Planning your maternity photos is one of those things that can feel overwhelming before you even start. When should you book? What should you wear? Will you feel comfortable in front of the camera? These are all normal questions — and I promise, you're not alone in asking them. As a lifestyle maternity photographer in Spring Lake, NC, I've guided dozens of expecting moms through this process. Here's everything I want you to know before your session.\n\nWHEN TO BOOK YOUR MATERNITY SESSION\n\nThe sweet spot for maternity photos is between 28 and 34 weeks. By this point, your bump is beautifully round and prominent, but you're not yet at the stage where standing for long periods gets uncomfortable. If you're expecting twins, aim closer to 24-28 weeks since twin pregnancies tend to show earlier and deliver sooner.\n\nI recommend reaching out to book by your second trimester — around 16-20 weeks. This gives us plenty of time to plan your session, choose a location, and coordinate outfits. Spring and fall dates fill up especially fast in the Fayetteville and Spring Lake area, so don't wait until the last minute.\n\nWHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR MATERNITY PHOTOS\n\nThe most important rule: wear something you feel beautiful in. If you're tugging at your dress or adjusting straps the whole time, it will show in the photos. Here are a few guidelines that photograph beautifully:\n\n• Flowy maxi dresses — they create gorgeous movement and highlight your bump\n• Solid colors or subtle patterns — avoid busy prints that distract\n• Soft, neutral tones — creams, blush, sage, dusty blue, and warm earth tones photograph timelessly\n• For your partner: coordinate, don't match. If you're wearing cream, he can wear a light linen button-down.\n• Bare feet or simple sandals — we're often in fields or on trails\n\nYou're welcome to bring one outfit change. Many moms choose one flowing dress for golden hour shots and something more fitted for a second look that really shows off the bump.\n\nWHERE WE'LL SHOOT\n\nSpring Lake and the surrounding areas offer some truly beautiful backdrops for maternity sessions. I have several go-to locations that offer:\n\n• Open fields with tall grass and golden light\n• Tree-lined paths with dappled shade\n• Lake views — especially stunning at sunset\n• Wildflower patches in spring and early summer\n\nI'll suggest locations based on the season and the look you're going for. And if you have a spot that's meaningful to you and your partner — a park where you had your first date, a favorite walking trail — I love incorporating personal locations.\n\nWHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR SESSION\n\nMy approach to maternity photography is relaxed and natural. I'm not going to pose you stiffly or ask you to hold uncomfortable positions. Instead, I'll guide you into gentle, natural interactions with your partner and your bump. Walking together. A hand on your belly. Forehead touches. Real laughter — not forced smiles.\n\nSessions typically last 60-90 minutes. We'll move through a few different spots at your chosen location as the light changes. I always shoot during golden hour — that magical window about an hour before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and incredibly flattering.\n\nIf you have older children, they're absolutely welcome to join for part of the session. Some of my favorite maternity photos include a toddler kissing mom's belly or a big sibling practicing their new role.\n\nMILITARY FAMILIES — LET'S PLAN AHEAD\n\nI photograph many military families from Fort Liberty, and I know that deployment schedules don't always cooperate with the 28-34 week window. If your partner is deploying or returning around your due date, reach out early. I'll do everything I can to accommodate your timeline. I've done sessions as early as 24 weeks and as late as 37 when the situation called for it.\n\nAFTER YOUR SESSION\n\nWithin two weeks of your session, you'll receive your full edited gallery — typically 50-70 images. All images are high-resolution with full printing rights. Many mamas book their newborn session after seeing their maternity photos, and I offer a maternity + newborn package that saves you on booking both together.\n\nREADY TO BOOK?\n\nIf you're pregnant and looking for a maternity photographer in Spring Lake, Fayetteville, Fort Liberty, or the surrounding NC area — I'd love to hear from you. The best way to start is to reach out through my contact page. We'll chat about your due date, your vision for the session, and find a date that works.\n\nYou're growing a human. That deserves to be documented beautifully.
Maternity