Raleigh Maternity Photographer

Start with the what to wear guide for detailed wardrobe advice — it covers fabric choices, color palettes, and how many outfits to bring. The short version: flowy fabrics in muted or earthy tones that show your bump tend to photograph beautifully. Most mamas bring two to three options and we decide together based on location and light. If you're doing a studio session, having hair and makeup done beforehand elevates the whole gallery — not required, but most mamas who do it are glad they did. You won't figure any of this out alone; the pre-session consultation is where we work through every detail together.

Absolutely, and I love it when they do. Including your partner and older siblings adds real depth and emotion to a maternity gallery. I'll direct everyone so the experience feels natural rather than chaotic. If little ones are joining, plan for slightly longer timing.

Most galleries include 30–60+ fully edited images, depending on how many people are involved. Every image you receive has been individually color-graded and edited.

Yes — both are available. Outdoor sessions using natural golden-hour light. Indoor studio or in-home sessions are wonderful for winter months, or for mamas who want something more intimate and lifestyle-driven. We'll figure out what fits best for you during the beginning emails.

I recommend booking 8–16 weeks before your ideal session window (28–34 weeks). Spring and fall dates fill fastest. If you're further along and hoping to still get in — reach out anyway. Last-minute availability does occasionally open up.

That's the great thing about having a studio. We can move your session indoors.

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the sweet spots for outdoor maternity sessions in the Raleigh area. Spring brings wildflowers, lush greenery, and soft light. Fall offers golden grasses, warm tones, and the most beautiful sunset light of the year. Summer sessions are absolutely doable — we just schedule them for early morning or golden hour to avoid harsh midday light and heat. Winter outdoor sessions can be stunning too, especially in bare-tree wooded areas with a moody, editorial feel.

The sweet spot is 28–34 weeks — this is when your bump is full and beautifully round, you’re typically still comfortable and mobile, and you have enough energy to actually enjoy the session. Most mamas feel their best during this window. If you’re past 34 weeks and haven’t booked yet, don’t panic — reach out anyway. I’ve photographed stunning sessions at 36 and even 37 weeks. The key is getting on the calendar before baby decides to arrive early.

Not at all — 32 weeks is actually right in the middle of the ideal window. At 32 weeks your bump is beautifully full and round, you’re typically still comfortable moving and posing, and you have plenty of time before delivery to receive and order your gallery. Many of my most stunning maternity sessions have been at 32–33 weeks. If anything, waiting too long is the more common mistake.

This is one I feel strongly about. Pregnancy moves fast — it feels endless in the moment, but once your baby is here, those weeks blur together almost immediately. The maternity photos you invest in now become some of the most treasured images you’ll ever own. I’ve had clients reach out years later, long after their babies became toddlers and then school-age kids, just to say thank you for those photos. You can always take more family photos later. You only get one chance to document this specific season. It’s worth it.

Michelle Gunton Photography maternity sessions begin at $450 + tax and include a personalized pre-session consultation, up to 60 minutes of photography, professional editing, and online gallery delivery with full print release. Studio wardrobe access is available as an add-on. See full pricing details for current package options including maternity and newborn combinations.

The Raleigh area has some genuinely beautiful options depending on the look you’re going for. Top outdoor locations include Dorothea Dix Park for wide open fields and skyline views, JC Raulston Arboretum for lush garden settings, E. Carroll Joyner Park in Wake Forest for meadows and tree lines, and open fields near Louisburg for a cinematic golden hour feel. My studio in Youngsville — just north of Raleigh — is also available for studio sessions and is where the majority of my maternity sessions take place. During your consultation we’ll decide together which location fits your vision, timing, and due date.

Yes — and it's one of my favorite things to coordinate. When I photograph your maternity session and then your newborn session, there's a visual continuity that you simply can't replicate with two different photographers. The editing style matches, the experience is familiar, and you end up with a cohesive story from bump to baby. See how newborn sessions work so you know what to expect from both.

You’ll receive a full prep guide after booking that walks you through everything in detail. The short version: start thinking about wardrobe early (flowy fabrics, muted or earthy tones, and silhouettes that show your bump tend to photograph beautifully), stay hydrated and rest well the day before, and plan to arrive without rushing. If you’re doing a studio session, consider having your hair and makeup done beforehand — it’s not required, but many mamas love feeling extra polished for their gallery. Most importantly: plan to enjoy yourself. The best maternity photos happen when you’re relaxed and present, not stressed about getting the perfect pose.

Yes — and I’d argue this is exactly when you should do them. I say this with complete sincerity: almost every mama who walks into a session feeling self-conscious walks out having seen herself in a way she never expected. Pregnancy is powerful, and the camera has a way of showing you what you can’t always see in the mirror. My job is to find your light, guide you into positions that feel natural and look beautiful, and create a

Absolutely — and I want to say this clearly: my studio wardrobe, my posing approach, and my editing style are all designed to work beautifully across every body type. I photograph mamas of all sizes and shapes, and I approach every session the same way: finding the angles, light, and movement that make you feel like yourself. If you have questions or specific concerns going into your session, bring them up during the consultation. Nothing is off limits to discuss.