Maternity sessions: when and how
Best timing for a maternity session: between 28 and 34 weeks. Earlier than 28 weeks and the bump is not yet distinct enough; later than 34 weeks and mum can be uncomfortable standing for the 60 to 90-minute session.
Format options:
- In-home maternity session. 60 to 90 minutes at your apartment. We bring lighting, neutral backdrop fabrics, and 2 to 3 wardrobe options if you do not want to pull from your own closet. Most expat clients prefer this,minimal travel for mum, natural light from your own windows.
- Outdoor maternity session. 60 to 90 minutes at a Moscow park (Tsaritsyno, Kolomenskoye, Patriarchy) plus optional cafe transition. Available May to September when weather is reliable.
- Studio maternity session. 60 minutes at our studio. Classic dark backdrop, simple drape, focus on the silhouette. Available year-round.
Newborn sessions: when and how
Best timing for a newborn session: 5 to 14 days after birth. Babies in this window are still sleepy enough to pose in classic curled-up positions and have not yet developed the milk-spot rash that can take attention from the photos.
Format: in-home only. We do not move newborns this young to a studio for safety and comfort reasons. Session lasts 2 to 4 hours at your apartment because feeding, settling and posing take time. Plan for the baby to set the pace.
What we bring:
- 2 to 3 backdrop fabrics (cream, soft grey, dusty pink, neutral natural beige)
- 4 to 6 wraps and headbands in natural fibre
- Posing pillows and bean-bag base
- Hand-held lighting that does not flash directly (continuous LED, baby-safe colour temperature)
- Sanitiser, gloves, fresh clean fabrics
We do not use the dramatic "baby in a basket dangling from a tree" poses unless you specifically request them. International expat families generally prefer natural-light, soft-tone newborn photos that look like everyday life rather than commercial portfolio shots.
Sibling and parent inclusion
If you have older children we include them in 20 to 30 percent of the frames. They typically stay calm for the first 30 to 40 minutes then need an activity break. We work around their schedule.
Parents are usually photographed individually with the baby, then as a couple holding the baby, plus a few candid family-of-four type frames. Pets (cats, dogs) can be included if comfortable around photographer presence,most baby-and-dog frames take 5 to 10 attempts.
Pricing
Maternity, in-home, 60 to 90 minutes
40 to 60 edited photos, retouch, delivery in 14 days.
From 18 000 ₽ (about 215 USD or 190 EUR).
Newborn, in-home, 2 to 4 hours
50 to 80 edited photos, fine retouch, soft tone, delivery in 21 days.
From 28 000 ₽ (about 330 USD or 295 EUR).
Combined maternity + newborn package
One booking covers both sessions before and after birth. 90 to 130 edited photos total, fine retouch, delivery aligned with newborn session.
From 40 000 ₽ (about 470 USD or 425 EUR), saving about 6 000 ₽ vs separate bookings.
Optional add-ons
Printed photo album (20 to 40 pages, hand-bound): from 9 000 ₽.
Year-of-baby package (newborn + 3-month + 6-month + 9-month + 1-year sessions, all in-home): from 120 000 ₽, includes 4 sessions plus a milestone album.
What you need to prepare at home
Maternity:
- 1 to 2 sets of clothing that hugs the bump silhouette (jersey dress, fitted top, or just bra-and-leggings for the more intimate shots,all options welcome)
- Room temperature 22 to 24°C
- 1 large clear wall or sofa we can use as backdrop
Newborn:
- Room heated to 24 to 26°C, baby can be undressed for some shots
- Diapers, wipes, feeding ready to hand
- Quiet background music if you like, otherwise we work in silence
- One adult ready to handle the baby between poses
FAQ
Do you speak English?
Yes. Briefing, posing instructions, edits and delivery all in English.
What if my baby is fussy and the session is interrupted?
Standard. Newborn sessions are always feeding and settling-paced. We are patient, we wait. The 2 to 4-hour window covers this.
Can my partner attend the maternity session?
Yes, no extra fee. Many couples do 30 minutes solo maternity then 30 minutes together.
Will photos be retouched aggressively?
Soft retouch by default,smoothing skin imperfections, brightening eyes, adjusting white balance. No body sculpting or dramatic editing unless you request.
What about photos for grandparents abroad?
We deliver digital files via private link plus an optional printed photo album sent by international courier (2 to 4 weeks delivery).
Can I share photos publicly on social media?
Yes. All photos delivered are yours to share. If you prefer to keep the gallery private, just tell us and we will not feature on our portfolio.
Are pets safe with the photographer present?
We are calm and quiet on set, and small lighting equipment does not spook most pets. If your dog is highly reactive, plan a short separation during posing intervals.
Related services
For older children and full-family sessions see family photography for expats in Moscow. For LinkedIn / professional headshots see business portrait photography. For document photos for the new family member (birth certificate, citizenship, passport) see visa and document photos for foreigners.
Book a session
Message +7 927 624-99-67 on Telegram or use the chat at the bottom of the page. Mention "maternity" or "newborn" plus your due date or birth date. Newborn slots fill up 4 to 8 weeks in advance, so message us as soon as you know your due date.
Frequently asked questions
At what stage of pregnancy is it best to have a maternity shoot?
We recommend 28 to 34 weeks. Before 28 weeks the bump is not yet distinct, and after 34 weeks standing through a 60 to 90-minute session can be uncomfortable. If you have recently moved to Moscow, message us in the chat or on Telegram and we will find a date that fits your schedule.
When should we book a newborn session?
As early as you can. Newborn slots fill up 4 to 8 weeks in advance, so message us as soon as you know your due date. The session itself takes place 5 to 14 days after birth, while the baby is still sleepy enough for classic curled-up poses.
How much does an in-home newborn or maternity session cost?
An in-home maternity session of 60 to 90 minutes costs from 18 000 ₽ and includes 40 to 60 edited photos. An in-home newborn session of 2 to 4 hours costs from 28 000 ₽ and includes 50 to 80 edited photos. The combined maternity and newborn package costs from 40 000 ₽, and a printed album starts from 9 000 ₽.
Do you speak English? Can the whole session be in English?
Yes. Briefing, posing instructions, choosing the final frames, edits and delivery are all handled in English, in the chat on this page or on Telegram.
What is included in a newborn session, and do you bring props?
The session runs 2 to 4 hours at your apartment, paced around feeding and settling. We bring 2 to 3 backdrop fabrics, 4 to 6 wraps and headbands in natural fibre, posing pillows with a bean-bag base, continuous baby-safe LED lighting, sanitiser, gloves and fresh fabrics. Parents and older siblings are included in the frames. You receive 50 to 80 edited photos within 21 days.
Is a newborn shoot safe for a baby in the first days of life?
Safety comes before any shot. We photograph newborns only at home and do not move them to a studio. We use continuous light instead of flash, sanitise our hands and bring fresh fabrics, and the baby sets the pace, with breaks for feeding and sleep whenever needed. Complex poses, such as a baby resting on a hand, are made as a composite of two frames, with a parent's or assistant's hand supporting the baby at all times.
How can I pay if I do not have a Russian bank card?
RUB cash on the day of the session is always accepted, and USD or EUR cash is accepted at the day's rate. If your company is paying, we issue an invoice. For sessions over 15 000 RUB we take a 50 percent deposit to secure the date. All payment options are listed in our FAQ for English-speaking clients.