the maternity portrait: don't worry you're gorgeous

Should I even do this? I look awful!

Some women look and feel great throughout their pregnancy. Others look and feel awful. Most of us are somewhere in between, depending on the day.
During my pregnancy, I took some self portraits, and I'm glad I did. (I actually copied a professional portrait of my mother, when she was pregnant with me, in profile holding a sparkler.)
My professional photos are much more flattering than the snapshots taken by others.
If you're looking tired, if your face feels a bit bloated, or if your skin isn't glowing as usual, I simply take the emphasis off of the face. It's not a headshot, it's a mood, an idea, a season in your life. I often do maternity portraits in the mom-to-be's home, use familiar props, light and shadow, silhouette. Often the subject is not looking at the camera at all. She's resting, petting a cat, looking out the window. Recently, she was playing guitar.

At what point in my pregnancy should I have my portrait taken?

When you are really showing, but not uncomfortably so, usually 7-9 months. I did once photograph a mom-to-be in labor. That was interesting.

Should I bring the daddy-to-be?

Sure, why not? Unless it's a surprise. Some pregnant women bring older children, and parents as well.

What should I wear (or not wear)?

We all have our most wonderful stretchy dress that we love to wear. Bring it.
I also love tank tops for some reason. They just look nice. Some women have brought along silk wrappings, white sheets and what not. I was suspicious at first, thinking maybe it would look cliche, but they ended up looking lovely. Other women have brought their favorite baseball jersey,  formal night gowns,  white panties and bras. You name it.  Most of my subjects do have some nudes done as well. That's fine, too. I usually take several that are more abstract in nature, or anonymous.