session guide for maternity, newborn, and family sessions
more about me >
Hey, I’m Lexus, the mama behind Timeless Moments Photography. I
specialize in maternity, newborn, and family photography, capturing
the moments that make this season of life so special.
Through this guide, I’ll help you know what to expect and feel prepared
for your session, so you can relax and enjoy the experience. Because I
know you’re busy, I’ll keep it simple and give you everything you need
to know in one place.
hi im lexus
Meet the photographer
Photos are more than keepsakes. They’re treasures that grow more valuable with time. They freeze moments that might otherwise fade into memory. Imagine looking back years from now and remembering the excitement of expecting your baby, the tiny details of the newborn days, or the connection that defines your family today.
Photography isn’t just about what you look like; it’s about capturing who you are and the season of life you’re in. My aim is to create images that feel alive and evoke the emotions of this chapter in your lives.
WHY THESE PHOTOS TRULY MATTER
Getting ready for your session can be simple and stress-free with a little
preparation. Here’s how to set the stage for a smooth and enjoyable
experience:
ARRIVE A FEW MINUTES EARLY: Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early so everyone can use the restroom, fix hair or outfits, and settle in before we start. It helps the session begin feeling calm instead of rushed.
DON'T STRESS ABOUT THE KIDS: Kids don't need to smile perfectly or sit still. I'll guide them through movement and interaction, and the best photos usually happen in between the posed moments. Your job is simply to enjoy being with your family.
BRING A FEW ESSENTIALS: Pack water, wipes, tissues, and a small, non-messy snack for little ones. Bring a meaningful item like an ultrasound photo, heirloom blanket, favorite book, or stuffed animal to personalize your session.
COORDINATE OUTFITS: Choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. Soft tones and complementary colors photograph beautifully, but the most important thing is choosing something that feels like you.
Getting ready for your session can be simple and stress-free with a little
preparation. Here’s how to set the stage for a smooth and enjoyable experience:
ARRIVE A FEW MINUTES EARLY: Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early so everyone can use the restroom, fix hair or outfits, and settle in before we start. It helps the session begin feeling calm instead of rushed.
DON'T STRESS ABOUT THE KIDS: Kids don't need to smile perfectly or sit still. I'll guide them through movement and interaction, and the best photos usually happen in between the posed moments. Your job is simply to enjoy being with your family.
BRING A FEW ESSENTIALS: Pack water, wipes, tissues, and a small, non-messy snack for little ones. Bring a meaningful item like an ultrasound photo, heirloom blanket, favorite book, or stuffed animal to personalize your session.
COORDINATE OUTFITS: Choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. Soft tones and complementary colors photograph beautifully, but the most important thing is choosing something that feels like you.
Things to do before your session
- It is best to start with mom’s outfit and style the family around her.
- Stick to neutral colors such as whites, beiges, creams, browns, olives, etc.
- Avoid loud patterns, neon colors, or clothing with large logos.
- Avoid everyone wearing the same exact thing and/or colors.
Seasonal Styling Tips
- Spring/Summer: Light fabrics like linen or cotton. Think flowing dresses and casual shirts.
- Fall/Winter: Layered looks with cozy knits, boots, and scarves. Rich tones like mustard, maroon, and forest green work beautifully.
what to wear for your session
> Earthy & Organic
> Warm & Inviting
> Light, Soft & Airy
Choosing the right colors for your session can help create cohesive, timeless photos. The colors you choose can enhance the mood of your images and help everything feel balanced and natural. Here are some color palette ideas that photograph beautifully for maternity, newborn, and family sessions.
COLOR PALETTE
Looking for the perfect dress? Explore my guide to finding beautiful maternity dresses to help you feel confident and comfortable during your session.
VIEW THE GUIDE >
Soft, natural fabrics photograph beautifully. Choose linen, cotton, muslin, or gauze for a timeless look with gentle movement. Simple textures and subtle patterns add interest without taking attention away from your family.
Avoid shiny fabrics, stiff materials, heavy knits, bold graphics, and busy patterns. Quality fabrics with soft textures create a polished look that keeps the focus on your connection.
TEXTURES AND FABRICS
- Golden Hour: The hour after sunrise or before sunset. This is the most popular time for outdoor sessions because the light is soft, warm, and flattering.
- Mid-Morning: Bright, even light that's perfect for families with early risers or newborns who do best earlier in the day.
- Midday: Don't let the midday sun scare you! With the right location and careful positioning, beautiful photos are absolutely possible even in full sun.
- In-Home: Midday is typically ideal for lifestyle sessions at home, as it allows us to take advantage of the most natural light streaming through your windows.
timing and location for your session
Finding the right time and place for your session helps set the tone for your photos. Whether you're drawn to lush greenery, a sandy beach, or something a little more unique, we'll choose a location that fits your vision and beautifully reflects this season of life. Below are some of my favorite spots to help inspire you as you plan your session.
Aripeka Sandhills Preserve
Philippe Park
Eagles Park
Eureka Springs Park
Upham Beach
Sand Key Beach
Hillsborough River State Park
John B Sargeant Sr Park
Bonnet Springs Park
USF Botanical Gardens
Florida Botanical Gardens
Not sure where to have your photos taken? Browse my favorite maternity photo locations around the Tampa Bay area to find the perfect backdrop for your session.
RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS
See My Favorite Locations >
Sneak Peek
Within 48 hours of your session, I’ll send you a sneak peek of 5-10 edited photos. This gives you a glimpse of the magic captured during your session while you wait for the full gallery!
Editing & Final Gallery
I will begin editing your images right away! This process typically takes 2-3
weeks, as I carefully select and enhance the best photos from your session.
Final Deliverables
Once I am done editing your images, I’ll send you the high-resolution digital files for easy download.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE SESSION
Whether you’re celebrating your pregnancy, welcoming a new baby, or capturing your family as it is right now, I’m so honored to be a part of it.
Photography is about more than creating beautiful images. It’s
about preserving the moments, connections, and little details of this season so you can look back on them for years to come.
Thank you for trusting me to capture these memories for you. I truly can’t wait to create something meaningful together.
