YOUR MATERNITY WELCOME GUIDE

Welcome to YOUR BEACH MATERNITY EXPERIENCE

I’m so happy you’re here.

Firstly, thank you for trusting me to capture this chapter for you. Pregnancy is such a fleeting, powerful season, and creating space to slow down and honour it is something truly special.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know ahead of your maternity session, so you can arrive feeling relaxed, prepared and excited for what’s to come.

Relaxed maternity photography on Sandbanks beach, Dorset

what to expect

Your maternity session is designed to feel natural, relaxed, and completely unforced.

We’ll meet at the beach during golden hour, when the light is soft, warm and incredibly flattering. There’s no pressure to pose or perform, I’ll guide you gently throughout so everything feels easy and natural.

Most of my clients tell me they quickly forget they’re even having their photo taken.

Think of it as a quiet evening by the sea… just with me there to capture it for you.

A few days before your shoot, I’ll be in touch to confirm final details, including timing and our exact meeting spot.

If you have any questions at all in the lead-up, you’re always welcome to reach out. I’m here to help you feel completely at ease going into your session.

before your beach session

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Sandbanks Dorset newborn photographer
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Couples maternity photoshoot at the beach in Dorset

EVERYTHING YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING

  • The overall feel is soft, neutral and effortless.

    Neutral tones and earthy colours always photograph best, keeping everything calm and timeless.

    For a little inspiration, I’ve created a Pinterest board you can explore here:
    https://pin.it/34t8ikgGK

    There’s no pressure to recreate anything exactly, they’re simply there to give you a feel for what works beautifully in this setting.

  • You don’t need to bring much at all, this is designed to feel really simple and relaxed.

    I recommend arriving in footwear that’s easy to slip on and off, as we’ll usually shoot barefoot on the beach. Bare feet help keep everything feeling natural and grounded in the sand.

    It can also be helpful to bring:

    • A warm layer for in between photos, especially if it’s breezy

    • Water to stay comfortable throughout

    • Anything that helps you feel at ease (a hairbrush, lip balm, etc.)

    That’s really all you need, everything else is taken care of.

  • If the weather isn’t suitable (heavy rain or strong winds), we’ll simply reschedule.

    There’s always flexibility built in for this reason, so there’s no need to worry. Cloudy skies and light rain can still be incredibly beautiful and soft, so sessions often go ahead even without full sunshine.

  • This is completely normal.

    Almost everyone feels this way beforehand, especially if they’re not used to being in front of the camera.

    You don’t need to know how to pose or what to do. I’ll gently guide you throughout and within minutes it usually starts to feel natural and easy.

  • The beach car park is here: https://share.google/UmGAHyUswPgaQNDjv

    Parking in the area can be paid for using the RingGo app, or directly at the machine using your card.

    I recommend allowing a little extra time to park and short walk to our meeting point so we can start your session feeling relaxed.

  • Public toilets are located next to the main car park at Sandbanks Beach.

    Opening times:

    • Late May – 10 September: 7:00am – 10:00pm

    • 1 April – late May: open between 8:00–9:00am, close between 7:00–8:00pm

    • 11 September – 31 October: open between 8:00–9:00am, close between 7:00–8:00pm

    • 1 November – 31 March: open between 8:00–9:00am, close between 4:30–6:00pm

  • If needed, you can get changed in the public toilets at Sandbanks Beach (subject to opening hours).

    Alternatively, I can help you find a quiet, discreet spot on the beach for a quick change.

  • The remaining balance is due by the day of your session, as detailed on your invoice.

Sandbanks maternity photographer
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after your session

After your session, I’ll carefully select and edit your images in my signature style.

You’ll then receive your gallery where you can view your full collection and choose your favourite images.

From here, you’ll also have the option to choose from a small collection of fine art products designed to help you preserve your images beautifully.

I’ll guide you through everything available when your gallery is ready, so you can choose what feels right for you.

Many families choose to continue their story with a newborn session back at the beach, once your baby arrives. I always keep space aside for returning clients so you’re never left struggling for availability during those early weeks.

This season is fleeting.

In the middle of preparing for your baby, it’s so easy to let this time pass without really pausing to take it in.

This is your chance to slow down.
To breathe deeply.
To connect with your baby.

And to have something beautiful to look back on, long after this chapter has passed.

I can’t wait to meet you at the beach.

Sophie x

final note