Maternity sessions are best photographed between 28-34 weeks. Usually, within this time you'll have a gorgeous, defined belly while still being comfortable for a variety of poses.

Consult with your doctor

Being in water relieves stress on the body so going for a dip when you’re pregnant can feel like a really nice break from carrying that extra weight around! However, you should always consult with your doctor or doula before trying something new while you’re pregnant.

Safety is my number one priority

Even if you’re a good swimmer, there is a level of difficulty that comes with posing underwater, especially when you’re wearing clothing or working with props. This is why we take our time. My sessions are slow-paced, allowing plenty of time to get comfortable in the water. Sessions begin in shallow water where you can easily stand. We will only progress to deeper water only if you want to, you feel confident and I am assured of your capability. There’s no need to go deep – most sessions take place entirely in shallow water.

Anyone can pose underwater, including you! You don't even need to be a good swimmer.

I will walk you step by step through techniques on how to submerge and control your breath. I’ll teach you what to do with your hands, legs, face, eyes, hair, wardrobe and might tell you over and over “point your toes!” With 15 years of maternity photography experience, I'm confident in my coaching skills and that you'll be delighted with the results!

When preparing for a shoot, we will discuss your wardrobe needs and plan out the looks you would like to achieve.

I have a collection of maternity gowns in many colors that area available to you at no extra cost.

Undergarments Is your outfit sheer? If so consider if you will wear undergarments and choose those wisely to match.

Fabric takes on a whole new life when you put it underwater. I have TONS of fabric in many different colors and textures. These can be paired with any outfit for a more “flowy” look.

Look through your own closet — you might already have some looks that would work well underwater – swim suits, tops, dresses, skirts, accessories — things that you might not typically wear underwater but might be great options for your session.

BOOK A MAKEUP ARTIST

I work with several talented makeup artists who are experienced in waterproof makeup application. Many women choose professional makeup for their shoots to eliminate the guesswork of doing their own and to enjoy a little extra pampering on the day of their shoot. Whether you're aiming for a dramatic, camera-ready look with bold eyes and lashes, or simply want a polished, water-resistant finish you can't quite achieve yourself, a professional makeup artist can make all the difference. Their expertise ensures your features pop in every shot.

DO YOUR OWN MAKEUP

If you opt to do your own makeup, that’s totally fine! Waterproof eyeliner and mascara are important, don’t fret too much over the rest. It’s okay to go a little heavier as colors tend to get washed out underwater. Bring backup makeup for touch ups.

KEEP IT LOOKING FRESH!

To keep your makeup looking its best, remember this simple trick: hands off your face when you come out of the water! We know it's tempting to wipe, but consciously avoiding it will make a big difference.

HAIR

Leave your hair down if you want that flowy look in your photos. If you're worried about it falling in your face, I can share some simple techniques to manage it while posing.

You can also choose to pin your hair back, do braids or an updo you’ll just want to make sure it’s securely pinned.

AVOID HAIR PRODUCTS

Hair products can cloud the water and might be visible in your photos so it’s important to have product-free hair – no oils, gels or sprays.

Creating a comfortable and enjoyable experience is my top priority. Even on warm days, cold water can quickly chill the body, so I will heat the pool and maintain a comfortable pool temperature even throughout the summer months as needed.

The pool can be heated year-round. Typically I aim to only shoot if the outdoor temperature is 60 degrees or higher. If you're booking in the winter months, don't worry! We'll work together to find backup dates that suit the weather.

Absolutely! They can provide wonderful support, capture behind-the-scenes moments, and even offer a ride home after your invigorating underwater session. Plus, including additional people in your photos is absolutely free. Whether you'd like them to join you for a few shots or simply share in the fun, they're more than welcome.