What to expect during a maternity session.

You've probably seen the standard maternity photo. Studio. White backdrop. The classic round-belly silhouette.

Those photos are fine. They're just not what you'll get with me.

What I'll make with you is something that feels like you. During one of the most fleeting moments of your life. Because that's the photo your kid is going to want to hold someday.

Here's everything you need to know before we shoot.

When to book.

The sweet spot is 28 to 34 weeks. Your bump is unmistakably there. You still have the energy to move and pose. And there's a comfortable cushion before your due date.

After 35 weeks things can shift quickly, so book early even if your due date feels far away.

Time of day matters too. Golden hour, the hour before sunset, gives the softest, most flattering light. I'll factor in your location and the season when I recommend a start time. In Florida, fall and winter evenings are particularly beautiful for this.

Where we'll shoot.

St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay have some really beautiful spots for maternity work. The ones I come back to.

• Fort De Soto Park. Beach, bay, and mangrove all in one. The variety lets the gallery tell a fuller story without driving anywhere new.
• Vinoy Park waterfront. Bay light, open sky, and the warmth of an evening on the water. Calm and luminous.
• Gulfport beach and Clam Bayou. Quiet, protected water and lush natural surroundings. The stillness suits this particular chapter.
• Pass-a-Grille Beach. Wide Gulf beach with direct western exposure. The sunset sessions here are stunning.
• Your home. For an intimate, documentary-feel session that captures where this chapter is actually happening.

If you're not sure, just tell me what feels right. You don't need to know the name of a park. Describe the vibe and I'll match it to a location.

What to wear.

This is the question I get most. The answer is always the same. Soft. Flowy. Yours.

What photographs beautifully:

• Flowy maxi skirts and dresses. They move. They elongate.
• A fitted bodice with a flowing skirt. The classic combination for a reason.
• Earthy tones. Soft neutrals. Muted sage or blush. They don't fight the Florida landscape.
• Textures with movement. Chiffon. Linen. Knit.

What to skip. Busy patterns, logos, stiff fabric that doesn't move. In Florida heat, breathable fabric isn't just a style choice. It's practical. Linen in particular is so beautiful in motion and keeps you cooler than most alternatives.

Bring one to two outfit changes. A second look gives the gallery variety and usually pulls a different side of you out in each one.

For the full conversation, see my guide on what to wear to a portrait session.

Should my partner be there?

Yes. If you want them there.

Some of the most moving maternity photos are the ones where a partner's hand rests on the bump. Or where you're looking at each other instead of the camera. There's something about that image that hits differently once the baby arrives.

Older siblings can join for a portion of the session too. Kids at this age are unpredictable, which means the photos are usually the most honest ones in the gallery.

On the day.

Eat something before you come. Wear comfortable shoes you can walk in. You can swap them for something prettier once we're at the spot. Build in buffer time so you're not rushing.

If it's a warm day, bring water. Florida evenings can be beautiful and warm at the same time. Staying hydrated matters more than you might think.

I'll guide you through everything. You don't need to know how to pose. I'll suggest movement, direction, and small moments, and then let you settle into them. Most of the best frames come from the in-between. I'll be watching for them.