Cedar + Moss Studios Maternity FAQ Guide
As a maternity photographers specializing in maternity, newborn, and family portraits, we receive a lot of questions from expecting moms about the photography experience. When is the best time to schedule? What should you wear? Do most clients get their hair and makeup done? We're here to help answer all your questions and make this experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
Can I Bring My Partner?
Absolutely! We encourage you to bring your partner to the maternity session. After all, becoming parents is a shared experience, and a maternity session is a perfect way to celebrate this special time together. Your baby will appreciate looking back on these moments, and you’ll cherish having those memories as a couple. It’s a beautiful way to commemorate your growing family.
What Time Will the Session Take Place?
The timing of your session will depend on the time of year and the location. We always aim to schedule sessions during the golden hour—the hour right before sunset or after sunrise—when the light is soft and flattering. For fall and winter, this usually means around 3 or 4 PM, and in spring and summer, we typically meet around 5 or 6 PM. For studio sessions, we schedule between 9 AM and 3 PM to ensure optimal lighting.
What Should I Wear?
After booking your session, you’ll receive a comprehensive “What to Wear” guide that will help you choose the perfect outfits for your maternity photos. This guide includes wardrobe suggestions to ensure that you feel both comfortable and beautiful during your session. If you have any additional questions about what to wear, we're happy to provide personalized guidance!
When Should I Schedule My Maternity Session?
The ideal time for maternity photos is between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage, your belly is beautifully rounded, and you're still feeling comfortable enough to enjoy the session. Any earlier, and your bump might not have fully popped, and any later, and you might be feeling uncomfortable. Of course, every pregnancy is different, so we can adjust the timing based on what feels right for you. But we absolutely love capturing that gorgeous belly between 32-36 weeks!
Where Are Maternity Sessions Held?
We want to choose a location that holds meaning for you. Many of our clients love the cozy, controlled atmosphere of our studio, where we provide professional backdrops, props, and setups. However, we’re also happy to capture your maternity session outdoors at a park, garden, or other location that’s special to you. During our pre-session consultation, we’ll discuss location options and help you decide where you'd like your photos taken.
What Else Should I Know?
Our maternity sessions are all about relaxation, pampering, and celebrating this profound moment in your life. We provide gentle guidance and a comfortable atmosphere to ensure you feel confident and at ease in front of the camera. From start to finish, we want you to feel pampered and celebrated. It’s an honor to be a part of this intimate moment in your journey to motherhood, and we’re dedicated to creating stunning artwork that captures the beauty of this time in your life.
What is the Cost of a Maternity Session? Do You Offer Discounts Bundled with Newborn Sessions?
We offer two maternity session packages, and we also provide a discount when you book a newborn session in addition to your maternity session.
Simple Maternity Session: $375
- 20-minute session
- 15 images
- Digital download
- Location chosen by Cedar + Moss
- 50% non-refundable retainer fee due at time of booking
Full Maternity Session: $550
- Up to 45 minutes
- Full gallery of images
- Digital download
- Priority sunset booking
- Wardrobe inspiration website login
- 50% non-refundable retainer fee due at time of booking
Add-On Maternity Discount:
$100 discount on either the Simple or Full Maternity Session when you book a Newborn Session with us.
Please note: Maternity sessions are for immediate family members only.
Outdoor vs. Studio Sessions
For outdoor sessions, we typically schedule shoots about an hour before sunset to take advantage of the soft, golden light. We understand that this time may not always work for families with young children, so we offer daytime studio sessions at our studio in New Lenox, IL as an alternative.
We hope this FAQ guide helps you prepare for your maternity session with Cedar + Moss Studios! If you have any other questions or are ready to book, feel free to reach out. We can’t wait to be a part of your pregnancy journey and help you capture this special time in your life.
Much love and gratitude,
The Cedar + Moss Studios Team
