How to Prepare for Your Maternity Photoshoot (From a Reading, PA Photographer)
- Ashlie Bradley
- Feb 2
- 3 min read
If you’re approaching the end of your second trimester and starting to think about your Reading PA maternity photoshoot, you might be feeling two very real things at the same time:
Excited… and a little unsure.
You want beautiful portraits that capture this season of your life, but you’re also wondering:
What should I wear?
What if I don’t feel confident in my body right now?
What if I don’t know how to pose?
Take a deep breath. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure this out by yourself.
As a maternity photographer in Reading, Pennsylvania, my role is to guide you every step of the way so you can walk into your session feeling prepared, supported, and confident.
Let’s walk through exactly how to prepare for your maternity photoshoot so you can enjoy the experience just as much as the final portraits.
Step 1: Choose the Right Timing for Your Reading PA Maternity Photoshoot
One of the most important decisions is when to schedule your session.
The ideal time for a Reading PA maternity photoshoot is typically between 28–34 weeks. At this stage:
Your bump is beautifully round and visible
You’re usually still comfortable enough to move and pose
You’re less likely to feel overly swollen or exhausted
Booking early also ensures availability, especially if you’re looking for a maternity photographer who offers a full-service experience rather than a rushed mini session.
Step 2: Trust the Wardrobe (You Don’t Need to Shop)
One of the biggest stressors for expecting moms is clothing and this is where working with a professional maternity photographer makes all the difference.
You don’t need to:
Buy a dress you’ll only wear once
Guess what will photograph well
Worry about what fits your changing body
My client closet is thoughtfully curated with gowns designed specifically for pregnancy.
These dresses:
Highlight your bump beautifully
Offer stretch and comfort
Photograph timelessly, not trendily
Together, we’ll choose pieces that reflect you; whether that’s soft and romantic, bold and dramatic, or somewhere in between.
Step 3: Plan for Hair & Makeup (It’s Not a Luxury, It’s Support)
Pregnancy can be a season where you give endlessly to everyone else. Your maternity photoshoot is a moment to pour back into yourself.
Professional hair and makeup:
Help you feel polished and confident
Photograph beautifully under studio lighting
Allow you to relax instead of rushing beforehand
Most importantly, it helps you feel like yourself again, which shows in every portrait.
Step 4: Let Go of Posing Anxiety (I’ve Got You)
One of the most common things I hear is:
“I’m not photogenic.”
Here’s the truth: you don’t need to know how to pose.
As your Reading, Pennsylvania maternity photographer, I guide you through:
Hand placement
Body angles
Soft movement and natural expression
You’ll never be left wondering what to do. My job is to gently direct you in a way that feels natural and flattering, so your portraits reflect strength, softness, and connection.
Step 5: Think Beyond the Session, Plan for Your Final Artwork
Your maternity portraits aren’t meant to live only on your phone.
Many of my clients love:
A handcrafted photo box
A fine art album
Framed artwork displayed in their home
These tangible pieces become part of your family’s story, something your child will one day see and understand how deeply they were loved even before they arrived.
This is why choosing a maternity photographer who offers printed products and guidance matters just as much as the photos themselves.
You Deserve More Than “Just Pictures”
A Reading PA maternity photoshoot isn’t just about documenting your pregnancy.
It’s about:
Feeling seen during a transformative season
Being cared for when your body is doing incredible work
Creating heirlooms that tell your story
You don’t need to show up knowing everything. You just need to show up and let yourself be guided.
Ready to Learn More About the Maternity Portrait Experience?
If you’re looking for a maternity photographer in Reading, Pennsylvania who offers a full-service, stress-free experience; from styling to posing to heirloom products, I would love to connect with you.
Comments