Your Essential Maternity Session Checklist: Preparing for the Perfect Photo Shoot

You’ve scheduled your maternity session, and we’ve completed your in-home fitting and styling appointment—now it’s time to prepare for your big day! What are some things you need to do before your session to ensure everything goes smoothly and you feel your absolute best? This checklist will guide you through the final steps leading up to your maternity photoshoot so you can relax and enjoy the experience.

1. Choose the Right Undergarments

• Many of the gowns I provide are off-the-shoulder, so be sure to bring a well-fitting strapless bra to ensure a seamless look in your photos.

• Keep in mind that you may be changing in public areas, so wearing something like maternity Spanx or shapewear can help you feel more comfortable.

2. Schedule Hair and Makeup

• You may want to treat yourself to professional hair and makeup for your session. Schedule this appointment well in advance. I have several stylist that I have worked with in the past if you would like a recommendation. It can also help to have specific images ready on how you would like your hair and makeup to look.

3. Get Your Nails Done

• Your hands will be prominent in many of your photos, whether cradling your baby bump or holding your partner's hand. Make sure your nails look polished and well-groomed to complement your overall look. A neutral or classic color is always a great choice!

4. Prepare Your Outfits

• I will bring the gowns and accessories we selected for you during your in-home fitting.

• Make sure to prepare the outfits we discussed for the rest of the family well in advance. Once you have everything together, send me photos so I can review them and let you know if anything may not work well with the chosen gowns.

5. Plan Your Footwear

• Wear comfortable shoes to your session, especially if we’ll be walking to a scenic location. However, bring a pair of heels to change into for some elegant, styled shots. The right footwear can elevate your look while ensuring you stay comfortable.

• If your children are participating in the session, make sure they wear neutral or plain shoes rather than bright ones with characters, which can be distracting in photos.

6. Prepare Your Skin

• Consider a gentle skincare routine leading up to your session. Hydrate and moisturize to achieve that glowing skin look.

7. Get Plenty of Rest

• Ensure you’re well-rested leading up to the day of the shoot. A good night’s sleep can help you feel more energized and look your best.

8. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

• On the day of your shoot, drink plenty of water (but not too close to your session time) and eat a light meal. This will help you feel comfortable and energized.

9. Leave Extra Time in Your Day

• To ensure a relaxed and enjoyable experience, plan for extra time in your schedule on the day of your session. Assume that everything—getting ready, traveling, and last-minute adjustments—will take 15-20 minutes longer than expected. Giving yourself this buffer will help you arrive feeling calm and unhurried, ready to enjoy your session.

10. Relax and Enjoy the Moment

• Finally, remember to take a deep breath and enjoy the experience. This is a special time in your life, and your maternity session should be a celebration of that journey.

Conclusion

Preparing for your maternity session can be a fun and exciting process! By following this checklist, you’ll ensure that you’re well-prepared and can focus on enjoying your time in front of the camera. Embrace this beautiful chapter of your life, and let your personality shine through in your photos!

Ready to start planning your session? Contact me for more details!

Jennifer Tavera is a Luxury family, maternity photographer in Denver Colorado who specializes in creating an experience that will make mom feel comfortable, papered, and beautiful so she will be excited to turn her portraits into art for her home. Sessions are available outdoors all over the Denver and Boulder area and beautiful mountain locations.

The Ideal Time to Book Your Maternity Portrait Session: Why 28 to 36 Weeks is Best

As a Denver area maternity photographer for the past 17 years, and as a mom of 5 myself, I know that capturing the beauty of pregnancy through maternity portraits is a cherished experience for expectant mothers. As you prepare for this exciting new chapter in your life, it’s important to consider the timing of your photoshoot. The optimal window for booking your maternity session is between 28 and 36 weeks. Here’s why this timeframe is ideal and why you should reach out to your photographer by 20 weeks to secure your spot.

The Perfect Baby Bump

Between 28 and 36 weeks, your baby bump is typically at its most prominent and beautiful. During this period, you’ll have a lovely roundness that showcases the miracle of life growing inside you, while still being comfortable enough to pose and move around. Many mothers find that they feel their best during this time, embracing their changing bodies and the anticipation of welcoming their new baby.

