When to Book Your Maternity Session
The sweet spot for maternity photos is between 28 and 34 weeks. By this point, your bump is beautifully round and prominent, but you're not yet at the stage where standing for long periods gets uncomfortable. If you're expecting twins, aim closer to 24-28 weeks since twin pregnancies tend to show earlier and deliver sooner.
I recommend reaching out to book by your second trimester — around 16-20 weeks. This gives us plenty of time to plan your session, choose a location, and coordinate outfits. Spring and fall dates fill up especially fast in the Fayetteville and Spring Lake area, so don't wait until the last minute.
What to Wear for Your Maternity Photos
The most important rule: wear something you feel beautiful in. If you're tugging at your dress or adjusting straps the whole time, it will show in the photos. Here are a few guidelines that photograph beautifully.
Dresses and Fabrics
Flowy maxi dresses create gorgeous movement and highlight your bump. Solid colors or subtle patterns work best — busy prints distract from you. Soft, neutral tones like creams, blush, sage, dusty blue, and warm earth tones photograph timelessly.
Coordinating with Your Partner
Coordinate, don't match. If you're wearing cream, he can wear a light linen button-down. Bare feet or simple sandals work well since we're often in fields or on trails. You're welcome to bring one outfit change — many moms choose one flowing dress for golden hour and something more fitted that really shows off the bump.
Where We'll Shoot
Spring Lake and the surrounding areas offer some truly beautiful backdrops for maternity sessions. I have several go-to locations with open fields and tall grass, tree-lined paths with dappled shade, lake views that are especially stunning at sunset, and wildflower patches in spring and early summer.
I'll suggest locations based on the season and the look you're going for. And if you have a spot that's meaningful to you and your partner — a park where you had your first date, a favorite walking trail — I love incorporating personal locations.
What to Expect During Your Session
My approach to maternity photography is relaxed and natural. I'm not going to pose you stiffly. Instead, I'll guide you into gentle, natural interactions with your partner and your bump — walking together, a hand on your belly, forehead touches, real laughter.
Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes during golden hour. We'll move through a few different spots as the light changes. If you have older children, they're absolutely welcome to join for part of the session.
Military Families — Let's Plan Ahead
I photograph many military families from Fort Liberty, and I know deployment schedules don't always cooperate with the 28-34 week window. If your partner is deploying or returning around your due date, reach out early. I'll do everything I can to accommodate your timeline. I've done sessions as early as 24 weeks and as late as 37 when the situation called for it.
Ready to Book?
If you're pregnant and looking for a maternity photographer in Spring Lake, Fayetteville, Fort Liberty, or the surrounding NC area — I'd love to hear from you. Reach out through my contact page and we'll chat about your due date, your vision, and find a date that works.
You're growing a human. That deserves to be documented beautifully.