Recently, I had the opportunity to photograph an intimate maternity studio session at my Dallas photography studio. It was a little different from my usual DFW maternity sessions, but I ended up absolutely loving the whole experience. The photos turned out so dreamy, and it was such an honor to help this couple capture the authentic beauty of pregnancy in such a private, profound way. I’ve decided I definitely want to shoot more maternity sessions like this! 

If you’re looking to book a Dallas-Fort Worth Maternity Photographer and are curious about an intimate studio session, here is everything you need to know!

What’s the Difference Between a Regular Maternity Session and An Intimate Maternity Studio Session? 

I adore every type of maternity session—from sunlit outdoor sessions to in-home sessions to studio photography. It’s all about what you want out of your photos and capturing the hope and joy of your pregnancy. 

The main difference between this particular session and my usual sessions is the intimate part. Basically, it means we focus a little more on the beautiful changes happening in momma’s body. At an intimate maternity session, it’s okay to show a little skin, wear some flirty lace, and find some sexy poses. I love playing with light and texture and composition to give your photos an airy, romantic, and tastefully sensuous appearance. I like to think of an intimate session as an opportunity to capture the amazing power of the female body—we are capable of growing an entire human being in just nine months! 

My Dallas natural light studio is the perfect setting for an intimate session because it’s private, cozy, and perfectly lit. Because my studio is simple and classic, it allows for unique photographs every time as it keeps the focus on you!

Why Book an Intimate Maternity Studio Session?

Like I said, this was the first time I’d photographed an intimate maternity session, but it made me realize I should be shooting more like it! 

As a momma of two and one on the way, I know firsthand that pregnancy is full of ups and downs. I know that you don’t always feel sexy and that you sometimes can’t wait for pregnancy to end (and not just because you want to hold your sweet baby!). But I also know how precious those first little kicks feel, like butterflies awakening in your tummy. I know that rush of hope and anticipation, warm as sunshine in your heart, when you think about the little person growing inside you. I know there are moments when you realize what a blessing, what a marvel it is to be a mother. 

And that’s why I think intimate maternity sessions are so worth it: in focusing on the beauty of pregnancy, these photos can serve as a cherished reminder of all your body is capable of and all the love that brought your child into existence. 

An intimate maternity session is a chance for you to feel sexy in your changing body. It’s definitely an opportunity to capture the love between you and your partner in a romantic way before baby comes. Finally, I find the shots of momma holding her bare belly to be incredibly maternal, a glimpse of the unique and life-changing love of a mother for her child. 

If I could sit down with every pregnant woman and tell her one thing, I’d tell her that she truly is a goddess in her own right, potent, beautiful, and magnanimous. An intimate maternity session is my chance to share that truth through vibrant and lasting images.

Will an Intimate Session be Awkward?

I know it can sometimes feel a little intimidating to pose for intimate photos—especially when you’re pregnant and maybe uncomfortable! But as your photographer, I strive not only to make you appear beautiful in photos but also to help you feel comfortable throughout the session. 

With this couple’s session, we started out with some simple shots of the couple together and gradually worked our way toward the more intimate and revealing photos. This way, everyone had the chance to grow comfortable in the space and with each other. The whole session ended up being really fun and lighthearted. 

I strive to guide my clients through poses while allowing them to be their authentic selves. If at any time in a session you feel uncomfortable, you can always tell me and we can pause and reassess to make sure the photos are capturing what you want them to portray. 

Finally, as your photographer, I offer a free wardrobe consultation before your session so that you can select pieces that make you look and feel stunning. You even have the opportunity to choose from my exclusive client wardrobe, which includes some gorgeous and romantic maternity-friendly dresses!

When is the Best Time to Schedule an Intimate Maternity Session?

As with all maternity sessions, you’ll want to make sure you’re showing a good amount by the date of your session. Usually, I recommend between weeks 28 and 35 (months 7 and 8) so that your bump is visible but you’re not so close to your due date that it’s getting too uncomfortable. This way, it’s still relatively easy for you to get into various positions—such as on your back (safely) or sitting on the ground—and your bump will be easy to see. 

If you’re looking to book for Fall 2022, I recommend contacting me soon to get on my schedule (my third baby is due in November, so I’m only booking through October). 

I hope this blog helps you decide if an intimate maternity studio session in DFW is right for you.  I will always work with you to give you the maternity photography session of your dreams!

Ana Dufreche is a luxury, lifestyle photographer servicing the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex and its surrounding cities including Plano, Richardson, Frisco, McKinney, Grapevine, Allen and more. She specializes in motherhood, family, and newborn photography. Her sessions take place outdoors, in-home, and at her studio. The ADP studio is located in Downtown Dallas!