What Every Pregnant Woman Should Know Before Booking a Maternity Session - Insights from a Maternity and Newborn Photographer based in Basel, Switzerland
- Nikolett Mayer
- Apr 17
- 5 min read
Your complete guide to capturing the beauty of your bump with confidence.
Whether this is your first pregnancy or your fourth, you deserve to feel celebrated, beautiful, and connected to the little life growing inside you. A maternity session is more than just a photoshoot—it’s a chance to slow down, reflect, and capture the emotions and magic of this fleeting moment in time.
Here’s everything you need to know before booking your maternity session—plus my favorite photo spots in and around Basel!
1. When Should You Schedule Your Maternity Photoshoot?
Timing is everything. I recommend booking your maternity session for sometime between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage, your belly has a beautiful, round shape, but you're still likely to feel comfortable and mobile enough to enjoy the experience.
If you're carrying twins or have a high-risk pregnancy, consider booking a little earlier—around 26 to 30 weeks—just to be safe and comfortable.
Pro Tip: Most of my clients reach out around week 20 to start planning. This ensures you get your preferred date, especially during popular seasons like spring and autumn.
2. Session Length: Mini (30 Minutes) vs. Full (1 Hour or More)
Every pregnancy and every mama is different—so your session should fit your comfort level and wishes.
🕒 Mini Maternity Session (30 minutes)
A perfect quick-and-sweet option
Great for second-time moms or families with little kids
Ideal if you’re looking for just a handful of beautiful portraits
Limited to one location and one outfit
🕐 Full Maternity Session (1 hour or more)
Gives us time for multiple outfits and locations
More relaxed pace, perfect for shy or nervous clients
More photos, more variety, and more storytelling
Can include partner and children more fully
Still unsure? Let’s chat about what you envision—we’ll figure out the right fit together!
3. Studio vs. Outdoor: Which Maternity Session Style Suits You Best?
The Most Beautiful Maternity Photoshoot Locations Around Basel
Natural backdrops for timeless memories
If you’re dreaming of a serene, natural setting where you can feel relaxed and truly yourself, these locations are perfect for your maternity session. All are near Basel and offer gorgeous light, peaceful surroundings, and stunning scenery—ideal for emotional, authentic pregnancy portraits.
🌿 Ermitage in Arlesheim – Romance & Nature Combined
The Ermitage is the largest English landscape garden in Switzerland—and it’s pure magic. Ancient trees, hidden grottos, ponds, and winding paths create a fairytale atmosphere that’s perfect for a dreamy maternity session, especially in the soft light of morning or evening.
Why it’s perfect:
Lots of variety in a small area
Peaceful, romantic scenery
Plenty of shade for soft lighting
Beautiful year-round
🌸 Cherry Blossoms Between Arlesheim and Gempen – Pure Spring Magic
For just a few short weeks in early spring (typically late March to early April), the cherry blossoms between Arlesheim and Gempen turn the hillsides into a sea of delicate pink and white. It’s one of the most breathtaking spots for maternity photos—especially at sunset.
Why it’s perfect:
A once-a-year backdrop that’s incredibly dreamy
Soft, romantic light through the blossoms
Ideal for mamas who love a whimsical, feminine look
Pure spring vibes!
🏞️ Natural Beach on the River Birs in Reinach – Calm, Minimal & Organic
A true hidden gem, this little stretch of natural beach along the Birs in Reinach feels like a quiet escape. The soft pebbles, gently flowing water, and surrounding greenery offer a simple but stunning setting—especially during golden hour.
Why it’s perfect:
Minimalist, nature-inspired backdrop
Peaceful and private, perfect for connecting with your baby bump
Great barefoot with a flowy dress or long draping fabrics
Especially beautiful in summer and early fall
🌾 Fields & Forests Around the Allschwil Water Tower – Space, Light & Tranquility
The area surrounding the Allschwil Water Tower is full of wide-open fields, winding trails, and forested patches. It’s a versatile location that blends natural openness with cozy wooded corners, offering a lot of variety and calm.
Why it’s perfect:
Spacious and peaceful—ideal with kids or your partner
Soft light filtered through trees and fields
Timeless natural beauty in any season
Country feel just minutes from the city
🚜 Fields and Farms Around Bruderholz – Golden Light & Rustic Charm
In the Bruderholz area—especially towards Bottmingen—you’ll find gently rolling fields, orchards, and small farms. The light here in the late afternoon is pure magic, making it a perfect location for relaxed, golden-hour maternity portraits.
Why it’s perfect:
Sunset magic with a natural, rustic feel
Quiet paths and lots of privacy
Beautiful textures with grasses, wildflowers, and fences
Authentic, simple, and full of warmth
✨ What All These Locations Have in Common
Natural beauty: No fake backdrops—just you, your bump, and the great outdoors
Privacy & space: No crowds, no pressure—just calm, connection, and freedom
Gorgeous light: Soft shadows, golden hour, and flattering tones
Variety: Each location has its own personality—from romantic to rustic to minimalist
If you’re not sure which one fits your vision best, I’d love to help you decide. Together, we’ll find the perfect spot to reflect your style and story.
🎀 Studio Maternity Sessions
Studio sessions are private, cozy, and totally weather-proof. With controlled lighting and curated backdrops or decorations, studio sessions are ideal for those who prefer a more intimate or artistic look.
Studio sessions are great for:
Clean, classic portraits
Black & white silhouette shots
Comfortable, easy access to the bathroom hence perfect for late-term pregnancies
I`m in contact with two great studios in and around Basel, so if you prefer this location I`m happy to organize a session in one of the studios for you!
4. What Should You Wear?
Don’t stress about your wardrobe—I'll help guide you! Many clients borrow from my client wardrobe, which includes flowing dresses and romantic dresses designed specifically for maternity photos.
In general:
Choose something that shows off your bump (wrap dresses, form-fitting gowns, etc.)
Neutrals, pastels, and earthy tones photograph beautifully
Avoid big logos or bold patterns
Consider bringing a second outfit for variety
If you need more help we can go over styling ideas together ahead of your session so you feel confident and radiant.
5. Don’t Forget to Plan for Your Newborn Session Too
One of the most popular options is to combine your maternity session with a newborn session so you can save 10% on the newborn part. It’s such a lovely way to tell your full story—from bump to baby!
Why combine them?
You get priority booking for your newborn session (ideal timing is baby’s first 10–14 days)
Cohesive styling and color palette across both sessions
Discount and a simpler planning process
You’ll already feel comfortable and connected with your photographer—me! 😊
Many clients say they’re so glad they booked both ahead of time—once baby arrives, life gets busy fast.
6. Final Tips:
Start planning early (week 20–24 is ideal)
Don’t wait until the last minute—spring and fall dates book quickly!
Involve your partner and/or kids if you’d like
Treat yourself to professional hair and makeup if that makes you feel more confident
Most of all: enjoy the process and soak in this special time
Ready to Plan Your Session?
Whether you envision yourself barefoot in a meadow, glowing in the golden hour, or wrapped in silk in a dreamy studio setup—your maternity session should feel like you. Let’s celebrate this chapter with beautiful images that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
✨ Let’s capture the love before your little one arrives.📩
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