As an Edmonton maternity photographer, I strive to create a worry-free and luxurious experience for every mom-to-be. From on-site hair and makeup to access to my carefully curated client wardrobe, everything is designed to make you feel confident and pampered.
But a smooth session also comes from being prepared. When you arrive at the photography studio feeling relaxed and comfortable in your look, the magic can truly begin. Here are my top preparation tips to help you get the most out of your maternity photoshoot in Edmonton.
1. Clean Hair and Nails Matter
It may sound simple, but clean hair and nails make a big difference in your final photos. These small details are difficult (and sometimes impossible) to fix in post-production. If you decide to apply nail polish, choose something that you would still love to look at 10 years from now.
This also applies to toddlers and kids! If your little one shows up with sticky food in their hair or colourful nail polish, it can be distracting in the final images. A quick bath and some clean grooming before the session go a long way.
2. Fresh Hair Dye (If Needed)
If your roots are showing or you’re not happy with your current hair colour, I recommend booking a salon appointment before your session. While I can adjust some tones in post, drastic changes (like switching light blonde to black) often look extremely unnatural.
Most experts believe that hair dye is not harmful for the fetus after 12 weeks. But if that’s something you’re concerned about, let your salon know you have a maternity photoshoot coming up and that you want to visually hide the colour difference—I’m sure they can come up with a solution to help you. You want to feel your best—and that starts with loving how your hair looks.
3. Body Hair Grooming
Everyone has different grooming habits, and I completely respect that. However, if there are areas of body hair that you don’t want visible—like underarms, legs, or stray eyebrow hairs—consider taking care of them the night before.
My general rule: if the hair is thicker than your eyebrow hair, it will likely show in the final image. If it’s light and fine, post-production usually takes care of it.
If you tend to have dry skin, applying body cream to your knees and arms could help your photos look better too.
4. Eat a Full Meal Before Your Session
Maternity photo sessions can last several hours, and posing (especially while pregnant) can be surprisingly tiring. You will use a lot of muscles that you don’t usually use on a regular day. So eating a healthy, filling meal before you come to the studio will help you feel energized and avoid any mid-session fatigue.
Bring water and a light snack if you’d like—staying hydrated and nourished helps keep that glow going! We have water and chocolate in the studio that you’re welcome to grab. But if you are on a special diet or need something different, we recommend bringing your own snacks as well.
5. Avoid Salty or Spicy Foods the Day Before
Too much salt or spice can cause water retention, which might lead to swelling—especially in your face, hands, and feet. You don’t have to cut these foods out entirely if that’s your daily routine, but try to keep your meals light and balanced the day before.
This small step can make a big difference in how you look and feel during your session.
6. Hydrate Your Skin With a Mask
Applying a hydrating facial mask the night before helps your skin look fresh and dewy. If you have time, you can also apply one the morning of your shoot (as long as your skin reacts well to it).
Arrive with a clean, makeup-free face—your professional makeup artist will take care of everything and prep your skin again before starting.
7. Skip the Hair Conditioner the Night Before
Avoid using conditioner the night before your session. Conditioner can weigh your hair down, making it too smooth to style and reducing overall volume. For soft, voluminous hair, wash with just shampoo. Your hair artist will prepare you hair for photo ready!
Prepare Your Partner (and Kids!) Too
Everything above doesn’t just apply to you! If your partner and/or children are joining the session, make sure they are also prepared:
- Clean hair and nails
- Comfortable but coordinated outfits
- A full tummy and rested mood
Remind them that if they don’t like what they see in the mirror, they likely won’t love it in photos either. A little prep goes a long way for everyone.
These tips are really important to help you have a successful maternity photo session. There’s nothing difficult here—I’m not telling you to hide your tan lines or scars. But preparing yourself when you can will really help you feel confident and help us capture the photos that you truly love.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for your Edmonton maternity photography session doesn’t have to be stressful—these simple steps help you feel confident, relaxed, and ready to celebrate this special chapter.
If you’re unsure about anything, I’m always happy to guide you through it. You deserve to feel like your most radiant self! Contact Us Here!
Samantha, the visionary behind Little One Photo, is a passionate photographer with a special gift for capturing the essence of newborns and families. With over a decade of experience, she has honed her craft to create timeless, emotive portraits that families cherish for generations. Samantha’s warm personality and patient approach put even the tiniest clients at ease, allowing her to capture genuine moments of connection and love.
