A great pregnancy photoshoot is about capturing a moment in your life where everything is shifting: your body, your priorities, your identity. The right planning removes the awkwardness and gives you photos you’ll want to keep.
Here’s the straightforward guide to getting it right.
1. Pick the Right Timing (Don’t Overthink It)
The sweet spot is 28–34 weeks:
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Your bump is visible but not uncomfortable
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Energy levels tend to be better than late third trimester
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Movement is easier, which matters for posing
If you’re carrying multiples or showing early, move the shoot earlier.
2. Choose a Style—Before You Choose a Photographer
Photographers will adapt to your vision, but you need clarity first. Three clean lanes:
Minimal & Editorial
Think: neutral tones, simple lines, beautiful light.
Works indoors or outdoors. Focuses on silhouette, not props.
Lifestyle / At-Home
More intimate. You want softness: knit sets, oversized shirts, natural light.
Outdoor Natural
Beach, field, forest. Works best at sunrise or golden hour.
Avoid harsh midday light.
Your style defines the wardrobe, lighting, location and the final mood.
3. What to Wear (Keep It Bump-Forward, Not Costume-Like)
You don’t need “maternity gowns.” Choose pieces with natural drape and movement.
Strong options
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Slip dress with stretch
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Fitted rib-knit dress
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Oversized button-down with underwear set
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Wrap dress
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Bandeau top + maxi skirt (editorial, clean)
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Sheer dress layered over nude undergarments
What to avoid
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Loud prints
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Anything overly structured
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Cheap stretch fabrics that cling in the wrong places
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Trends that will date your photos fast
4. Posing That Works for Pregnancy
Simple adjustments make or break the shoot.
Make these your default:
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Turn slightly sideways to highlight the silhouette
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One hand under bump, one above (natural, not staged)
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Shoulders back, ribcage lifted
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Soft bend in the knee closest to the camera
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Keep your jawline long (camera flattens neck angles)
Couple shots
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Partner behind you with hands placed around bump
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Walking shots for movement
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Look at each other, not always at the camera
You want intimacy without the cheesy tropes.
5. Hair, Makeup & Light
Hair: soft waves or a low bun. Avoid stiff hair that fights movement.
Makeup: clean skin, defined eyes, natural lips - highlight that pregnancy glow!
Lighting: always diffuse. If you can see harsh shadows on the wall, move.
7. Practical Details No One Tells You
These save the day:
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Bring water + snacks (you’ll need them)
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Wear seamless nude underwear
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Bring a backup outfit you feel good in
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Ask the photographer to show you previews so you can adjust poses early
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If shooting outdoors, avoid deep sand, stairs, and long walking distances
8. Editing Style Matters More Than the Camera
Warm, airy, moody, film-inspired: pick a photographer whose editing you already love.
Your photos should look timeless, not trend-driven.
Avoid overly smoothed skin or heavy retouching. You want to look like yourself.
9. Who Should Be in the Photos?
No rules here.
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Solo: strong, minimal, artistic
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Partner: emotional but not cheesy
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Kids: add warmth, but set expectations: toddlers rarely pose
You can shoot a mix of all three in one session.
10. The Mindset
You are not documenting perfection - you’re documenting a transition.
The goal is to feel powerful, calm, and present. If the outfit, photographer, or pose doesn’t feel like you, cut it.
A good pregnancy photoshoot is simply you, elevated.