There’s a funny thing that happens when I tell expecting parents that maternity sessions are actually one of my favorite things to photograph. They usually look at me a little skeptically — especially if they’re the type who says “we hate having our photo taken.”
And then we spend an hour outside in golden Colorado light, or curled up in the nursery they’ve been building for months, and something shifts. They stop thinking about the camera. They start just being with each other. And the images that come from that? They’re some of the most meaningful ones I make all year.
If you’re expecting and thinking about a maternity session — whether you’re totally on board or still on the fence — here’s everything you need to know.
When to Schedule Your Maternity Session
Timing your session is one of the most common questions I get, and the answer is simpler than you’d think.
For most mamas, months 7–8 (weeks 28–34) is the sweet spot.. Your belly is beautifully round and visible, but you still have energy and mobility. You can walk, move, sit on the ground, do whatever the session calls for without feeling like you’re running a marathon.
A few things to keep in mind:
First-time mamas can usually wait until month 8. Bumps tend to show a little later, and you’ll often want more of that defined, full belly look.
Second-time (or third, fourth…) mamas often show earlier, so month 7 tends to work better. Your body knows what it’s doing this time around.
If your bump is small — some mamas just carry small — don’t stress. I’ve photographed beautiful maternity sessions well into month 9. We’ll work with what you’ve got, and it will be gorgeous.
Book your session early. I’d recommend reaching out in your second trimester to lock in your date, especially if you’re hoping for a specific season or outdoor location. Colorado fall sessions fill especially fast.
Many families choose to book their maternity and newborn session together — it’s a beautiful way to document the full journey from bump to baby.
Maternity Photography Session – What to Wear
This is the section expectant mamas spend the most time on — and rightfully so. What you wear has a big impact on how the photos feel and look.
Here’s my honest advice, built from years of shooting maternity sessions across Colorado:
Dresses are your best friend. A flowy maxi dress or a fitted stretchy dress that cinches just above the belly shows off that bump beautifully. Movement in fabric looks stunning outdoors — a little Colorado breeze goes a long way. If you’re doing an outdoor session, a dress is almost always my first recommendation.
If dresses aren’t your thing, a fitted tank top paired with a flowy skirt works really well. The key is showing the shape of the belly, not hiding it under a boxy top.
For something more intimate, consider a soft robe, a partner’s oversized button-down shirt, or a look that shows off your bare belly. In-home sessions are perfect for this — you’ll feel more comfortable in your own space.
Colors: Soft, muted tones photograph beautifully — dusty rose, sage, cream, terracotta, navy. Avoid busy patterns or bright logos, which can pull attention away from your face and belly.
Hair: I’m a fan of hair down for maternity sessions. There’s nothing like soft Colorado light catching the movement of your hair. That said, do whatever makes you feel most like yourself — you’ll be more relaxed, and that shows.
One practical tip: wear something you can actually move in. If a dress is beautiful but you’re tugging at it every five minutes, it’s not the right choice for a photo session.
Consider pampering yourself beforehand. A blowout, a pedicure, a prenatal massage — you’ve earned it. Taking a little extra time for yourself before your session tends to translate into more confidence in front of the camera, and I’m all for it.
Where to Have Your Maternity Session
Colorado gives you genuinely stunning options, and the right choice depends on what feels most meaningful to you.
Outdoor locations are popular for good reason. Golden light, mountain backdrops, open fields, river paths — Colorado does all of it exceptionally well. I regularly photograph maternity sessions around Longmont, Boulder, Berthoud, Erie, and the broader Front Range, and there’s no shortage of beautiful spots. If you have a place that’s meaningful to you — a trail you love, a spot near your home, a park where you take your dog — those personal locations often make for the most meaningful images.
In-home sessions are something I genuinely love for maternity photography, and they’re underrated. Your home is already full of meaning — the nursery you’ve been putting together, the couch where you spend your evenings, the light that comes through your bedroom window in the afternoon. These sessions feel relaxed and intimate, and they’re especially great if you want any belly shots that feel more private. You also don’t have to go anywhere, which by month 8 is a real perk. Curious what an in-home session actually looks like? Here’s what to expect during an in-home newborn session — many families book both together.
Both options work beautifully. If you’re not sure, tell me a little about what you’re imagining and I’ll help you figure out what fits.
What the Maternity Session Actually Feels Like
Most people walk into a maternity session a little nervous, and walk out wondering why they were. Here’s what to expect.
Sessions are unhurried and low-pressure. There’s no checklist of poses to get through. I’ll guide you and your partner into positions that feel natural and look flattering — and then I mostly just let you be together. Some of my favorite maternity images come from the moments in between the “official” poses, when people forget I’m there.
Partners are part of the session too. The connection between the two of you is part of what we’re documenting. I’ll involve your partner throughout — not just as a backdrop, but as someone who’s also about to have their life changed completely.
Bring your other kids if you have them. Sibling moments during maternity sessions are some of the most special images I make. A toddler pressing their ear to a belly, a big kid feeling the baby kick — those are images families treasure forever.
You don’t have to love being photographed. You just have to show up. I’ll handle the rest.
A Note on Body Image
I want to say this directly, because it matters.
Pregnancy does remarkable things to your body. It also brings complicated feelings — about weight, about changes, about how you look versus how you feel. You are not alone in that, and I don’t take it lightly.
When you look at your maternity photos years from now, I want you to see what you were actually doing — building a human being, loving your family, stepping into something enormous. I want those images to reflect how strong and beautiful that is.
I photograph maternity sessions with that in mind. I’ll guide you into angles and positions that feel comfortable and flattering, and I will never make you feel awkward or exposed. You’re in good hands.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Maternity Sessions
How long does a maternity session take? Most sessions run about an hour. If we’re doing multiple locations or outfit changes, plan for 90 minutes.
Can I bring my partner, kids, or pets? Absolutely — and I’d encourage it. Partners, siblings, and even dogs make for some of the most meaningful images.
What if I don’t know what to wear? Many clients send me a few options via text before the session and I’ll give you feedback. I also have access to a client wardrobe with maternity-friendly options.
What if the weather doesn’t cooperate? Colorado weather is famously unpredictable. If it’s raining or conditions aren’t ideal, we’ll reschedule — no stress, no penalty.
How soon will I receive my photos? You’ll receive your edited gallery within two to three weeks of your session.
Do you travel outside of Longmont and Boulder? Yes. I serve families across the Front Range, including Longmont, Boulder, Erie, Berthoud, Louisville, Broomfield, Denver, and beyond. Reach out and let me know where you are.
How do I book? Contact me here with your due date and a little about what you’re imagining. I’ll follow up quickly to talk through dates and details.
Ready to Book Your Maternity Session?
If you’re expecting, I’d love to document this season for you and your family. Maternity sessions book out — especially in summer and fall — so the earlier you reach out, the better.
View my maternity portfolio →
Contact me to reserve your date →
You’re going to want to remember this.
