Before Your Shoot

Everything you need to feel ready for session day. It’s a short list, because most of it is my job.

Finding the Studio

Address

910 Santa Fe Drive, Studio 1
Denver, CO 80204

Getting there:

I’m in the 910 Arts Building in the Art District on Santa Fe, on the south side of the building near 9th Ave. Look for my orange logo in the street-facing window and the blue door frame marked Studio One Denver.

The door stays locked during sessions for privacy. Knock or text me when you arrive and I’ll come let you in.

Parking

Free street parking on Santa Fe and the surrounding blocks. Give yourself a few extra minutes to find a spot.

What to Bring

You bring the outfits and a few comforts. The lighting, the posing, and everything else is on me.

Your outfits

Unless your package includes the client closet, outfits are yours to bring. And yes, implied nude counts as a look. My favorite options for every style are below.

A touch-up kit

A brush, hair ties, clips, and whatever you need to refresh your makeup. Accessories welcome too: hats, jewelry, baby shoes, ultrasound photos, anything that feels like you. Most moms pack it all in one big bag.

Water and a snack

You’re growing a human. Eat before your shoot, then bring water and a non-messy snack to keep your energy up. I keep a small stash in the studio, but bring your own to be safe.

For outdoor sessions

Colorado is part of the shoot. Pack outfits in an easy-to-carry bag, wear comfortable slip-on shoes for the trail, and bring a warmer layer than you think you need. A blanket doubles as a private changing room in open spaces.

Session Day, Start to Finish

You arrive. Text me when you’re outside and I’ll meet you at the door. If your package includes hair and makeup, that happens first, 60 to 90 minutes before we start shooting.

We shoot. We start with whatever outfit feels easiest. I guide every single pose, down to your fingertips. By the second look, every mom moves like she’s done this before.

You choose. Your full gallery goes live within 24 to 72 hours. Pick your favorites and I’ll hand-retouch every one.

FAQs

Can I bring my partner?

Absolutely. Partners, moms, best friends, all welcome at no extra charge. The studio has a couch waiting for them.

What if I don’t know how to pose?

No one does, and every single mom is nervous at first. I’ve guided over 500 women through this. I’ll direct every pose, and you’ll see the images on the screen as we go. The nerves never survive the first look.

Do you provide outfits?

The client closet is included with the Signature Collection and Goddess Experience, and available as a $75 add-on with the Glow Session. Otherwise, outfits are yours to bring. Browse the closet at the bottom of this page.

Should I bring shoes?

Don’t stress this one. Barefoot is my most popular look in studio and outdoors. Heels help with posing and sneakers work with the right outfit, but bare feet always photograph beautifully. Just bring walking shoes for outdoor sessions.

Can I upgrade my session on the day of?

Often, yes. If you’re having a great time, ask about extending your shoot or upgrading your package. If my schedule allows, we keep shooting.

What about park or entrance fees?

Entrance and parking fees for outdoor locations are yours to cover. Bring cash, since many Colorado State Parks and open spaces still require it.

What if I’m running late?

Life happens, and pregnancy doubles it. Text me the moment you know you’re behind and I’ll do everything I can. Because sessions often run back to back, arrivals more than 15 minutes late add a $50 late fee, and past 30 minutes we’ll need to reschedule (rescheduling fee applies).

Outfit Ideas, Studio or Outdoors

Form Fit Dress

A solid color form-fit dress can make your bump look amazing. I recommend getting a maternity specific stretchy body con dress. Almost every clothing brand has some version of this.
Matching Bra and Underwear

A matching underwear set is another great option. Neutral colors look best. Also, branded or logo underwear is popular. I would also recommend a few different options in different colors.
Bodysuit

A body suit is also an easy and simple way to highlight your bump. Non maternity brands often look best. Get a size larger than you think you need, we can always clip it to make it fit better.
Belly Cut-Out Dress

This dress has gained popularity! It’s the perfect way to highlight your bump with elegance. Search for a belly cut out dress on Amazon, there are maternity and non-maternity options, both work!
Crop Top

Bring a crop top to match with one of your underwear colors, it’s an easy addition to a look you already have.
Flowy or Maxi Dress

Another simple, easy-to-find style. Look for a maternity-specific dress that’s fitted at the chest with fabric that flows over the bump.
Jacket or Robe

Jean jackets, blazers, robes, and short kimonos can look beautiful with or without underwear.
Maternity Shoot Specific Dress

Lots of brands make maternity photography specific dresses. One of the most popular options is a lacy off the shoulder gown with a split front to show your bump. Search maternity photoshoot dress or gown.
Jeans and Bra

You already have this one! Bring a pair of jeans that you can wear unbuttoned with a lacy or neutral bra.
Fabric

One of the easiest outfits that’s guaranteed to fit. At any fabric store, look for a lace, mesh, or sheer fabric that speaks to you. I will help you style it to look your best!
Something Unique to You!

Don’t forget, it’s your shoot. Bring something you’re passionate about or that you feel makes you unique!
Implied or Covered Nude

The easiest outfit of them all is no outfit. This is a classic and popular style. If you are comfortable, feel free to try implied nude photos. You will still be covered, but be able to show your body in its truest form.

For Your Partner

T-Shirt and Jeans

A solid colored, ironed, T-Shirt will look simple and elegant with any of your outfits.
Flannel or Patterned Button Down

Make sure this shirt fits well. Button downs can easily look boxy. Larger patterns photograph better than smaller ones.
Long Sleeve Sweater

Best for more formal looks. Slightly more form fit is better than too large and loose. Solid colors are always best.
Shirtless

Have him join you showing off the bump! Shirtless can look great in studio if you want a more intimate shoot.

After Your Shoot

Your gallery arrives by email.

Within 24 to 72 hours you’ll get a link to your full gallery. The email comes from mailer@share.pixiesetmail.com, so peek in spam if you don’t see it.

Pick your favorites.

Select the images you’d like retouched right from the gallery. Want more than your package includes? Add as many as you’d like: $40 each, or save with sets of five for $150. Your gallery stays open for 60 days.

I retouch every image by hand.

Allow two to three weeks after your selections. Each image is individually retouched, no presets, which is also why I don’t release unedited files. The finished version is the one worth keeping.

Download, print, share.

Your final gallery includes high-resolution downloads and a private print shop for albums and wall art.

Two small perks

Bonus: refer a friend who books and five free images are yours.

Enjoy your time and photos from Colorado Maternity? A review goes a long way toward helping other moms decide to book. Leave me some honest feedback on Google or Facebook.