In a serene forest near Sycamore, Illinois, a pregnant woman in a white dress stands among tall trees, holding her belly and gazing to the side with a gentle smile. The setting is peaceful with its lush green backdrop.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR MATERNITY PORTRAITS?

The ideal time for your maternity photography session is between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. During this stage, your baby bump is beautifully round and well-defined, which photographs beautifully. You’ll also likely still feel comfortable enough to move between standing, sitting, and reclining poses, allowing for a greater variety of portraits. Planning your maternity portraits during this window ensures we capture the glow and excitement of this special chapter before baby arrives.

HOW LONG DOES THE SESSION LAST?

Each maternity photography session typically lasts about 1 hour. This allows plenty of time to capture a beautiful variety of poses, wardrobe changes using my client closet, for either in-studio or outdoor maternity portraits—all while ensuring you stay comfortable and relaxed throughout your session.

Pregnant woman in a shiny gown poses with purple lighting against a dark background.
Man doing push-up over pregnant woman lying on floor, both smiling.
Silhouette of a pregnant woman wearing a hat, sitting on a stool against a white background.
Pregnant woman in red dress poses gracefully against a red background.
Pregnant woman with black angel wings standing over reflective water in a dark setting.
Pregnant belly with adult and child hands resting on it against a gray background.
Man kissing pregnant woman's forehead; she smiles, cradling her belly. They're against a dark background.
Pregnant woman in a flowing gold dress, cradling belly, with a black background.
Pregnant woman in a flowing blue dress stands against a dark backdrop.
Expectant mother with a young girl and a man on a stool against a brown background, smiling and embracing.
Pregnant woman in elegant gown holding her belly, with flowing fabric and dramatic lighting.
Pregnant woman in pink lace dress with large pink feathered wings, kneeling on a neutral background.
Silhouette of a couple facing each other; man kisses the forehead of a pregnant woman.
Pregnant woman in silver outfit with long blond hair, illuminated by pink light, against a dark background.
Silhouette of a pregnant couple forming a heart with their hands against a white background.
A woman in a blue dress holds a child close, sharing a tender moment against a dark background.
Silhouette of a pregnant woman lifting a child against a white background.
A couple smiling and touching the woman's pregnant belly; she wears a flowing beige gown.
Pregnant woman in a dark setting, wearing sunglasses, holding her belly and looking down, with a gentle light focus.
Pregnant woman with long hair poses in a white draped outfit against a neutral background.
A smiling family is gathered in front of a beige background, radiating joy in this beautiful family maternity moment. A young girl in a pink dress hugs the expectant mother from the side, while a man lovingly places his hand on her belly.

CAN FAMILY BE INCLUDED IN MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS? 

Absolutely! I love including family members in maternity photography sessions. Capturing the love, connection, and excitement your partner or children feel for your baby adds so much depth and emotion to your pregnancy portraits. These moments tell a beautiful story, and having family maternity photos helps you remember this special time in a meaningful, lasting way.

A man with dreadlocks kisses a smiling pregnant woman on the forehead in a studio maternity shoot. The woman, donning a white dress and cradling her belly, stands serenely against a dark background.

WHERE WILL THE MATERNITY SESSION TAKE PLACE?

Your maternity photography session can take place either in my studio located in Lake in the Hills, IL, or outdoors at one of the beautiful local parks throughout Crystal Lake, Elgin, Schaumburg, Sleepy Hollow, and surrounding areas. The location depends on the season and your personal preferences.

Studio maternity sessions are available year-round and provide a private, comfortable space with soft, controlled lighting—ideal for creating elegant, timeless portraits. You'll also have access to my full client closet of maternity gowns and accessories, so wardrobe is one less thing to worry about.

If you prefer a natural, scenic backdrop, outdoor maternity sessions are available from mid-May through mid-September. For clients not including young children, sessions can be scheduled through late October, depending on the weather. For families with little ones, I recommend earlier dates to ensure everyone is comfortable. My goal is always to create a relaxed, enjoyable experience and the best possible images.

Whether you choose an indoor or outdoor maternity session, I’ll guide you every step of the way to capture this special time in a beautiful, meaningful way.

Ready to schedule your maternity session?
Contact me here to reserve your preferred date.

DO YOU PROVIDE MATERNITY GOWNS, BODYSUITS, OR OUTFITS FOR MY SESSION? 

Yes, I offer a curated studio collection of maternity gowns, bodysuits, and stylish tops that are available for you to wear during your maternity photography session. These pieces are designed to flatter your baby bump and photograph beautifully. You’re welcome to pair any top with your own jeans from home for a casual, relaxed look.

Clients are invited to borrow from my maternity wardrobe at no additional cost, whether your session takes place in-studio or outdoors. You’re also welcome to wear your own outfit if you prefer a more personal style.

Please note that I do not offer nude maternity photography, and any sheer or see-through dresses must be worn with proper undergarments. I recommend wearing skin-toned or color-matched bras and underwear for the most seamless look under dresses or bodysuits.

Most maternity sessions allow time for 2–3 outfit changes, so you’ll have a variety of looks in your final gallery.

You can preview my collection of maternity dresses and outfits here:

https://image127photography.pixieset.com/maternitydresses/ 

A peaceful Lake in the Hills newborn, wearing a beige cap, is snugly positioned in a bucket, resting on a brown blanket. The bucket sits on a rustic wooden floor, surrounded by textured straw material, capturing the serene innocence of infancy.

IS THERE A DISCOUNT IF I BOOK BOTH A MATERNITY AND NEWBORN SESSION?

Yes! When you book a maternity photography session with me, you’ll receive $50 off your newborn photo session. This is a great option for growing families who want to document both the beauty of pregnancy and those precious first days after baby arrives.

Booking both sessions together ensures a seamless experience and a consistent photography style from bump to baby. Many clients love having both maternity and newborn portraits that beautifully complement each other and tell the full story of this special journey.

HERE ARE LINKS TO MY NEWBORN INFORMATION PAGES:

I offer both in-home and in-studio newborn sessions to capture your baby’s first precious days in a way that feels natural and meaningful.

In-Home Newborn Sessions
Relaxed and intimate, these sessions take place in your home and are perfect for including siblings, pets, and everyday family moments.
👉 Learn more about in-home newborn sessions here: Click HERE

In-Studio Newborn Sessions
My Lake in the Hills studio provides a private space with soft, professional lighting for posed, timeless newborn portraits.
👉 Learn more about in-studio newborn sessions here: Click HERE

Both options focus on capturing genuine, heartfelt moments you’ll treasure forever.

A woman draped in flowing gold fabric cradles her pregnant belly. In this captivating Elgin maternity photography session, she stands against a black background, the fabric billowing around her like wings. Her expression is serene.

WHAT ARE YOUR PRICES FOR A MATERNITY SESSION?

Please click on the link below to see my full list of packages you can choose from:

https://www.image127photography.com/maternity1

Contact Image 1:27 Photography HERE!