how a maternity session works
at manawa
Always Clear Answers & calm planning
book your maternity session
First point of call is to contact myself using the various options displayed throughout the website. Wether you want to book everything now or simply reserve your session with a viewing appointment.
Arriving at the studio
When you arrive at the property their are clear sign posts for parking and the studio entrance. You will hear frogs, don't worry thats my sign that you have arrived! just relax and start taking in the experience your about to embark on.
what a maternity session will mean to you
This is your time to capture this very short moment of time and I invite you to a warm, relaxed space where yourself and whanau are free to simply be present in this extraordinary moment. Many mums arrive feeling a little nervous and leave feeling radiant, empowered, and genuinely moved by what we have captured together.
partners and whanau
They are all welcome! It is such a beautiful time not only for you though for your family members around you, wether they would like to come for the experience or to be included in some Images, they are more than welcome at MANAWA.
in the studio
After you have relaxed and had some refreshments we go through the hand picked outfits that were personally selected for you and your vision. I then fully take the lead to pose, adjust and guide you through facial expressions. A maternity session can be fun and beautiful and i'm their every step.
After your Maternity session
Your images will be ready for your personal viewing appointment at the studio within 7 days. We will arrange this appointment together at the end of your maternity session, so everything is organised and you have something lovely to look forward to.
If you have purchased the all inclusive package, your images will also be available for digital download within 7 days, accessible directly from your own personal profile at your convenience.
products - digital, wall art and albums
All of our wall art and albums are 100% pure New Zealand made, crafted to the highest quality and built to last a lifetime.
When your images are ready to view or download, this is the perfect time to place your order for any physical products you would love to have. You won't need to make any decisions on the day — simply enjoy your session and choose afterwards when you can see your beautiful images in full.
Throughout your session, samples of our wall art and albums will be available for you to view and touch, so you can get a real feel for the exceptional quality before you order.
learn
want to know more?
scroll down↓to find more of your questions answered
Portfolio
click to Explore my work on Instagram
ready to book
Scroll down for individual maternity sessions. for multi sessions head over to our services page
"Thankyou Emma so much for our session today! I cant express how nervous I was and how comfortable you made me feel - I've never been naked in front of my mother! and today I was completely different. I feel great and cant wait to see the images. Thankyou so much!"
J. Fowether
LEARN
Questions you may have about your maternity session at MANAWA
I'm nervous in front of the camera — will that show in my photos?
Absolutely not! Making nervous mums feel completely at ease is one of my favourite parts of the job. We take everything at your pace, have a chat, and I show you images as we go so your confidence builds naturally throughout the session. By the end, most mums tell me they forgot the camera was even there and how much they enjoy themselves.
What should I wear for my maternity shoot?
That's entirely up to you and i usually recommend bringing an outfit you feel fabulous in, wether thats jeans and a tshirt or a sparkly dress and the great news is you don't need to bring a thing if you don't want to. I have a huge range of outfits available, from modern, fashion-forward vogue styles to beautiful, flowing fabrics that drape and move gorgeously around your bump. We'll find something that feels like you.
What if I want more intimate or nude images?
Many mums want to celebrate their bodies in their most natural form, and it's a beautiful choice. Any nude or semi-nude images are always photographed tastefully and eloquently — elegant, artistic, and something you'll be proud to treasure forever. We'll always talk through what you're comfortable with before we begin.
When is the best time during pregnancy to have my shoot?
The sweet spot is usually between 32–36 weeks. Your bump is beautifully round and full, but you're still comfortable enough to move freely and enjoy the experience. That said, every pregnancy is different — if you have a specific week in mind, just ask and we'll find what works best for you.
How long does a session take?
Most sessions run between 1.5 to 2 hours. This gives us plenty of time to try different outfits, settings, and poses without ever feeling rushed. There's no clock-watching — the priority is that you feel relaxed and that we capture something truly special.
Can I include my partner, children, or family in the shoot?
Absolutely — and it often makes for the most heartfelt images of all. Whether it's your partner, a toddler pressing their ear to your bump, or the whole family together, those moments are priceless. Just let me know when you book and we'll plan it in.
What happens if my baby arrives early or I'm not feeling well on the day?
Life with a bump is unpredictable! Always be reassured that rescheduling is never a problem in a time of need. I understand pregnancy doesn't always go to plan so I like to book in early so we have time for unexpected situations. If we do have to miss your maternity session due to arrival of baby, we can work out another session that would be perfect for your family.
Should I eat, drink, or prepare anything before the session?
A little preparation goes a long way! Try to get a good night's sleep, eat a light meal beforehand to keep your energy up, and drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your shoot — hydration genuinely makes your skin glow. It's also worth avoiding any foods that cause bloating the day before, so you feel as comfortable as possible on the day.
What about hair and makeup — do I need to come camera ready?
The choice is completely yours! I have a professional hair and makeup artist available if you'd love to be pampered before i even pick up the camera. If you prefer a softer, more natural look that is equally gorgeous and just as beautiful in photos, that works perfectly too. There is absolutely no pressure either way — it's all about what makes you feel most like yourself on your special day.
What if I'm worried about my stretch marks or how my body looks?
You are growing a human — and that is extraordinary. Every curve, every mark, every change your body has made tells the most incredible story. I shoot with flattering light, thoughtful posing, and a genuine sensitivity to how you're feeling, so you will always look and feel your absolute best. Many mums are amazed at how much they love their images.
How warm and private is the studio — especially if I'm having intimate photos taken?
Your comfort and privacy are everything. The studio is always warm, completely private, and only I am present during your session unless you choose to bring someone with you. You are always in full control of what you're comfortable with, and nothing is ever rushed or pressured.
Book your maternity session
Choose the way you want to book
Some families prefer to book their session and then choose their images whilst others prefer
to pre-book everything upfront and then spread the cost. The choice is yours.
 
OPTION 1
 
Session & Viewing
 
- 2 hour professional maternity session
- Full use of our extensive wardrobe
- Relaxed, warm and completely private studio
- Guidance and posing throughout to make you feel completely at ease
- Images previewed throughout your session to build confidence
- Personal viewing appointment arranged at your session and ready within 7 days
- Samples of wall art and albums available to view and touch on the day
- All wall art and albums are 100% pure New Zealand made
- Professional hair and makeup artist available on the day (+$199)
 
$199
 
 
OPTION 2
All
Inclusive
Everything included in the Maternity Session, plus:
- All of your digital images included (20 -30)
- $250 product credit to spend on wall art or albums
- Digital images available for download within 7 days from your personal profile
- A complete, lasting memory of this beautiful chapter of your life
- Available on 0% in house finance from $50/week
 
$1,400
 
2000+ FAMILIES
 
Family owned since 2020 using 100% NEW ZEALAND products and local business'
 
HOME
GROWN
 
 
Safely photographed
in our fully equipped studio
 
 
FREE
RESCHEDULE
 
 
Reserve your session up to 1 year in advance with free rescheduling
 
 
MONTHLY PAYMENTS
 
From $50/week, interest free, in-house finance
 
FULLY
TRAINED
 
 
Newborn safety and First Aid qualified.
Fully Insured
 
 
FREE
DELIVERY
 
 
Wall art and albums shipped throughout New Zealand