Chattanooga Maternity Photographer
Making Your Memories Tangible!
Pregnancy is such a unique, beautiful, fleeting season. Your body is changing by the day, you're preparing for a baby you haven't even met yet, and somehow everyone keeps telling you how quickly it will all be over, (which is rather hard to believe in the midst of the aches and discomfort.)
If you're wondering whether maternity photos are really necessary, I get it. You may already have plenty of pictures on your phone. You also may not feel particularly glamorous right now. And you may be thinking, "Do I really want pictures of just me?"
I think you might.
As a Chattanooga maternity photographer, my goal isn't simply to take pretty pictures of you and your baby bump. It's to document you in this season of becoming a mother (or becoming a mother again) and create beautiful, tangible reminders of what this time felt like.
Because one day, your children will look at these photographs and want to hear all about the time before they were born. My own daughters love seeing pictures of me pregnant with them, and I hope your children will on day treasure those memories, too.
"We cannot say enough wonderful things about working with Kelley and the beautiful photos she gave us!"
Alex K
Why Document Your Pregnancy?
Pregnancy can feel like it lasts forever when you're in the middle of it.
The nausea, the sore back, the growing belly, the swollen feet, the anticipation...and then suddenly, it's over. Your baby is here, you're running on very little sleep, and you may find yourself wishing you could remember exactly what those last few months felt like.
That's one of the reasons I believe maternity photography is worth doing.
Your maternity session isn't just about documenting your belly. It's about documenting this version of your family before everything changes. It's about photographs of you, your partner, your older children, and the connection between all of you as you wait to meet the newest member of your family.
And yes, we'll absolutely make you feel beautiful while we're doing it.
When Should You Take Maternity Photos?
For most pregnancies, I recommend planning your maternity session somewhere around 28–34 weeks. This is usually late enough that your bump is beautifully noticeable but early enough that you're hopefully still feeling relatively comfortable and energetic.
Of course, every pregnancy is different!
If this is your first baby, you may not be showing as much at 28 weeks. If you've had babies before, your bump may make an appearance much earlier. If you've experienced an early delivery in the past, we may want to err towards planning your session on the earlier side of that range.
And if you're already past that window? Don't assume you've missed your chance. I would much rather photograph you at 35, 36, or even 38 weeks than have you skip the experience altogether.
We'll also consider the season, your desired location, and how you're feeling when we choose your date. You can read more in the post linked below!
When To Take Maternity Photos
Your Chattanooga Maternity Photography Experience
I want your maternity session to feel like something you get to enjoy—not another thing you have to figure out.
First I want to hear about what you envision for your session! Maybe you love the idea of beautiful outdoor portraits at sunset. Maybe you want something intimate and relaxed at home. Maybe you have no idea what you want yet!
That's okay, too.
I'll help you choose a location, plan your wardrobe, think through the people you'd like included, and create a session that feels like your family.
During your session, I'll guide you through posing and interaction so you don't have to worry about what to do with your hands or whether you're standing "the right way." We'll make room for beautiful portraits of you, but we'll also capture the little in-between moments that make the session feel like you.
And afterward, you'll choose your favorite images and I'll help you decide how you'd like to preserve them.
That's what I mean when I say full-service photography. I'm here for more than the hour we spend taking pictures!
Turn Your Maternity Photos Into Artwork
Your maternity photographs shouldn't have to live forever on your phone. And the last thing I want you to walk about from our session with is an unfinished project.
As a full-service photographer, I help you take the final step of turning your favorite images into something you can actually enjoy in your home.
After your session, you'll choose the photographs you love most. From there, I can help you design albums and custom wall art that fit your home and your family's style.
Not sure what size artwork would look best over your couch? Wondering how many images to put in an album? That's exactly the kind of thing I'm here to help with.
Because years from now, I want you to be able to walk past a photograph on your wall and remember exactly what this season felt like.
What to Wear for Your Maternity Session
Let's be honest: figuring out what everyone is going to wear for pictures can feel like a project all by itself.
That's why I offer access to my client closet, filled with beautiful, bump-friendly dresses selected specifically with maternity sessions in mind.
If you'd like to borrow something from the closet, we'll choose a dress that works with your style, your location, and the overall feel we're creating for your portraits.
Prefer to wear something from your own closet? Absolutely! I'm happy to help you think through colors, textures, silhouettes, and coordinating outfits for the rest of your crew.
The goal isn't for everyone to look perfectly matched.