Timing for Comfort and Energy

As you approach your due date, physical discomfort and fatigue may increase, making it harder to fully enjoy a photoshoot. By scheduling your session earlier, you can avoid the stress and discomfort that can come in the final weeks of pregnancy. Capturing your maternity portraits before the last few weeks allows you to feel more energetic and confident, resulting in beautiful images that reflect your joy and excitement.

Scheduling and Availability

Photographers often have busy schedules, especially during peak seasons for maternity sessions. By contacting your photographer by 20 weeks, you ensure that you have ample time to discuss your vision, choose the perfect location, and plan for any wardrobe adjustments. This early booking gives you the necessary time to schedule a fitting appointment and coordinate outfits for any family members who will be joining you in the session.

Customizing Your Experience

When you reach out early, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with your photographer on the details of your session. Whether you’re dreaming of an enchanting outdoor mountain shoot or a spot closer to home, booking in advance allows you to tailor the experience to fit your unique style and preferences. Plus, discussing your ideas early on means you can plan for any potential weather-related changes or special requests, like incorporating props or specific themes.

Capturing the Moment

Maternity portraits are more than just pictures; they are a celebration of the love and anticipation surrounding the arrival of your little one. By choosing to schedule your session between 28 and 36 weeks, you’re allowing your photographer to capture this fleeting moment in time beautifully. You’ll be able to look back on these images and remember the excitement, love, and joy you felt as you prepared to welcome your new addition into the world.

In Conclusion

Booking your maternity portrait session between 28 and 36 weeks is the best way to ensure you capture the beauty of this special time in your life. Don’t forget to reach out to your photographer by 20 weeks to get everything scheduled. This early planning will allow you to enjoy the experience fully and create lasting memories that you and your family will cherish for years to come. Embrace this beautiful journey and let your maternity portraits tell the story of your love and anticipation as you await the arrival of your little one!

Ready to start planning your session? Contact me for more details!

Jennifer Tavera is a Luxury family, maternity photographer in Denver Colorado who specializes in creating an experience that will make mom feel comfortable, papered, and beautiful so she will be excited to turn her portraits into art for her home. Sessions are available outdoors all over the Denver and Boulder area and beautiful mountain locations.

Frequently Asked Questions: Denver Maternity Photography

What makes your maternity photography sessions unique?

I believe that maternity portraits should be more than just photos—they should be custom pieces of art that capture your unique journey into motherhood. My approach combines personalized styling, expert posing, and transformative editing to create timeless, stunning images. Every session is tailored to you and your family, ensuring you feel celebrated and beautiful.

Do you provide maternity gowns and accessories for the photoshoot?

Yes! I offer a curated collection of high-end designer maternity gowns, jewelry, and accessories to make sure you look and feel your best during your session. You’ll have access to these pieces during our pre-session fitting, which takes place in the comfort of your home.

What types of gowns do you offer?

I offer a variety of maternity gowns to suit different styles and preferences. My collection includes everything from form-fitting knit gowns to elegant lace, luxurious satin, sparkling sequins, and dramatic tossing trains. I also have gowns in every color of the rainbow, as well as gold and black. Each gown is chosen to highlight your beauty and create stunning, timeless images.

What is a pre-session fitting and styling appointment?

Before your photoshoot, I will come to your home for a pre-session fitting and styling appointment. During this time, we will select the gowns you will use for your session as well as perfect outfits for your family members who will be part of the session. I provide guidance on wardrobe choices to ensure everyone looks cohesive and stylish.

How do you pose pregnant women to ensure they look their best?

With 17 years of experience in maternity photography, I specialize in posing pregnant women in ways that highlight their baby bump and beautiful curves. I guide you through each pose, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident. My goal is to capture your natural beauty and create images that make you feel empowered and proud.

Can you help us choose the best location for the photoshoot?

Absolutely! I’ll work with you to select a location that reflects your style and vision. Whether you’re drawn to the natural beauty of the mountains or the unique charm of the city, I’ll guide you to the perfect spot. We can explore breathtaking outdoor locations or urban settings to enhance your portraits and create an unforgettable experience.

