The Patel Family’s maternity session at the Houston Arboretum was gorgeous! The weather could not have been more perfect! I am so happy that we are starting to come out of winter and see all the signs of spring. We were definitely seeing it during this maternity session at the Houston Arboretum!

HOUSTON ARBORETUM MATERNITY SESSION

A Houston Arboretum maternity session is such a beautiful way to celebrate your growing family—and yes, that means including everyone! These sessions aren’t just about capturing the bump (though we’ll definitely do that too!). They’re about freezing this sweet season of anticipation, connection, and love—together as a family.

I know the idea of bringing your whole crew might sound a little overwhelming, but don’t worry—not with Mollie Jane Photography! I’ve got you covered with tips right here in this post, and even more guidance in my FAMOUS Client Experience Guide. Let’s make it relaxed, fun, and meaningful.

PLAN YOUR OUTFITS FOR YOUR HOUSTON MATERNITY SESSION

In the Mollie Jane Client Experience Guide we go into great detail about colors and patterns, it even has links to online stores and outfit examples.  But…to give you a peek into a little bit of what is included.

Neutrals are PERFECT for every session, especially your maternity session

Especially in a natural setting like the Houston Arboretum, neutrals are key. But what exactly is a neutral? It’s a color with low saturation—nothing too bold or bright. Some of my favorites for maternity sessions are white, cream, tan, soft gray, light blush pink, dusty blue, muted green, and even a gentle buttery yellow. These tones flatter everyone and photograph beautifully against the greenery and natural light.

Coordinate for your family maternity session, don’t MATCH

Gone are the days of everyone wearing matching white shirts and jeans—my family definitely has those classic 90s photos, too! But in 2025, we know better. Today, it’s all about creativity and coordination. Start with a soft color palette, then bring it to life with layers, textures, and accessories that add depth without being distracting.

I always recommend that mom picks her outfit first! From there, coordinate everyone else’s look around hers. These photos are about celebrating this moment in her journey—and it’s so important that she feels confident and beautiful.

LET THE KIDS BE KIDS FOR YOU HOUSTON MATERNITY SESSION

Will everything go perfectly when you bring little ones to your maternity session? Honestly—probably not. And that’s completely okay! That’s real life, and I promise, it’s still going to be beautiful. This is exactly why I recommend booking a full session when toddlers or young kids are involved. It gives us plenty of time to take breaks, let them warm up, and capture those sweet, genuine moments—without the pressure to perform. Here are a couple of tips for you:

Get Them Excited About it

My biggest tip for helping kids enjoy the session? Start talking about it ahead of time! Get them excited by practicing their smiles, letting them try on their special outfits, and making it feel like a fun event. If you have a little princess, let her spin in her dress. Some girls love getting a touch of makeup—it makes them feel extra fancy, and that’s part of the magic!

And hey, a little bribery never hurts. Let them know what they’re working toward—ask which ice cream flavor they’re picking after the session, or what toy they’ve got their eye on. A little motivation goes a long way when it comes to happy smiles!

What to Bring to Your Family Houston Maternity Session

I’ll include this in your final info email too, but here are a few quick things to pack that can make a big difference during your session:
Bring a small, non-messy, non-chewy snack—something that won’t leave sticky fingers or take forever to eat. I recommend little marshmallows or Smarties. Avoid gummies or anything chewy—they take too long to finish and can slow us down.

Don’t forget water! Especially if it’s a warm Houston day, having water nearby keeps everyone happy (and hydrated).

And finally, only bring a toy or stuffed animal if you’re okay with it being in the photos. Sometimes toys can help, but more often, they lead to little ones reaching, grabbing, or getting upset when they can’t have it. If we use something to help them smile, I always try to make it fun and distraction-free.

YOU WANT SOME MATERNITY PICTURES…OF JUST YOU

We usually mix in photos of just Mama throughout the session—often when the family needs a little breather or toward the end. I typically like to start with the whole family, especially when toddlers are involved. They’re usually more cooperative at the beginning, and it helps to ease into things while everyone’s still fresh. But truly, we always go with the flow.

That’s one of the things I love most about this job—no two sessions are ever the same. Some little ones need time to warm up, and it helps when they see Mom in front of the camera first. Others come in with tons of energy right away, but tire out quickly. And sometimes, we need a quick play break in the middle to reset. Through all of it, we capture those sweet, real moments that tell the story of this season in your life.

This is also why I highly (HIGHLY!) recommend booking a full session for maternity photos—not a mini or petite session. We need that extra time to let things unfold naturally, without pressure.

I believe your maternity session should reflect your life right now—your whole heart. That includes your bump, your family, your wild toddlers, and even your furry family members.

Are you ready to plan the perfect session? Click the link below to message me and we will find the perfect time for your session!

I can’t wait to plan your maternity session TODAY!!