What to Expect From Your Maternity Session

If you’re looking for a Lowell maternity photographer, you don’t have to travel far to find a photographer who can create beautiful, timeless portraits while attempting to make the whole experience as painless as possible.

Pregnancy is weird.

Your body is doing things you didn’t know bodies could do. You are growing an actual human. You may be exhausted, uncomfortable, hungry again five minutes after eating, and somehow still expected to function like a normal person.

And yet, this is also one of those seasons of life that goes by ridiculously fast.

That’s where maternity photography comes in.

I’m Kerri, the photographer behind Nutter Photography in Nashua, NH. I photograph maternity, newborn, and family sessions for families throughout Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts, including families from Lowell and the surrounding communities.

And yes, I know that getting your picture taken while pregnant can feel a little intimidating.

My goal is to make it easier.

You might be thinking, “Do I really need maternity photos?”

Honestly? You don’t NEED them.

You also don’t need to organize your baby’s clothes by size. You don’t need to take 4,000 pictures of their tiny toes. You don’t need to stare at them while they sleep and wonder how something so small managed to completely take over your life.

But you might want to.

Pregnancy is a short chapter. Even when it feels like it has been going on for approximately 900 years.

Maternity photos give you the chance to remember this stage before your baby arrives. Your body is growing a whole human, that is a pretty incredible task. One that they don’t give you a trophy for but that deserves one! Maternity sessions capture your growing family, your relationship with your partner, and the anticipation of meeting the little person you’ve been waiting for. They are the trophy you deserve for all of the acid reflux, the 9 months without a ham sandwich, and 3 rounds of early morning pee breaks.

Whether this is your first baby or you’re adding another child to an already chaotic household, every pregnancy is different.

A Lowell Maternity Photographer Close to Home

Families in Lowell don’t necessarily need to find a photographer directly in Lowell to have a beautiful maternity photography experience.

Nutter Photography is based in Nashua, NH, making it a convenient option for families in Lowell and throughout Northern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire.

I offer maternity sessions in my Nashua studio as well as outdoor maternity sessions at locations throughout the area.

If you’re looking for a Lowell maternity photographer, I’m happy to help you plan a session that fits the look you have in mind.

Some families love the simplicity of a studio session. Others prefer an outdoor setting with beautiful natural scenery.

There isn’t one “right” way to do maternity photos.

There is only the way that feels right for you.

Most maternity sessions take place during the third trimester, often around 30–36 weeks.

That said, there is no magic pregnancy week that works perfectly for everyone.

Some moms show earlier. Some show later. Some feel amazing at 34 weeks. Others are ready to evict the tiny tenant at 30 weeks.

Every pregnancy is different.

I typically recommend planning your maternity session in advance so we can choose a date that works well for you and gives us some flexibility if needed.

If you are expecting twins or multiples, you may want to schedule your session earlier.

The most important thing is choosing a time when you feel comfortable and your bump is beautifully visible.

What Happens During a Maternity Photography Session?

One of the biggest concerns I hear from people who have never had professional portraits taken is:

“What am I supposed to do?”

Luckily, you don’t have to know.

That’s my job.

I will guide you through poses and help you figure out what to do with your hands, where to look, and how to stand so you aren’t stuck wondering what you’re supposed to be doing for the next hour.

Maternity sessions can include a combination of:

• Individual maternity portraits
• Partner portraits
• Family portraits
• Sibling photos
• Close-up portraits
• Classic posed images
• More artistic and dramatic portraits

I love creating a mix of images so you have plenty of options to choose from.

And if you have a specific idea you’ve been dreaming about, tell me.

Pinterest is allowed.

I promise.

What Should You Wear for Maternity Photos?

You do not have to show up in a flowy maternity dress just because that’s what you’ve seen on Pinterest.

Although, if you want to wear one, go for it.

I have maternity gowns available for clients to use during their sessions, and we can talk through wardrobe options when we plan your session.

The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident.

Some moms want something elegant and fitted that shows off their bump.

Others prefer something soft and flowing.

Some want a more dramatic, fine-art look.

And some just want to look like themselves, except slightly more polished than they feel after spending the day Googling whether every random pregnancy symptom is normal.

All are welcome here.

Should Your Partner and Children Be Included?

Absolutely.

While some moms choose to have a portion of their maternity session focused entirely on themselves, I also love incorporating partners and children.

After all, this isn’t just about your belly.

It’s about your family.

Your partner can be included in portraits that celebrate the two of you before your family grows.

If you have older children, we can include them in the session as well.

This is especially meaningful if you’re documenting the transition from one child to two, two to three, or however many tiny humans you’re adding to your family.

And yes, I understand that children do not always cooperate with our carefully planned photography schedules.

I have four kids.

I know.

We will work with them.

We will take breaks when necessary.

And we will probably laugh at least once when someone decides that the exact moment we need a beautiful family portrait is the perfect time to cut the cheese.

That’s life.

And that’s okay.

What If You Want Maternity and Newborn Photos?

Many families choose to document both pregnancy and those first days with their new baby.

Maternity photos tell the story of the anticipation.

Newborn photos tell the story of what happened next.

If you’re looking for a Lowell maternity photographer because you’re expecting a baby, it may make sense to think about your newborn photos at the same time.

You can learn more about my newborn photography here:

Newborn sessions can include:

• Your baby
• Parents with baby
• Siblings with baby
• Full family portraits
• Individual newborn portraits
• Details like tiny fingers and toes

I recommend booking newborn photography during pregnancy whenever possible. Newborn sessions are typically photographed within the first few weeks after birth, so planning ahead gives us the best chance of finding a date that works around your baby’s arrival.

And because babies apparently don’t care about our calendars, I also understand that due dates are estimates—not appointments.

From Maternity to Newborn and Beyond

One of my favorite things about being a photographer is getting to see families grow.

Maybe I photograph your maternity session.

Then your newborn session.

Then your baby’s six-month milestone.

Then their first birthday.

And eventually I’m wondering how the tiny newborn I photographed is suddenly walking around telling me what cake they want for their cake smash.

Time is rude like that.

If you’re interested in documenting your baby’s first year, I also offer milestone and baby photography sessions.

Your maternity session can be the beginning of a collection of portraits that tells the story of your growing family.

Looking for a Lowell Maternity Photographer?

If you’re searching for a Lowell maternity photographer, I would love to help you plan a session that feels like you.

Nutter Photography is based in Nashua, NH, and serves families throughout Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts.

I offer both studio and outdoor maternity photography, and I will help you plan everything from the location and wardrobe to the poses and overall style of your session.

You don’t need to know how to pose.

You don’t need to have a Pinterest-worthy family.

You don’t even need to be particularly comfortable in front of the camera.

You just need to show up.

I’ll take care of the rest.

Pregnancy doesn’t last forever.

The sleepless nights might feel like they do.

But the bump? That part goes by much faster than you think.

Let’s make sure you remember it.

Ready to plan your maternity session?

Contact Nutter Photography to get started:

If you’re interested in an outdoor maternity session, Lowell has plenty of beautiful parks and outdoor spaces that can provide a great backdrop for family photos. You can explore local parks and recreation options through the City of Lowell Parks & Recreation Department.