What is included in the editing process?

The editing process is where the magic truly happens. I enhance lighting, colors, and details to elevate your portraits into stunning works of art. Depending on your vision, I can even add creative elements such as snowfall for winter sessions or blooming wildflowers for spring shoots. Every detail is thoughtfully refined to create images you’ll cherish forever.

Can you customize the images to fit a specific theme or vision?

Yes! I love bringing creative visions to life. If you have a specific theme or dream scene in mind, we can incorporate that into your session. From whimsical touches to dramatic edits, I’ll ensure your maternity portraits reflect your unique style and story.

How far in advance should I book my maternity session?

I recommend booking your maternity session during your second trimester to ensure availability. The ideal time to capture maternity portraits is between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy when your baby bump is beautifully visible but you’re still comfortable.

What should I bring to my maternity photoshoot?

You don’t need to bring anything! Have your family come dressed in the clothing we chose, and I'll bring you gowns and accessories. The only time you need to bring anything else is if there’s a personal item you’d like to include.

Can my partner and other children participate in the photoshoot?

Absolutely! Your maternity session is a celebration of your growing family, and I encourage you to include your partner and children in the shoot. Capturing these moments together creates meaningful, lasting memories that showcase the love and excitement surrounding your new addition. I will guide everyone through posing to ensure the final images feel cohesive and natural.

How long does it take to receive the final images?

We will schedule a viewing and selection appointment about a week after your session, where you’ll have the opportunity to choose your favorite images. From there, I will edit your final selections to perfection. The editing process typically takes about 2-3 weeks to complete. Once finished, you’ll receive a beautifully curated gallery of your final images.

How long does it take to receive wall art?

Once your digital gallery is complete, I’ll order your wall art. The production process typically takes an additional 2-3 weeks. I work with trusted professional labs to ensure your wall art is of the highest quality and ready to be proudly displayed in your home.

Can I split my payments for the session and package?

The session fee must be paid in full to reserve your session date. However, I do offer flexible payment options for packages. You can split payments on packages, but the session fee and base package fee must be fully paid at least two weeks before your scheduled shoot.

Why should I choose you as my Denver maternity photographer?

When you choose me, you’re investing in a one-of-a-kind experience. From personalized styling and expert posing to transformative editing, every step of the process is designed to make you feel celebrated, beautiful, and empowered. I am passionate about turning your maternity journey into stunning, timeless art that you and your family will cherish for a lifetime.

How do I book a maternity session with you?

Booking your session is easy! Simply reach out to me through my website contact form. From there, we can discuss your session, schedule a consultation and pre-session fitting, and I’ll send out an invoice for the session fee to get your session reserved. Let’s create a memorable maternity experience!

Ready to start planning your session? Contact me for more details!

Jennifer Tavera is a Luxury family, maternity photographer in Denver Colorado who specializes in creating an experience that will make mom feel comfortable, papered, and beautiful so she will be excited to turn her portraits into art for her home. Sessions are available outdoors all over the Denver and Boulder area and beautiful mountain locations.

Why Choose a Custom Maternity Photographer in Denver? - Truth Photography LLC

Are you searching for a Denver maternity photographer who creates more than just photos? I believe maternity portraits should go beyond simple snapshots—they should be custom pieces of art that capture the beauty, strength, and magic of this special time in your life.

There are countless photographers in Denver, and with smartphones in hand, it’s easier than ever to take your own pictures. But capturing the essence of your pregnancy journey requires more than a quick snap. It takes an experienced, passionate maternity photographer to turn moments into art. So what makes working with me different?

Let’s dive into the three key elements that set me apart as a Denver maternity photographer: styling, posing, and editing.

Original edit

Final image

1. Personalized Styling for Every Mama

When you book a maternity session with me, the experience begins long before we ever pick up a camera. One of the most important parts of creating maternity art is the wardrobe. I provide high-end designer maternity gowns, jewelry, and accessories to ensure you look and feel your best. But that’s not all—I also offer a pre-session fitting and styling appointment in the comfort of your home. During this time, I help you choose the perfect outfits not only for you but also for your family members who will be part of the session.

