How To Prepare For Maternity Portrait Session - Winnipeg

First of all: Congratulations on fact that you are expecting a new baby! It’s an exciting time for you and your partner and we are pleased that you have found us! This is a special time of your life. Time of joy, love and excitement which should be captured and recorded for days to come. Many women often regret missing out their maternity portraits and not having these beautiful and precious images to remind them of the love and passion they had for their babies before their birth.

To help you with the preparation and be familiar with what to expect, I have created this how-to guide for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where are you located?  Is there parking?

300-690 St Joseph Street in the heart of St Boniface, Winnipeg.  Free parking right out front.  Please be aware that the studio is a 3rd floor walk up so take your time.

Q: What should I expect from a maternity portrait session?

A studio maternity portrait session is all about the excitement you and your partner feel for your growing baby and of course the growing bump! The maternity dedicated session is the best way to capture the images of your beautiful round belly and the emotions and feelings you and your partner have for your unborn baby. It is a great opportunity to capture the exciting moments of the final days of your pregnancy. What a better way to remember this time than to look back at these photos and reminisce about creating new life. You will forever cherish these images and remember the true love and passion you had for your baby even before you met.

Most of the maternity sessions we photographed in the past are with a husband or a partner, or with one or more of the older siblings. Yes, dogs are also welcome. In addition to your clothing, we usually use a combination of maternity gowns. Typically several clothing changes allows us to capture a different looks so we encourage you to bring different outfits to your session. For examples you can review our Maternity Portraits Portfolio to get an idea of the type of poses and looks we have done in the past.  This gallery also has the options for gowns/silks that I have on hand in my client closet.

Q: What is the best time during my pregnancy to schedule a maternity session?

The best time during your pregnancy for a maternity portrait session is between 31 and 36 weeks from the start of the pregnancy. This is the time when women have a lovely full and round shape. It is also the perfect time when you not will feel uncomfortable in your body and won’t be too bloated as in the very last weeks of your pregnancy. Having your photo session in this time frame would also give you adequate time to select your favorite photos from the session and order the prints before the birth of your baby. In the case of expecting multiples, 28-34 weeks may be more comfortable.

Q: What should I wear on my maternity portrait session?

The basic rule for any portrait session, including maternity is to select and wear comfortable clothing. Feeling uncomfortable believe it or not, would show in your facial expression and body posture and will be recorded in your photographs. Even the most photogenic person feeling uncomfortable would not look good on photos, so plan to wear clothing in which you feel free and good. While comfort is important, the clothing should also allow to show off your baby belly bump.

Depending on your personal preferences and how modest you could be in front of the camera, there are two levels of clothing we recommend:

• First: Fully clothed body with fitting and stretchy fabrics like black yoga spandex. This type of clothing is both comfortable and allow for nicely contouring the body shape without actually revealing the body skin beneath. This is a good choice if you are more modest and would like to display only your belly shape.
• Second: More intimate style nude or implied nude artistic style images.

Q.  How many looks can I do in studio? 

- The essential package includes 2 gowns/looks (studio closet available)

- The timeless package includes up to 4 of YOUR OWN clothing options

- The classic package includes up to 4-5 gowns/looks (studio closet available)

Q. When do I chose my gowns?

I will request your choices before the session so that they can be steamed/cleaned and ready for use day of the session.

Q: Do you have any undergarments recommendations?

Selecting the appropriate underwear as part of your maternity photo outfit is important to prevent lines from your undergarments which would show on the final images. Seamless panties and some shape-wear are very useful to smooth out lines from your underwear. If you are for more modest look, wearing a properly fitting bra that completely covers your bust is a good idea to prevent parts of your bust to be exposed and therefore ruining your pictures. Many of my maternity gowns are fitted and some undergarments can show through.

Q: Can I bring an additional clothing?

Absolutely. If you have special requests or simple looks you want to create, please bring them along. 

Q: Any tips on hair and makeup preparation?

Treat yourself and get your hair/makeup professionally done if you can. It is part of the pampering process.  Don't overdo the makeup. I want you to feel comfortable in your own skin and not like "Stage makeup". Most professional MUA's will ask what event you are going to and will adjust.  Please come ready to shoot. The time slot does not allow for hair/makeup application in studio.

Q: Can you retouch the images to make me look really good?

Yes. I am committed to nothing else but excellent results and we understand that every client would like to look amazing on their portraits. Digital enhancement and retouching of the final images to achieve natural skin tones, sharp details and outstanding look is what we do for all of our clients. I promise I want you to look and feel your best.

Q: Can my partner, children and or pets attend?

Of course! This is your own preference.  You co do the shoot for you or bring the family.

PLEASE BRING:

- Clean indoor shoes.  Heels are best but not necessary.  If your partner is attending, please ensure they bring shoes too.

- Seamless undergarments.  Strapless bra works best for most of the gowns.  Undergarments should not be patterned or dark (they will show with lighter gowns).

- Change of clothing for your partner/child for alternate looks to go with the gowns we use.

- Water and snacks. 

SAFETY PROCEDURES:

If anyone who needs to attend the session is sick, rescheduling is necessary.

Only those essential to the session will be allowed in the studio.  Please do not invite family to come watch.  I also want your session to be intimate and stress free.

MOST IMPORTANT: Come prepared to have fun. 

Have any questions? Message me anytime.

Sunny