What is a maternity boudoir photoshoot?

Maternity boudoir photography is your chance to capture the incredible power of your body. Pregnancy is one of the most magical and mind-blowing transformations a human can go through. Despite being such a meaningful time, 40 weeks of growing life is often emotionally and physically taxing. Often you feel anything but glamorous. A maternity boudoir photoshoot is a chance to pause in the moment and connect with the incredible process YOU are enabling.  

Maternity boudoir photography and the therapeutic benefits

If you’re one of the many women don’t looooove being pregnant (Kelly and we are with you), a maternity boudoir session can be very therapeutic for you. At a time when all the focus is on what you can do to nurture your growing baby, this is a chance to be the receiving end of a little TLC. The hair and makeup process will give you some much-deserved pampering and help you feel more like a goddess vs. an incubator. You’ll be in a safe space among other women who are there to support you. We’re here to acknowledge all that this time means for you, both the great and the tough. The experience of creating these pictures, much like meditation, helps you connect with the present moment. You don’t have to worry about doctors’ appointments, nursery setup, or prenatal classes. Instead, you get to relish pregnancy’s wonder for the three hours you’re with us.

Frequently asked questions about maternity photos:

Which maternity boudoir photography style is right for you?

Which maternity photography style is right for you?

As you’ve probably gathered looking through our images, maternity photography can range in style from intimate, boudoir maternity to natural, candid imagery.  Rest assured; each session is customized to YOUR taste and comfort.  We’ll chat before your session to discuss what you’re looking for and ensure you feel comfortable and confident going into your experience.

Going “bump-out” and all that entails:

If you decide to go “bump-out,” or even more with implied nude, know you’re in a safe space in my studio.  Over the last decade, we’ve worked with hundreds of women shooting boudoir photography. We have much practice posing and directing women of all different shapes, sizes, and experiences. You can think of me a bit like a fitness instructor. We’ll guide you through poses that will flatter your frame and highlight all those beautiful pregnancy curves.

By default, images remain private unless you give specific permission for use (as with these clients).

When should I come in for a maternity photo shoot? 

In our experience, the sweet spot is between 7-8 months or 30-34 weeks.  You should have a nice popped bump by this point but minimal swelling.  All pregnancies are different, so if you’re popping early (often familiar with second or third-time moms) or late (commonly occurring with longer torsos), you might want to come in a little earlier or later than the others.

What should we wear? 

Oh yes, the BIG question.  Aren’t we always asking ourselves this while pregnant?  It can be a bit of a challenge dressing your bump.  Our general advice is to let it take front and center.  Form-fitting pieces are great for maternity sessions.  We love simple, form-fitting dresses or tops that will make for a great silhouette, button-down shirts that open at the waist to show your belly, and activewear sets like boy shorts, a bralette, yoga pants, and a sports bra.  Robes are also great for flexibility and feel ultra-feminine. Tunic or maxi dresses are also fabulous but require a little more involvement with how they lay or are pulled against your body to show off your bump.  Take a peek through our images to see some of the pieces that have worked for other clients, and feel free to ask for more help anytime leading up to your session.  We’re happy to provide links to options we’ve found to photograph well.

In the end, stay true to yourself.  We love it when people express their personality through their clothing (like one client wearing her favorite worn-out jeans, unbuttoned to fit, but a nod to her identity beyond expectant mom.)

Can we bring my significant other?

You bet! We love pets and welcome them in photoshoots.  If they do, we ask that if they’re not going to be in all the photos, they’re either taken after, or someone else is there to care for them if they’re unable to relax on their own.  Also, just like kids, treats are always great for pet photoshoots.

Can we bring my other kid(s)?

Sure thing!  We love to integrate older siblings into the photo shoot.  If you don’t plan to have them in all your photos, please bring someone to help supervise them during that time.

When and how many images do we receive?

Your session includes at least 30 images.  We’ll have them uploaded to an online gallery within ten days of your session, where you can view and download them.

Are photos touched up?

They are!  We complimentary touch-up things like bruises, blemishes, apparent skin texture, and garment bulges.  These photos are all about celebrating you at this moment, so we won’t be changing the integrity of your frame or making you look like someone else. If there’s something, in particular, you’re uncomfortable with (i.e., the line on your belly button that may appear), just let me know.  Things can always be lightened to minimize the appearance without removing it altogether.