This personalized styling service means you don’t have to worry about what to wear or how to coordinate your family’s looks. I take care of all the details so you can focus on celebrating this beautiful journey.

2. Expert Posing to Highlight Your Beauty

Knowing how to pose a pregnant woman is an art form in itself. As an experienced maternity photographer in Denver, I understand how to position you in ways that highlight your baby bump and beautiful curves while making you feel comfortable and confident.

From selecting the best locations to guiding you through each pose, I ensure that every shot captures your natural beauty. My goal is to create timeless images that reflect your unique journey into motherhood—images that make you feel empowered, radiant, and proud.

3. Transformative Editing to Create Stunning Art

Original image

Final edit

The magic doesn’t stop at the photoshoot. The final step in creating your maternity portraits is the editing process, and this is where the real transformation happens. Editing isn’t just about fixing flaws; it’s about elevating your images into true works of art.

During the editing process, I enhance lighting, colors, and details to create breathtaking images that capture the emotion and beauty of this special time. Whether it’s adding a whimsical snowfall to a winter session or blooming wildflowers to a spring shoot, I can bring your dream scene to life.

Original image

Final edit

This level of customization ensures that your maternity portraits are truly unique—reflecting your personality, style, and story. The result? Stunning keepsakes that you and your family will cherish forever.

Why Choose a Custom Maternity Photographer in Denver?

Original image

Final edit

When you choose me as your Denver maternity photographer, you’re not just getting photos—you’re investing in a one-of-a-kind experience. From wardrobe styling to expert posing and transformative editing, every step is designed to make you feel celebrated, beautiful, and empowered.

Your maternity journey is a story worth telling. Let’s create something extraordinary together—something you’ll treasure forever.

Ready to start planning your session? Contact me for more details!

Jennifer Tavera is a Luxury family, maternity photographer in Denver Colorado who specializes in creating an experience that will make mom feel comfortable, papered, and beautiful so she will be excited to turn her portraits into art for her home. Sessions are available outdoors all over the Denver and Boulder area and beautiful mountain locations. Ready to start planning your dream session? Click below to schedule a call.

Mountain maternity session | Evergreen Colorado Maternity Photographer

I’m excited to finally share images from one of my favorite recent maternity sessions! I met Sasha in the maternity group that I offer each year for local expecting women. Myself and a couple of other local business owners who work with new moms create and moderate a Facebook group every year for expecting mothers to get to know each other and find support form others in a similar place in life. If you are expecting check out this years group here:

Sasha received the full luxury experience starting with hair and makeup by Francesca Nicole, and she looked like an absolute QUEEN for her session. She was so excited about wearing the gold Blair gown from my collection which made me happy since the gown had been recently added to my client closet and not yet worn. She excitedly told me when she saw this image that she looked like Pocahantas! I have to admit with the wind in her hair and am getting some Pocahantas “colors of the wind” vibes!

We met at one of my favorite Evergreen, Colorado locations along Squaw pass. I love this area because it is beautiful in every season! Fall at this spot did not disappoint. The yellow aspen leaves against the evergreen trees were just stunning and the gold gown just echoed their beautify.

The baby’s dad and big brother joined us for the shoot and I could definitely see how excited they both were for a new baby boy to join the family! I love when other children are involved in a maternity shoot and seeing how excited they are!

Sasha also selected a second gown for her session, this beautiful wine-colored Kiara gown. The Gold was definitely my favorite on her but the wine was beautiful too!

If you are expecting a baby this year make sure to contact me ASAP to set up your maternity and newborn sessions! Click the link below and fill out the form to be contacted with more information.

