What to Wear for Maternity Photos: 6 Maternity Photoshoot Tips
Whether you’re pregnant with your first baby or your fifth, taking maternity photos is a wonderful way to capture the beauty of your growing bump and create your first memories with your little one. As a Los Angeles maternity photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing the unique essence of many moms-to-be. So, if you’re trying to decide what to wear for maternity photos, you’re in the right place because I have tons of maternity photoshoot tips to help! Keep reading to learn the best tips for maternity photoshoot attire and find answers to your burning questions about your upcoming shoot.
6 Maternity Photoshoot Tips to Decide What to Wear for Maternity Photos
If you’re still searching for a Los Angeles maternity photographer, you can learn more about my services to see if we’d be a good fit. I also love traveling for destination photoshoots! I’d be happy to hop on a call and discuss your hopes and dreams for these photos to ensure the result is exactly what you’re looking for. In the meantime, keep reading for tips to decide what to wear for maternity photos.
1. Consider the Location
When choosing what to wear for maternity photos, the location is the first thing to consider. Different locations offer different vibes, and it’s important that you’re dressed comfortably and appropriately. For example, if you want a beach maternity photoshoot, consider opting for a flowy maxi dress that will move gracefully in the wind and complement the natural surroundings. Or, if you’re going for something more edgy, pick an urban environment and a sleek and modern outfit, such as a fitted dress or jumpsuit. Ultimately, the location of your photoshoot is an opportunity to enhance your outfit choices and create a cohesive look that complements the surroundings while highlighting your personality.
2. Choose Between Loose and Tight-Fitting Clothes
While the location of your maternity shoot can help you pick a complementary outfit, it’s also important to consider the vibes you get with loose vs. tight-fighting clothes. Loose-fitting clothes can be a great option if you want to feel more relaxed and have a free-flowing appearance in your photos. Wearing flowy maxi dresses, tunics, and loose-fitting tops will help you achieve this look.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more form-fitting style, tight-fitting clothes such as bodycon dresses or fitted tops can be a great choice. These types of outfits create a beautiful silhouette that highlights your baby bump in all its glory! Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences and the type of photographs you have in mind. It’s always a good idea to share some inspirational photos with your photographer to ensure you get the end result you want.
3. Choose Between Light and Dark Clothes
So, the first decision to make is between loose and tight-fitting clothes. The next decision is between light and dark outfits. Again, the choice will result in different vibes. Light-colored outfits can create a soft, airy, and romantic vibe and are perfect for outdoor or natural settings like gardens or beaches. Light colors like white, cream, pastel shades of pink or blue, or even soft yellows can create a delicate and feminine look. These colors tend to be more flattering when natural light is present and can highlight your pregnancy glow.
Dark-colored outfits, on the other hand, create a more edgy and moody vibe that works well in urban settings or indoor photo sessions. Black, navy blue, deep green, or burgundy outfits can create a distinct and powerful look that highlights your features and creates depth and contrast in your photos. Ultimately, the choice between light and dark outfits will depend on personal preference and the style/vibe you want to achieve.
4. Don’t be Afraid of Color
But also, don’t be afraid of black, white, and neutral tones. (Again, you have a choice to make when deciding what to wear for maternity photos!) Bright or bold colors will add depth and interest to your photos while also providing a pop of color against the muted tones of a natural setting. A bright ensemble can also help to highlight your personality and create a playful and joyful vibe in your photos. You can experiment with different shades of blues, greens, pinks, or even reds, depending on your skin tone and personal preference.
But while bright colors can work well in a natural setting, if your location has busy backgrounds with lots of colors and patterns, opting for solid, neutral colors like black, white, or beige can make you stand out and provide a simple backdrop that will let you shine.
5. Coordinate with Your Photographer to Bring Multiple Outfits
Let's be real, as a pregnant mama, you've got a closet full of clothes that fit you like a glove one day and then feel like a straitjacket the next. That's why it's crucial to bring multiple outfits to your maternity photoshoot. You can never have too many options for showcasing that baby bump!
Bring a variety of styles, colors, and patterns to ensure you have the perfect outfit for any mood or location. Maybe you start with a flowy maxi dress for those dreamy beach shots, then switch to a figure-hugging dress for sunset to get a silhouette shot that shows off your bump. It’s important to coordinate with your maternity photographer about the number of outfits and locations you want. But when in doubt, bring an extra outfit or two!
6. Dress to Look and Feel Your Best
Yes, you're growing a tiny human inside you, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your personal style. Whether you're all about that boho-chic look or prefer a more classic, tailored vibe, make sure you dress to look and feel your best.
You want these photos to capture the essence of who you are, bump and all. If you're a jeans and t-shirt kind of gal, rock it! Add some fun accessories like a statement necklace or a pair of sparkly earrings to jazz things up. Or, if you're feeling extra fancy, go all out with a flowy gown and heels! The key is to stay true to yourself and wear something that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Ultimately, your maternity photoshoot should be a celebration of you and your growing family, so have fun, be yourself, and let your style shine!
Maternity Photoshoot FAQs to Enhance the Experience
Now you know tips for maternity photoshoot attire to help you decide what to wear for maternity photos. But you might still have some questions, like when to take your photos and what to do with maternity photos once you have them. I got you–keep reading for the answers!
When Should Maternity Photos Be Taken?
The answer is...whenever you want! Seriously though, there's no right or wrong time to have your maternity photos taken. Typically, expecting mamas opt to have their photos taken between 28-36 weeks when the bump is nice and prominent, but it's ultimately up to you.
If you want to capture those early days of pregnancy, go for it! Or maybe you want to wait until the very end when your baby bump is busting out of every shirt you own. It's your call! Just keep in mind that if you're planning an outdoor shoot, you'll want to consider the weather and season. A beach shoot in the dead of winter may not be the best idea (unless you're into that kind of thing!). Ultimately, the timing of your maternity photos should be based on what works best for you–when you feel most comfortable.
Who Should Be in a Maternity Photoshoot?
Well, aside from you (the glowing mama-to-be), the answer is anyone you want! Some expecting parents opt to take photos as a couple, while others include siblings, pets, or even grandparents-to-be. The possibilities are endless, and that's what makes maternity photos so special.
If you're feeling extra festive, you could even coordinate outfits with your partner or have the entire family wear matching shirts (because who doesn't love a good family photo op?). Just keep in mind that the more people you add, the more complex the shoot can become. But hey, that's all part of the fun, right? At the end of the day, the most important thing is to capture this special moment in a way that feels authentic to you and your family.
What to Do with Maternity Photos?
So, you've got some beautiful maternity photos...now what? The possibilities are endless when it comes to what to do with maternity photos. You can…
Print them out and create a gorgeous photo album to cherish forever
Blow them up and hang them on your walls as a reminder of that special time in your life
Show them off to friends and family with a personalized birth announcement using one of your favorite shots
Share them on Instagram, Facebook, or even create a Pinterest board to show off your style and inspire other mamas-to-be
Use them for baby shower decorations, thank you cards, or even as part of a nursery gallery wall
The key is to get creative and have fun with it! After all, these photos represent a significant moment in your life, and you should be proud to show them off.
Looking for a Los Angeles Maternity Photographer?
Congratulations on your pregnancy! As a maternity photographer, I understand the importance of capturing this moment in your life. Whether you're looking for a traditional studio shoot or a more relaxed outdoor session, I am here to help bring your vision to life. With personalized attention and a focus on your unique style, we can create stunning images that you will cherish for a lifetime. So why wait? Let's capture the beauty of your baby bump and celebrate the love and joy of this exciting time in your life. Get in touch with me today, and let's make magic together!
