Why Maternity Photos Matter More Than You Think

Celebrate the Beginning of Everything with Happy Chick Photography

Here's something I hear all the time: "I wasn't sure I even wanted maternity photos."

And then I hear what comes after: "I'm so glad I decided to do maternity photos! They're some of my most treasured pictures from that whole time."

I get the hesitation. Pregnancy is a lot — you're tired, your body feels foreign, and the last thing you want is someone pointing a camera at you. But here's what I've learned after photographing hundreds of expecting mamas in the Kansas City area: the women who almost skipped their session are almost always the ones who are most grateful they didn't.

That bump doesn't last long

I know it might feel like it does. But pregnancy is genuinely one of the fastest-moving seasons of your life, even when it doesn't feel that way in the moment. The anticipation, the quiet hope, the way your partner looks at you — all of it is happening right now, and it won't look exactly like this again.

Maternity photos capture that. Not just how you looked, but how it all felt.

What your Maternity Photo Session Actually Looks Like

Every session I do is built around you — your style, your comfort level, your vision. Some mamas want flowing gowns in a field at golden hour. Others want something intimate and cozy in the studio. Most have no idea what they want until we talk through it, and that's completely fine. That's what I'm here for.

I'll help you figure out what to wear, how to pose (hint: you don't have to "pose" as much as you think), and how to feel like yourself in front of the camera. By the end, most of my clients forget they were ever nervous.

The sweet spot for taking your photos is around 32–34 weeks — your bump is beautifully full but you're still feeling comfortable enough to move around and enjoy it. Be sure to reach out during your 2nd trimester to schedule as my calendar fills quickly, especially for Saturday sessions.

A note on timing for your Maternity Photos

A lot of my maternity clients go on to book a newborn session too, which I love. There's something really special about having both — watching the story unfold from bump to baby. If that interests you, we can plan it all out together from the start, and I can let you know about the discounts I have for doing both sessions with me.

If you're on the fence, reach out anyway. Even just a quick conversation might help you figure out if it feels right. No pressure, no hard sell — just two people talking about one of the most incredible things your body will ever do.

What to Wear for Your Maternity Photo Session

This is honestly one of the questions I get asked most, and my answer is always the same: simpler is better than you think.

Form-fitting and soft fabrics photograph beautifully. Bold patterns and logos tend to pull focus away from you — and you are the whole point of these photos. Here's what tends to work really well:

Colors: Neutrals are always a safe bet — creams, whites, dusty rose, sage, soft terracotta. Jewel tones like deep burgundy or forest green can be stunning too, especially for fall sessions. What to avoid: neon, bright red, or anything with a lot of contrast that might compete with your face.

Silhouettes: Tightly fitted dresses that show your bump tend to be the most flattering and timeless. A bra and boy shorts work well too. Avoid anything boxy or shapeless — it tends to hide the bump rather than celebrate it.

For partners and kids: Keep it coordinated but not matchy-matchy. If you're in a cream dress, your partner looks great in a white or light blue shirt with neutral pants. Kids in soft solids or simple patterns work well. The goal is a cohesive palette, not identical outfits.

One more tip: Bring options. I always recommend packing 2–3 outfits so we have flexibility during the session. Sometimes the one you were least excited about ends up being the favorite.

I also have a small selection of maternity tossing fabric and a pretty, stretchy white dress that you can use in the studio, so if you're not sure what you have will work, don't stress — we've got you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I book my maternity session?

Ideally during your second trimester, even if your session will be later. Sessions between 32–34 weeks tend to be the sweet spot — your bump is full and round but you're still comfortable. If you're past that, don't panic — reach out and we'll figure out what works.

How long does a session take?

Most maternity sessions run about 1 hour. That gives us enough time to try a few different looks without you being on your feet longer than you need to be.

Can my partner and/or other kids be included?

Absolutely — and I love when they are. Some of the most beautiful maternity images I've ever taken include a partner holding the bump, or a toddler pressing their ear against mom's belly. We'll make sure to get solo shots of you too.

Do I need to have a specific vision going in?

Not at all. Some clients come in with a Pinterest board and a plan; others show up and say "just make me look good." Both work completely fine. We'll talk through your preferences beforehand so I have a sense of your style, and I'll take it from there.

What if I'm just not feeling great that day?

It happens — especially in the third trimester. If you're having a rough day, reach out and we can talk about rescheduling. I want you to feel as comfortable and confident as possible, and that's hard to do when you're not feeling well. We'll always find a way to make it work.

Do you offer maternity and newborn packages together?

Yes, and honestly it's one of my favorite things to plan with clients. Booking both together means we can map out the timing from the start, and you'll have a complete visual story of this whole incredible chapter. Ask me about current bundled package options when you reach out.

You can find out more details by visiting our Maternity page.