“We did family maternity pictures. I got hair and make-up included in my pricing I love the artist who did my hair and make-up. I felt like a princess is an understatement. She was amazing during our session. Jennifer the photographer was great with my special needs 8 year old. I love how they came out and we had a great experience I highly recommend and I would use her again anytime.
”

— Sasha

Jennifer Tavera is a Luxury family, maternity and newborn photographer in Denver Colorado who specializes in creating an experience that will make mom feel confortable, papered and beautiful so she will be excited to turn her portraits into art for her home. Sessions are available outdoors all over the Denver and Boulder area and studio sessions in the studio space in Arvada. Ready to start planning your dream session? Click below to schedule a call.

When to book your maternity session | Denver family photographer

Choosing the right time for your maternity session is very important. If you do your session too early then you may not have a clearly defined baby bump, but if you wait too long to do your session you risk missing out if you go into labor early. I have also found the last month of pregnancy my clients are very uncomfortable in many of the poses and tend to not look as relaxed during their session.

So when is the perfect time for maternity portraits?

For most women, I recommend between 30-36 weeks. For first-time moms who may show a little later aim for around 34 weeks unless you are showing any signs of preterm labor. If this isn’t your first pregnancy and like me, you looked pregnant much earlier in the pregnancy, you can aim for 30-34 weeks.

Mothers of multiples

If you are expecting more than one baby you may want to plan for your session right at 30 weeks or even slightly before due to higher risk of preterm labor and also because you are going to get uncomfortable in the poses way earlier than moms carrying a single baby.

When should you contact your photographer?

Honestly it is really never too early to contact your photographer and get on their books. Often during busy season I book up several months in advance. I also occasionally run specials where you can order a gown for your session and be reimbursed in the form of a print credit for those who want a gown not already offered in my gown collection. When I do these sales the gown needs to be ordered 6 weeks prior to your session. Either way it is a good idea to contact me by around 20 weeks to start planning your maternity session.

Ready to start planning your dream maternity session? Click the button below to contact me for a consultation call.

Jennifer Tavera is a Luxury family, maternity and newborn photographer in Denver Colorado who specializes in creating an experience that will make mom feel confortable, papered and beautiful so she will be excited to turn her portraits into art for her home. Sessions are available outdoors all over the Denver and Boulder area and studio sessions in the studio space in Arvada. Ready to start planning your dream session? Click below to schedule a call.

What should my family wear for my maternity session? | Denver Materntiy Photographer

Last year I published a blog all about what to wear for your maternity session. Today I want to take that a step further for sessions involving dad or older children. Now that you know what you are wearing, what do you put them in? Here are a few of my top tips for dressing dad and your other babies!

1. Coordinate, don’t match!

This is one of the biggest mistakes I see people make when choosing clothing for photo shoots and it’s even more important when it comes to maternity portraits. The last thing you want it for your baby bump to blend into dads shirt. Having dad or the kids in a color that looks great with your gown but doesn’t match it allows you and your baby bump to shine in the portraits!

2. Choose solid colors

There are definitely exceptions to this rule but overall a solid color is typically best for dad and the kids. Again this allows mom to shine in the photos so your eye is drawn to her, not to a patterned shirt.

3. Dress it up

I love it when dad wears a suit, vest, suspenders, or even a tux (yes, I have had dad show up in a tux for the session!) but, even if your man or little men are not suit kind of guys I highly recommend a nice button-down shirt for the session even if they choose to pair it with some nice jeans. I have photographed moms in my maternity gowns with dad in a polo or t-shirt and honestly, dad just looked out of place. A nice shirt on dad honestly makes all the difference. For you little girls I have a variety of nice dresses that will match the look and feel of the maternity gowns without distracting from you so make sure to give me your little girls size so I can show you what I have available for her for the shoot.

4. Comfort is still important

While this does contradict the tip above stay with me for a moment. I get it dad and kids may not be 100% on board with being part of this shoot. Unfortunately, sometimes that is just the case. If having to dress nicely is going to result in a grumpy participant then go with comfort over style. This sample photo…her son is wearing sweat pants below that polo shirt., and we made it work. I always say have them wear the nicest thing you can get them to happily wear. Although there is nothing wrong with also slipping a nicer option in the car to see if you can get a few shots in it too!

