Maternity Portraits in Winnetka and Wilmette
Not a pregnancy announcement, but a portrait of the woman you are right now. Most women almost don't book this, and nobody has told me they regret it.
Winnetka · Wilmette · Kenilworth · Glencoe
Maternity Portraits in Winnetka and Wilmette
Not a pregnancy announcement, but a portrait of the woman you are right now. Most women almost don’t book this, and nobody has told me they regret it.
Winnetka · Wilmette · Kenilworth · Glencoe
You may not feel entirely like yourself during pregnancy, and making time for photographs can be easy to put off. Many of the women I photograph tell me they almost didn’t book. Afterward, they’re glad they gave themselves this time.
I want to photograph you in a way that feels comfortable and true to who you are, with room for however you’re feeling that day. You don’t need to arrive glowing or know what to do in front of the camera. We’ll take our time together.
My hope is that these photographs become something you and your child treasure. That twenty years from now, they’ll see you waiting to meet them and get a little glimpse of where your story together began.
How I Photograph
I like to keep these sessions simple, with natural light and the focus on you. You don’t need props or elaborate outfits. I want you to look at your photographs years from now and recognize yourself in them.
We’ll choose a time of day when you tend to feel your best, whether that’s morning, mid afternoon, or before dinner. After twenty years behind a camera, I know where to find beautiful light at different times, so we have room to work around your energy and your day.
I’ll gently guide you as we go. We might walk a little, find somewhere comfortable to sit, or pause where you can lean and rest. You won’t need to figure out what to do with your hands or hold an uncomfortable pose.
And whenever you need a break, we’ll take one. There’s time to rest, have some water, and settle in. Your comfort matters throughout.
When to Book
I usually suggest planning your maternity session between thirty and thirty four weeks, when your bump is beautifully visible and you may still feel comfortable moving around. Every pregnancy is different, though, so we’ll choose a time that feels right for you. If you’re expecting twins or have a history of early delivery, we can plan for earlier.
If you’re already beyond that window, you’re still welcome to reach out. I’ve photographed women at thirty eight weeks who were happy they made the time. We’ll keep your comfort in mind and take things at your pace.
Reaching out around twenty weeks gives us more flexibility to find a date that works for you. If you’d also like newborn photographs, we can reserve time around your due date while we’re planning.
What to Wear
Bring two or three outfits you feel good in, and we’ll choose together once we see the light and surroundings.
Clothes that gently follow your bump, longer silhouettes, and soft fabrics with a little movement tend to photograph beautifully. Solid colors help keep the focus on you. Something you already own and love can be a wonderful choice, so there’s no need to buy anything special.
I usually suggest leaving busy patterns, large logos, and stiff fabrics at home. If you do choose something new, try it on beforehand so you know you can move and sit comfortably.
We’ll talk through your options before the session, so getting dressed feels easy and you arrive feeling comfortable and ready.
Who Else Is in the Frame
Your partner and older children are welcome, and I love including them. There’s something special about capturing your family together as you get ready to welcome someone new. Those photographs often become favorites on the wall.
We’ll also make time for photographs of just you, giving you a little space to pause and enjoy this part of your story.
And if your two year old arrives with plans of their own, that’s okay. We’ll leave room for breaks, cuddles, and a little exploring. There’s time for them to settle in.
What You End Up With
For an individual maternity session, we’ll meet about two weeks afterward to look through your photographs. If you’ve booked maternity and newborn together, we’ll have one ordering appointment about two weeks after your newborn session, where we’ll enjoy photographs from both sessions together.
I’ll help you choose your favorites and explore how you’d like to enjoy them, from an album to framed photographs for your home.
Your albums and framed pieces arrive finished and ready to enjoy. I personally deliver framed artwork within thirty miles of Winnetka at no additional charge. Installation is not included. If you live farther away, we’ll discuss delivery arrangements and any additional cost before you order.
I keep your photographs for as long as CoralBlu Studios operates, with a minimum of five years from your session date. If you’d like another print or album during that time, get in touch and I’ll help you explore the options available at our current prices. Please keep your own backups of any digital photographs you receive, too.
Where We Photograph
I often photograph maternity sessions at Gillson Park in Wilmette, Crow Island Woods in Winnetka, or along the lakefront. I love the open water and beach grass at Gillson and the quiet beneath the oaks at Crow Island.
Your home can be a lovely choice, too, especially toward the end of your pregnancy, when the weather is uncooperative, or when you’d prefer a little more privacy. The morning light in your bedroom and the familiar spaces around you can make these photographs feel especially personal. We’ll choose somewhere you feel comfortable and at ease.
Travel within thirty miles of Winnetka is included. Beyond that area, a $99 travel fee applies. We’ll confirm any location fees or permit requirements before your session.
I photograph maternity sessions throughout Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Glencoe, Northfield, Highland Park, Northbrook, Glenview, Deerfield, and Evanston.
How It Works
1. We Talk
You tell me your due date, we pick a window, and we sort out what you’ll wear.
2. We Meet in Good Light
About an hour, at whatever time of day suits you, outdoors or at home.
3. We Choose Together
We’ll choose your favorite photographs about two weeks after your session. For combined maternity and newborn bookings, we’ll review both sessions together about two weeks after your newborn session.
4. Your Artwork, Delivered
Your albums and framed photographs arrive ready to enjoy. Personal delivery of framed artwork is included within thirty miles of Winnetka.
Investment
Maternity sessions begin with a $500 session fee, which covers our time together, careful editing, and a private appointment where we’ll choose your favorite photographs.
Maternity collections range from $950 to $2,900. Your full session fee is credited toward the collection you choose.
If you’d also like newborn photographs, a combined session fee of $899 covers both sessions and is credited once toward your chosen collection. Combined collections begin at $2,750 and bring photographs from both sessions together in one album.
You’ll see your photographs before choosing a collection. I’ll walk you through the options and help you find what feels right for you.
In Their Words
Questions People Ask
How far along should I be?
Thirty to thirty-four weeks for most women, earlier with twins. If you’re already past it, book anyway.
I don’t feel like myself right now.
Almost everyone says this. It’s the most common reason women put it off and the most common thing they’re glad they ignored. Part of my job is making the hour comfortable enough that you stop thinking about it, and it usually takes about ten minutes.
Can my partner and children come?
Yes, and I’d encourage it. We’ll get frames of everyone and frames of just you.
Do I need to buy a special dress?
No. Bring two or three things you already own and feel good in, and we’ll choose on the day.
What if I go into labor early?
Let me know when you can. Your family comes first, and early delivery won’t cause you to lose your session fee. We’ll talk through what’s possible and arrange a new plan under the maternity and newborn scheduling protections in our Terms and Conditions.
If you’ve booked both sessions and decide to go ahead with only the newborn session, the full $899 remains available as credit toward a newborn collection. Individual newborn collection prices apply, and no portion of the combined session fee is refunded simply because you choose to complete only one session.
Can we do maternity and newborn together?
Yes. We can plan both sessions together, reserving your maternity date and a window around your baby’s due date.
A single session fee of $899 covers both sessions and is credited once toward your chosen collection. Combined collections begin at $2,750 and include photographs from both sessions in one album.
We’ll choose your photographs together at one ordering appointment, about two weeks after your newborn session.