✨ 10 Ways to Personalize Your Maternity Session
A Guide by Portraits by Araceli | McAllen Photographer
Pregnancy is one of the most magical and emotional seasons of your life — and your maternity session should reflect your unique story. At Portraits by Araceli, I specialize in capturing real moments, heartfelt details, and the genuine connection between you and the life you're growing.
As a trusted McAllen maternity photographer, I know how important it is to create a session that feels true to you. Whether you're a glowing first-time mom or a mama of multiples ready to celebrate this next chapter, here are 10 thoughtful ways to personalize your maternity photos and make them completely unforgettable.
🌿 Ultrasound Photo
A timeless and emotional touch. Holding your baby’s first photo over your bump is simple, beautiful, and incredibly meaningful.
Tip: Place the ultrasound in a delicate frame or hold it gently in both hands.
🧸 Baby Shoes or Booties
Tiny shoes make a big emotional statement. They're a sweet way to symbolize the life growing inside you.
Bonus Idea: Soft neutrals work beautifully, but if your baby’s wardrobe already has some personality (like little cowboy boots or colorful sneakers), let’s show them off!
📖 Baby Name Signs or Blocks
Tiny shoes make a big emotional statement. They're a sweet way to symbolize the life growing inside you.
Bonus Idea: Soft neutrals work beautifully, but if your baby’s wardrobe already has some personality (like little cowboy boots or colorful sneakers), let’s show them off!
🌸 Flower Crowns & Florals
Want your maternity photos to feel soft, elegant, and full of life? Fresh or faux flower crowns, bouquets, or even just a few delicate blooms in your hands can add a beautiful, earthy touch.
I can help you source floral accessories that photograph well — and yes, we can match them to your gown or color theme!
👗 Baby Clothes
Holding a tiny onesie or folding a swaddle over your bump adds a warm, emotional touch to your portraits. You might choose a special outfit gifted by a grandparent, a onesie that matches a nursery theme, or simply something soft and sweet.
McAllen mamas often bring regional items too — embroidered baby outfits, little sombreros, or even baby-sized huaraches.
🐾 Include Your Pet
Your fur baby is family too! Including your dog (or cat, we love them all) can make your session feel even more like a celebration of your growing family.
Planning tip: Be sure to let me know in advance if your pet will join us so we can choose a location in McAllen or the surrounding RGV area that works well for animals.
🎈 Balloons, Bows & Ribbons
Balloons and big bows add color, fun, and energy to your session — especially for gender reveals or shower-themed shoots. We can keep it classy with soft neutrals or go bold with color — it’s totally up to your style.
These work especially well in outdoor fields or minimalist studio setups. If you're having a studio maternity session in McAllen, I’ll help with positioning and lighting to make the most of it.
🍼 Baby Book or Journal
Been writing letters to your baby? Journaling your journey? Bring your baby book or bump journal along. Candid photos of you flipping through the pages or reading aloud to your baby bump can be incredibly moving.
This is especially powerful for mamas who want photos that capture more than just beauty — but also intention and love.
📅 Due Date Calendar or Chalkboard
Marking your due date on a small calendar, letter board, or chalkboard is a classic prop idea that never goes out of style. It adds context, excitement, and makes the perfect keepsake image to print or share with family.
These are easy to customize for a seasonal maternity session in McAllen — like pumpkin themes in the fall, florals in spring, or sparkles in winter.
🌞 Celebrate the 956 – Props with Local Rio Grande Valley Flavor
Here in the RGV, we do things with flair — and your maternity session can reflect that bold, cultural pride. Some of my favorite 956-inspired prop ideas include:
- A serape blanket wrapped around your shoulders or laid across a bench
- Tiny baby-sized huaraches or leather booties
- A “Made in the 956” onesie
- A sign shaped like Texas with your baby’s due date
- Big hoops, lashes, and all the baddie vibes you want to bring
- Fresh citrus like oranges or grapefruit, as a nod to our Valley roots
- Papel picado or custom banners for gender reveals or name announcements
If you’re from McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, or anywhere in the RGV — this is your chance to add your personality and heritage to your session.
💡 Extra Tips to Make Your Session Even More You:
- Choose a location that’s meaningful — like a park where you had your baby shower, your backyard garden, or your favorite walking trail in McAllen.
- Incorporate your partner or other children into a few photos to tell the full story of your growing family.
- Don’t be afraid to bring multiple outfits if you want a mix of casual and glam looks.
- Share any sentimental details with me before your shoot — I’ll help bring your ideas to life.
📸 Ready to Book Your Maternity Session in McAllen?
I’m here to help you feel beautiful, confident, and completely seen during this incredible chapter of life. Let’s create something meaningful together.
👉 Book Your Maternity Session Here
📍 Based in McAllen, TX | Serving the entire Rio Grande Valley
📷 Follow me on Instagram: @portraitsbyaraceli
💬 Need Help Planning?
Not sure what to wear or how to style your session? I’ve got you. Once you book, you’ll be able to choose from my client gallery featuring over 60 gorgeous maternity gowns and 100+ backdrops. Whether you're going for something soft and romantic or bold and dramatic, I’ll help you bring your vision to life and feel your absolute best.