Still feeling lost? Don’t stress it, as part of my service I will come to you for a dress fitting and family clothing consultation before the shoot. You can try on the gowns and we will look through your partner and kid’s closets to see what you have that coordinates. Ready to learn more? Let’s start with a phone call to go over details and start to plan your dream shoot. Click the link below to contact me to set it up!

Jennifer Tavera is a Luxury family, maternity and newborn photographer in Denver Colorado who specializes in creating an experience that will make mom feel confortable, papered and beautiful so she will be excited to turn her portraits into art for her home. Sessions are available outdoors all over the Denver and Boulder area and studio sessions in the studio space in Arvada. Ready to start planning your dream session? Click below to schedule a call.

Jennifer

Squaw Pass, Evergreen Colorado | Colorado Family Photographer

Part of creating a luxury experience for my clients is knowing and recommending the best locations to them for their photoshoots. Choosing a location for your portrait session here in Colorado can get complicated. There are hundreds of beautiful spots all with their own rules, perks, and often fees for use. Luckily I navigate this for my clients. Your session fee includes not only your hair and makeup so you can look amazing, but also travel fees and location permit fees for any location listed on my blog. When we sit down for your consultation you can tell me what you envisioned for your session, and I can give you a few suggested locations that match your vision. After that I’ll take care of the rest. Or if you see a location here that you love, mention it when you contact me! Here is another mountain location on my favorites list!

Best time of year for this location: 

This mountain location Is beautiful all year round, not only do you have beautiful mountains any time of year but also the evergreen and aspen trees are beautiful even after the leaves drop. In this post I show images of both my favorite trailhead along Squaw pass and also some spots higher up along the road that are just spots you can pull off on the side of the road. While the spots higher up are not going to change much for views in summer vs. winter the roads may be icy and harder to navigate in the winter. For the open space, it features beautiful yellow flowers covering the field around June and gorgeous changing aspens in the fall.

Best time of day for this location: 

This location would be beautiful for sunrise or sunset sessions however since my sessions come with hair and makeup I only shoot here in the evening to allow time for hair and makeup to be done.

Drive time: 

This location is just under an hour drive from the Denver metro area.

Parking: 

The main open space where I typically start my sessions up here has a large dirt parking lot. The last few images shown are taken further up the road where there are only small areas to pull off the road.

Family friendliness:

The open space is a great spot for family sessions with many beautiful spots close to the parking lot and no dangerous areas. There isn’t a restroom at this location, however. I would not recommend the spots used in the last few images for small children since they are close to cliffs and right next to the busy road.

I would love to set up a session for you here or at any of the many beautiful Colorado locations that I offer my clients. To get more information on a session please click the link below and fill out my contact form.

Jennifer Tavera is a Luxury family, maternity and newborn photographer in Denver Colorado who specializes in creating an experience that will make mom feel confortable, papered and beautiful so she will be excited to turn her portraits into art for her home. Sessions are available outdoors all over the Denver and Boulder area and studio sessions in the studio space in Arvada. Ready to start planning your dream session? Click below to schedule a call.

Jennifer

Levonia's Mountain Maternity Session | Morrison Colorado Photographer

I had the honor of creating portrait art for so many awesome clients in 2021. I was so busy during the fall that I never had the chance to show off all of the images on my blog. I am starting with this session from the end of October because most of the leaves had fallen and this location should look very similar to this most of the winter, with the possible addition of some snow on the ground.

I met Levonia through my 2021 expecting moms group. Every year for the past 3 years myself and 2 other professionals in the birth/maternity/newborn fields have hosted a Facebook group to help new moms connect and navigate pregnancy and motherhood. If you are expecting in 2022 please join us in this years group.

I loved Levonia from the moment I met her during our zoom consultation. She is so sweet and outgoing and was so excited about capturing her maternity portraits and getting to use my gowns.

On the day of her session, I arranged for a hair and makeup artist to go to her home and help her get ready for the session. All of my maternity and family sessions include hair and makeup as part of the services I provide. I want to make sure every mama looks and feels her best for the session.

