Studio Maternity Preparation Guide
A Note From Sarah
First off — thank you!
Thank you for trusting me to capture this incredible moment in your life. The experience of creating beautiful images begins long before you step into the studio. This guide is designed to help you feel confident, relaxed, and fabulous, because when you feel good, it shows in every photo.
Inside, you’ll find everything you need to know to prepare for your session, what to expect during your time in the studio, and how to select and when you’ll receive your favorite images afterwards. If you still have questions after reading the guide, please don’t hesitate to reach out, I’m always happy to help.
Wardrobe
What To Wear
You’ll have full access to my curated collection of maternity gowns and flower crowns. Many mamas like to mix and match, starting with a casual outfit from home, then changing into one of the studio gowns. Once you’re feeling really relaxed, you might even go for a more intimate look. You’re welcome to plan up to three different looks to truly make this session your own.
01. Form-Fitting is Flattering
Choose outfits that highlight your beautiful bump. Loose or baggy clothing can hide your shape and appear less flattering on camera. This session is all about celebrating your body. If there are any areas you feel self-conscious about, let me know ahead of time — we can use posing, styling, and editing to help you look and feel your absolute best.
02. Strapless Bra
Many of my gowns require a supportive, nude strapless bra. Tucking straps from a regular bra often creates bulges that require additional editing (which may incur extra fees).
03. Forgot a Strapless?
I have a few backups available, but bringing your own ensures the best fit and comfort.
04. Sheer Gowns
If you’ve chosen a sheer gown (noted in the wardrobe description), bring seamless underwear that matches… or feel free to go without.
05. Tan Lines
Tan lines do show up in images and can be distracting. They require complex editing (with additional fees). To avoid them, use sunscreen or limit sun exposure ahead of time if this is a concern.
06. Intimate Looks
Many clients love to add personal, intimate touches. Options include:
A cozy sweater that opens in the front
Your partner’s favorite button-down shirt
Lingerie or matching bra-and-underwear sets
Bold jewelry, shawls, or cropped tops with matching bottoms
If you’re planning to go partially or fully nude, rest assured — posing will always be tasteful. Private areas will never be visible unless you specifically request it.
07. Shoes or Barefoot?
It’s up to you! If wearing one of my longer gowns, bring heels or heeled boots for a little lift. Don’t worry if they don’t match — with long gowns, your shoes won’t show.
✨ A soft, warm robe will be available to keep you comfortable during breaks and outfit changes. Feel free to bring your own if you prefer. My goal is to keep you comfortable and cared for throughout your session.
Hair & Makeup
Professional hair and makeup really elevate your photos. I totally understand if it’s not in the budget, so I have another option for you:
Virtual Makeup Add On
Come completely natural or wear light makeup — Sarah will take care of the rest!
✨ Virtual Makeup is a convenient and affordable option that saves you time and money. For just a $50 one-time add-on, Sarah will apply natural, camera-ready enhancements to all of your final edited images.
Professional Hair and Makeup
If you’d prefer to be pampered in person, I highly recommend KK with Whole Life Beauty for hair and makeup. She’ll make you feel like a queen — and you’ll even be ready for a date night after your session!
Whatever you decide, be sure to wear something that doesn’t need to be pulled over your head. This will help keep your hair and makeup looking their best.
What Should My Partner Wear?
If your partner is participating, make sure their outfit complements yours. For example, if you’re wearing a gown, light jeans or shorts with a t-shirt may not be the best match.
Keep outfits coordinated and wrinkle-free — ironing is a must (editing out wrinkles requires extra time and fees). I recommend bringing your clothing and changing once you arrive at the studio to ensure everything looks fresh.
Think classic and timeless, but ultimately, wear what makes you both feel good. Your partner doesn’t need to be overly dressy — a fitted black t-shirt with black pants or dark jeans pairs beautifully with many gowns.
Kids’ Outfits
If your children will be joining, choose outfits that coordinate with yours. Solid colors or simple patterns are timeless and pair beautifully with most gowns.
Comfort first. Let kids help choose their outfits when possible — happy, comfortable kids make for the best photos.
Mind the length. Be sure dresses are long enough not to ride up if your child is being held.
Skip fussy accessories. For younger, wiggly kids, I recommend avoiding bow ties or suspenders that need constant adjusting. While they’re undeniably cute, they can shift easily and look uneven in final images.
Of course, you know your children best! If you’re confident they’ll be calm and cooperative, feel free to accessorize as much as you’d like.
I’m Worried My Kids Won’t Cooperate
Please don’t stress about this — it’s completely normal! In fact, I can almost guarantee your kids won’t fully cooperate… and that’s totally okay.
I’ve been photographing little ones for over 15 years and was a teacher for 12, so I come prepared with a bag of tricks and lots of patience. The best thing you can do is stay calm and let me take the lead.
Kids are often more willing to listen to someone who isn’t their parent, and I’ve found that the less parents intervene, the smoother things usually go. I know this can be tough (I’ve been there myself!), but trust me — it makes a huge difference.
Ultrasound Images
Many couples love to incorporate their baby’s very first photo into their session. If you’d like, feel free to bring your ultrasound image along — it makes such a meaningful detail to include.
Day of the Session
When you arrive at the studio, we’ll take a few minutes to chat about your wardrobe, vision, and any preferences or insecurities you may have. My goal is to ensure your experience — and your images — are everything you’ve dreamed of. This time also gives us a chance to get to know each other and ease into the session before jumping right in.
The studio is softly lit to create a calm, cozy atmosphere. Since body temperature can change quickly during pregnancy, I have both heaters and fans on hand to keep you comfortable throughout your session.
Light snacks and drinks will be available. If music helps you relax, feel free to send me your favorite Spotify playlist or let me know the vibe you’d like — I’ll have it ready to go!
Feeling lightheaded or dizzy while posing? That’s completely normal. Just let me know and we’ll take a break. Need to use the restroom a hundred times? Also totally normal — we can pause as often as you need.
Pregnancy brings so many physical and emotional changes, and I understand. I’ll guide you with gentle posing and flattering lighting to showcase your beautiful, powerful body in the best way possible.
After Your Session
Proofing Gallery: Emailed in about 7 business days. Rush options (1 or 3 business days) available for an additional fee. Proofs are not downloadable.
Final Images: Delivered in about 7 business days after you make selections.
Print Products: Order directly through your gallery for the highest quality and guaranteed color accuracy. Outside labs may produce different results and are not guaranteed by Sarah Kane Photography.
Please Note: If your session ends after 3:00 p.m., or if you notify Sarah of your final image selections after 3:00 p.m., the business day will begin on the following business day.
Gallery Expiration Policy
Proofing and final galleries include an expiration date.
Extensions: $50 for one additional year.
Sarah maintains a copy for up to 3 years but cannot guarantee retrieval once gallery expires.
Client Responsibility for Digital Images
Back up your files in multiple places and refresh every 6 months.
Sarah Kane Photography is not responsible for lost, deleted, or damaged files after delivery.
Editing Policy
Final images include adjustments for exposure, color, skin smoothing, blemish removal, and light body contouring (upon request).
Edits that may incur a $50/hour fee include, but are not limited to wrinkled stained or lint filled clothing, removal of temporary children’s tattoos or bandaids, makeup fixes, etc.)
Questions? Reach Out Anytime!
Need wardrobe advice? Not sure what to pack? Is there anything I didn’t cover here?
Feel free to text or email me photos of your outfit options, I’m always happy to help.
You’re going to look and feel amazing, and I can’t wait to create an experience with you that goes beyond beautiful images!