What sort of prints or products can we purchase? 

We have a wide selection of beautiful products to showcase your images.  Popular selections include framed wall art, albums, and image boxes. You can view the examples below. We’ll show you these while you’re in the studio, and you’ll have the chance to purchase your own via the online gallery.

Where are you located? What is the studio like?

Our studio is in the Chicago northside neighborhood of Ravenswood. We have a two-story coach house space with white brick walls, espresso hardwood floors upstairs, and contemporary fixtures and accents.   There’s lots of natural light, photogenic sets, and plenty of privacy.

We want an outdoor session; when and where do you like to photograph? 

Chicago has so many unique backgrounds. We’re lucky to be in an area where you can find both urban cityscape, spots that look like you are miles out in the country, and even a little of both.  During our consultation, we’ll ask you a few questions to learn more about what style of images you want and offer suggestions from my list of go-to spots.  If you’re looking for more intimate photos outdoors, we even know locations for that.  Of course, early morning hours for those types of pictures will provide more privacy.  While it might be an early wake-up, we promise the setting and gorgeous morning light make it well worth it.

Do you offer bundle packages for maternity photos plus newborn or family pictures?

We do! We can bundle you two, three, and even four sessions in a year. Our most popular bundle option is maternity, newborn, and one additional session when the baby is sitting or walking (great for holiday cards.) You can learn more about my family sessions here.

Ready to book your maternity session? Great! We can’t wait to connect. You can contact me here. If you have more questions, schedule a 15-minute stress-free phone call here.

We also have answers to frequently asked questions below. Just keep scrolling!

Revealed Studios’ Owner on Pregnancy Photos and more…

I’ve kept this pretty under wraps on the blog till now, but with four weeks left, I thought it was time to share the news. I’m pregnant 🙂 Here’s a little more about my pregnancy journey and the changes to come.

Thoughts on pregnancy

Sigh, where to begin…pregnancy is an easy thing to feel consumed by. For nine months, your daily routines are rearranged. You’re suddenly eating, sleeping, and moving differently as you serve as a vessel for a whole other being. It’s a wild and, at times, challenging experience. You find yourself repeating to yourself, “it’s worth it,” each time you get an elbow to your rib or a sneeze that makes you tinkle. It’s not that bad (really, it’s not), but there are definitely times when you want to take a time out. Sometimes I catch myself fantasizing about being able to just unstrap my belly and instantly go back to normal.

Documenting this moment with pregnancy photos

Earlier this month, when I was feeling the most spent, I asked our amazing studio manager and dear friend Kelly to snap some pictures for me.  While Kel is a rock star studio manager, shooting on a professional camera is new to her. I had full faith that I could set her up with my gear to snap a few images to have as keepsakes.  She blew me away!  I ended up with waaaay more pictures than I imagined (looks like someone on her way to associate shooter ;)).

This spontaneous maternity session was a wonderful reprieve from the sense of challenge I was feeling. It was a perfect reminder how powerful your perspective can be.  The session helped me to shift my focus, to relish in the magical transformation that was happening.  It was a chance to celebrate this time in my life and recognize the purpose behind the discomfort.
It’s silly, considering I see the power of photography on a regular basis with our clients, but I was moved more than I expected. I felt proud looking at the transformation in my body, wider-growing hips and all.  I’m so happy I asked Kel to take these pictures for me, and now feel like I understand even more how therapeutic a great photo shoot can be.

How this all illuminated my understanding for our work

This experience only further confirms my deep love and passion for what we do at Revealed.  Whether it’s boudoir or beauty portraiture, I feel like I’m living my fullest truth when helping women feel more comfortable in their own skin.  I’ve learned so much through this pregnancy.  I won’t share it all now (I’ve already written a novel), but one thing my amazing doula has taught me about is the shame that too many women feel about their birth stories, whether self-inflicted or as a result of other people’s words.  We’ve talked a lot these last five weeks about how hard we women can be on each other and ourselves.  My deepest wish is for Revealed to be a sacred place for women to feel comfortable and encouraged.

