Nine Months and Beyond Welcome Guide
Everything you need to know for your maternity and newborn photography sessions
Welcome!
To some, the idea of maternity images is as exciting as the idea of having a baby itself as you are captivated by the glow and radiance that pregnancy has bestowed upon you. To others, it is a questionable one as your body has transformed to a place you might not have imaged it ever going.
However you may feel, if you do not take the images, you will not have them. And while it may be your first or your third pregnancy, each will deliver you an experience (and a baby!) that is unique to this world. That deserves to be captured. If ever there is a time to entrust yourself to the hands of a professional photographer, it is during this time. Professional maternity photography is not the snap of an Instagram shot or a few shots taken on a whim in your kitchen. It is working with someone who understands that certain poses will photograph better than others, that lighting is key, and with a bit of some guidance, you will look as amazing on the outside as you hopefully feel on the inside.
For your session, you have the option of shooting in a private location, such as my studio, where you can bare as little or as much of your belly (and body) that you care to. You may also opt for a less intimate session and select an outdoor location that has meaning to you and will provide a wonderful backdrop for the “before” pages in your Baby Book.
My Story
Hi, I’m Brandy — a natural light portrait photographer based in the beautiful Roaring Fork Valley, serving families from Aspen to Glenwood Springs and beyond. I specialize in capturing genuine, joy-filled moments through family, maternity, newborn, and child photography.
In addition to photography, I’m also an 8th grade science teacher at Aspen Middle School, a wife, and a mom of two — roles that keep me grounded, inspired, and always smiling.
I can’t wait to meet you and create timeless images that reflect your family just as they are in this special season.
Brandy Keleher
Create a special memory
of this time
Booking Process
Let’s get you scheduled! During our initial communications, we will set a date and time for the shoot. Shortly after, an online booking link will be sent your way, and from this link you will view and sign the contract. Payment in full is required up front to secure your date and time. As your session date approaches you will be sent more information via email on how to prepare for your session, along with other tips and tricks. In the case of inclement weather, we will reschedule.
Before Your Session
Prior to your session, we will discuss details and items of importance to you and your family for us to concentrate on. Expect your session to be reflective to what you see on my website, social media and this guide. My sessions are interactive and full of movement. Although my sessions revolve around emotion and play, I always make time for that traditional posed portrait.
Finishing Touches
Your session images will be ready within two weeks of the session. You will receive an email that holds the gallery link along with detailed instructions on how to place any orders and how to redeem the digital files that come with your session.
Maternity Session Tips and Tricks
It’s nine months you’ll cherish forever, and the beginning of a lifelong bond with your precious little one. Maternity photography provides a permanent memory of this special time in your life and the life of your now-expanding family. Whether it’s a simple shoot, fun “family” portraits or a more creative and artistic approach to documenting your pregnancy, this session will provide unparalleled keepsakes for you and your bundle of joy, now and in the future.
Each maternity session is designed to document a journey—your journey—into motherhood, into welcoming a new life and into the ever-evolving story of your family. The end result will be a lifetime of beautiful memories for mother, family, and baby.
Starting Off on the right foot
When should you book?
You are welcome to reserve your session any time after you have established your due date, but you will want to schedule a time between 32 and 36 weeks when you are showing enough of a full belly, but not quite ready to deliver! Scheduling in the earlier weeks ensures that you will have a bit more mobility for poses.
What should you wear?
I love the full range of options that are available for today’s mother-to-be: open and flowing or crisp and modern. Embrace looks that show your belly, and give it the definition it deserves. Try a tank, camisole or a long flowy sweater that opens just above your belly bump. You can’t go wrong with jeans and a t-shirt or tank - but look for options that include a lycra band so that they remain crisp and form flattering. Just prior to your session, try to avoid anything tight that will leave a band mark or indentations on your belly. There is something lovely about just a plain, simple, button down...classic yet a bit intimate if unbuttoned especially if it belongs to your partner. And should you feel especially radiant, investigate options for maternity lingerie! I also have some flowy gowns for you to use during your session that are a perfect way to showcase your baby-bump.
Will it be just you or
the whole family?
By all means, include all your family members (of the two or four-legged variety) as this is an exciting time for the whole family. If you have specific poses that you want an older sibling to be involved in during our session, for instance kissing your belly, it is a good idea to “practice” at home in the weeks before our session. If you are including a pet in our session, bring treats! It will help me get their attention and reward them for great behavior.
