Pregnancy is one of those seasons of life that goes by so quickly it can feel like you blinked and missed it. One week you're barely showing, and the next you're waddling to the car at 32 weeks wondering how your body got here so fast. Maternity photos exist to slow that down — to give you something real and beautiful to look back on from this specific, fleeting, extraordinary time.
I want your session to feel easy, comfortable and genuinely enjoyable. Here's everything you need to know to prepare.
When to Book
The sweet spot for maternity photography is between 28 and 36 weeks. Your bump is beautifully round and visible, and you're usually still comfortable enough to move around and enjoy the whole thing. That said, every pregnancy is different — if you want to chat about timing, just get in touch and we'll figure out what works for you.
I'd suggest booking when you're around 20 to 24 weeks, so you have a confirmed date in the diary and we can plan without rushing.
What to Wear
This is where a lot of people get stuck, and I completely understand why. Your body is changing fast and finding something that feels beautiful rather than just functional can be a challenge.
A few things that always photograph well for maternity sessions:
Flowing dresses and skirts in soft, natural fabrics tend to be gorgeous — they move beautifully in a breeze and drape in a way that flatters the bump rather than hiding it. Earthy tones, dusty rose, sage green, warm white and soft cream all work wonderfully with Tasmanian light and landscapes.
Form-fitting options work well too if you're comfortable in them. A stretchy wrap or a fitted dress that shows the bump proudly can make for really striking images.
I'm always happy to talk through what you're thinking of wearing — send me some inspo pics of styles you love and we can go from there.
Choosing a Location
The location for a maternity session often sets the whole tone. Some people want something soft and dreamy — a flower garden, dappled bush light, golden fields. Others want something more dramatic and open — the wide Tasmanian sky, coastal landscapes, elevated views across the valley.
My favourite maternity locations around Launceston include the Tamar Valley and its surroundings, the area around Hadspen and the South Esk River, and various garden and bushland spots depending on the time of year. We can also incorporate somewhere that's meaningful to you — where you and your partner got together, a family property, a place that feels like home.
When we chat before your session, I'll ask what kind of feel you're going for and suggest locations that match. You don't need to have this figured out before you get in touch.
What to Expect on the Day
I'll meet you at the location and take care of everything from there. You just need to show up.
We'll start gently, moving through different spots and angles as we go. I'll guide you the whole time — you'll never be left standing awkwardly wondering what to do with your hands. I'll suggest poses, talk you through how to move, and keep the whole thing feeling relaxed rather than formal.
Partners are absolutely welcome, and I love including them. Some of my favourite maternity images are the quiet ones — a hand on a bump, a look between two people who are about to become parents together, or already are and are doing it all over again. Those moments don't need much direction. They just happen.
If you have other children who want to be involved, bring them along. Kids at maternity sessions are often unpredictable in the best possible way.
Sessions typically run for around 30 to 40 minutes. I'll let you know when I feel like we have everything we need, and we can wrap up whenever you're ready.
A Note for Anyone Who Hates Being Photographed
I hear this so often, and I want to say it plainly: you don't need to be comfortable in front of a camera to end up with beautiful maternity photos.
What you need is to trust that someone is taking care of you, and that's exactly what I'm here to do. I'll guide every moment, I'll tell you what looks good, and I'll create enough space for you to relax into yourself rather than performing for a lens.
Pregnancy can bring a lot of complicated feelings about your body. I know this. My job is to show you how extraordinary you look during this season — and I mean that, not as a platitude but as something I genuinely see every time I photograph a pregnant woman. There is something remarkable about it that the camera catches, and I want you to see it too.
Your Gallery
You'll receive your gallery of 35 or more beautifully edited images within three to four weeks of your session. From there you can download, share and order prints directly.
If you're hoping to have prints or an album ready before bub arrives, just let me know when you book so we can factor timing into the plan.
Ready to Book?
If you're pregnant and thinking about a maternity session in Launceston or across Tasmania, I'd love to hear from you. Head to my booking page and fill in a few details, and I'll be in touch within 48 hours.
This season goes fast. Let's make sure you have something beautiful to show for it.
— Milly