It’s happening!

We are going to create some beautiful photos together.

A bedroom with a large framed black and white photograph of a nude woman lying on the floor, leaning against a textured wall. The bed is made with neutral-colored bedding, and there are decorative pillows. A wooden nightstand with a small plant and a candle is visible on the left, while a small dark wooden table with a lit candle stands on the right. A beige wall with soft shadows and a few plants with orange leaves in the corner add warmth to the room.

YOUR signature MATERNITY Session Prep Guide

A woman with dark hair and freckles sitting against a beige wall, partially nude, wearing jeans.

A little preparation goes a long way

Your maternity session is a chance to document this season in a way that feels beautiful, personal, and true to you.

You do not need to know how to pose, arrive with a perfectly planned wardrobe, or feel completely comfortable in front of the camera. I’ll guide you through the entire session and help you choose what will photograph best once you arrive.

This guide is here to give you a helpful starting point—not a list of rigid rules.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Your Signature Maternity Mini is a 45 minute studio session designed to create a beautiful variety of images without requiring an elaborate day of preparation.

Your session includes:

  • 2 looks

  • Access to studio wardrobe and styling

  • Full posing and expression guidance throughout your session.

  • 10+ beautifully edited downloadable files

  • Your choice of one 18×24 print, two 12×18 prints, or three 8×10 prints.

Your two looks may be created using pieces you bring, items from the studio wardrobe, fabric draping, implied nude portraits, or a combination of your favorites.

Partners, children, and well-behaved pets are welcome to participate.

Because our time together is intentionally focused, arriving prepared, and ready to begin allows us to spend more of your session creating.

Black and white photograph of a pregnant woman with long wavy hair, looking down and smiling. She has tattoos on her upper arm featuring a woman with flowing hair, a skull, and flowers. She wears a strapless lace dress, and the background is solid black.

PARTNERS, CHILDREN & PETS

Partners and children are welcome to join you for part of the session.

Well-behaved pets are also welcome.

If you bring a pet, please bring either:

  • Someone who can care for them while they are not being photographed, or

  • A secure crate where they can rest comfortably

This allows us to focus on you while keeping your pet safe and settled between photographs.

Wardrobe for family:

Have your family coordinate with your look. Coordinating does not mean everyone needs to match exactly. Neutral colors and simple clothing tend to work especially well.

Cream, white, beige, tan, soft gray, black, denim, and muted earth tones are usually easy to photograph together.

Try to avoid:

  • Large logos

  • Graphics

  • Neon colors

  • Distracting patterns

SENTIMENTAL DETAILS

You are welcome to bring a meaningful item for a photograph or two.

Ideas include:

  • An ultrasound image

  • Baby shoes

  • A small stuffed animal

  • A family heirloom

  • A meaningful piece of jewelry

  • A book or item connected to the baby’s name

  • Something that represents your family or pregnancy journey

Try to keep these additions simple. One or two meaningful items usually have more impact than a large collection of props.

Black and white photo of a pregnant woman wearing jeans and an open white shirt, posing against a textured wall, smiling with her eyes closed.
Black and white photo of a pregnant woman with long, wavy hair, wearing a partially open shirt and jeans, standing against a textured wall.
Black and white photo of a pregnant woman wearing a white shirt and jeans, against a textured wall, with her hand on her belly and her eyes closed.

HAIR & MAKEUP

Please arrive with hair and makeup complete unless professional hair and makeup has been added to your session.

If makeup isn’t your thing, please don’t feel obligated to wear it. A fresh face is always beautiful!

Photography can soften makeup slightly, so a little more definition than your everyday makeup look often photographs beautifully.

Consider:

  • Even, moisturized skin

  • Defined lashes

  • Groomed brows

  • Soft blush or contour

  • A lip color or gloss you can bring for touch-ups

Hair can be worn in loose waves, curls, sleek and straight, naturally textured, or styled up. Any way that you feel beautiful is perfect!.

Please arrive ready to begin photographing. Our scheduled session time does not include curling hair, applying makeup, or completing major wardrobe preparation.

THE WEEK BEFORE

You do not need to drastically change your routine before your session.

A few simple preparations may help you feel your best:

  • Drink water consistently

  • Moisturize your skin

  • Try on your clothing and undergarments

  • Check that everything feels comfortable

  • Remove visible store tags and sewn in tags.

  • Avoid unfamiliar facials, peels, tanning products, or skincare treatments

  • Schedule waxing or other services early enough for irritation to settle

Pregnancy can be unpredictable. Please do not put pressure on yourself to look or feel a certain way before your session.

CHOOSING WHAT TO WEAR

If you’re unsure of what you want to wear, you’re welcome to bring a few options and we can decide what works best once you arrive. If you have two looks that you love and feel great in, just bring those two!

Simple pieces often photograph beautifully.

