Maternity Photos: Pro Tips for a Joyful and Relaxed Session

Are you feeling camera shy? Don't worry; you're not alone! Many expectant mothers have expressed concerns about a maternity photoshoot, saying things like, "We're not photogenic," "My partner doesn't like taking photos," and "We've never done this before." But, on the other hand, I've also heard mothers say, "I wish I had done maternity photos! It's a moment I can't get back!" As a mom and a maternity photographer serving the Annapolis, Baltimore, and DC areas, I can completely understand how you feel. It's natural to feel self-conscious about posing for professional photos when your body is going through so much during pregnancy.

However, trust me when I say that the moments captured from your maternity session will fill you with so much happiness and nostalgia for all of the years ahead. Any stress about the session will end up being so worth it. So, let's talk about how to feel less awkward and more comfortable in front of the camera and truly enjoy your maternity portrait session!

Find a Great Photographer

It all starts with finding a great professional photographer. Review their work and read testimonials from past clients to ensure you feel comfortable heading into the session. Make sure their style matches your vision. You can check out my maternity work here!

Go for Professional Hair and Makeup

Professional hair and makeup on the day of your session will make you feel pampered, confident, and relaxed. And when you're relaxed, your partner will be too!

Choose Outfits You Love

Next, pick outfits that you love and are excited to wear. You'll feel more comfortable showing off your bump in clothes that make you feel good. Your photographer can guide you on this and may even have a clothing closet you can pick from. My clients love borrowing from my huge collection of gowns for their sessions!  Check out my collection of gowns here.

Preplan Poses

Creating a vision board on Pinterest is a great way to show your photographer your style and comfort level. Put yourself in an S shape: Women (pregnant or not) shouldn’t stand straight in front of the camera. By turning slightly sideways, kicking out your front leg and hip in the direction you're turned, and turning your front shoulder in the opposite direction, you'll put your body in an S shape that accentuates your baby bump. Also, your photographer is the expert on how to pose you the best, so trust their expertise!  

I actually wrote an entire post all about how to look good in your photos.  You can find that here.

Rock Those Curves

Embrace your pregnant body for your maternity photos! Tighter maxi dresses, button-down white shirts, and even a cute bra and jeans are great ways to highlight your belly. Remember, Photoshop may help nip and tuck or soften areas, but it cannot change the self-confidence you show in front of the camera! Talk to your photographer about how you feel most comfortable highlighting that wonderful belly!

Show Your Confidence and Love

Trust me when I say that 10-20 years from now, when you look at these maternity photos, all you will see is love and joy. You will instantly remember the flutter of feet and re-experience the sensation of a heart so full it might explode! Don’t deprive yourself of this sweet nostalgia by being too nervous, shy, or self-conscious in front of the camera. Allow yourself to feel beautiful and embrace the miracle inside of you!

Focus on Your Family/Partner

Concentrate on your love for each other and your baby. Your joy will radiate from your face and translate perfectly to the camera. Focusing on your partner will take some pressure off being photographed and will allow for more candid moments—so don’t be afraid to steal a kiss, laugh together, and wrap yourself in their arms!

Make It a Date

Another tip to prepare for a comfortable session is to turn the experience into a date! This could mean anything from taking the entire day off together to simply having dinner at your favorite restaurant before or after your session.

Play Music

Having music play during your session can definitely help the vibe. Music can relax you and set the mood for your session. Let your photographer know a few of your favorite songs.

Let Go of Expectations

Try to let go of any expectations you have of yourself and your partner. If you can just enjoy the experience of celebrating this special time in your life, the images will look amazing. Don’t compare yourself to other pregnant women you’ve seen in maternity photos or images on Pinterest, just trust your photographer to deliver the perfect, unique images for you!