Maternity Photoshoot Outfit Ideas: What to Wear for Beautiful Maternity Photos
Updated: 9 hours ago
One of the first questions I hear when someone books a maternity session is, “What am I going to wear?”
It's understandable. You want your maternity photos to feel special, but that doesn't necessarily mean you want to buy several dresses that you'll probably only wear once. And sometimes you may love a beautiful maternity gown but also want something completely different for a few of your photos.
That's one of the reasons I've built such a large maternity client closet at Blessed Moments Photography.
Over the years, I've built a collection of more than 200 maternity gowns, robes and accessories in different colors, sizes and styles. Some are fitted and show off your baby bump, while others have long flowing trains, layers of tulle or dramatic sleeves. I also have pieces and accessories for clients who want something completely different from a traditional maternity gown.
So if you're looking for maternity photoshoot outfit ideas, here are some of the options I recommend considering before your session.
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Start With the Look You Want
Before worrying about a particular dress, I usually recommend thinking about how you want your maternity portraits to feel.
Do you picture something soft and romantic? Bold and dramatic? Simple and intimate? Maybe you love the idea of a long flowing gown at White Sands, or perhaps you'd rather have something fitted in the studio that really shows your baby bump.
You also don't have to choose only one style.
Depending on your maternity package, we can create multiple looks during the same session. That's one of my favorite things about maternity photography because changing the wardrobe can completely change the feeling of the portrait without changing the person we're celebrating.
Fitted or Flowing Maternity Gown?
Both photograph beautifully, but they create very different looks.
A fitted maternity gown follows the shape of your body and puts the emphasis on your baby bump. These can be beautiful for both studio and outdoor maternity portraits, especially if you want something simple and elegant.
A flowing maternity gown gives us movement. Long trains, chiffon, tulle and layered fabrics can be tossed or caught by the breeze to create a completely different kind of image.
Then there are some gowns that give us a little of both—a fitted silhouette with a long train or flowing overlay.
There really isn't one style that's "best." The better question is which one makes you look at it and think, “I want to wear that.”
Choosing a Color for Your Maternity Photos
This is another place where I don't believe there is one rule that works for everyone.
Neutral colors such as white, cream, beige and taupe can create a beautiful, soft look. Pastels can feel delicate and romantic. Deep jewel tones can be rich and dramatic.
And then there are bold colors.
I especially don't believe that you have to wear light colors for a maternity session at White Sands. Some of my favorite portraits there have been created with rich reds, burgundy, navy, mulberry and other colors that stand out beautifully against the white gypsum.
Your skin tone, the location, the backdrop and the feeling you want for the session all matter more than following whatever color happens to be trending this year.
If you already know the color you're interested in, you can browse my maternity client closet by color before your consultation.
What to Wear for Studio vs. Outdoor Maternity Photos
Where we're photographing can help us decide which gown or outfit will work best.
Studio Maternity Sessions
For a studio maternity session, we have much more control over the look we create. We can coordinate your gown with different backdrops, change the lighting and create several different looks without worrying about wind, temperature or walking through sand.
This also gives us more freedom to use delicate pieces, dramatic robes, bodysuits and some of the more intimate maternity looks.
Outdoor Maternity Sessions
For an outdoor maternity session, I think about how the outfit will work with the location as well as how it looks on you.
At White Sands, a gown with a long train can create beautiful movement against the open landscape. Bold colors can create dramatic contrast against the white dunes, while softer colors can create a completely different, more delicate feeling.
In the mountains around Cloudcroft, the trees, changing seasons and natural colors give us another palette entirely.
This is one reason I don't recommend choosing your maternity outfit based only on a trend. We want it to work with your session.
Maternity Photoshoot Outfit Ideas Beyond Gowns
This is something I really want expecting moms to know.
Some of my clients love the gowns and would happily wear them for their entire session. Others want one or two gown looks and then want to do something completely different.
I call these my additional looks.
Over the years I've added different fabrics, bodysuits, angel wings and accessories to give clients more options. I've also photographed moms in jeans, button-down shirts, bras and other simple pieces they brought themselves.
These can sometimes become some of a client's favorite images because they feel completely different from traditional maternity gown portraits.
Jeans Can Make a Beautiful Maternity Look
A pair of jeans can be one of the simplest maternity photoshoot outfit ideas.
I've photographed expecting moms wearing jeans with a bra, sports bra or fitted top. Another popular option is an open white button-down shirt over a bra with jeans.
It's simple, casual and puts all of the attention on the baby bump.
Your spouse or partner can also join you for this look. Depending on the style you're comfortable with, they can wear jeans and a simple shirt, an open button-down, or even go shirtless for a more intimate portrait.
