“What should I wear for my maternity photo shoot?” is a question I get asked often.

Professional maternity photos are a chance to remember the extraordinary experience of your pregnancy. 

Even if you’re typically very confident about putting an outfit together, figuring out what to wear for your maternity photo shoot can be tricky. Your body is changing by the moment, and you want to ensure that you feel confident and look beautiful in your pictures. 

As a family photographer, I want every mama-to-be that I work with to treasure their images. Read on to learn my top tips to ensure you love your maternity photos!

The biggest thing to remember is that what looks good in person will not necessarily be what looks best on camera.  

Maternity fashions often skim the body to show off your bump. In your maternity photos, however, you want to look for garments that have more fabric to allow for draping. 

Flowy maxi or midi-length dresses are a fantastic option. They immediately create long lines and give your images plenty of motion. Beyond that, adjusting the extra fabric will allow us to create multiple flattering silhouettes. 

Many women in their third trimester have at least a few things about their bodies that are giving them grief. Since that’s usually the ideal point in pregnancy to take photos, some mamas worry about how they’ll look on camera. 

A long dress is perfect for concealing swollen ankles and showing off your bump in a comfortable way. Plus, you can get away with wearing comfy flip-flops or boots beneath your dress, and no one will be the wiser!

Here’s what to think about when choosing a dress for your maternity photo shoot. 

• Choose color wisely. 

Start by considering the season and setting of your photos. 

Certain colors will work better in autumn (think rust, burgundy, and forest green), while others feel naturally springy. Beyond that, you want to avoid blending into your surroundings. So if you are taking maternity photos at the Boston Public Garden on a lush summer day, don’t wear green. Earth tones and jewel tones usually work well against a variety of backdrops. 

Contrary to popular belief, black is not a great choice for maternity photos. Why? It’s a naturally slimming color that can do its job so well that it hides your bump altogether. And since capturing the bump is the entire goal of the shoot, black can be a big challenge! 

• Keep things simple. 

When selecting your garments, skip busy, bold prints and opt for solids (bonus points for pretty details and textures like lace and buttons) or small, subtle patterns. We want the focus to be on glowing, gorgeous you, the love between you and your partner and other children, and the bond between you and your new baby. 

• Think about layers. 

Layers can also help offer lots of options on the day. Consider incorporating a shawl, blanket, kimono, or long open cardigan. These pieces can make your photos more dynamic and visually interesting plus hide any areas of your body that you are feeling self-conscious about. 

• Don’t forget about your undergarments. 

What you wear underneath your outfit matters too! Make sure you have a well-fitting bra that doesn’t sag, dig into your body, or cause unnecessary lumps and bumps. Purchase undergarments in advance and with plenty of time to ensure you have a great fit. 

• You can buy or rent. 

Some of my favorite places to purchase your maternity photoshoot outfit include Pink Blush, Baltic Born, and Amazon. I have also seen many clients borrow gorgeous dresses from websites like Rent the Runway. 

• Don’t like dresses? Here are some alternatives. 

If you really don’t like a dress, you don’t have to wear one! These are your photos, after all, and we want them to feel authentically you! You could choose a maxi skirt and shirt combo or consider a maternity romper. You could wear jeans or leggings paired with a flowy tunic, loose off-shoulder sweater, or baby doll style top that allows for draping. These looks will give us similar benefits to a maxi dress while helping you feel confident and like yourself. 

Are you excited to capture images commemorating this special time in your life?

Get inspired by my Boston area maternity clients and learn about my approach.