Ideas include:

  • A fitted dress that shows the shape of your belly

  • A matching bra-and-panty set

  • Jeans with a bra or simple crop top

  • A Calvin Klein-style set with jeans

  • An oversized white button-down (We have plenty)

  • A sweater or cardigan (We have several cream colored ones in sizes XS-3X)

  • A bodysuit

  • A robe or maternity piece from the studio wardrobe

  • A more covered look paired with something softer or more revealing

You do not need to purchase an elaborate maternity gown unless that feels like you.

Bring pieces that make you feel beautiful, comfortable, and connected to this stage of your life.

USING THE STUDIO WARDROBE

I have robes and maternity pieces available for clients to borrow.

If you would like to use anything from the studio wardrobe, please bring one matching bra-and-panty set in either:

  • White

  • Nude

  • A skin tone that blends well with your complexion

One matching set is enough.

The right undergarments give us more flexibility with sheer fabrics, open robes, maternity pieces, and layered looks.

A simple white or nude set can also be photographed on its own, with jeans, or beneath an oversized button-down or cardigan.

IMPLIED NUDE & FABRIC LOOKS

For clients who would like something more artistic, we can also create implied-nude or fabric-draped images.

The studio has a sheer white fabric that can be wet and draped across the body for a beautiful, sculptural look.

These images can feel dramatic, soft, editorial, or intimate while still keeping you covered in the areas you choose.

This look is completely optional. You are always in control of how much or how little you show.

Couples maternity photography session at Chrissy René Studios in Round Rock, Texas

THE NIGHT BEFORE

Gather everything you may want to bring so your session morning feels easy.

Consider packing:

  • A fitted dress or favorite outfit

  • A matching white or skin-tone bra-and-panty set

  • Jeans

  • Sentimental items

  • Makeup for touch-ups

  • A hairbrush or comb

  • Clothing for your partner or children

  • Pet supplies, if applicable

Bare feet are perfect for maternity sessions and are the most common choice.

You are welcome to bring shoes if they are part of a specific look, but they are not required.

THE MORNING OF YOUR SESSION

Maternity posing is gentle, but standing, laying, changing positions, and holding certain movements can still take energy.

Before leaving home:

  • Please eat a good meal before your session.

  • Apply clear deodorant

  • Moisturize without leaving your skin overly oily. Oil can damage studio props

  • Wear loose clothing to reduce marks on the skin

  • Avoid tight socks, bras, waistbands, or hair ties directly before the session

  • Pack your wardrobe and sentimental items

  • Confirm that everyone participating is dressed and ready

The studio address and arrival instructions will be provided privately before your session.

For the privacy of every client, the studio address is not publicly listed.

YOUR COMFORT COMES FIRST

Every pregnancy and every body feels different.

Please tell me at any point if you:

  • Need to sit down

  • Need water or a snack

  • Feel uncomfortable in a pose

  • Experience dizziness, pain, or shortness of breath

  • Need to use the restroom

  • Need to move more slowly

  • Simply want to change direction

There is no photograph worth pushing your body beyond what feels safe or comfortable.

We can modify poses, take breaks, or move on to something entirely different.

Maternity photography portrait at Chrissy René Studios in Round Rock, near Austin, Texas.
Black and white maternity photography at Chrissy René Studios in Round Rock, near Austin, Texas

WHAT NOT TO WORRY ABOUT

You do not need to:

  • Know how to pose

  • Practice expressions

  • Have a perfectly round belly

  • Feel glamorous before you arrive

  • Purchase an expensive maternity gown

  • Hide stretch marks or changes in your body

  • Feel comfortable every second

  • Know exactly which outfits you want to wear

I will guide your posing, hands, body position, and expression throughout the session.

You are welcome to arrive with a loose plan and let the session unfold naturally.

RETOUCHING & PRIVACY

Your final images receive professional retouching while still looking like you.

Temporary blemishes, bruises, and small distractions can be softened or edited. I do not reshape your body into someone else’s body or erase the details that make this season yours.

Your privacy is deeply important.

Your photographs will never be shared publicly without your permission. You are always in control of whether your maternity images remain private.

FINAL CHECKLIST

Before leaving for the studio, confirm that you have:

  • A few wardrobe options

  • One matching white or skin-tone bra-and-panty set if using studio wardrobe

  • Jeans if desired

  • Hair and makeup complete

  • Makeup for touch-ups

  • Sentimental items, if desired

  • Clothing for your partner or children

  • Water and a snack

  • Pet support or a crate, if bringing a pet

  • Private studio address and arrival instructions

Most importantly, bring yourself exactly as you are.

This season deserves to be remembered.

SEE YOU SOON!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Maternity boudoir photography in our private Round Rock studio near Austin, Texas
A beautiful Maternity portrait taken at Chrissy René Studios in Round Rock, Texas.
A cozy couples Calvin Klein maternity session at our private Round Rock studio near Austin, Texas
Fashion maternity photoshoot at our luxury studio in Round Rock, near Austin Texas