Pregnancy is a beautiful blur of excitement, anticipation, and many decisions—but capturing this season through timeless portraits should feel effortless. At NicSo Studio, a full-service Charlotte maternity and newborn photography studio, I specialize in curating a luxurious, stress-free experience from bump to baby so you can focus on what matters most.
Here’s your trimester-by-trimester guide to preparing for maternity & newborn sessions in Charlotte—plus how we walk you through every step.
First Trimester: Research & Reserve
You may not be showing yet, but this is the perfect time to start dreaming and planning.
What to Do:
- Research Charlotte maternity and newborn photographers.
Look for a photographer whose style and experience truly resonate with you and who prioritizes beautiful images, newborn safety, and comfort.
(Hint: Full-service studios like NicSo Studio handle everything—from wardrobe and styling to newborn-safe posing and artwork design. You’ll leave with printed heirloom pieces, not just digital files.)
- Book early
Many photographers—especially those offering boutique, high-touch experiences—limit monthly bookings for personalized care.
At NicSo Studio, popular birth months book out quickly. Reach out early to ensure your due date is reserved!
- Start gathering inspiration.
Pinterest boards, session color palettes, gown styles—start collecting ideas for your dream session.
- Bundle your sessions.
Want a seamless experience? Our Bump-to-Baby Collection covers both maternity and newborn with intentional planning from start to finish.
Thinking even further ahead? Our Milestone Collective Membership captures your baby’s first year—including sitter and one-year sessions—with ease and style.
Beyond the Photos:
- Book your first prenatal appointment and choose your OB/midwife.
- Start taking a high-quality prenatal vitamin.
- Begin a pregnancy journal or app to track this special journey.
Charlotte Favorites:
Need care? Explore local providers like Birth Story Boutique or Carmel OB/GYN.
Second Trimester: Style & Plan
You’re glowing, your baby is growing, and your energy is (hopefully) back—this is where the fun begins!
What to Do:
- Schedule your maternity session.
We recommend photographing your bump between 28–32 weeks when your belly is round, and you’re still comfortable.
- Plan your wardrobe.
Aim to purchase and try on outfits 2–3 weeks before your session to ensure they fit you well and you like the color on you.
You have no need to stress when booking with NicSo Studio as we offer a curated client wardrobe with couture, flattering gowns for everybody. During your in-person consultation, you’ll try on styles, touch fabrics, and design a look that feels like you. We’ll style your partner and older kids, too, if they join!
- Book hair & makeup.
You deserve to feel amazing! Especially during this time where you may not always feel like yourself. We recommend booking professional hair and makeup for your maternity session. It’s one less thing to worry about, and it allows you to fully relax, feel confident, and be pampered before stepping in front of the camera. You’re creating life—you should feel as incredible as you are.
Want to show up and feel radiant? At NicSo Studio, we include professional hair and makeup with every maternity session. You’ll arrive, relax, and we will pamper you before we begin creating your portraits.
Recommended Artists: We love working with Who’s The Fairest—Kymm and Jessica are expert artists specializing in pregnancy-safe, photo-ready glam for all skin tones and hair textures.
- Meet your photographer.
If your photographer offers in-person consultations—take them up on it! Trust and comfort matter, especially when someone is handling your newborn.
At NicSo Studio, we provide a full in-person planning consultation to connect, walk through every detail, and co-create your vision.
- Design your newborn session.
During your consults, we’ll select colors, props, and poses. We’ll also pre-plan your wall art or album design so it flows perfectly from maternity to newborn.
Beyond the Photos:
- Sign up for a childbirth class or hypnobirthing course.
- Start creating your baby registry.
- Research pediatricians and begin thinking about your postpartum support system.
Helpful Tip:
If your photographer doesn’t offer a client closet, check out Mama Bump Rentals for elegant maternity gowns.
Third Trimester: Prep & Breathe
You’re in the home stretch. This is your time to rest, nest, and ensure you’re ready for the baby’s arrival.
What to Do:
- Pack your hospital bag.
Include printed info about your session (we provide this!) so you can easily notify us after birth whenever your sweet baby decides to make their appearance.
- Let us know when the baby arrives.
We leave space in our calendar for due date flexibility. Most newborn sessions are held within 5–14 days after birth when the baby is still sleepy and curled.
- Confirm final session details.
We’ll double-check your styling choices, artwork preferences, and any display sizes for wall art installations.
- Take a deep breath.
At NicSo Studio, everything is taken care of. From soothing your baby to gentle, safe posing—we’re trained in baby-led newborn photography so you can relax, drink some Starbucks and eat some pastries while you soak up the moment.
Beyond the Photos:
- Install your car seat (and have it inspected).
- Prepare freezer meals or sign up for postpartum meal delivery.
- Finalize your birth plan and bring copies to your provider.
Local Love:
Postpartum support in Charlotte: Nurture NC, The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson, and Table & Twine gourmet meal delivery.
The NicSo Studio Experience
When you choose NicSo Studio for your Charlotte maternity and newborn photography, you’re not just booking a session—you’re investing in a boutique experience that wraps you in care.
What’s Included in NicSo Studio’s Full-Service Sessions:
- Curated luxury wardrobe for moms and babies
- Hair & makeup included for maternity and newborn sessions
- Personalized in-person consultation before your maternity session or baby arrives
- Custom styling, artwork design, and installation for your home
- Gentle, baby-led newborn sessions with safety-first care
This moment is fleeting—but it deserves to be remembered with intention and beauty.
Begin Your Seamless, Luxury Experience—From Bump to Baby
If you dream of a full-service, refined experience that honors your journey and elevates every moment, I would be honored to create it for you.
Let’s make this season unforgettable.
Contact NicSo Studio today to reserve your maternity and newborn photography sessions with a trusted Charlotte maternity photographer.
