Maternity Photos

The best time for scheduling a maternity session is between 33-37 weeks of pregnancy. 6 weeks before the due date is your safest bet, because babies don't always arrive when expected. I have photographed a mom less than a week before she gave birth, and everything went great. So, ultimately, it is up to mom how long she would like to wait for the photos. However, I recommend no sooner than 33 weeks.

The best place for doing maternity photos is in the comfort of your own home. The only essential is a well lit room, preferably an area of the house that has larger windows. I like to shoot with available light. Sunlight coming in through windows is a diffused, soft light that creates beautiful depth and shadows in a portrait - something that flash photography tends to eliminate. Outdoor photos can be really fun, as well - especially against dramatic backdrops, or at sunset to create sillhouette portraits.

Things expecting moms need to prepare for their session: light fitting clothing, solid colors only. Black or white will be your best choice. Look for tube tops, or tops than can be neatly tucked into brassieres to reveal your bump. Whether you wear a skirt or pants, is up to you. Steer clear of wearing any clothing with elastic. Keep the lotions and oils down to a minimum, as they can make your belly appear too shiny in the photos. Make-up? Less is more. Maternity is a beautiful and natural time in your life.

Newborn Portraits

Newborns are one of my favorite subjects. They either sleep through the entire session, or they are incredibly alert and interested in my camera. They don't move around much, but tend to get fussy when they are hungry. So, before I say anything else: make sure your newborn has been fed at least thirty minutes prior to the session. If it has been more than two hours since the last feeding, but baby is sleeping, it is highly likely that when I move your newborn he or she will wake up crying for milk.

Crying baby pictures are really cute, but not when the baby has been crying for a while and the face is red, and eyes puffy.

I encourage creativity, so if parents want to incorporate props like a knitted hat from grandma, teddy, flowers, or a ribbon to tie around the newborn, anything goes!

best time to take the photos: within 24-48 hours of birth is great, but if you want to wait until you are home with baby and settled in, do not wait longer than 3 weeks.