The important thing is that the look feels like you.
Draped Fabric Maternity Portraits
Draped fabric is one of my favorite ways to create something completely different without using a gown.
Fabric can be wrapped and styled around the body in different ways, giving us control over how much you want to show while creating beautiful shape and movement.
I've used white and different colored fabrics to create everything from soft and elegant portraits to more dramatic maternity images.
It can also be a wonderful option if you want something that celebrates the shape of your pregnant body without doing a fully nude maternity portrait.
Bodysuits, Angel Wings and More Dramatic Looks
For clients wanting something a little more glamorous or dramatic, I have other options too.
Bodysuits can create a simple fitted look that keeps the focus on your shape. I also have angel wings in different colors that can be paired with a bodysuit or maternity gown.
Another accessory available in the studio is a pearl body necklace, which can completely change a simple bodysuit look.
And for clients who are comfortable with something more intimate, my private studio also allows us to create implied-nude or nearly nude maternity portraits while keeping the images tasteful and within your comfort level.
None of these looks are something you have to do. They're simply options.
Your maternity session should reflect what you are comfortable with and how you want to remember this time in your life.
What Should Your Partner Wear?
If your spouse or partner is joining the session, their clothing should complement yours without competing with it.
You don't have to match exactly.
Instead, I usually want the colors and level of formality to make sense together. If you're wearing an elegant maternity gown, your partner should look like they belong in the same portrait. If you're doing jeans and a simple top, we can keep their wardrobe casual too.
Solid colors are generally easier to coordinate than large patterns or logos.
Most importantly, choose your maternity look first. Once we know what you're wearing, it's much easier to decide what your partner should wear alongside you.
Use the Client Closet Instead of Buying Everything
This is probably the biggest piece of advice I can give when you're planning your maternity photoshoot outfits:
Don't feel like you need to go buy everything before your session.
Blessed Moments Photography has a large maternity client closet, and maternity packages include the use of wardrobe pieces based on the package you've selected.
You can browse the collection online in two different ways:
Browse by style if you already know you love a particular silhouette or type of gown.
Browse by color if you're imagining your portraits in red, blue, green, white, pink, purple or another particular color family.
I also offer free in-person consultations. You can come into the studio, look through the gowns and try options on before deciding what you want to wear for your session.
And because I'm continually adding new pieces, there may even be something available in the studio that hasn't made it into the online catalog yet.
If you're interested in looks beyond maternity gowns, you can also look through my Studio Maternity Additional Looks article for examples of draped fabrics, jeans, bodysuits, angel wings and some of the other options I've photographed.
Your Maternity Photos Should Feel Like You
There are plenty of maternity photoshoot outfit trends, but trends aren't where I like to start.
I want to know what you like.
Some moms walk into the studio and immediately fall in love with a huge tulle gown. Someone else may feel most beautiful in a fitted dress. Another client may be excited about jeans and a bra, draped fabric or angel wings.
And sometimes we get to do several of them.
Pregnancy is such a short season, even though it may not always feel short while you're living through it. Your maternity photographs are about remembering this version of you and the little one you were waiting to meet.
Choose the outfits that help you feel beautiful, comfortable and like yourself.
I'll help with the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy a maternity dress for my photoshoot?
No. Blessed Moments Photography has a large client closet with more than 200 maternity gowns, robes and accessories available for clients. Your maternity package includes wardrobe use according to the package you've selected, and additional options may be available if you'd like to create more looks.
Can I try maternity gowns on before my session?
Yes. I offer free in-person consultations where you can see the gowns, try different options and talk with me about what will work well for your session.
What color should I wear for maternity photos?
There isn't one color that works best for everyone. Neutral and pastel colors can create a soft look, while jewel tones and bold colors can create beautiful contrast and drama. Your skin tone, location and personal style should all be considered when choosing your color.
Can I wear something besides a gown for maternity pictures?
Absolutely. Maternity portraits can also be created with draped fabric, jeans and a bra or top, bodysuits, button-down shirts, angel wings and other accessories. Studio sessions can also include more intimate looks depending on your comfort level.
Can my spouse or partner be in my maternity photos?
Yes. Your partner can be included, and we can coordinate their wardrobe with the looks you've selected. They don't need to match you exactly; the goal is for the clothing to complement each other and create a cohesive portrait.
Where can I see the Blessed Moments Photography maternity gowns?
You can browse the maternity client closet online either by gown style or by color. Because new gowns and accessories are added regularly, you're also welcome to schedule an in-person consultation to see and try on available options.
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