The Secret to Looking and Feeling Amazing in Your Maternity Photos

Planning your maternity photoshoot is such an exciting part of preparing for your baby’s arrival, but one of the biggest questions I get asked is: “What should I wear for my maternity photos?”

If you’ve booked a studio maternity session with me, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about what to wear, what to bring, and what to avoid. Whether you prefer to keep it simple and covered or show a little more skin, the most important thing is that you feel confident and comfortable.

As your photographer, I’ll guide you through every pose and angle, so you can relax knowing you’re in safe hands.

Essentials to Bring for Your Maternity Photoshoot

• Nude AND black underwear
  Neutral underwear photographs beautifully under the light coloured dresses and fabrics. A thong is best if you have one, as it avoids visible lines. Black seamless short style underwear is great for on its own. Whatever you have just make sure it's not too tight, as it can leave marks on your skin and create bulges where you don't want them!

• Pre-maternity jeans
  These are perfect for those timeless “bump in jeans” shots (no need to fasten them up!).

• Several outfit options
  Form-fitting clothes are ideal for showing off your bump, but floaty dresses can work too if that's more your vibe. Bring a mix – body-hugging pieces and a flowy dress if you love it.

• Nails
  Your hands will often rest on your bump. Bare nails are fine, but if you wear polish, make sure it isn’t chipped. Get a partner or friend to check your toes too if you can't see them anymore!

• Studio wardrobe
  I have a selection of beautiful dresses and fabrics in the studio that you’re welcome to use during your session.

How Much Skin Should You Show in Your Maternity Photos?

This is completely up to you. Some mums-to-be like to stay fully covered, while others love to celebrate their pregnancy by showing more skin. There’s no right or wrong, just what feels best for you.

Covered & simple

Think fitted maternity tops with jeans or a casual dress. Elegant and comfortable without showing skin.

A little skin

• An oversized shirt slipped off the shoulders (I have one as part of my client wardrobe if you don't have one)

• A strapless or sports type bra with jeans

• A blazer or jacket worn over bare skin (with short style seamless underwear)

• A bodysuit

• A cosy oversized jumper

Draped fabrics

I have fabrics in the studio that can be styled in ways to reveal as little or as much as you like.

Showing more

Some mums choose to go without clothing for part of their session. This can be a beautiful and intimate way to celebrate your bump. It will only be me with you in the studio and it's completely private. Just let me know at the start of your session if it's something you'd like to try.

Classic long dress

A fitted maxi dress is always timeless. It hugs your bump, photographs beautifully.

What Should Your Partner Wear for a Maternity Shoot?

If your partner is joining in, their outfit should complement yours without drawing focus away from your bump. A plain white or light-coloured T-shirt/shirt and a plain black T-shirt/shirt, both paired with jeans, work perfectly. Avoid big logos or busy patterns.

If you’re showing more skin, your partner is welcome to keep it casual too, whatever feels natural for you both.

Things to Avoid for Maternity Photos

• Busy patterns and logos
  These distract from the focus, you and your bump.

• Fake tan
  It can look patchy or orange under studio lighting and may transfer onto dresses. Your natural skin tone always looks more flattering and timeless.

• Very large false lashes
  Big, heavy lashes can block the light from your eyes, making them appear darker in photos. If you’d like to wear lashes, natural styles photograph best.

Final Tips for a Beautiful Maternity Photoshoot

• Moisturise beforehand if you can for glowing skin.

• Avoid wearing anything tight before your session that might leave marks (socks, hairbands, tight bras).

• Keep nails neat and clean (and toenails too, just in case your feet make it into the photos)

• Drinks and snacks are provided. We have everything from decaf coffee and teas to cold fizzy drinks.

• Most importantly... relax. This is your time to celebrate yourself and your baby.

✨ As a Northamptonshire maternity photographer, my goal is to make you feel relaxed, beautiful, and supported throughout your session. I’ll guide you every step of the way so you don’t need to practise or prepare poses. Just show up as you are — and together we’ll create timeless maternity photos you’ll treasure forever.

👉 Thinking about booking your maternity photoshoot?
Get in touch here to find out more, or download your free pregnancy journal to start capturing your journey today.