How to Rock Your Maternity Session

If you know TTLG's work at all, you know I specialize in all things baby and that includes the baby bump. I love photographing maternity sessions and then seeing these beautiful ladies become moms at their newborn sessions. Making soon to be mommas feel beautiful before the baby comes is what I am known for. Mommas often ask me for some tips on how to prepare for their session, so I thought it would be helpful to cover all the ways you can make sure you rock your maternity session!

The Gowns: Most of my clients know, I carry an enormous collection of gowns from all the top designers. I have been collecting gowns since I first began specializing in maternity and newborn session. I have gowns in all colors and sizes. I think I am close to 110 gowns now. My mommas love that they get to come to my downtown Morristown studio for a custom fitting and select something they are sure to love! We can usually even discuss some of the details for your newborn session. Its a great time to check out some of my prop collection. I do usually suggest that mommas scroll through my facebook, IG and website to get an idea of the gowns I offer. I truly have so many that it can be a little overwhelming at your fitting. You are also welcome to bring someone with you for the fitting.

Hair and Makeup: Many of my mommas ask for suggestions on where to get their hair and makeup professionally done for their session. You will be amazed and how beautiful you look and feel when you have a pro making you extra glam. Here are some of my favorite makeup artists that either me or my clients have worked with: Beth Goodman, @beautybybag, Destiny Henson @beautybydestinyhenson, and @beauty_by_michaela_. If you decide to do your own makeup, then I would definitley recommend adding on some false lashes for the session. This one little detail can make such a difference! I also usually tell my clients that they want to wear just a little more makeup than they normally do for their photos.

Some of my mommas ask about a spray tan for their session, and in the spring and summer, I think it can really make you look glowy and beautiful!

Some of my other top tips for maternity sessions: For undergarments, I highly recommend a well fitting strapless bra, probably with an underwire. Which may mean that you have to wait till a week or so before your session to find one that fits. You may even want to bring one with you to your gown fitting. Most of the gowns are off the shoulders (though I do have a few that are not). Some times mommas may try to just tuck their straps on their regular bra, but I would not recommend doing so. You can almost always tell and its not easy to try and adjust in photoshop. It also will make you look droopy. This is probably one of my most important tips for your session.

As for maternity spanx, I just leave that up to my clients. I would be cautious with wearing them with the very fitted gowns. You can usually see every line, even with the no show. You may want to bring it with you for your gown fitting.

Shoes: Another big question I get is about shoes. Most all of the gowns I carry are very long. I do have several that have a high side slit for showing a little bit of your leg. For those gowns, I recommend wearing a cute shoe. A heel or wedge, or even a cute bootie. For the maternity gowns that do not show feet, I recommend just wearing something comfortable, as we will be walking around to a few different spots, especially if we are at the Botanical Gardens in Knoxville (my favorite place

Accessories: Another popular question I get asked is about accessories. I do carry a few staple items at my studio to accessorize with. I have some great boho hats, some fur shawls, and have recently started adding some statement jewlery. Adding your own taste of jewlery is another great way to personalize your maternity session to your own style.