Mary Wiebe Photography is a wedding and portrait photographer serving West Texas couples and families

Maternity photo sessions are some of the most special and beautiful moments I get to capture. It’s such a sweet time of expectation, excitement, and a love that’s already growing bigger by the day. If you’re getting ready for your maternity photos, here’s a little guide to help you feel prepared, confident, and excited for your session!

A Few Special Items to Bring Along

Adding a few meaningful items to your session can make your photos even more personal and memorable. Here are a few things I recommend bringing:

• Sonogram Photo: Nothing captures the excitement of waiting for your little one quite like that first glimpse of them!
• Favorite Stuffed Animal: Whether it’s a gift from a loved one or a special toy you’ve picked out, it’s a sweet detail that can later be passed down to your baby.
• Baby Shoes: Those tiny little shoes are not only adorable but also a beautiful symbol of what’s to come.
• Blanket or Swaddle: A cozy, soft blanket — especially if it’s handmade or special — adds a personal touch and can be a meaningful keepsake in your photos.

These little items tell your family’s story, and weaving them into your maternity session makes your images even more unique and heartfelt.

Choosing the Right Outfit

When it comes to what to wear, comfort is key — but so is picking something that photographs beautifully! Here are a few tips:

• Wear Comfortable Clothing: You should feel like the beautiful mama you are! Choose outfits that flatter your bump and make you feel your best.
• Stick to Simple, Solid Colors: Avoid loud patterns, logos, or anything too busy. Soft, neutral, or earthy tones tend to photograph beautifully and keep the focus on you and your bump.
• Avoid Tanning Solutions: Self-tanners can sometimes show up as orange or uneven on camera. Your natural glow is perfect just the way it is!

If you’re unsure what to wear, feel free to reach out — I’m always happy to help you plan outfits that will look amazing on camera!

When to Schedule Your Maternity Photo Session

Timing your maternity session just right makes all the difference. You want your bump to be nice and round, but you also want to feel comfortable enough to move around easily.

• The sweet spot is between 28–32 weeks.
  At this stage, your bump is usually showing beautifully, but you’re likely still feeling pretty comfortable overall.
• If your bump stays on the smaller side, we can push the session a little later — around 34–36 weeks — to make sure it’s nice and visible.

Trust me, you’ll be so glad to have these memories captured before the final weeks of pregnancy, when you might feel a little more tired or swollen.

Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Experience

Planning ahead makes a huge difference in how relaxed and happy you’ll feel on session day. Here are a few quick tips:

• Pick your outfits and pack your special items the night before.
• Drink plenty of water and eat a light snack beforehand.
• Take a little time to pamper yourself if you want — get your nails done, treat yourself to a new lip gloss, or just enjoy some quiet time.

Remember, your maternity session is a celebration of you, your baby, and this incredible journey you’re on. It’s not about being perfect — it’s about capturing the beauty, joy, and anticipation that you’re feeling right now.

I can’t wait to celebrate this special season with you and capture these once-in-a-lifetime memories!

Check out this fun lifestyle newborn session to get you excited for your upcoming bundle of joy.