More Than Photos—A Celebration of This Chapter

Maternity photography is more than just a photo session—it’s a celebration of life, love, and transformation. This is such a fleeting, beautiful time in your journey, and preserving it through meaningful images allows you to pause and honor everything you’re experiencing.

I’ve photographed countless maternity sessions in Saint Paul and the surrounding areas, and if there’s one thing I always share with expecting parents, it’s this: you don’t need to feel picture-perfect to have a session that’s absolutely perfect for you.

Feeling prepared, supported, and relaxed can truly make all the difference in your experience. So let’s walk through some tips and inspiration to help you feel calm, confident, and excited about your upcoming session.

Choosing the Right Time for Your Session

One of the most common questions I get is, “When should I schedule my maternity photos?” And it’s such a great one to ask.

The sweet spot for most maternity sessions is typically between 28 and 34 weeks. During this window, your baby bump is beautifully visible, but you’re likely still feeling relatively comfortable and have some energy to enjoy the experience.

Of course, every pregnancy is different. Some parents-to-be feel amazing at 36 weeks, while others prefer an earlier session due to twins, medical considerations, or simply wanting to plan ahead. We’ll always adjust based on how you’re feeling—comfort is key.

Booking early ensures we find a date and location that works perfectly for you, and it gives us time to chat about your vision and style before your session day arrives.

What to Wear: Maternity Outfit Inspiration

Choosing what to wear for your maternity session can feel like a big decision—but it doesn’t have to be stressful. My goal is always to help you feel like the best version of you—comfortable, radiant, and connected to this beautiful season of life.

Here are a few styling tips I love sharing with my clients:

✨ Highlight Your Bump, Not Hide It

Flowy dresses that gather under the bust and drape softly over your belly are timeless and flattering. Fitted styles that gently hug your curves also photograph beautifully—especially in studio light or against soft outdoor backdrops.

🎨 Think Soft, Earthy Tones or Muted Neutrals

Colors like cream, dusty rose, sage, olive, soft gold, or warm rust tend to look stunning in both indoor and outdoor settings. Avoid super busy patterns, and instead opt for texture—lace, knits, and layers work wonderfully.

👨‍👩‍👧 Coordinate (But Don’t Match) With Loved Ones

If your partner or children will be in the photos, choose outfits that complement each other without being too matchy. Think in terms of tones that belong in the same color family—this creates visual harmony and keeps the focus on connection.

👗 Bring Variety if You Can

Many clients bring two outfits—one casual, one a bit more elevated. It adds variety to your gallery and allows you to express different sides of your story.

And of course, if you’re not sure where to start, I’ll happily guide you. I offer styling assistance and can even recommend trusted local shops or bump-friendly boutiques in the Twin Cities.

Selecting a Meaningful Location

Where we photograph your maternity session has a big impact on the overall feel of your images. The backdrop helps tell your story—so choosing a location that resonates with you makes your session feel that much more personal.

Here are a few beautiful options:

🌿 Studio Maternity Sessions

My Saint Paul studio is a favorite for clients who want a calm, cozy environment. It’s temperature-controlled (a huge win during Minnesota’s unpredictable seasons), private, and styled with soft tones and textures. It’s especially perfect if you’re craving a more intimate, fine art look.

🍂 Outdoor Sessions

Saint Paul and Minneapolis offer some of the most beautiful outdoor spots for maternity photography. Parks like Como, Minnehaha Falls, and Hidden Falls create lush, natural backdrops that shift beautifully through each season. Golden hour in a blooming field or near the river? Pure magic.

🏡 Personal or Sentimental Spaces

Your home, a quiet spot where you walk together, or even the location where you got engaged—these places carry emotional weight that can make your session feel even more meaningful.

Don’t worry if you’re unsure what you want. I’ll help you choose a location that fits your vision, style, and comfort level.

How to Emotionally Prepare for Your Maternity Session

This part is just as important as choosing a dress or a location.

Many expectant mothers tell me they’re nervous to be in front of the camera. Maybe your body doesn’t feel like your own right now. Maybe you’re exhausted. Maybe you’ve never done a professional session before. I want you to know: you’re not alone in those feelings. And you don’t need to be “ready” to be beautifully photographed.

Here’s what helps:

🌼 Focus on the Moment, Not the Mirror

This session is about presence. It’s about honoring your strength, your softness, your transformation. Let go of how you think you should look, and focus on how this moment feels.

🧘‍♀️ Give Yourself Time to Slow Down

Whether it’s a few minutes of quiet before your session or a calming walk beforehand, allow yourself to ease into the experience. You don’t need to “perform”—you just need to be.

🤍 Let Your Emotions In

Joy, wonder, nervousness, tears—they’re all welcome here. You’re not posing for perfection. You’re showing up as you are, and that is always more than enough.

Inspiration From Past Sessions

Over the years, I’ve photographed maternity sessions in fields of golden grass, in softly lit studios, beside lakes, and even inside clients’ homes with a simple window as the only light source. The magic isn’t in the location—it’s in the way you connect with the moment.

There was a session in early spring where a mother wore a flowing sage green dress. The trees hadn’t fully bloomed yet, but the quiet between seasons gave the photos such a gentle, almost spiritual mood. In contrast, another mom danced barefoot in the tall summer grass with her two kids wrapped around her belly, laughing as the sun dipped low behind them. Both sessions were so different, but equally powerful. Every story is unique. That’s what makes maternity photography so special. You bring your energy, your hopes, your anticipation—and I help you hold onto it.

Maternity Photography That Honors Your Journey

Your pregnancy is a chapter unlike any other. It’s full of emotion, growth, and beauty—and it deserves to be remembered with intention.

If you’re beginning the journey of preparing for maternity photos, know that I’m here to walk with you through every step. From what to wear, to where we shoot, to how you feel throughout the experience—my goal is to make this session stress-free, joyful, and truly meaningful.

As a maternity photographer in Saint Paul, I offer a space where you can show up fully, be cared for deeply, and walk away with images that tell the quiet, powerful story of what it means to grow new life.

📅 Let’s Create Something Timeless Together

Maternity sessions book up quickly—especially in spring and fall—so don’t wait to reserve your date.
Click here to schedule your maternity session or reach out with questions 

📍 Proudly serving Saint Paul, Minneapolis, and families across the Twin Cities