How to prepare for an in-home maternity session in Spokane

I absolutely love in-home photo sessions, but especially maternity. I think there is so much opportunity to have some really intimate photos done to celebrate the love that is bringing a baby into the world. Here are some ways that I would prepare for an in-home maternity session in Spokane.

Spokane can have some crazy weather swings. All of our seasons are gorgeous, but sometimes photos need to be done inside, but not to worry, we can still get gorgeous natural light in your home for your photos. I recommend walking around your house during mid morning hours and looking for the rooms that are the brightest. Typically I like to shoot in the master bedroom or the living room, but a guest room could also work great if the lighting is right. If your nursery is put together that can be another great option. I will tour your home when I come to take the photos and choose the room with the best light, but you scoping it out first may help you decide which rooms to prepare.

I usually suggest keeping the colors of all textiles and wardrobes pretty neutral for in-home photos. My reasoning is that decor and wall colors are not always neutral, so neutral outfits and bedding is always the safest bet. Think clean. So whites, denim, blacks, grays, tans, creams and browns are all great options. White bedding is usually preferable, solid colored bedding can be good too, try to limit any patterned fabrics.

Tidy up your home a bit, it’s okay to leave some details of your real life out, but I suggest clearing off nightstands, hiding power cords, removing wall art that has words on it, stuff your hamper into a closet. Just the basics. No need vacuum or scrub your toilets, I’m not judging and won’t be inspecting anything.

Move your pets out of the photography area. Pets are family too and I’m always happy to do some photos with them as well. I always want to spoil mom and make sure she is the focus during maternity sessions, so the best way to do that is to save the pet photos for the end, that way mom isn’t covered in dog hair during the detail photos that I may take earlier in the session.

Turn off lights and televisions. Having the tv on can be distracting sometimes, so I suggest turning it off and really enjoying the intimacy of the experience of having photos taken. I’m a calm, level personality which really allows for intimacy during photos, nothing weird though, I promise!

Open your curtains and blinds. If you have black-out curtains, consider changing them out with sheer white for your photos, they can be purchased at most department stores fairly cheap.

I’m going to preface this next one with I am not a boudoir photographer. Choosing outfits for mom can be so much fun and I love to show off the belly. I think the jeans and a bra look or bra and underwear look can be really fitting when maternity photos are done in the home. My photos can be intimate and sexy, but not to the boudoir level, I prefer to keep things classy. I am also comfortable with nearly nude photos and other creative opportunities. If you have ideas, please bring them up and we can discuss how to make it work. I want you to feel beautiful and to love your maternity photos. Please do keep in mind that I am a lifestyle photographer, so I do not heavily edit real natural body features. So the more intimate you choose to dress, please decide if you’re laid back enough to be comfortable with my lighter editing style.

Last preparation tip that I have for you today is your family! Let your children know that a friend will be coming over to take some pictures. Talk with your spouse about your expectations during the photos and share examples of my work with them so that they know what to expect. Feed your family a snack prior to my arrival and then check teeth for foodstuffs.