On leave for a bit…

In February I’ll be stepping away from shooting to prep for labor, then (God-willing!) welcome our little guy home.  But fear not!  Studio operations will continue while I’m out.  Kelly will be the point-person for Revealed.  Like I said earlier, she’s a total rock star and will take good care of all clients.  I’m sooooo lucky to have an incredibly talented and lovely sister-in-law Maria Ponce who will be shooting in my stead, as well as the wonderful Elizabeth Nord. I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside both women, and can say with full confidence that they’ll take amazing care of anyone they’re shooting, both through their talent and personalities.

If you’re thinking of booking a session, please check out their work: Maria Ponce and Elizabeth Nord. 
I’m planning to be back in action by mid-April or early May (motherhood is all new to me, so I’m staying flexible at this point).

Thank you to all our followers for their love and support.  I so appreciate your positive energy and can’t wait to introduce you all to BP (Baby Ponce as we like to call him!)

Capture the Moment with Maternity Photos

We had such a nice time taking the beautiful and glowing Andreea’s maternity photos .  We first sent her over to makeup artist Heather Massa, who happened to also be pregnant. The two immediately bonded while Heather enhanced her natural beauty.

It feels very special photographing maternity sessions, particularly for first time mothers like Andreea.  The sessions can feel very intimate between mama and unborn baby, so to be invited in and allowed to document these moments is a big honor.  Thank you Andreea for trusting us.  We can’t wait to meet your new joy.

The Definition of Glowing…

Kimi’s Maternity photography Session

I’m so happy for my darling friend Kimi, who came by the studio for a maternity photography session.  She is expecting her first child any minute now! It’s been amazing to watch Kimi these past two years, as she fell in love and married her sweet husband, Mike, and is now about to become a mother. She’s one of the kindest and most giving people I know, and she’s going to make an amazing mother.

The Joy of Celebrating our Female Clients

There are so many things we love about our work at Revealed Studios, but what we enjoy most of all is celebrating the many sides of our female clients!

During a boudoir session we get to capture the sassy and sexy side, that often leaves our clients walking taller and feeling more confident.

There’s something special about Maternity Photography Sessions

Needless to say, a maternity session is a bit different than a boudoir session.  Yes, it still includes hair and makeup, and you very well feel more confident, but the intention is to relish your very feminine side; the part of you that creates and nurtures new life.  For many women, this happens but a few rare times, and it is for that reason we feel these pictures are very special. They are glimpses into your past for your children, they are memories of a time when your body transformed so completely, they’re you at what may be the most vulnerable and powerful point in your life, and for that they are a gems.

For some, the idea of having pictures taken when your body feels like it’s changing every second of the day, growing bigger and bigger doesn’t seem too appealing.  Cindy was amongst the many who felt that way before her session.  After she saw the pictures she wrote, “I LOVE these photos!!  I was a bit worried I would feel awkward, at 8 months pregnant, by myself, in front of the camera – but you made me feel totally comfortable and confident, and that really shows in the photos. I hadn’t thought to get maternity photos taken, but I’m so happy that I did – I’ll only have a first pregnancy once in my life, and you’ve helped me memorialize this joyous time.  It sounds cheesy, but I will treasure these photos forever!”

It’s such a joy to be able to capture this moment for our clients!  We hope every women will take the opportunity to celebrate and document this incredible experience!

Our maternity sessions are $199, which includes hair, makeup, and a 1-hour experience.  Interested in celebrating your pregnancy and creating cherished documents of this time?  Call 773-273-9063 or email us at [email protected]

We’re so in love with the pictures from Cindy’s Chicago Maternity Session.  Here’s a few sneak peeks. More to come next week!

A Nice Break from the Challenges of Pregnancy

When your back hurts and you feel like your carrying a bowling ball, doing a maternity session is great reprieve from the less glamorous aspects of pregnancy.  The maternity photo shoot below was a special joy for me to shoot because the client is my dear cousin Liz.  I loved the chance to celebrate this lovely lady and show her just how beautiful she is as a mom-to-be.

 We had such a ball with her maternity session, talking about potential names for her baby girl and how excited we are that she and my sister will be able to raise their two girls, mere months apart, together, continuing the closeness between us all.  Liz is going to be an incredible mother, I know, because she’s been such a great role model to me over the years.  From our early moments when she showed me how to hold a curling iron to get the best curl as a little girl (she always had the BEST hair) to career and relationship advice.  I cherish the monthly dinner dates with Liz, and can’t wait for the new addition joining us a the table.  I can’t wait to meet you baby Burke!

Love, Cousin Maggie