Preparing For Your Maternity Session
We are so happy that you have chosen Mercy Street Studio to photograph this special time. We typically schedule maternity sessions around 32-36 weeks.
We offer two types of sessions: mini (15 minutes) and full (one hour). Minis can take place at our studio or outdoors. Both types can include immediate family members.
"Maternity pictures" can mean total nudity to one person, a flowy gown in a field to another, and jeans with a t-shirt to another. We want to create the images you envision for yourself. Feel free to browse our FB album for inspiration.
Pre-Shoot Prep
If possible, pamper yourself on the day of your session:
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Get a manicure, your fingers will be in the photos! Natural colors work best
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Have your hair and makeup done, or do it yourself
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Get good rest and drink plenty of water
We know, very idealistic. How about this: just do your best, and we'll take it from there.
If you're planning to bare your skin, wear loose-fitting undergarments (or none at all), most leave indentation marks we'd rather avoid.
Hot tip: The Crown in South Berwick offers discounted hair & makeup services to our clients.
What to Bring
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If borrowing one of our dresses: nude/flesh-colored underwear and a strapless bra, if possible. Also if we're shooting off-site, we'll need to know well in advance so we can be sure to have the dress with us. Our dresses are stored in our studio.
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Any props you'd like to incorporate (ultrasound photo, baby shoes, signs, etc.), totally optional, just don't forget them at home!
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Pinterest inspiration, if you have it, feel free to email it to us in advance
Your Belly Is Perfect
We frequently hear mamas lament about the shape of their bellies or bodies and we're just going to squash that talk right here and now. Your belly and your body are perfect because it's your baby's first home! No matter if it's a mansion or a double-wide, it's perfect to it's #1 resident and it's perfect to us!
We understand stretch marks and swollen parts - that's part of the process! Please tell us if you'd like us to minimize those in editing, or if you'd like us to leave them as is. There is no right or wrong choice. These are your pictures and we are happy to accommodate your requests.
Either way, we'll photograph you using angles that flatter (easier to do in the studio) and show off the beauty of your body during this miraculous stage.
A Few Session Notes
Everyone feels nervous before their session, it's totally normal! Once we start shooting, those nerves fade away and you'll actually have fun.
Please reschedule if you're feeling unwell, we'll always find you a new date.
Photographing or filming any part of the session is not permitted. If you'd like a behind-the-scenes photo for a specific reason, just chat with your photographer.
After Your Session
You'll receive a link to your full gallery within 14 days. We also typically post a "sneak peek" on Facebook within 24 hours, unless you let us know you'd prefer we don't. Feel free to tag yourself, share it, or use it as your new profile pic!
Mini-sessions: your gallery will include a PIN to download the number of images you purchased with your session.
Full sessions: your gallery will contain at least 30 images to choose from, which you can purchase as prints or digital images.
Galleries expire in 1 week. There is a $25 administrative fee to reload expired galleries.