Adding A Personal Touch
To make your maternity photos deeply personal and meaningful, consider bringing a few special items. Family heirlooms like a cherished baby blanket, booties passed down through generations, or a locket from a loved one can add a beautiful, sentimental touch. These details help tell your story and celebrate the love already surrounding your baby.
Props That Tell Your Story
While maternity photography focuses on you and the beauty of this season, props like stuffed animals, a favorite children’s book, or even a letter you’ve written to your baby can enhance the storytelling. These keepsakes not only personalize your session but become beautiful parts of your family’s visual legacy.
Motherhood: all love begins and ends there.
A baby fills a place in your heart that you never knew was empty.
Pregnancy is the only time in life when you’ll fall in love with someone you haven’t met.
Session Tips
FOR A PERFECTLY POISED NEWBORN SESSION
That tiny hand grasping your finger. That crooked little smile. The comfort of your new little miracle resting peacefully in your arms. Emotions stir as you watch your baby sleep, eat, play, and grow every day. Even though there is no way to stop time, newborn sessions are designed specifically to capture and preserve these tender moments so that you will have images to cherish for generations. We know that babies are unpredictable, but these tips will help to make sure that your newborn session goes as smoothly as possible.
Scheduling Made Easy
Don’t worry about scheduling your newborn session around your baby’s most active time. As a matter of fact, if your baby sleeps during the session, we will be able to better pose your little one. Schedule your session at a time that works for your baby and you. Note – newborn sessions work best during the first 5-14 days or so, when babies sleep for most of the day.
Keep in mind that at around 3 weeks old, the baby has had the first of many growth spurts and you will notice that their activity level and awareness will dramatically increase. The most noticeable months for physical development and milestones for your baby will happen around months 3, 6, 9, and then 12. Many parents love to document the changes with sessions scheduled at these intervals. Schedule your sessions as far in advance as possible in order to guarantee that you will get a time and day that works best for you and your baby.
You're Included Too!
It is important for you to be in the pictures too! Our session will begin with shots of you with your little one (siblings included), so plan accordingly by dressing in similar colors, running a comb through your hair and adding a splash of makeup. I know you probably feel tired, because you are, but you won’t be able to treasure these parent/baby pictures if we never take them.
Supply List
This may be an obvious one, but when you’ve barely had any sleep and have been adjusting to a new schedule it’s so easy to forget the simplest of things.
Make sure that you have plenty of diapers, wipes, and burp cloths. Even if your little one is not using one, please bring a pacifier. This helps me soothe them. I do not force it on them but offer it to them if they’ve been fed, but are still a little fussy when I move them.
Wardrobe
Dress baby in clothes that are very easy to take off. Button down outfits are best. Try to avoid outfits you have to pull over the head to remove. If possible, please secure the diaper loosely so it doesn’t leave marks on their skin.
Happy Baby
A baby with a full tummy is a usually happy and content baby. Feed your little one as closely to the time of our shoot as possible. I will also most likely ask you to top them off once you arrive at my studio. Remember to bring an additional bottle with either formula or breast milk, and make sure that you burp your baby enough to get rid of all of those gas bubbles. Of course, nursing moms are more than welcome to nurse their babies if needed before and/or during the session.
Diaper Talk
Loosen your baby’s diaper about 30 minutes or so prior to our session. This will help to eliminate red diaper marks on your baby’s bottom and legs.
Is It Hot In Here?
Babies love it warm! Because some shots will be of your little one naked, my studio is usually 78 degrees. This will allow baby to stay warm, and encourage sleepiness. We will aim to do the shots that include the parents first, while everyone is fresh and sweat free, then move onto baby only shots.
Ooops!
Accidents happen. Please don’t be embarrassed if your baby has an accident on any of the props during the session. All blankets and props are laundered in between each session with detergent formulated for babies. This happens frequently, and is expected when working with newborns.
Think Outside The Toy Box
If you are looking for portraits that reflect the uniqueness of your family, think outside the box. Bring items that mean something to you. If the baby’s daddy is a fireman, bring his helmet. Does your family love baseball? Bring a large mitt as a prop. Have a musician in the family? What about having the baby sleep on sheet music? The possibilities are endless. If you need help thinking of something special, please let me know!
What's The Goal?
