Maternity Session Guide

First of all, thank you so much for finding your way here. Whether you have been recommended from a friend, found me on social media, or searched your way through seemingly hundreds of photographers to find your way here, I am so grateful for the chance to connect with you.

Finding a photographer you resonate with is a journey worth taking and I am so glad you found something in my work that sparked a little light within you. Taking photos is my passion and I would love to be able to showcase you in a way that sparks that same joy within you when you receive the final images that will freeze the moments you look to preserve.

This guide is here to help you get to know me a little more and understand what the experience of working with me is like. In viewing this guide, I hope you feel that little spark shine brighter as you read about how incredible your experience has the potential to be. If that spark tends to dim out as you continue, I know there is another photographer out there who will be better suited to let your spark burn bright! I want to be sure we have the same vision for your session so you are left with both beautiful memories and timeless images that you will cherish forever.

THE EXPERIENCE

Location

We have two general options for the location of your shoot; in your home or at an outdoor location. Both of these options are beautiful and you should make the choice based on what you’re hoping to get out of your images. Are you looking for a more carefree, hanging out at home with your family feel? Or perhaps spending the day at the beach/lake or out on a farm is your family’s favorite past time? Are you hoping for a few romantic shots of you and your partner in your home? Or are you hoping for more windswept and natural? Take some time to think about what you’re hoping to get out of these images before choosing your location and read below for more insight into indoor and outdoor locations.

*Please note, I do live on property in Winterset with a glass conservatory in my woods www.irisaisle.com

AUTHENTIC INTERACTION

As a lifestyle photographer, I am all about taking time to guide you into authentic moments with your loved ones during your shoot. I will not be focusing on the “look-at-the-camera-and-say-cheese” types of images during our shoot. I typically capture a few of these for you, but it is just to capture the more generic posed images one might want for a holiday card, to send to relatives, or for more professional use. 

Truth be told, you’ll only have to look directly into the camera if prompted to do so! I’m here to calm your nerves and I ensure even the most ‘camera shy’ individual will ease into relaxation to capture beautiful moments. I will direct you into pretty light, ask you to walk hand-in-hand, suggest you all tickle the littlest member of your family, or even play ring around the rosy! I will get silly with your kiddos during the shoot and will encourage them to fully unleash their unique personality. 

I love when families take over after one simple prompt and allow their interactions to unravel honestly. Sitting back and capturing these moments and natural connections happen in front of my camera is my absolutely favorite. While I can guide you, I love watching your personalities mix, and defined characteristics of relationships with each other reveal themselves. Be assured, I also know when to step back in to continue to guide the session, if needed. 

BE YOURSELF

What I really ask from you is that you really allow yourself to be just that-- yourself. I’m not here to make judgements; I’m here to capture you at your most honest self. That’s the version of you your loved ones know and that we are looking to preserve in our session. 

Please, show up open. Don’t be afraid to love on your babies or your partner as if no one else was there. I want you to laugh wildly, snuggle tightly, slide your fingers affectionately through their hair, tell them with passion and purpose how much you love them, and to keep connecting with your people each and every moment. You will never have to ask “is this okay?” because if it feels natural to you and how you connect with those you are being photographed with, then it is okay with me. Allow yourself to be in the moment as much as possible and enjoy the experience. Silliness and laughter is always welcome, tears of joy and small smiles of love are encouraged.

WARDROBE + STYLING

Let’s take a deep breath before we begin! The idea of picking out a wardrobe for you and everyone else who will be part of the shoot can seem a little overwhelming. I completely understand and have put together some helpful tips to make selecting outfits easy and enjoyable.

First, for in-home sessions, I want you to think comfortable and like you’re actually just hanging out at home. Think bare feet, comfortable clothing, jammies and remaining true to you!

For outdoor sessions, try to coordinate your outfits by color palette and try to avoid being really matchy. Remember cards in the 90’s where everyone would wear blue jeans and white t-shirt? That’s exactly what we want to avoid.

*I will send along a curated Pinterest board specifically for my clients once booked + a styling tool that will help you build your outfits for the whole family.

STYLING TIPS

1. Stick with light, pale, neutral colors - avoid fluorescent or really bright colors

2. Layer your clothing and jewelry to add depth and texture - think hats, vests, scarves, bow ties, belts, suspenders, etc.

3. Be comfortable - steer clear of heels or clothing that is too tight. You want to be able to move around and feel good. 

4. Flowy dresses work beautifully on women and girls - they show motion and move with you as opposed to staying rigid. 

5. Plain v-neck t-shirts are always great for boys and men - polos and collared shirts can leave guys looking a little stiff. 

5. No logos or words - stay timeless by avoiding words and logos that will date the images.

IN HOME SESSION PREP

When preparing for your in-home session, I highly recommend focusing on the master bedroom...

A few things I recommend is having a white or neutral duvet cover if at all possible. You can even use the duvet insert instead of a cover, use only white sheets, or sprawl a nice white quilt over the bed! Whites and neutrals will allow more light to reflect up onto your faces, will brighten all of your images, and create a timeless feel. If you don’t have something white or neutral, be sure to keep it as classic as possible. Remember that colors and patterns will eventually be dated, which makes neutrals our best for images you’ll love sharing for years to come.

If the images on my website and social media have drawn you in, try to make note of what you love about the images. If it’s the moody and neutral, take a look at your bedroom and see if the color palettes match. Please understand that your decor and clothing are going to sway the overall feel and vibe of your images. Soft tans and whites will be much brighter and softer than deep reds. In the end, these are your images so you are welcome to choose whatever you would like!

Another thing to remember for your indoor session is that I will often shoot toward the bed so if you have items on your end tables that you don’t want seen in the final images, please move them out of the bedroom or tuck them into some drawers out of view. If you do not have time to tidy up, I am happy to help you when I get there! I suggest you clean and declutter some, but please do not stress! I love lived-in homes and want to tell your story authentically.

OUTDOOR SESSION PREP

Preparing for an outdoor session requires a different kind of preparation than indoors. For your outdoor session, please bring with you a change of clothes so we have some variety to work with. If your session will be at the beach/lake, bring along a swimsuit and a change of clothes in case we decide to have some fun in the water!

For the kiddos, allow them to bring along a favorite toy or two of choice. Try not to censor what they decided to bring along as allowing them to choose a current favorite will help you remember exactly who they were becoming at this moment in time. If there are any other items you’d like to bring, like a blanket to lay on the ground to sit on, a guitar if someone in your family plays, or a favorite picnic snack, have these items all prepared and ready to go before we head out! You may also want to bring along items like insect repellent and sunscreen, just in case!

SO YOU READY?

I don’t know if I can say enough how much of an honor it is to be able to share with you my heart for lifestyle photography sessions; the ability to capture you and your loved ones right where you are at is such a gift to me and the images will be such gifts to you. If what you’ve read about my work resonates with you, please do not hesitate to reach out to me so we can connect and discuss an upcoming session! Connecting with you and brainstorming ideas for your session is half of the fun!

I look forward to hearing from you and bringing your vision to life in images you can hang on your walls that will tell the story of who you are; who you loved, what made your heart spark, and how you were more joyous together than apart. 

-Raelyn