What to Expect During a Maternity Session

There's a version of maternity photos you've probably seen before. Studio. White backdrop. The standard round-belly silhouette. Those photos are fine — but they're not what you'll get with Jessi. What you'll get instead is something that actually feels like you during one of the most fleeting moments of your life.

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

When to book

The sweet spot is 28–34 weeks. Your bump is unmistakably there, you have the energy to move and pose, and there's still 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.

Session timing within the day matters too. Golden hour — the hour before sunset — gives the softest, most flattering light. Jessi will factor in your location and season when recommending a start time. In Florida, fall and winter evenings are particularly beautiful for this.

Where we'll shoot

St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay area have extraordinary locations for maternity work. Some favorites:

• Fort De Soto Park — beach, bay, and mangrove all in one location. 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. Luminous and calm.
• Gulfport beach / Clam Bayou — quiet, protected water and lush natural surroundings. The stillness suits this particular chapter of life.
• Pass-a-Grille Beach — wide Gulf beach with direct western exposure. Sunset sessions here are stunning.
• Your home — for an intimate, documentary-style session that captures where this chapter is actually happening.

Not sure which to choose? Tell Jessi what feels right to you, and she'll match it to a location. You don't need to know the name of a park — just describe the vibe.

What to wear

This is the question Jessi gets most often, and her answer is always the same: soft, flowy, and yours. Here's what photographs beautifully and what to skip.

• Flowy maxi skirts and dresses — they move beautifully and elongate
• Fitted bodice with a flowing skirt — the classic combination for a reason
• Earthy tones, soft neutrals, muted sage or blush — they don't compete with the Florida landscape
• Textures that have movement: chiffon, linen, knit

Avoid: busy patterns, logos, stiff fabrics that don't move. In Florida's warmth, breathable fabrics aren't just a style choice — they're practical. Linen in particular is beautiful in motion and keeps you cooler than most alternatives.

Bring one to two outfit changes. A wardrobe shift gives the gallery variety and usually uncovers a different side of you in each look.

Should my partner be there?

Yes — if you want them there. Some of the most moving maternity photos are 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 also join for a portion of the session. 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 for something prettier once we're at the spot). Give yourself buffer time so you're not rushing. If it's a warm day, bring water — Florida evenings can be beautiful but also warm, and staying hydrated matters more than it might at home.

Jessi will guide you through everything — you don't need to know how to pose. She'll suggest movement, direction, and moments, and then let you settle into them. Most of the best frames come from in-between moments, not the posed ones.