How to Look and Feel Your Best in Your Maternity Photo Shoot

Pregnancy is a journey full of joy and excitement — and also nausea, nerves, and moments of “I can’t see my toes anymore.”
It’s all part of the experience, and it’s a season of life that deserves to be remembered. That’s where a maternity photo shoot comes in.

A professional maternity photo shoot isn’t just about pretty pictures — it’s about honoring your body, your strength, and the life you’re growing.

The Most Important Part of a Beautiful Maternity Photo Shoot

The most important element of looking beautiful in your maternity photo shoot is your photographer.

An experienced maternity photographer knows how to light, pose, and photograph you in ways that flatter your face, your body, and your growing bump. Pregnancy changes your center of gravity, your posture, and how you move — and a professional knows how to work with those changes, not against them.

Just as important, your photographer should make you feel confident and supported. You’re carrying life and love inside of you. You deserve to feel encouraged, empowered, and seen.

A great maternity photo shoot leaves you feeling beautiful, strong, and proud. You grew a human — that’s no small thing.

What to Wear for Your Maternity Photo Shoot

Choosing what to wear can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. These tips will help you feel confident and comfortable while creating timeless maternity photos.

Try a Maxi Dress

Floor- or knee-length maxi dresses are incredibly flattering for a maternity photo shoot. They highlight your baby bump while softly skimming areas you may feel less confident about. Dresses with texture — lace, chiffon, embroidery, or knits — photograph especially beautifully.

Fitted vs. Flowy

A fitted maternity dress that hugs your bump can look absolutely stunning and elegant. While it may feel vulnerable at first, many women are surprised by how beautiful they look in fitted styles.

Flowy dresses are also a favorite because they feel soft and romantic. Both options photograph beautifully — consider bringing one of each so you have variety in your maternity photo shoot.

Bring Two Outfits

If possible, plan on two outfits: one casual and one dressy. This gives your maternity photo shoot variety and allows you to choose images that fit different spaces in your home. Outfit changes are very common — just let your photographer know ahead of time.

You Don’t Have to Wear a Dress

A cozy sweater with jeans, a soft knit top, or a lace blouse can look just as beautiful as a gown. Keep the look neutral and timeless, and don’t be afraid to mix styles for something a little different.

Colors, Textures, and Styling Tips

Stick With Solids

Solid colors photograph better than busy patterns, which can be distracting in a maternity photo shoot. Neutrals, soft pastels, whites, and classic black are all excellent choices.

Choose Timeless Over Trendy

If you’re investing in professional maternity photos, you want to love them decades from now. Simple silhouettes and soft colors age beautifully and won’t feel dated later.

Add Texture

Texture adds depth and interest to photos. Think chunky knit sweaters, lace dresses, embroidered fabrics, or soft linen. Texture gives your maternity photo shoot a rich, elevated feel without relying on patterns.

Dress for the Season

• Spring: soft pastels and light neutrals

• Summer: breezy fabrics, sun hats, bare feet

• Fall: cardigans, layers, warm neutrals

• Winter: crisp whites, soft blues, cozy knits

Styling With Your Partner

Coordinating outfits works best when you think of everything together as one color palette. Avoid wearing the exact same color head-to-toe — instead, choose complementary tones.

Lay everything out on the bed and see how it looks together. Keep patterns minimal, add a few simple accessories, and aim for colors that will also look beautiful displayed in your home.

Final Touches for Your Maternity Photo Shoot

Keep Makeup Natural

You want to look like the best version of yourself. Soft, natural makeup photographs beautifully and keeps your maternity photos timeless. The same goes for nails — clean, neutral shades are always a win.

Choose What Feels Right for You

Every pregnant body is different. Empire waistlines and dresses that sit just above the bump are universally flattering, but the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident.

Consider Renting a Dress

Renting a dress from places like Rent the Runway is a great way to wear something dramatic and special just for your maternity photo shoot. You don’t need a maternity-specific dress — just look for styles with a high waistline that sits above the bump.

Invest in the Right Photographer

If professional maternity photos are important to you, investing in an experienced maternity photographer makes all the difference. These images become part of your family history — artwork you’ll look back on with pride for years to come.

And remember: your maternity photo shoot can be as creative and unique as you are. From soft, natural portraits to bold, artistic concepts, this is a once-in-a-lifetime season worth celebrating.

Planning your own photos? Lets chat!