I met up with Levonia and her husband Andy up at Meyer Ranch Park in Morrison in late October. I have to say that this fall was like nothing I have ever seen before, normally the fall color is gone in the mountains by around the first week of October but it lasted through most of the month and down in Denver through much of November. I chose this location because the mountain views and evergreen trees make it a great spot year-round but, I was pleasantly surprised to find bits of yellow left when we arrived.

Every once in a while despite my 15 years of experience and careful session prep, a session doesn’t go quite as planned. Due to circumstances outside of their control, my clients arrived a little late to this session. Luckily I had scheduled with about a 30-minute extra buffer before sunset, so when they arrived we still had almost 90 minutes until sunset. We started up a small incline taking our time and stopping for portraits as we went. We were about 25 minutes into the session and halfway up the hill when Levonia mentioned that she was a little light-headed. Unfortunately, the nearest place to sit was up at the top of the hill so we turned the rolling suitcase into a place to sit and I held it in place while her husband ran to go get her water from the car. I’m not going to lie, there was a moment where I thought I was going to have to attempt to catch here and I pictured both of us lying on the ground lol. Luckily her husband arrived with the water and after drinking some she was up to continue to the top of the hill where there was a real place for her to sit and rest for a bit.

The downside to this delay was that we missed sunset to allow her to rest and make sure she was ok. The good news is the bench was next to the restrooms and after resting she was able to change and into the other gown she had selected and get some shots that were outside of my usual style, after dark. Back in my days of being a natural light photographer I would have had to cut this session short after the first gown however my expertise in off-camera flash allowed me to shoot for a short time after the sun dipped behind the mountains. The end result was that even between them arriving late and us pausing the session partway through I was still able to create my average 30+ portraits for them to choose their wall art from, and they still loved the images!

After talking to her a bit, I realized that her and her husband had only moved to Colorado, from a sea-level start, around a year before. On top of not being used to the altitude, she had not been drinking much water that day in all the excitement of getting ready for the session. So a few tips for your session to prevent this from happening again.

!. Hydrate: 1/2 your body weight in oz. of water is the recommended water intake for most people, however when dealing with high altitude drinking more is normally a good idea.

2. Let me know if you are new to Colorado. There are many beautiful Colorado locations I can recommend for those who may not do well with the high altitude.

3. Bring water with you. This goes back to #1 Hydrate.

Not every session is going to go exactly to plan, however, when working with a true professional you will still get amazing images in the end. I am so happy I was able to create images for my clients that they were excited to hang in their home. Here are a few of my favorites from the session!

I would love to help you create your dream portraits. Click below to contact me and set up a consultation call.

Jennifer Tavera is a Luxury family, maternity and newborn photographer in Denver Colorado who specializes in creating an experience that will make mom feel confortable, papered and beautiful so she will be excited to turn her portraits into art for her home. Sessions are available outdoors all over the Denver and Boulder area and studio sessions in the studio space in Arvada. Ready to start planning your dream session? Click below to schedule a call.

Jennifer

Echo lake, Evergreen Colorado | Colorado Photoshoot Locations

Part of creating a luxury experience for my clients is knowing and recommending the best locations to them for their photoshoots. Choosing a location for your portrait session here in Colorado can get complicated. There are hundreds of beautiful spots all with their own rules, perks, and often fees for use. Luckily I navigate this for my clients. Your session fee includes not only your hair and makeup so you can look amazing, but also travel fees and location permit fees for any location listed on my blog. When we sit down for your consultation you can tell me what you envisioned for your session, and I can give you a few suggested locations that match your vision. After that I’ll take care of the rest. Or if you see a location here that you love, mention it when you contact me! Here is another mountain location on my favorites list!

Best time of year for this location: 

This mountain location Is beautiful all year round. Due to the high altitude, the roads may be icy during the snowy months.

Best time of day for this location: 

This location would be beautiful for sunrise or sunset sessions however since my sessions come with hair and makeup I only shoot here in the evening to allow time for hair and makeup to be done.

Drive time: 

This location is one of the further locations on my list, normally I include locations that are around an hour drive from the north Denver area. This location is just over an hour from Denver metro however it is so beautiful I have decided to make it one that I regularly offer.

Parking: 

There is a small parking lot on the same side as the lake however it fills up quickly. More parking can be found across the street.

