A maternity photo shoot is a beautiful way to capture the excitement and anticipation of welcoming a new little person into the world. But knowing what to wear can be stressful – you want to look your best and feel comfortable. In this blog, we’ll offer guidance on everything from understanding the basics of maternity photography clothing to the best time for your photo shoot.

What Do People Wear for Maternity Photos?

The basics of maternity photography clothing revolve around comfort and a tasteful showoff of your baby bump. Maxi dresses, solid color tops with jeans or leggings, and flowing fabrics are often the staples. On the other hand, overly tight clothes that restrict movement, distracting prints, or too-trendy pieces that will date your photos are some common fashion mistakes to avoid.

How far along should you be for a Maternity Photo Shoot?

The ideal time for maternity photo shoots is generally between 28 and 32 weeks when your belly is nicely round but you’re not excessively uncomfortable. Nevertheless, comfort is of utmost importance, so timing the photo shoot around when you feel your best is always a good idea.

Colors and Maternity Photo Shoots

Yes, you can definitely wear black for a maternity shoot – it can give a timeless, classic look and be flattering. Black aside, there are innumerable color options you could explore. You could select soft or bold hues based on the season, location, or even your mood. Remember the rule of thumb – your outfits should not clash with the background, they should complement it.

Outfit Ideas for Maternity Photos among Couples

A Couple Posing Outside at a Pregnancy Photoshoot.

In a maternity photo shoot, capturing the love and excitement between soon-to-be parents is invaluable. For a touch of romance, elegant outfit choices such as flowing maxi dresses coupled with form-fitting blazers can produce stunning results. If you’re more inclined towards a fun and playful style, experimenting with bright pops of color, or thematic outfits, say, sporting teams or favorite movie characters, often work wonders. And if you prefer to keep things simple and unified, matching outfits like the often trendy denim-and-white-tee combination can exude a palpable bond of love during the shoot.

Casual Outfit Ideas for a Maternity Photo shoot

  • One casual outfit idea could be a comfortable yet chic ensemble comprised of a body-hugging maternity tank top paired with classic stretchy maternity jeans. This outfit keeps things relaxed, yet showcases the baby bump in an elegant manner.
  • Another casual staple could be an oversized, soft-hued button-down shirt paired with leggings; this gives a light, airy feel and can be accessorized for added interest.
  • A jersey wrap dress, a go-to maternity favorite due to its versatility and comfort, also offers a relaxed option that is easily dressed up or down.

Outdoors Maternity Photo Shoot Outfit Suggestions

  • For an outdoor photoshoot, an off-shoulder maxi dress can create a romantic silhouette against nature’s backdrop while comfortably accommodating your bump.
  • For a more adventurous vibe, a cozy oversized sweater paired with leggings and laced boots can be very effective, especially for a shoot in cool weather or a wooded landscape.
  • Lastly, a feminine midi sundress in a lively print paired with flat sandals is great for those sunny, breezy day shoots, offering just the right combination of comfort, style, and movement.

Indoors Maternity Photoshoot Outfit Suggestions

  • Maxi dresses are a great choice for an indoor photoshoot as they give a soft and romantic look. The lace fabric adds a beautiful textural element to the shoot, and an off-the-shoulder design adds allure without revealing too much.
  • Showing off your baby bump is one of the best parts of a maternity photoshoot. A fitted dress, preferably in a soft tone, does this exquisitely. Add a belt just above the baby bump to accentuate it more, highlighting the miracle of life happening inside.
  • If comfort is your ultimate goal, then pairing a plain t-shirt with leggings can work well. It can give a natural and relaxed appearance. Choose a shirt in a neutral tone, and let your radiant pregnancy glow take center stage.

Outfit ideas for pregnant men and people of other genders

First off — congrats on your pregnancy! You deserve amazing and beautiful memories of your pregnancy as much as anyone else, and a photo shoot is a great way to celebrate and create keepsakes of your time pregnant. Personal comfort and clothing that feel gender-affirming should be the priorities for any pregnancy shoot.

If you’re comfortable showing off your bump, any non-restrictive form-fitting clothing or clothing that reveals your belly are good picks. That could mean jeans and a tight T-shirt, a suit jacket or blazer with nothing underneath, or shooting completely topless.

If you are less comfortable revealing your bump, just focus on wearing clothing that you feel good in. Consider including your partner in the photos and having a romantic theme rather than explicitly focusing on the physical aspects of pregnancy if that feels better to you.

Accessorizing for Maternity Photo Shoots

Jewelry and accessories can significantly enhance a maternity photoshoot, adding to your radiant glow. You can contribute your own flair through pieces that speak to your style, whether they’re delicate drop earrings, a sentimental locket, or a sparkly bracelet. When deciding between minimalist or statement pieces, critically consider the theme of your shoot and your outfit choice. Minimalist pieces can elegantly compliment a bold or patterned outfit, while statement pieces can amplify a simpler, understated look.


We’ve explored various outfit options for every type of maternity photoshoot, from cozy indoor sessions to vibrant outdoor shoots. The key takeaway is to select clothes that not only make you look great but also feel confident and comfortable. Remember, the photoshoot is about honoring this special moment in your life and your journey to motherhood. So, whether you decide on an elegant gown, a casual dress or your favorite pair of jeans, let your personal style and radiant pregnancy glow shine through. We’d love to hear about your own maternity photoshoot experiences, so please share them with us!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply