Seattle Maternity & Motherhood Photographer | Beauclair Photography

The sweet spot is between 28 and 36 weeks, with 32 and 33 weeks usually being the best time — you look beautifully pregnant, feel good, and are not too tired yet. If you are pregnant with multiples, it's best to schedule earlier, between 24 and 28 weeks. We want our maternity clients to be comfortable, have a nice round baby bump, and photograph during a time that keeps safety a priority. Note: If you have a high-risk pregnancy, it is generally advised to schedule earlier and consult your care provider.

Of course! You know your body better than anyone, and while you may feel more tired, we absolutely want to celebrate this amazing milestone with beautiful maternity portraits. Reach out and we will make it work for you.

If your baby arrives before your scheduled session, you can always opt for newborn photos instead. To help plan the best timing and ensure your session goes as smoothly as possible, be sure to share your due date with Shannon so she can provide personalized guidance for your situation.

Book sooner rather than later — ideally no later than your second trimester. Maternity photography is not as flexible as family photography because timing is everything. The longer you wait, the less likely your first-choice photographer and session dates will be available. Booking early ensures you have your choice of photographers, session times, and the best timing for your pregnancy.

Yes! Shannon loves babies and is honored to celebrate this special time with beautiful newborn portraits. She tends to favor lifestyle newborn sessions at your home, where you and your family are comfortable and relaxed. Documenting this special time is truly an honor. Knowing in advance that Shannon will photograph your newborn also helps with planning your heirloom prints, albums, and wall art — designing a cohesive collection across both your maternity and newborn sessions. Taking milestone portraits is what she does!

Both are wonderful and each has its magic. We live in a beautiful but unpredictable area in the PNW, so having a studio session as a plan or backup is always smart. Shannon loves outdoor locations like Discovery Park, Lincoln Park, and Golden Gardens in Seattle, as well as Bellevue, Kirkland, and Snoqualmie Pass — all stunning backdrops for maternity portraits.

Indoor studio sessions are equally stunning, not weather-dependent, and pair beautifully with lifestyle or editorial newborn photos later on. You can always do both!

The star of your maternity session is YOU and your beautiful baby bump, so choose clothing that makes you feel authentically yourself, beautiful, and shows off your pregnancy. Some flattering options include fitted stretchy dresses that hug your figure, maxi dresses with empire waistlines, wrap dresses that emphasize your shape, your favorite jeans and a crop tank, or your partner's white shirt with cute brief underwear. We will discuss wardrobe options during your planning consultation.

Yes! Shannon has a beautiful collection of maternity dresses that fit almost all sizes. Based on your style and the look you want to achieve, she can suggest dresses from the studio wardrobe that will photograph beautifully and make you feel amazing.

Yes — all custom sessions include professional hair and makeup. We want you to feel amazing and polished during this special time. If you prefer to do your own hair and makeup, keep it natural and slightly more defined than your everyday look. Pregnancy often brings a natural glow, so enhance that with light, fresh makeup.

First, embrace this unique time in your life. Pregnancy is a fleeting, magical time that passes all too quickly. These photos should not just be about looking beautiful — they are about documenting an incredible milestone in your life story. Try to relax and enjoy the experience rather than focusing on looking perfect in every shot. The most beautiful maternity photos capture not just your physical appearance but the anticipation, love, and connection you feel during this special time. As someone who regrets not having professional maternity photos taken, Shannon understands firsthand — trust that you will not regret making this investment to capture something so fleeting and so precious.