Family friendliness:

This is a great spot for family sessions with many beautiful spots close to the parking lots. It is also a very safe location if you are looking for mountain views. There are no cliffs or sudden drop-offs near the areas where I shoot.

I'm Jennifer Tavera.

A family photographer and portrait gallery designer in the North Denver Colorado area.

I help moms look and feel their best so we can capture the family moments that matter and turn then into beautiful art to hang in their home.

Learn more about a session with Truth Photography below.

What should I wear for my maternity session? | Denver Colorado maternity photography

If you are looking at having maternity photos done you have probably seen hundreds of shots where mom is wearing a gorgeous gown that makes her look like a goddess, or princess, or just amazing! You may be dreaming of the perfect gown, but in your mind wondering if it is worth spending the money for a dress you will wear once. Many of us photographers have been dreaming of taking your photos in that perfect gown and have, like me, started a collection, or client closet, for their clients to use. As I write this in August 2021 my gown collection consists of 23 gowns size small to XL and I’ll admit, I was looking at a new one today!

I have a range of gowns so I wanted to put together this blog with some tips on finding the right one for you!

Flowy of form-fitting?

Personally, I love both, and both can be beautiful for your session. Form-fitting gowns give me a little more freedom for posing your hands, they don’t have to be on your belly for every shot because that gown is going to show it off! Flowy gowns are popular however because many moms want to feel like a princess at their session and the flowy gowns definitely give that vibe! They are also more forgiving if you are not really sure what size you need, they typically fit a size larger or smaller than the size on their tag.

Do you want to toss?

You probably just thought huh? Unless you are as obsessed with designer maternity gowns as I am, then you may have known exactly what I meant. Many high-end maternity gowns are designed with what is called a tossing train. These trains can be a lot of fun at your session for all kinds of dramatic shots, just be warned I may put the baby’s dad to work tossing if for us!

Even if we choose not to toss the gown it can be perfect for dramatic images with the gown laid on the ground. I have added a variety of images below with my tossing train gowns so you can see both the toss and non-tossed train.

What Color should you wear?

Color can be used to tell a story, like the gender of your baby, or that this baby is your rainbow, the joy after a loss. But choosing color can also just be about choosing the best tones for your skin color.

Cool skin tones

Colors that will compliment your skin tone include; Green/Emerald, purples, light or bright blue, sage green, light pink, very pale yellows, reds, bright white, gray, or navy.

Warm skin tones

Colors that will compliment your skin tone include; Green, brown, mustard yellow, warmer reds, peach, coral, gold, olive or moss green, plum or magenta purple.

Not sure which you are? I found this quiz that helps you find out, don’t worry it doesn’t ask for any contact info! https://www.popsugar.com/beauty/Warm-Cool-Undertones-Quiz-1843402

I am always expanding my collection so while some of these shades aren’t currently included I am hoping they will be very soon!

What do I do if you just can’t choose?

Don’t worry, you don’t have to choose just one! You can choose up to 3 different gowns to wear for your session! I will help you choose up to 3 unique looks for your session. I want this to be a session you will never forget!

What accessories should you wear?

I also provide accessories for your session! I hand make all of my floral crowns so that they match perfectly with my gowns. They are often made with a specific client in mind, for example, a mommy and me set made for a maternity shoot with a 3-year-old big sister participating. Or, the purple and red crown I made for the session where mom was wearing my plum colored gown and dad was wearing a red shirt. The crown tied the colors together perfectly! In addition to the florals, I offer glam accessories like gemstone sashes, jewelry, and crown. I will help you perfectly match your accessories not only to your gown but also to coordinate with anyone else participating in the session!

Throughout this post I have shown many of the gowns I offer currently however I am always adding new ones to my collection! Take a look at my collection here and contact me today to schedule a consultation to select your gown and accessories!

I'm Jennifer Tavera.

A family photographer and portrait gallery designer in the North Denver Colorado area.

I help moms capture the moments and milestones that matter and turn then into beautiful art to hang in their home.

Learn more about me and a session with Truth Photography below.