The goal is for your clothing to complement the photographs while still allowing you to look and feel like yourself.
See Kelley's Client Closet
Choose the Setting That Feels Like You For Maternity Photos In Chattanooga
Chattanooga gives us so many beautiful options for maternity portraits.
We can create images surrounded by the natural beauty of Lookout Mountain, Raccoon Mountain, the Tennessee River, blooming trees, open fields, or one of the many scenic outdoor locations around Chattanooga. I've photographed maternity sessions in a variety of settings, and I'll help you choose a location based on the look you love.
There isn't one "right" way to take maternity photos.
Some moms love the idea of a gorgeous outdoor session with flowing dresses and beautiful evening light. Others would much rather stay home, where they can slow down and document this season in a place that already feels like theirs. Others wish to arrive at a climate controlled studio and let me take care of the rest!
We can create your session in a way that fits you.
Outdoor Maternity Sessions
Outdoor sessions are a favorite for maternity photography, especially when we can take advantage of beautiful Chattanooga scenery and that soft, glowy light I love.
We'll choose a location and time of day that complement your vision and your wardrobe, then I'll guide you through the session so you never feel like you're simply standing around wondering what to do.
In-Home Maternity Sessions
There's something incredibly meaningful about documenting your pregnancy at home.
The porch swing where you plan to cuddle and read books. The backyard where you plan to kick the ball. The couch where your little one will one day take an afternoon nap.
An in-home session can be relaxed and intimate while still giving us plenty of opportunities for beautiful, intentional portraits.
Studio Maternity Sessions
If you prefer a more polished and controlled environment, we can also create your maternity portraits in-studio.
Studio sessions allow us to focus completely on you and your growing family without worrying about weather, temperature, or the changing light outside.
From Maternity to New Baby!
If you'd like to continue documenting your family's story, we can plan your maternity session alongside your newborn session and future milestones.
Learn About Newborn PHotos
View Pricing The Options
Chattanooga Maternity Photographer FAQs
1. When Should I Contact You To Book a Chattanooga Maternity Photography Session??
Once you've decided that you'd like to take maternity photos, go ahead and reach out! Most families book with me as their session about about 2-3 months in advance. However, don't hesitate to contact me if you've made a last minute decision. I'm happy to work people in last minute if my schedule allows. Filling out the contact form on this website or emailing me is usually the best way to start the process!
2. Where do you do maternity photography sessions?
I'm happy to plan your maternity photography session in and around your house, in-studio, or even outdoors at a scenic location. Scenic locations are usually the most popular choice for maternity sessions. I'll offer location recommendations as part of the planning process. We will work together to customize your session based on your preferences or vision.
3. How long do your maternity photography sessions last?
Maternity sessions usually last around 1 hour. We may need slightly less time if the session is just including you and your husband. We will likely use the entire hour if older siblings are involved. I quite used to how these sessions flow and will make sure we have plenty of time to experiment and play to capture the images that feel like you.
4. Will you help us figure out what to wear?
Think about it this way: The clothes you wear actually pretty prominent in your photos. The colors and textures you choose can actually have a large impact on the overall feel of your images. Therefore, I'm here to be a resource and help you choose pieces that will photograph well and look cohesive. I also one of the few maternity photographers who offer and client closet that you can borrow from free of charge. Many of the styles are bump friendly.
5. When in my pregnancy should I schedule the photoshoot?
We'll want to aim to take maternity photos when your bump is prominent, but before you start getting later into the 3rd trimester when discomfort and swelling are more common. We also don't want to wait too late in case you deliver early. The end of the second trimester and into the beginning of the third trimester is usually best. You can read my full recommendations in this blog post!
6. Can I book a package that includes more than just a maternity session?
You sure can! Booking a maternity photoshoot along with future sessions is such a great way to ensure cohesive images across milestones and get some things off of your too do-list. I offer a couple of options that include either two or four milestones. Ask about packages when you inquire with me and I'll be happy to give you information!
7. Will you retouch my photos?
Once you have chosen the images you would like to purchase as part of your Collection, I will provide these images with a final edit. This will include removing small background distractions, smoothing wrinkled clothing, removing minor, temporary skin imperfections, and touching up fly-away hair.
8. How much do you maternity sessions cost?
Petite sessions, which last for just 25 minutes, can be scheduled at select locactions, and include a handful of images start at $400. Full hour long sessions which are custom designed start at $900. All sessions with me include the chosen high-resolution digital files as well as a printed version.
