So are you raising a tiny human and want to capture that incredible moment before life gets all wild? Smart move. Let’s talk about how to make your maternity shoot amazing without overthinking it.
When should you book your session?
You’ll probably want to be between 28 and 36 weeks. You want that beautiful bump to be obvious (that’s the whole point, right?), but you also don’t want to be so uncomfortable that you’re counting down the minutes until you can sit down.
If you’re having twins, aim a little earlier – around 28-32 weeks.
What should you wear?
Clothes are big because they can make or break your photos.
The magic formula for a dress
You want something that is fitted on top and then flows out just above your tummy. The floor length is super flattering and gives you that romantic, flowy vibe. Think ‘goddess’ not ‘scene’.
Colors that really show off your bangs
Skip the black or navy. I know they are slimming but they literally hide your bump in photos. That’s the opposite of what we’re doing here. Light to medium colors are your best friend. Think dusty rose, sage, cream, soft blue – colors that let your beautiful belly shine.
Fabric matters more than you think
Skip the super stretchy jersey material that shows every bra line and clings to your legs. Also, skip the harsh cotton that wrinkles like crazy. Instead, look for flowing fabrics like gauze, rayon or lace that move beautifully and photograph like a dream.
What about your partner?
Get them to coordinate with you, but they don’t exactly match. If you’re in a dusty blue dress, maybe wear khaki pants with a white or cream shirt. You want to look like you belong together without looking like you’re wearing a couples Halloween costume.
Where to shop
Amazon has tons of great maternity-friendly dresses. Or check out boutiques like Free People, Baltic Born or Pink Blush. If you want to do something dramatic or special, consider renting from Nuuly or Rent the Runway.
Skip the clothes altogether
The nude is timeless. If you had your pregnancy photo taken in 1988, you can just imagine what kind of crazy-ass dress you’d be wearing. The less clothes you wear, the less old it will look.
She poses without feeling uncomfortable
Look, we all feel weird in front of a camera. Here’s what really works:
Just put your hands on your belly. Seriously, it’s the most natural thing in the world and it looks beautiful.
Move around. Don’t stand there frozen. Move, walk, run your hands through your hair, laugh with your partner. The best shots happen when you forget you’re being photographed.
Turn sideways to about 45 degrees. This is much more flattering than straight shots. Your photographer will help you find your best angle.
If you are with your partner, come close. Touch, hold hands, snuggle. These intimate moments make the most beautiful photos.
Where should you have your session?
Here are some popular options:
Outdoor Adventures: The sunset beach sessions are gorgeous. Fields of wildflowers, mountain scenes, or even urban environments with cool street art can be stunning.
Comfortable at home: Relax on the sofa, hang out in your nursery or create a cozy bedroom scene.
Something completely unique: Milk baths with flower petals, underwater photography or even a snowy winter wonderland if that’s your season.
Just keep in mind that you are pregnant. Don’t choose a location that requires an uphill hike of a mile or doesn’t have an accessible bathroom.
Special Considerations
Including your other children? Keep expectations realistic. Kids will be kids, and the siblings’ honest moments of being silly often turn out to be endearing.
What about your dog? Just choose a location where they can be safely off leash or be prepared for some leash handling.
Hair and makeup? Only if it makes you feel amazing. If it’s going to feel overwhelming and uncomfortable, skip it. But if being charming gives you confidence? Go for it.
Finding the right photographer
Spend time on Instagram or their website. Do their photos make you tear up or say “wow, I want this”? This is your person.
You will also show a lot of skin and be vulnerable. Make sure you feel with them personality-wise. Check out their social media to find out who they are. If their posts creep you out, keep looking.
And choose someone who specializes in maternity photography. Someone who is amazing at weddings may not know how to pose a pregnant belly.
The most important thing to remember
Think about what you’ll wear and where you’ll go, but more than anything else, show up ready to celebrate the moment.
Your body is doing something amazing right now. Let’s capture it before your hands are too full with baby hugs (and back injuries) to remember what it was like.
Related: Top 50 Maternity Photography Ideas
