As a maternity, newborn, and family photographer based in Massachusetts, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless pregnant moms! This is an incredible chapter in their lives, and here in New England we celebrate it in all seasons! From gorgeous fall foliage, to snowy winters and beautiful beachy summers, we’ve explored the wild ride of motherhood together. Pregnancy’s a beautiful and transformative journey. Unsurprisingly, there’s no better way to cherish it than through stunning maternity photos . Of course, one day sharing them with the little one who was in these photos, too!

My journey of growth as a photographer over the years has allowed me to hone my craft. I’m at a place where I’m so proud of the treasure I have to give to families. Wherever you are on your journey, these maternity photography tips and insights can help you create a gift for your own clients. (And maternity Clients, here you will see the reasoning behind many of the suggestions and choices we make!)

Maternity Photography Tips:

Timing is everything:

The best time for a maternity photoshoot is usually between the 28th and 32nd weeks of pregnancy. During this period, the belly is beautifully rounded, and most mothers-to-be are still comfortable enough for posing. Of course, that’s not to say we can’t schedule for later in the pregnancy, too, however keep in mind that mom’s aren’t as comfortable in the later stages of pregnancy, and there’s always the possibility of baby arriving a little early!

Choose the right location:

Unsurprisingly, selecting the perfect location is crucial. Natural settings like parks, beaches, or even a serene garden can create a wonderful backdrop. Alternatively, consider an indoor session in a cozy, well-lit room for a more intimate feel. The key for me is selecting a location that has some special meaning to my clients. It’s a conversation about what they love to do, or locations they like to go back to. That adds a whole layer of special to the session and when they look back on their photos.

Lighting Matters!

Lighting Matters: Lighting can make or break a maternity photoshoot. For soft, flattering light, schedule your session during the “golden hours” – the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset. This creates a warm, ethereal glow that beautifully complements skin tones and colors. Of all the maternity photography tips I can give, I would say this one is absolutely a make-or-break tip!

Styling for the best look:

Encourage your clients to wear flowy, flattering dresses that accentuate the baby bump. Solid colors and simple patterns often work best. Offering a few wardrobe options can add variety to the photoshoot. Start with mom’s outfit, and work out from there – her partner and the rest of the family will all come together once her clothing is squared away!

Props:

Incorporate Props (sparingly!): Consider incorporating one or two meaningful props into the photoshoot. Ultrasound images, baby shoes, or a special blanket that the family can share together in the future make for touching additions that tell a story, but don’t overtake or overpower the natural, emotive moments in your session.

“Pose” with confidence:

Gently guide your clients with gentle prompts rather than “poses” into flattering moments that emphasize the moment. Shooting from different angles and perspectives can create a variety of captivating shots. Let your clients enjoy natural moments, and do what is comfortable to them, and then make small adjustments with a subtle suggestion, or by moving a hand, or the dress. This will allow your clients to enjoy the moment, be themselves, and still have small emphasis when appropriate, for example, highlighting the belly!

Candid moments:

Don’t forget to capture candid moments of genuine emotion without any interruption. A mother’s smile, a sneaked glance from her partner, or a tender moment with siblings.

Editing with Care:

Post-processing is the final touch to enhance your maternity photographs. Keep it natural and timeless, avoiding excessive filters or heavy editing. Make sure this is a skill you pay attention to and hone, just as much as you do to the art of taking photos. In the end, what you have coming out of your camera is the “negative’ and it’s up to you to “develop” it beautifully!

Include Family Members:

If the family is excitedly awaiting the new arrival, involve them in the photoshoot. Including partners and siblings can add depth and emotion to the images.

Have Fun and Be Patient: Above all, ensure that the photoshoot is a joyful and memorable experience. Be patient and empathetic, understanding that expectant mothers may need breaks and adjustments.

I really hope these tips have been helpful! There honestly is so much that goes into a maternity photoshoot and it’s so possible for it all to become second nature. If what you do flows out of who you are, there’s a layer of authenticity and care for your clients. Once you’ve learned the skills and implemented good practices, you will be blessing your clients (and yourself!) with an outstanding experience!