Check out these 50+ creative maternity photography ideas from real moms like you to get ideas for poses and maternity dresses. Plus, tips for your own maternity photoshoot!
I think all expecting mamas should consider getting maternity photos done at least once during their pregnancy; even if they feel self-conscious!
The maternity pictures I’ve had taken over the years are some of my very favorite photos.
I would be so sad if I never had those memories of my baby bump to cherish.
So to give you some motivation (and inspiration) I’m sharing lots of creative maternity photography ideas.
Some photos are super glamorous and fancy while others are more casual and laid back, but be assured there are photos for every style and mama!
I’m also sharing some tips I’ve learned over the years to make sure your pictures go as smoothly as possible.
RELATED: Everything You Need To Know As A First Time Mama
Tips For Beautiful Maternity Photography
1. Make sure you’re comfortable!
In terms of what you wear to the maternity session, make sure it’s something you’re 100% comfortable in.
If you don’t like showing a lot of skin, then an open lacey gown with underwear probably isn’t the best option for you! And if you don’t like form-fitting clothes, opt for a more flowy dress that will accentuate your bump.
2. Research the photographer beforehand.
This goes for any type of photos, but make sure you have looked through your prospective professional photographer’s work before signing a contract.
You should also make sure they have experience taking maternity portraits.
If you’re just having a friend or family member take them, then you wouldn’t need to be as thorough but if you’re paying money, make sure you do your research!
3. Find example poses to show the photographer.
I always like sending a few inspiration photos to my photographer before a shoot.
Look on Pinterest (or this blog post!) for some poses and angles that you want to make sure to capture.
If all else fails, at least you’ll have those photos that you really love.
4. Try your outfit on at least a week before the photos.
There’s nothing worse than getting dressed before your pictures only to realize your dress doesn’t fit like you thought it would!
Make sure you try your outfit on a week before your pictures to give you a realistic fit and to give yourself enough time to find a backup dress if needed.
5. Consider taking fun props for the photos.
You can use things like your ultrasound pictures, letter boards, or items like a pair of baby shoes or bows.
Have those ready to go so you can get a few photos with them.
6. Don’t forget your hands!
Maternity pictures are a great excuse for some pampering!
Schedule a manicure to make sure your hands look their best for those up-close bump shots.
RELATED: Wondering What To Wear For Family Pictures?
Best Maternity Dresses for Photoshoots
One of the biggest hang-ups moms have when it comes to a pregnancy photo shoot is what to wear.
Here are several dress options if you don’t know where to look.
And here are some additional stores and dress rental options:
- Mama Bump Rentals
- Lael Collection
- Vanderrose
- SLC Dress Rental
- Olivia’s Gown Rentals
- Utah’s Gowns
- Baltic Born
You can always ask your photographer if they offer dress rentals before you book.
FAQs
The best time for taking maternity pictures is usually between 26 and 34 weeks or when you’re in your third trimester.
Your bump is out in full force, but you’re not waddling and swollen like you are in the last few weeks of pregnancy. You also don’t want to schedule your pictures too close to your due date because you never know when you’ll go into labor.
However, if this is your second or third pregnancy and you start to show early on, you might get away with taking photos earlier.
With my fourth pregnancy, I took photos at 24 weeks and my bump was big enough that you can tell I’m pregnant, but I wasn’t as swollen as I have been in other photos.
You’ll get the most flattering angles of your bump from standing up, but don’t be afraid to sit and lay down (but not for too long!) as well.
You can see tons of examples of standing, sitting, and laying down maternity poses for your pregnancy photoshoot below, so be sure to share those with your photographer.
Here are a few tips for looking thinner in your pictures:
-Pick a dress that is form-fitting to accentuate your curves. Or at least tight enough from your bump, up.
-Wear something that covers your arms.
-Pop a knee or bend your hip when you’re standing to define your figure in the full body shots.
-Try to looking down or to the side instead of looking at the front of the camera (this is my go-to pose to highlight my jawline!).
This will be up to you, but you’ll probably want to plan on at least 30 minutes! This is usually what photographers refer to as a mini shoot and can save you a lot of money.
If you have other family members joining you or you want to do several outfit changes, plan on an hour – an hour and a half. Your maternity shoot can be a great way to get pictures of the whole family with your bump!
Outdoor Maternity Photography Ideas
Now let’s get to the actual maternity photography ideas!
I decided to break up the photos into two groups: outdoor and indoor.
For the outdoor sessions, I also broke them up by location so you can search for your specific look based on where you want your pictures.
Outdoor photos are the best way to get that beautiful golden hour light right before the sun rises or sets for the day.
Beach/Nautical Maternity Photos
Photography by Christine Barlow
Photography by Katie Lynn
Photograpy by Paulina Kettenring
Photography by First Impressions Photography
Photography by Sarah Rose Photography
Photography by Maddie Jeppson Photography
Photography by Takke Photography
Photography by Samantha Sprague Photography
This mama’s flower crown is a beautiful addition to the picture. Photography by Kendra Bird Photography
Photography by Rianon Stephens Photography
Woodsy/Forest Maternity Photos
Photography by Hailey Jo Photography
Photography by Ashley Meagan Photography
Photography by Ellie Martinez
Photography by Rianon Stephens Photography
Photography by Adriana Bowers
Photography by Rachel Van Schyndel
Photography by Sarah Dixon Photography
Photography by Lauren Simon
Photography by Takke Photography
Photography by Takayla Mar Batty
Here’s a great example of using older children in the picture. Photography by Kristin Reader Photography
Photography by Emily Bitter
Photography by Photos by Kimmer
Desert Maternity Photos
Photography by Kristin Bowden Photography
Photography by Dani Lacey
Photography by Elizabeth Ann Photography
Photography by Takayla Mar Batty
Photos of Mariah by Berklee D. Photography
Photography by Lindsey Tripp
Photography by Tay Lynn Photography
Photography by Sydni Lee Photography
Photography by Rise And Shine Photography
Photograpy by Paulina Kettenring
Photography by Cami Parker Photography
Floral Maternity Photos
Photography by Shanessa Photo + Film
Photography by Jordan Eaton Photography
Photography by Paulina Martinez Photography
Winter Maternity Photos
Photography by Maddie Jeppson Photography
Photography by Lana Hansen Photography
Photography by Whit Bolton
Indoor Maternity Photography Ideas
I haven’t really seen a lot of these types of pictures done indoors, but I think these are super creative maternity pictures!
Here are a lot of great options if you don’t want to shoot outside. Just make sure you have a window close by so you can still get a lot of natural light.
Studio Maternity Photography
Photography by Tylynn B Photography
Photography by Jill Collier Photography
In-Home Maternity Pictures
Photography by Bobbi Tolman Photography
Photography DP Photography
Milk Bath Maternity Photography
Photography by First Impressions Photography
Greenhouse Maternity Pictures
Using a greenhouse is such a creative idea to get photos with beautiful flowers during the colder months. Photography by Kelly King Price
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Want More?
Looking for more photography inspiration? You’ll love these monthly baby photo ideas once your little bundle arrives.
