July 2, 2026
Horsham Maternity Photography
If you are here because you’re expecting, Congratulations! This is such an exciting chapter for you. Whether this is your first baby or you are growing your family further, a maternity photoshoot is such a beautiful way of capturing this next stage of your life and creating precious memories with your family.
You might be feeling really overwhelmed, there is always a never ending to do list when having a baby! You might be considering a maternity photoshoot but have no idea what to expect or if you even want one! I have put together a list of my most asked questions when it comes to booking your maternity photoshoot. I hope this helps take off any overwhelm for you.
When should I book my maternity photoshoot?
I recommend booking your photoshoot just after your 12 weeks scan or at the very latest your 20 week scan.
Most photographers diaries book up months ahead. Personally, my diary books up 2-3 months ahead. If you are still working and need a weekend date then you should definitely book way ahead as I only work 2 Saturdays a month so these get booked up fast. This gives us plenty of time to plan your photoshoot stress-free.
When should the session take place?
Anywhere between 28-36 weeks pregnant is the best time to have your maternity photoshoot. It varies depending on what you would prefer as some people would like to come before they get uncomfortable whereas some people would rather come when their belly has gotten bigger and rounder so it is more prominent in their outfits.
We can always move the photoshoot forward or back if it gets closer to the time and you would rather wait longer or come sooner. (Availability dependent) The main thing is that you are comfortable.
If you are expecting twins or you have been advised you might have your baby earlier, I would definitely recommend having your photoshoot sooner than usual.
What do I wear to my maternity photoshoot?
The first thing I will recommend is that you wear something you feel comfortable in and confident in.
Flowy dresses are the best to wear as they really show off your beautiful bump. Neutral and soft colours work best with my style of photography as they create timeless, natural photographs that will last a lifetime. You want to be able to look at these photos in 10 years and not cringe at the colours or styling. You know when you look at photos from 10 years ago and we question, why did we wear that! This won’t happen with timeless styling for your photos and it means you can pass them down for generations to come.
I have a client wardrobe where you can borrow lots of flowy dresses from, or you can bring your own.
If your family is attending the session, I would highly recommend choosing your outfit first and then basing their outfits on yours. You are the star of the show! Co-ordinating colours with your outfit works best.
When you book in with me, I will send a detailed style guide to help you prepare for your photoshoot but you can also send me photos and ask me questions. I’m here every step of the way!
What if I’m nervous?
Just know, this is completely normal! Almost every mum coming to a photoshoot is nervous in one way or another. Even mums who have had a photoshoot before will be nervous, and even I get nervous before my own photoshoots!
I want to reassure you that I will be guiding you every step of the way, through every single pose. I will tell you how to pose and what to do, you will not have to worry about anything. I will make sure you feel comfortable in the poses we do and always ask you first.
My aim is to create very natural, timeless, happy photographs with natural posing so that you feel comfortable and most importantly, confident!
Can my partner and children be included?
Yes absolutely! All my photoshoots can include your partner and other children. I always recommend to my clients if they are younger, then to organise a family member to come and get them after 20-30 minutes as they tend to get bored quickly! I will do all the family photos first and then we can focus on you and your partner!
Where will the photoshoot take place?
You can choose to either have your maternity photoshoot in my Billingshurst studio or outdoors at sunset at a location in West Sussex. I am very open to trying new locations! Most of my outdoor photoshoots are in Horsham, Billingshurst, Worthing, Petworth and Chichester.
How should I prepare?
Think about whether you’d like your make up/hair or nails done for the photoshoot. Photoshoots are an investment, so you want to feel your best and really make the most out of it.
You will forever regret arriving with chipped or half grown out nail varnish. Natural nails are perfect for photoshoots – avoid bright colours at all costs! If you are getting make-up or hair done or doing it yourself, the more natural the better. Remember to most importantly, be you!
I would also recommend making a ‘what to bring’ checklist for yourself so you don’t forget to bring anything.
I’d recommend bringing the following:
- Your baby’s scan photo
- Tiny baby shoes or a special outfit
- A favourite teddy or keepsake
- Change of outfits for you and your family
- Make up for touch ups
- Snacks for children (I have drinks and biscuits at the studio!)
That is all you need to do to prepare!
How long does the photoshoot take?
My maternity photoshoots last from 1 hour to 1.5 hours. I encourage lots of breaks for drinks and snacks and I love to make it fun for everyone involved!
I follow my own workflow to ensure I get all my most popular poses that you see in my portfolio. Sometimes the session can take a bit longer if you have children involved too but this is absolutely fine as I try not to schedule more than 1 photoshoot a day if I can! Your session will never be rushed with me!
What is included in the maternity photoshoot?
My current maternity packages for 2026 include the following:
- 10 digital images
- 1 hour photoshoot in my Billingshurst studio or outdoors at sunset
- Sibling and family portraits
- Full use of my studio wardrobe for mamas and babies up to 1 year
- Editing in my signature style with light skin retouching
- My years of experience and training
- Style guide
- Access to a private online gallery with a personalised slideshow to view all your images
There is a minimum of 50 images to view via your online gallery. You can then choose your 10 images in the package or you can upgrade to more images. I have upgrade collections that I can send you once you enquire.
Can I combine a maternity and newborn package?
Yes, I have a Bump To Baby Package just for this reason! The package includes your full maternity photoshoot and a full newborn photoshoot.
If you book your maternity and newborn shoots together you will receive a generous discount. Please note to receive the discount, both photoshoots need to be booked together from the start before any of these photoshoots have taken place.
What happens after the session?
3 weeks after your photoshoot your online gallery will be ready to view! You can then choose which images you’d like and you can purchase upgrade collections and/or products separately.
You are not only capturing these special times for you to look back on, but for your children to hold onto too! They will be passed down for generations!
‘If not for you, do it for them’
If this has answered all your questions and you want to book in a maternity photoshoot in Horsham studio or at a location in West Sussex contact me here. I would love to hear from you!
If you still have questions, that is okay! I am always here to help with anything. Still reach out via my contact form and we can have a chat. I can do a phone call if thats easier – just let me know what is easiest for you!
Hopefully I will see you soon,
Congratualtions again!
Paige x
