What to Expect During Your Minneapolis Maternity Photoshoot | Angela Watts Photography

Welcoming a baby is one of life’s most beautiful, tender, and unforgettable chapters — and your maternity photos should feel just as special. Many moms skip this step in their journey to the newborn stage. (I did, and let me tell you my iPhone photos don’t quite cut it and I regret it!) As a Minneapolis maternity photographer, I’m here to ensure you don’t make my mistake! Whether this is your first time in front of the camera or you’ve had portraits taken before, knowing what to expect can help you feel relaxed, confident, and truly present for your session in Minneapolis or the Twin Cities area.

Personalized Pre‑Session Planning

Once you’re officially booked, you’ll receive a comprehensive Welcome Guide designed to help you feel fully prepared and excited for your maternity session. This includes steps to:

• Complete a brief questionnaire so your photographer can learn your vision, preferences, and personal style.
• Start thinking about the overall vibe and location you want — whether that’s dreamy outdoors, a bright studio, or the comfort of your own home.
• Finalize outfits and styling so when photo day arrives, you feel confident and at ease.

This thoughtful planning helps ensure your session reflects you — not just a generic photoshoot.

A Session Designed Around You

On the day of your maternity photography session, the experience is all about comfort, connection, and capturing your glow. Here’s what typically happens:

Arrive ready to feel relaxed

It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous — pregnancy changes your body, and that’s part of the beauty we celebrate! I will guide you through gentle posing, movement, and moments that feel natural and flattering. You won’t have to worry about “what to do with your hands” or awkward poses — that’s part of what you’re hiring a professional for.

A calm, supportive atmosphere

Your session will be relaxed and enjoyable — we’ll laugh and have fun! The focus is on your connection to this moment, not stiff or overly posed images.

Making your vision come to life

In the lead‑up to your session, your photographer collaborates with you on outfits and locations — from iconic Minneapolis parks to intimate in‑home or studio spaces where soft natural light tells your story. I have a whole series of blog posts about “Maternity Photoshoot Locations” – check them out!

Regarding outfits, don’t stress. I never loved investing in maternity outfits myself as they are so temporary! I have a collection of maternity gowns and dresses in my client wardrobe that I know photograph beautifully. They are yours to borrow for no additional cost. We will discuss all of this together upon booking!

Who You Can Include (It’s Up to You!)

One of the most meaningful parts of a maternity session is who you choose to include. Whether it’s:

• A solo celebration of this incredible body and life stage,
• Tender, meaningful moments between you and your partner before you’re no longer a family of 2,
• Spending time with your older children before they welcome their new sibling,
• Or even fur‑babies getting some love (especially if they’ve been your only baby up to this point!)

You can build your session around the connection you want to remember. All are beautiful options!

What Happens After Your Maternity Photoshoot

After your session, your images are hand‑edited and delivered to you via a private online gallery — usually within about two weeks of your session day!

At this point, you’ll have the option to download and print your photos. I HIGHLY encourage all of my clients to print photos! Some day you will regret storing everything on your phone or computer. To guide this further, each Collection that I offer includes a print credit to use toward absolutely beautiful heirloom albums (think linen, velvet, leather) or fine art for your walls. Maternity photography looks so stunning in a bathroom! It’s intimate, private, feminine and empowering – trust me on this one! 🙂

A Beautiful, Stress‑Free Experience

Your maternity photos are more than pictures — they’re a celebration of this once‑in‑a‑lifetime moment. From thoughtful pre‑planning to a relaxed, enjoyable session and a beautifully presented gallery afterward, every step is designed to make you feel seen, supported, and radiant.

If you’re dreaming of maternity photos that feel elegant, soft, and timeless — and you want an experience that feels more like a celebration than a checklist — you’re in exactly the right place.

Are you ready to begin your own maternity photography experience? Inquire with Angela below. I hope to see you soon!