What Should I Bring to My Maternity Session? (Seattle & Everett Guide)

If you’re wondering what to bring to your maternity session, you are definitely not alone.

This is one of the first questions most expecting moms ask — especially when they’re already juggling appointments, nursery prep, and everyday life.

The good news? If you’re working with a fully prepared studio maternity photographer, you likely need far less than you think.

As an Everett maternity photographer serving families across Seattle and Snohomish County, I’ve designed my process to remove as much guesswork as possible so you can walk into your session feeling calm and confident.

The Short Answer: Keep It Simple

Most Seattle and Everett moms are pleasantly surprised by how little they actually need to bring.

At IJ Photo, your maternity session already includes:

• Access to 70+ maternity wardrobe pieces

• Professional studio lighting

• Guided posing

• A clean, comfortable studio environment

• Water and snacks are available at the studio

Because so much is prepared for you, your personal packing list is refreshingly short.

If you’d like to see how sessions are styled, you can explore my Everett Maternity Photography experience.

What You SHOULD Bring to Your Maternity Session

Here is the simple checklist I recommend for most moms.

Nude or Skin-Tone Undergarments

This is the most important item.

Bring:

• nude or skin-tone underwear

• a strapless bra (strongly recommended)

These work best under the studio wardrobe and help create clean, seamless lines in your final images.

Jewelry You Love

If you typically wear meaningful or everyday jewelry, bring it along.

Simple pieces often photograph beautifully, such as:

• wedding rings

• delicate necklaces

• small earrings

• meaningful bracelets

The goal is to keep the look elegant and timeless.

Nude and/or Matching Heels (If They Still Fit)

Shoes are optional for many studio poses, but heels can elevate certain standing images.

If comfortable, you may bring:

• nude heels

• neutral heels

• coordinating shoes you love

Many Seattle-area moms choose comfort first — and that is always perfectly okay.

Your Partner and/or Children (If They’ll Be Photographed)

If you plan to include family members in your maternity photos, be sure they come ready for their portion of the session.

Family images are always optional, but many parents love including this moment of connection before the baby arrives.

Please provide wardrobe for your partner and children since I do not have these in my collection. I am happy to suggest outfit ideas that coordinate with the dresses you plan to wear.

What You Do NOT Need to Bring

One of the biggest sources of relief for moms is realizing what they can leave at home.

You typically do not need to bring:

• maternity dresses

• fabrics or wraps

• studio props

• backdrops

• snacks or drinks

Your Everett maternity photography session is designed to be fully prepared so you can avoid unnecessary stress.

Why the Studio Wardrobe Makes Things So Much Easier

Choosing what to wear is one of the biggest sources of decision fatigue during pregnancy.

That’s exactly why my Everett studio includes access to a curated maternity wardrobe with more than 70 pieces available.

Seattle and Snohomish County moms consistently tell me they love:

• not having to shop while pregnant

• knowing styles photograph beautifully

• having guidance on what fits best

• creating a cohesive, elevated look

For many families, this is one of the biggest stress reducers in the entire experience.

Planning Ahead: The Bump-to-Baby Option

If you're already thinking about both maternity and newborn photos, many parents choose to reserve everything at once through the Bump-to-Baby bundle.

Families love this because:

• both sessions are planned early

• wardrobe is already included

• newborn styling is prepared

• same-day ordering is built in

It’s often the simplest path for busy Seattle-area parents who want both milestones beautifully documented.

A Comfortable Studio Experience for Seattle & Everett Moms

My Everett maternity photography studio is located just minutes off I-5, making it an easy drive for families coming from:

• Seattle

• Bothell

• Lynnwood

• Mill Creek

• Marysville

• throughout Snohomish County

From the moment you arrive, the goal is simple: help you feel comfortable, guided, and completely taken care of.

If you're looking for an Everett maternity photographer who serves Seattle families and removes the guesswork from your session, you can contact me and I’ll help you plan your session.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for maternity photos should never feel overwhelming.

With the right studio support, most moms only need to bring a few personal basics while everything else is thoughtfully handled for them.

If you’re unsure what to pack or how to prepare, I’m always happy to guide you so your session feels relaxed, confident, and truly enjoyable.