{ all of these tips are very important for the look of your maternity portraits }

Moisturize your belly and body well several days before your session, more importantly several hours before your session, especially if you will be showing your bare bump. No bronzer or lotions with colour please.

Avoid wearing anything elastic on your belly a couple hours prior to your session to eliminate any chance of elastic line. This also includes removing hair elastics/ties around your wrists.

Avoid wearing tight socks and tight shoes to your session as sock and shoe indent marks with swollen ankles and feet cannot be altered. Swelling is such a normal part of pregnancy, however we want to avoid making any swelling noticeable, and unfortunately it won't go down in the short time we are together for your session.

Strapless garments are best photographed with appropriate strapless bras and/or nipple covers. Bra straps that are tucked in will give a budging look and generally don’t photograph well. Straps left worn cannot be edited out.

Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure before the session. Your hands will be focused on your beautiful baby bump! Avoid wearing chipped, or distracting coloured polish as it will distract from your beautiful baby bump and the overall image.

Wear your favourite pieces of heirloom or meaningful jewelry, but it’s a good idea to leave watches at home (this includes dad-to-be as well).

Come to your session with your hair and makeup already done. Do your hair and makeup as if you are going on a very fancy date night! You may also want to treat yourself and get it done professionally – if you need a recommendation, let me know. For hair – skip the updo's and think 'soft and natural'. Hair done in soft curls looks amazing for maternity portraits and photographs so well. For makeup, think "fancy date night or glamour photoshoot".

Prepare to be barefoot for several poses (especially for studio maternity), but bring some cute high heels or wedges, if you’d like.

The night before the session get plenty of rest. There will be a fair amount of standing, walking and beauty shots!