If you already have in mind how you will be using the images from the session, please let me know before we start. Whether you are looking to make an album, or have wall art made, I can plan our session accordingly with certain poses and shots.
If you are unsure how you will be using them, that’s okay, too! Communication between us is vital to making sure that the end product is exactly what you have been dreaming of.
Watching Them Grow
Capture every magical milestone from bump to baby’s first birthday with this all-in-one photography package. The Belly to Baby’s First Steps experience includes a maternity session to celebrate your growing belly, a cozy newborn session to document those precious first days, a sitter session to showcase baby’s budding personality, and a joyful one-year session to mark their first big birthday. From tiny toes to first steps, this package beautifully preserves the moments you’ll never want to forget—so you can relive them for a lifetime.
newborn
tiny beginnings
Those first days go by in a blur, but we’ll capture the sleepy snuggles, tiny toes, and pure sweetness of your baby’s earliest moments. Cozy, calm, and baby-led—this session is all about preserving that fresh, new love.
sitter
personality on the move
Around 6–9 months, babies are sitting up, full of giggles, and bursting with personality. This session is playful, expressive, and perfect for capturing those big eyes, chubby cheeks, and first hints of independence.
one year
let's celebrate
Your baby’s first birthday calls for a celebration! Whether it’s classic portraits, a cake smash, or a little bit of both, this session captures the joy, curiosity, and wonder of turning one. Cue the claps, smiles, and first wobbly steps!
FAQ
What is included with the session fee?
Your session fee includes our time together capturing beautiful moments, professional editing and retouching, and a private online gallery featuring 50+ fully edited, high-resolution digital images — all available for instant download. Looking to turn your memories into tangible keepsakes? A curated selection of prints, albums, and custom products will be available for purchase directly through your gallery.
Which investment is right for me?
Every family’s journey is unique, and I offer a variety of packages to fit your vision, timeline, and budget. Whether you're looking to document your growing bump and those first precious days with a Maternity + Newborn bundle, want to focus solely on welcoming your little one with a Newborn Session, or prefer to capture every milestone from belly to birthday with the Belly to Baby’s First Steps package—I’ve got something just for you. Whichever path you choose, I’m here to make it easy, meaningful, and beautifully tailored to your growing family. Check out your options and pricing here.
Where does the session take place?
For your maternity session, my favorite studio to use is the outdoors. The Roaring Fork Valley offers so many beautiful locations that it can be hard to choose just one for your photo shoot. My studio is any location that is special to you. Don’t know where you want to go? Check out examples from my favorite locations.
Newborn sessions take place in my home studio near Woody Creek.
How long does a session take?
Average sessions run about an hour for the maternity session and approximately 2-4 hours for the newborn session. I allot time for wardrobe changes and location changes. Please do not feel rushed. As a professional, I will give you my honest opinion as to how much time we are going to need and I will schedule accordingly. I ask that you also schedule accordingly and not allow our session to be rushed. Our ultimate goal is to capture amazing images for you and your family.
Do I need to bring props for the newborn session?
I have more stuff than you can even imagine! I have collected many props and accessories over the years to incorporate into your newborn’s photo session. That being said, you should also bring any items that are important to you and I will do my best to incorporate your special items into the session.
AM I ALLOWED TO TAKE MY OWN PHOTOS DURING THE SESSION?
Out of respect for me, as a professional artist, I ask that you refrain from taking any pictures during our session. After all, you are hiring me to be the photographer and I need to have complete focus for myself and the subject I am photographing.
What if the weather is bad for our session?
Weather is hard to predict and if necessary, we will reschedule for another day. Keep in mind that just because it isn’t sunny doesn’t mean you will not end up with amazing pictures. Clouds and storms add depth and emotion to the sky and make for beautiful sunsets.
We have some ideas of our own. Can we try them?
Of course! I love having a client’s style show through in my images. Feel free to create a Pinterest board or email over any ideas that you would like to incorporate into our session and I will do my best to make sure those images are included in your gallery.
CAN I SHARE IMAGES FROM THE ONLINE GALLERY?
The password protected online gallery can be shared with your friends and family simply by providing them the information that I give you to access the gallery. However, please do not download or screenshot any images without my permission or without purchasing digital images through your session fee. I will gladly allow you to tag yourself and use the image(s) (complete with my logo and/or watermark) on your social media accounts. Any alteration of the images from your gallery is considered to be in violation of copyright laws.
