welcome!Information Guide
This maternity session information guide has been put together to make planning for your close-up as effortless as possible. All of the information provided are suggestions based off of past experiences, and personal preferences. It is up to you as a family to choose what you believe fits best with your style and personality.
SCHEDULING
Maternity sessions are ideally scheduled to be photographed between the 30-36 week mark of pregnancy for single babies and around 30 weeks for those expecting multiples. These sessions can be scheduled at any time of the year. I suggest booking at least 2 months in advance to reserve a date and time. Maternity sessions are primarily scheduled on weekdays as most weekends are dedicated to photographing weddings.
In terms of time of day, sunrise sessions are an option if necessary. Aiming for your shoot to start at sunrise is ideal for those who want to take portraits in a very crowded location like Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto. Otherwise most maternity sessions are scheduled 1-2 hours before sunset, as the light is ideal at this time of day. If you have young children that will be included in the session, please be sure to factor in their nap schedules and when they are most energetic and happy. Your session can be scheduled around this time to make sure they are at their best.
APPROXIMATE START TIMES (BY SEASON)
Winter: December - March
3:00 - 5:00 PM
During December through mid-March you can plan on your maternity session taking place around 3:00 - 5:00 PM. However, the time changes in mid-March which will make the start time one hour later.
Spring: April - May
Timing Varies
The sunset time drastically changes throughout the course of these two months, therefore shooting times change as well. You can plan on approximately 5:30 - 7:30 PM in April and 6:00 - 8:00 PM in May.
Summer: June - August
6:30 - 9:00 PM
Summer maternity sessions, just like all maternity sessions, take place two hours before sunset. This will hopefully mean that the shoot will be during the cooler part of the day.
Fall: September - November
Timing Varies
The sunset time changes drastically during these three months. In September, you can plan on 5:30 - 7:30 PM until the third week, and then you can plan on 5:00 - 7:00 PM until mid-October. After the first week of November, 3:00 - 5:00 PM.
Weather
I monitor (borderline stalk) the Weather Network in the days leading up to all shoots. Should the forecast be looking grim 24 hours prior to your session I will work with you to reschedule your close-up for a later date.
Location
What defines you as a family? Silly, adventurous, active, nerdy, playful? Would you enjoy an afternoon at the park together, or prefer to take a calm walk by the pier at sunset? Determining who you are as a family can help to set the tone for your session and make planning locations and activities that much easier.
Choosing something unique will aid in making your images more authentic and meaningful. You are always welcome to choose a location that you simply just find beautiful. Keep in mind that some locations require the purchase of a permit to photograph on their grounds, if so it is the family’s responsibility to acquire this.
At-home sessions are always a wonderful way to make your session even more personal. Having your session at home also adds a comfort factor if you have young children, as they will be photographed in a setting that is most familiar to them.
LOCATION SUGGESTIONS
Paletta Mansion
Cotton Factory
Village Square, Downtown Burlington
Scotsdale Farm
Dundurn Castle
Pier 4
Bronte Creek Park
Balls Falls
AGA Kahn (requires permit)
High Park
Scarborough Bluffs
Princess Point
Royal Botanical Gardens (requires permit)
McMaster University (requires permit)
Gage Park Greenhouse (requires permit)
Kelso Lavender Farm (requires permit)
Your Home!
Styling
Wardrobe
It is advisable to choose outfits that are timeless, beautiful and classic – you want to admire these images for years to come, that being said, aim for looks that have stood the test of time, instead of current fads that might be out by next year.
It is best to stick to light colours and neutrals: blush, cream, and pastels are generally the best option for that warm, cozy feel. Minimize dark colours like black, which do not reflect light. Choose clothing attire that you feel comfortable in. Choose colours, patterns and styles that compliment each other but aren’t too similar. It is best to coordinate instead of matching. Dresses or shirts that are tighter in the torso are advisable as they will showcase your beautiful bump! Most important of all: Make sure you look like YOU and feel comfortable!
If you are debating between outfits don’t be afraid to bring your extra choices with you – I love to fill the role of personal stylist whenever the opportunity presents itself!
If you are looking for inspiration, Pinterest is a fantastic tool for insight into what other families have worn, and why some outfits work better than others. If you have an account please feel free to browse my inspiration boards at:
thank you!As you are preparing for your session, remember that I do not expect you to be a pro at this! Generally it takes a few minutes to warm up and get comfortable in front of the lens at the beginning of a shoot. So relax and don’t be nervous! You are going to be great at this! Having trust in your photographer will allow for creativity and make for an amazing shoot. Remember to have fun, and enjoy yourself. This is such a precious time, and I am thrilled to be documenting it for your growing family!