From the right timing and outfits to useful tips for the day of the shoot: Here you’ll find everything you need to prepare so you can start the day feeling relaxed and with no unanswered questions. At the end, you’ll find your checklist available for download.
With a little preparation, you’ll feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera during the shoot, and you’ll get the most out of your maternity photo shoot. Most questions you have before a maternity photo shoot will be answered once you know what to expect.
At the end, you can download my free checklist and use it to help you prepare smoothly.
Here is a brief summary of the most important steps in your preparation:
- Book Early: It’s best to secure your desired date early in your pregnancy, as specialized maternity photographers are often booked up weeks in advance. The best time for the photo shoot is usually between the 28th and 34th weeks of pregnancy.
- Discuss your preferences: Go over the schedule, the location, and any special requests during the preliminary consultation. This way, the photographer can prepare for you, and you’ll feel confident going into the shoot.
- Outfits and Accessories: Put together comfortable outfits in muted colors without bold patterns—feel free to have several options for different looks. Personal accessories, such as an ultrasound photo or baby shoes, add a personal touch to the photos.
- Take it easy: Stick to your usual skin and hair care routine, and schedule your manicure and hair appointment before the shoot. It’s best to make any major changes, such as a haircut or color, a few weeks in advance.
- Travel stress-free: Pack your bag the night before and allow plenty of time for the trip so you don’t get stressed out. On the day of the shoot, you can relax and enjoy your photo session.
- In a nutshell: Here's how to prepare for your photo shoot
- When should you plan and book your maternity photo shoot?
- How are you planning your maternity photo shoot with your photographer?
- How do you personally prepare for a photo shoot?
- What should you bring to your maternity photo shoot?
- How do you stay relaxed on the day of the shoot?
- Download Your Checklist for the Maternity Photo Shoot
- Take a look at my offer for pregnancy photography
- Take a look at more articles on pregnancy photography
It’s best to plan your maternity photo shoot early in your pregnancy. That way, you can secure your favorite photographer and your preferred date, since popular dates are often booked weeks or months in advance.
The ideal time for the photoshoot is usually between the 28th and 34th weeks of pregnancy, when your belly is nice and round and you still feel agile. You can read about which week works best for you and what to consider when it comes to timing in my post on the best time for a maternity photoshoot.
You should discuss the key details of the preparation with your photographer. Clarify your preferences, the schedule, the location, and the outfits in advance. The more clearly you articulate your ideas, the better you’ll be able to bring them to life and end up with stunning maternity photos.
Preliminary consultation with your photographer
Use the preliminary consultation with your maternity photographer to discuss your ideas, questions, and specific requests. This will allow your photographer to get to know you better, and you’ll feel more confident going into the shoot.
Tell them what styles and poses you like, and feel free to gather a few inspirational photos beforehand. Be open about any physical limitations you may have or poses you’d like to avoid. Ask about the schedule, duration, and delivery dates for the photos. And be open to suggestions—your photographer’s ideas often lead to the most beautiful, natural-looking photos.
Involve Your Partner and Family
In most cases, your partner is there for the photo shoot, and that’s what makes maternity photos especially personal. Your partner holding your belly, or siblings touching it, create genuine, heartwarming moments. I’ll show you how to involve your partner in the photo shoot in a separate post. You’ll also find ideas for photos with siblings.
Outdoors, at home, or in the studio
Whether outdoors in nature, at home for a home photo shoot, or in the studio: every location gives your photos a unique atmosphere. Outdoor settings offer natural light and vibrant colors, home sessions provide a familiar atmosphere, and the studio gives you full control over the lighting. My post on choosing the right location for your maternity photo shoot will help you figure out which location suits you best and how to prepare for it. I’ll go into more detail about the different options for outdoor, at-home, and studio shoots.
Outfits, Dresses, and Accessories
When it comes to your outfit, here’s what to keep in mind: it should be comfortable, color-coordinated, and free of large patterns or logos. Flowing fabrics and light, muted tones flatter your rounded belly especially well. I’ll go into more detail about how to choose the right outfit, the right dress, and personal accessories in separate posts.
Motifs and Poses
Gather a few images and poses you like on Instagram or Pinterest beforehand, and bring them to our preliminary consultation. I’ll show you both classic and creative poses on the day of the shoot—you don’t need to prepare for them. I’ll show you what beautiful, natural poses look like for a maternity shoot in a separate post.
As a general rule, I recommend that you stick to your usual routine and avoid experimenting at the last minute. That’s what suits your personal style best. That way, you’ll feel comfortable on the day of the shoot and look like yourself.
Skin and Care
Stick to your usual skincare routine and don’t try anything new on or before the day of the shoot. A gentle exfoliation the day before will give you a fresh glow, and drinking plenty of water nourishes your skin from the inside. You can moisturize your stomach with a light lotion or oil. It’s best to avoid heavy creams or sunscreen on the day of the shoot, as they can cause your skin to look shiny in the photos.
Here are a few practical tips: Avoid wearing tight socks, bras, or maternity pants with a tight waistband for a few hours before the shoot, otherwise they’ll leave marks on your skin. Don’t go out in the sun or use self-tanner the day before, as both can leave streaks or spots. And make sure to get some rest the day before—it’ll show in your skin and your glow.
Hair and make-up
Think ahead about whether you want to wear your hair naturally or go for a specific hairstyle. It’s best to use a hair treatment a few days beforehand; for major changes, such as a new cut or color, plan a few weeks in advance. If you’d like, your makeup can be a little bolder than usual for the camera. Professional styling is an option, but not required. For your partner, I recommend a fresh shave or beard grooming before the shoot.
Hands and Nails
Well-groomed nails are a small but noticeable detail, especially when your hands—or your partner’s—are resting on your belly. Be sure to moisturize your hands thoroughly the day before and again on the day of the shoot, since they’ll often be visible very close to your belly in the photos. Schedule your manicure one to two days before the shoot and choose a subtle color or leave them completely natural. For your children, it’s best to avoid flashy nail polish or nail art.
The night before, pack a bag with everything you’ll need for the shoot. Be sure to include your outfits, personal accessories, and something to eat and drink. If children are coming along, add snacks, drinks, and something to keep them occupied. Your packing list:
- Your outfits and a nice maternity dress, if you have one
- Seamless underwear in a light, skin-tone shade so no edges are visible
- Personal accessories: ultrasound photo, baby shoes, first pacifier, jewelry, or flowers
- Drinks and a small, healthy snack
- For children: a change of clothes, snacks, drinks, toys, and a blanket
I’ll provide you with some of these items during the photo shoot—for example, beautiful maternity dresses and accessories. Just ask about them during our preliminary consultation.
On the day of the shoot, you can relax and let yourself go. Be sure to allow enough time for the trip, because few things are as stressful as traffic jams or searching for a parking spot right before the shoot begins. Allowing plenty of time will ensure a stress-free arrival and a good start.
During the maternity photo shoot, I’ll gently guide you through the different shots and poses. In my experience, any initial nervousness usually melts away after just a few minutes—and that’s exactly when the most beautiful photos are taken. We’ll take breaks whenever you need them. Feel free to let me know if you have any requests or ideas—that helps me capture exactly the photos you’re hoping for. You can read about how a photo shoot with me works in a separate post.
Here’s an overview of what’s on the checklist:
Maternity Photo Shoot Studio: Professional Photos at a Photo Studio
Maternity Photo Shoot with Child: Pregnancy Photos with Siblings
Baby bump shoot with partner: Capturing the anticipation as a couple
The Process of a Maternity Photo Shoot: What to Expect During the Shoot
Dresses for a Maternity Photo Shoot: How to Find the Right One
