure flexibility.

I give the range of 28 – 32 weeks as a pretty good window for actually taking your maternity photos. Why? You’re typically showing well (we want those round belly pictures) but not yet super uncomfortable.

Let your body guide you, especially if this isn’t your first child and you’re likely to show sooner.

And then there’s the biggest question of all:

What do you want your maternity photos to feel like?

Do you picture yourself on a mountaintop, wind blowing your dress all around?

Would you rather have something quiet and cozy?

Maybe you’re drawn to a clean white studio look. Maybe you want something more elegant and formal. Maybe you want bare feet, a sweater and your partner’s hand on your belly.

There isn’t a right answer.

Your maternity photographs are going to live in your home for a long time. Let’s make sure they feel like they belong there. More importantly, let’s make sure they feel like you.

Are you planning a gender reveal?

I put this on the maternity photo timeline because since I’ve become a mom, gender reveals have really become a thing. Sometimes they’re a huge party with powder cannons and confetti, sometimes a cake with colored insides. And sometimes, they’re intimate, tender setups under a tree at a park with you, your partner and those you hold nearest to you.

So I put gender reveal on the timeline because you can do them SO many different ways and at different times. You can book your maternity session and do a gender reveal at that time, or you can chat with your photographer about planning something a few weeks before your maternity session if you’d like them to be separate occasions.

If an intimate gender reveal experience is something you have on your heart as part of your maternity journey, reach out to me so we can customize it just for you.

Communication, mementos and locations: making your maternity session feel like you

As you start thinking about your baby and saving those sonogram printouts, receiving little gifts from friends and families (I see you teeny sweater with your baby’s name on it and crocheted baby blankets from Grandma), communicate with your photographer about what you want to include. These things make your maternity session unique to you and your family

Your photographer should also discuss location with you to make sure the setting is one that feels like you.

One of my favorite maternity sessions was at a glamping tent. The mom and dad both avid travelers and outdoorsy people, they wanted cozy and natural. I have several spots that are perfect for maternity sessions for different reasons, so I make sure to discuss this with every expecting mama I photograph..

When you print photos for your walls, I want them to match with the aesthetic of your home. That’s all about communication!

Atlanta maternity photographer timeline: a recap

1. You learn you’re pregnant, first step – bask in this. Sit with it. Take time to quietly honor and remember this moment just for you.
   
2. Decide what’s important to you and your family, what you want documented during this season.
   
3. At 20ish weeks, or a little before, start looking at maternity and newborn photographers so you have plenty of time to find someone who’s the right fit for your family.
   
4. Do you want to include a gender reveal? Do you want maternity and newborn photos? Make sure to discuss this with your photographer up front for scheduling purposes.
   
5. Ask questions. Communicate. Save family heirlooms and mementos as you start to nest and prepare for your little one to arrive. As your session nears, make sure to discuss the perfect location to fit you and your family.
   
6. Go ahead and find an outfit! Seriously, mamas who wait until the last minute to dress themselves and their families regret it (it’s an avoidable stress)
   

Is your family growing? Have you considered maternity photos or newborn photos but weren’t sure when to book or what to ask? I hope the tips in this post are helpful. If you’d like more information or have questions you’d like answered, your welcome to check out my Newborn Sessions page, Maternity page or contact me directly HERE.

(A quick aside: I’m personally looking forward to fall and winter here in Georgia and in addition to planning your maternity sessions and family sessions, lots of families already have their eye on the holiday. Santa minis are real thing y’all! If you’re someone who likes to plan ahead and is wondering when to book a Santa photoshoot, my friend Kate gives some great tips on booking a Santa photoshoot to make for an easy holiday. Spoiler: her advice isn’t to wait until last minute!)