Pregnancy Photoshoot Tips – Capturing the Beauty of Motherhood
Pregnancy is such a special time—a chapter of transformation, anticipation, and deep connection with your baby. A maternity photoshoot is a beautiful way to freeze this moment in time, allowing you to look back and cherish these memories forever.
As a 27-year-old outdoor photographer, I love capturing the natural beauty of pregnancy, using soft light, stunning locations, and organic movement to create authentic, heartfelt images. Whether it’s your first baby or another beautiful addition to your family, here’s how to prepare for a pregnancy photoshoot and make it an unforgettable experience.
1. The Best Time for a Maternity Photoshoot
✨ When should you book your pregnancy shoot?
The best time for a maternity photoshoot is typically between 28 and 34 weeks. At this stage, your belly is beautifully round and visible, but you’re still comfortable moving around and posing.
💡 Consider scheduling earlier if:
✔ You’re expecting twins or a high-risk pregnancy.
✔ You feel like your bump is already prominent at an earlier stage.
✔ You want to avoid the final weeks when movement may be more challenging, but nothing is impossible.
2. Choosing the Perfect Outfit
Your outfit plays a big role in how your photos turn out! The goal is to highlight your beautiful bump while making you feel confident and comfortable.
💡 Best outfit ideas for maternity shoots:
✔ Form-fitting dresses – Show off your curves in a way that flatters your body.
✔ Flowy, bohemian dresses – Add an ethereal, dreamy touch to your photos.
✔ Neutral or pastel tones – Soft colors complement natural backgrounds.
✔ Lace, chiffon, or knit textures – These fabrics create a timeless, delicate look.
✔ Off-the-shoulder or long-sleeved gowns – They add elegance and frame your bump beautifully.
🚫 Avoid:
✘ Busy patterns or logos that distract from your belly.
✘ Uncomfortable outfits—feeling good is key to looking great!
💡 Bonus Tip: If you’re unsure what to wear, create a Pinterest board with ideas and share it with me! I’m happy to help with outfit inspiration.
3. Choosing a Beautiful Location
Nature provides the perfect backdrop for maternity shoots! Whether you envision a dreamy beach session, a cozy forest vibe, or a golden-hour field, the location sets the mood for your photos.
🌊 Beach: Soft sand, flowing dresses, and sunset glow create an effortless, serene atmosphere.
🌿 Forest or Mountains: A nature-inspired session adds an adventurous, earthy feel.
🌻 Wildflower Fields: Perfect for romantic, light, and airy photos.
🏡 At Home: If you want intimate, cozy moments, an in-home maternity session can capture the beauty of everyday life.
Tip: Think about places that feel special to you—maybe where you had your wedding photos taken, a favorite weekend getaway spot, or simply a peaceful outdoor space where you feel most at ease.
4. Posing Naturally & Embracing the Bump
If you’re wondering how to pose, don’t worry! I’ll guide you throughout the session to make sure you feel relaxed and comfortable.
Here are some natural, flattering poses for maternity photos:
🤍 Cradle your bump – Placing your hands gently on your belly highlights the connection between you and your baby.
🤍 Look down at your belly – A simple, heartfelt moment that captures anticipation and love.
🤍 Include your partner – Holding hands, forehead kisses, or wrapping arms around your bump create intimate, emotional shots.
🤍 Movement is beautiful! Walking slowly, swaying, or playing with a flowy dress adds life to the images.
🤍 Use natural elements – Sitting in the grass, leaning against a tree, or dipping your toes in the water creates a relaxed, organic feel.
💡 Tip: If you have older kids, let them be part of the shoot! A sibling kissing your belly or hugging you adds a heartwarming touch.
5. Personal Touches That Make Your Photos Unique
Adding small, meaningful elements can make your maternity session even more special. Consider bringing:
👶 Baby shoes – A cute symbol of what’s to come.
📸 Ultrasound photos – A beautiful way to include your baby in the pictures.
💛 A handwritten note or letter – Express your love and excitement for your baby.
🌿 Flowers or a flower crown – Adds a natural, feminine touch to your look.
🎀 A baby onesie or name sign – Perfect if you’ve already chosen a name!
6. The Best Lighting for Maternity Shoots
Lighting makes all the difference in capturing soft, glowing, dreamy maternity photos. Here’s what works best:
🌅 Golden Hour (Best Choice!) – Just after sunrise or before sunset for warm, flattering light.
☁️ Overcast Days – Soft, even lighting creates beautiful skin tones without harsh shadows.
🌙 Night Shoots – City lights, fairy lights, or candles can add a cozy, magical vibe.
If we’re shooting outdoors, I’ll recommend the perfect time to make sure we get the best natural light!
7. Comfort & Relaxation During Your Photoshoot
Being pregnant can be exhausting, so staying comfortable is key! Here’s how to make sure you enjoy the experience:
✔ Stay hydrated – Bring water, especially for summer shoots.
✔ Take breaks – If you need to sit or rest, let me know. That's never a problem.
✔ Wear comfortable shoes – If we’re walking to a location, bring flats or sandals for in-between shots.
✔ Bring snacks – A little energy boost can make all the difference!
💡 Tip: If you’re feeling nervous, put on your favorite playlist before the shoot—it’ll help you relax and feel more like yourself.
8. Should You Include Your Partner or Family?
Maternity shoots aren’t just about the baby bump—they’re about the love and connection surrounding this special time. Including your partner or family can make your photos even more meaningful.
💛 Partner: Holding hands, kissing the belly, or looking into each other’s eyes creates intimate, emotional moments.
💛 Kids: If you already have children, letting them hug or talk to your belly makes for heartwarming memories.
💛 Pets: If your furry friend is part of the family, why not include them?
Whether you want solo portraits, couple shots, or full-family moments, we can tailor the session to what feels most authentic to you.
Final Thoughts – Celebrate This Beautiful Moment
Your pregnancy is a time of love, excitement, and transformation—and it deserves to be celebrated. A maternity photoshoot isn’t just about pretty pictures; it’s about documenting this incredible journey so you can look back and remember how magical this time felt.
If you’re ready to book a session, let’s chat! I’d love to help you plan the perfect maternity shoot that reflects your unique story. 💛