5 Things You Might Not Know About a Maternity Session in Surrey

Pregnancy is such a beautiful chapter in your life — one filled with anticipation and excitement. As a Surrey maternity photographer, I feel so honoured to capture this special time for families across Guildford, Woking, Weybridge, Cobham, and beyond.

Many expectant mums aren’t quite sure what to expect when booking a maternity photoshoot, and I often hear the same questions before a session: When’s the best time? What should I wear? Do I need to pose? To help you feel prepared, I’ve put together five things you might not know about a maternity session in Surrey.

1. The Best Time to Book Is Around 28–36 Weeks

I usually advise my pregnant mums to come between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage, your bump has a lovely shape, but you’ll still feel comfortable moving and posing.

Tip: It’s always best to book your Surrey maternity session early (ideally around your 20-week scan) to secure your date, especially if you’re also planning a newborn shoot afterwards.

2. You Don’t need to have any experience in front of the camera

One of the biggest worries mums-to-be share with me is: “I’m not sure how to pose!” The good news? You don’t need to know how.

My job as your Surrey maternity photographer is to gently guide you into natural, flattering positions that highlight your bump while keeping you comfortable. My aim is to make you feel relaxed and thoroughly enjoy the session.

A recent client said the following of her maternity session: ‘ Natalie was so lovely and made sure I was comfortable and happy throughout my maternity shoot. I had a great time and came away feeling like I’d really had a treat, with such beautiful photos to remember this special time’.

3. Outfits Are Simple (and I Can Help)

You don’t need a wardrobe full of glamorous gowns to create beautiful maternity photos. In fact, sometimes the simplest outfits make the most timeless portraits. Neutral colours, flowing dresses, or a shirt with jeans can all work wonderfully.

In my Surrey studio, I also have a selection of maternity dresses and fabrics you’re welcome to use. These are designed to flatter every stage of pregnancy and help you feel confident in front of the camera. If your partner or children are joining in, I’ll share guidance on how to coordinate outfits so the whole family looks effortlessly styled together.

Before each session, I ask all my clients to complete a questionnaire. We discuss styling etc and you will receive a link to my outfits. By completing this questionnaire we can discuss colours and outfits prior to the session, so when you arrive I can tailor the session to your requirements.

4.A Studio Session Has Hidden Benefits You Might Not Expect

Many people don’t realise just how much easier and more comfortable a studio maternity session can be. In the studio, everything is controlled — from the lighting and backdrops to the temperature — which means you don’t need to worry about unpredictable weather or hunting for the perfect location in Surrey.

The privacy of a studio also helps you feel more relaxed and confident, especially if you’d like to try different outfits or styles. And because we can adjust the lighting and backdrops instantly, we can create a variety of looks in one session — something that’s much harder to achieve outdoors.

5. It’s About More Than Just Photos of Your Bump

While your growing bump is the star of the show, a maternity photoshoot is also about celebrating your journey into motherhood. Many sessions include partners and older siblings, making the photos even more meaningful.

For some families, this is the last set of portraits before their baby arrives — a chapter that deserves to be remembered. And don’t forget, when your baby becomes older these images of you pregnant with them, will mean so much to them!!

A maternity photoshoot is a wonderful way to pause during pregnancy and honour the incredible changes your body is going through. It’s about celebrating you and the journey your family is on together.

Whether you’re based in Guildford, Woking, Weybridge, Cobham, or anywhere else in Surrey, I’d love to create images that you’ll treasure forever. These photographs will not only remind you of this special time but also become part of your baby’s story as they grow.

If you’d like to know more about maternity photography in Surrey or book your session, I’d be delighted to hear from you. Take a look at my instagram to see some of my recent work or contact me here