Preparation Guide
We’re so excited to photograph this special chapter of your journey.
To help your session run smoothly, please take a few minutes to go through the following guide before your shoot.
1. Outfit Selection
Our studio offers a curated collection of maternity gowns and outfits for your session.
Please shortlist 2–4 outfits from our collection and send me screenshots of your favourites before the shoot. This helps me plan the setups and ensure everything is ready for your session.
You can browse our Client Closet here:
https://www.akankshamasih.photography/clientcloset/
You do not need to make a final decision immediately. We can try the shortlisted outfits on the day of the shoot and decide what looks best on you.
You are also welcome to bring your own outfits for the session. However, the number of outfits photographed will be as per the package you have booked, regardless of whether the outfits are from our client closet or your personal collection.
Planning Your Partner’s Outfit
Once you’ve shortlisted your outfits, your partner can plan clothing that complements or matches the colours of your selected looks.
If unsure, your partner is welcome to bring a few outfit options, and we can decide on the best combinations during the shoot.
Partner Outfit Guidelines
For the best photographs, we recommend:
• Plain shirts or solid-coloured T-shirts
• Formal trousers, chinos, or well-fitted jeans
• Neutral and timeless colours
Please avoid:
• Large logos
• Busy patterns or heavy prints
• Bright graphics or distracting text
• Sportswear whenever possible
Simple, classic clothing always photographs best.
2. Footwear
Please bring a clean pair of shoes specifically for the photoshoot.
The shoes worn while travelling to the studio will not be used for the session.
Before packing your footwear, please wipe the soles clean with a wet cloth or wet wipe to prevent marks on our seamless paper backdrops and studio sets.
For maternity clients, elegant footwear works best. Please avoid sports shoes unless specifically planned for a particular look.
3. Lingerie & Undergarments
Please carry:
• Skin-coloured seamless underwear
• A nude/skin-coloured strapless bra
• Stick-on bra or boob tape if required for your shortlisted outfits
• Any shapewear you normally wear and feel comfortable in
Please avoid high-waisted maternity panties, as the waistband can sometimes show through fitted gowns.
Many of our gowns feature corset backs or stretchable designs, so sizing adjustments can usually be made comfortably during the session.
4. Hair, Makeup & Nails
Professional hair and makeup is included in selected packages. If your package includes hair and makeup, one hairstyle and makeup look is included.
If you would like multiple hairstyles or makeup changes during the session, please let us know in advance. Any additional charges can be paid directly to the makeup artist.
Nails
Your hands are featured prominently in maternity portraits, especially during close-up belly shots.
We recommend:
• Clean, well-groomed nails
• Fresh manicure or nail paint or press-ons (optional)
• Neutral or classic shades that complement most outfits
Partners should also ensure their nails are trimmed and clean.
5. Traditional Saree Looks
If you are planning a traditional saree look, please bring:
• Saree
• Matching blouse
• Matching jewellery and accessories
• Underskirt or shapewear
• Safety pins and any required accessories
• Fresh flowers for your hair (optional, if desired)
Please note that the studio does not provide blouses or traditional jewellery.
We also have a few saree options available in our client closet. If you would like to use one of them, you will need to bring your own matching blouse.
For saree photographs, we strongly recommend wearing shapewear rather than a traditional cotton petticoat, as it provides a cleaner and more flattering silhouette.
6. Jewellery
For western gowns and dresses, simple jewellery generally photographs best.
Examples:
• Stud earrings
• Delicate necklaces
• Simple bracelets or rings
Avoid overly large or distracting accessories unless they are intentionally part of your chosen look.
7. Special Personal Items
If you would like to include meaningful items in your photographs, please bring them along.
Examples:
• Baby ultrasound/scan printouts
• Baby shoes
• Name boards or name plaques
• Personal heirlooms
• Special gifts or keepsakes
8. Set & Styling Preferences
If you have any specific ideas, inspiration images, or Pinterest references you’d like incorporated into your session, please send screenshots beforehand.
We’ll discuss what is possible and plan the session accordingly.
9. Session Planning
To ensure a smooth and relaxed experience, we recommend keeping the day of your photoshoot free from other appointments, events, or commitments.
Photoshoots often take longer than expected, especially with outfit changes, hair touch-ups, and breaks in between. Keeping your schedule flexible allows us to create the best possible experience without feeling rushed.
10. Arrival Time Policy
Please arrive on time for your session.
Your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you, and late arrivals reduce shooting time, outfit changes, and overall variety in your final gallery.
To ensure fairness to all clients and maintain our schedule, a surcharge of 20% of the package value will be applicable for arrivals more than 15 minutes after the scheduled appointment time.
We highly recommend leaving early and accounting for traffic so you can enjoy a relaxed and stress-free experience.
Studio Location
Our studio is located on the 2nd Floor above the Suruchi Veg Hotel and Trending Style Saloon.
Studio Location:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Hv2zL9p9HFTzpizn6?g_st=ic
If you have any difficulty locating the studio, please feel free to call me when you are nearby and I’ll be happy to guide you.
We look forward to creating beautiful memories for you and your family!
✅ Maternity Photoshoot Quick Checklist
Please check these before leaving for your session
Outfit Planning
☐ Shortlisted 2–4 outfits from the Client Closet
☐ Sent screenshots of shortlisted outfits to Akanksha
☐ Packed any personal outfits I want photographed
☐ Partner has packed outfits that match my selected looks
Footwear
☐ Packed clean shoes for the photoshoot
☐ Cleaned shoe soles before packing
☐ Packed heels/footwear for maternity gowns (if required)
Lingerie & Undergarments
☐ Nude/skin-coloured strapless bra
☐ Skin-coloured seamless underwear
☐ Stick-on bra or boob tape (if required)
☐ Shapewear (if using)
Hair, Makeup & Nails
☐ Hair washed and ready for styling
☐ Nails clean and groomed
☐ Press-on Nails (optional)
☐ Partner’s nails trimmed and clean
☐ Saved inspiration photos (if any)
Saree Look (If Applicable)
☐ Saree
☐ Matching blouse
☐ Matching jewellery
☐ Underskirt or shapewear
☐ Safety pins
☐ Fresh flowers (optional)
Jewellery & Accessories
☐ Earrings
☐ Necklace
☐ Bangles/bracelets
☐ Rings
Special Items (Optional)
☐ Ultrasound scan printouts
☐ Baby shoes
☐ Name board/plaque
☐ Keepsakes or heirlooms
☐ Any personal props
Before Leaving Home
☐ Studio location checked
☐ Left early to account for traffic
☐ No other appointments planned after the shoot
☐ Phone fully charged
☐ Ready to enjoy the experience ❤️
Studio Address
📍 2nd Floor above Suruchi Veg Hotel
📍 Studio Location: