When Should You Take Maternity Photos?
From my experience with two pregnancies, the sweet spot is between 28-36 weeks. Your bump is beautifully round but you’re still comfortable enough to move around and try different poses. I waited until 36 weeks with my first and honestly felt too tired to enjoy the shoot.
Book your photographer 4-6 weeks before your ideal shoot date, as popular photographers fill up quickly, especially during spring and fall.
50 Maternity Photo Ideas to Inspire Your Shoot
These ideas come from real maternity photographers across the country. I’ve organized them by theme so you can quickly find what resonates with your style.
Classic Bump-Focused Shots
1. The Bare Bump
Let’s get straight to the star of the show: your gorgeous belly. Simple, beautiful, and timeless. These photos never go out of style.
Photographer: Kinship Photo, New York
2. Silhouette at Golden Hour
Head out just before sunset for stunning golden light. The ‘golden hour’ (the hour before sunset) makes everyone look amazing. Works beautifully at sunrise too if you’re an early bird.
Photographer: Julie Parker Photography, Utah
3. Change Your Perspective
Shoot from above, below, or at an angle. A simple shot becomes visually interesting when you change the perspective.
Photographer: Vicki Lynn Photography, Arizona
Including Your Partner
4. Dad’s Love Shining Through
Let your partner’s love for you and the baby shine. These candid moments of connection are always make the best shots.
Photographer: sophistishe.com, Chicago
5. Long-Distance Partner
If your partner is deployed or away, include them through creative means like holding their photo, wearing their jacket, or incorporating meaningful items.
Photographer: Brooke Ashley Photography (Dallas)
Sibling Shots (They’re Challenging But Worth It)
6. The Whole Family
Get everyone in the picture. Yes, it’s like herding cats, but you’re a pro. These become more precious as your family grows.
Photographer: Geneviève Albert Photographe (Rockland)
7. Two in Diapers
Having two in diapers will be challenging, but it makes for an adorable maternity photo. Let your toddler kiss or touch the bump.
Photographer: Grace Claire Photography (South Louisiana)
8. Mom and Daughter Connection
A sweet mother-daughter moment. These photos capture a special bond before the new baby arrives.
Photographer: Tout Petit Pixel, France
9. Older Siblings Get Creative
Let older kids hold a sign, point to the bump, or show excitement in their own way.
Photographer: Lauren Riggs Photography (Colorado Springs)
Seasonal and Outdoor Settings
10. Embrace Your Season
Winter, spring, summer, or fall? Every season has its beauty. Snow, fall leaves, spring blooms, or summer sunshine can all create stunning backdrops.
Photographer: Lindy Cordell, Georgia
11. Meadow Maiden Vibes
Flowing dress, natural setting, soft light. This romantic outdoor style is consistently popular for good reason.
Photographer: 100 Layer Cake-let
12. Creative Outdoor Settings
Not all maternity photography happens in a studio. Think beaches, forests, urban locations, or your favorite outdoor spot.
Photographer: found on Pinterest
13. Tiny Shoes Say It All
Baby shoes, a favorite childhood toy, or meaningful props go a long way. Perfect for announcing the baby’s name too.
Photographer: Brianna Noelle Photography (San Francisco)
14. Tell Your Story
Include items that represent your journey. ‘It all started with a bottle of whiskey…’ or whatever your story is.
Photographer: Big Dream Photography, Australia
15. Due Date Announcement
Let people know when to start asking if you’ve had the baby yet.
Photographer: Heather Mcginnis Photography, North Carolina
16. Favorite Children’s Book
Choose your favorite kids’ book to include in the shot. Or The Hunger Games. Whatever speaks to you.
Photographer: Life’s a Dance – Photo, Black Little Button (Oshkosh, WI)
17. Show Your Cravings
What have you been craving? I would have been surrounded by frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Your pregnancy cravings tell a story.
Photographer: Alexandria Tyler Photography, Texas
Playful and Humorous Takes
18. Bring the Humor
You’re going to need a sense of humor to survive parenting. Nothing wrong with having a playful maternity photo session. These often become family favorites.
Photographer: Ange Movius Photography
19. Actually Laugh
So many maternity photos look somber and serious. Genuine laughter creates images full of joy that you’ll love looking back on.
Photographer: Avia Rosen, Los Angeles
20. Dad’s Surprise Reveal
Are you always early to everything? Surprise your partner by getting there first and capturing their genuine reaction.
Photographer: Sara Marie Photography, Kansas City
Wardrobe and Style Ideas
21. The Flowy Maxi Dress
Lovely in its simplicity, and as a bonus, this is a maxi dress you can easily wear again after pregnancy.
Photographer: Crystal Kent, Utah
22. Get Fancy
Beautiful, simple, classic. Also a great excuse to get dolled up and buy a gorgeous gown if that’s your thing.
Photographer: Michelle Nunes Photography, California
23. Classic Black and White
Don’t skip black and white shots. They’re timeless and focus attention on emotion and form rather than colors.
Photographer: ajbc photography, Michigan
24. Coordinated Family Wardrobe
What’s out of focus matters too. Coordinated colors (not matching outfits) create cohesive, professional-looking photos.
Photographer: Tout Petit Pixel, France
Highlighting Your Life and Interests
25. Your Career
Firefighter? Teacher? OBGYN? Incorporating your career into your portrait shows what’s important in your life.
Photographer: Alexandria Tyler Photography (Rosenberg, TX)
26. Your Hobbies
You’ll cherish pictures highlighting what you love to do or something you’re passionate about.
Photographer: Lauren Davidson Photography (Scott Depot, WV)
27. Include Furry Family Members
How can you go wrong with pets? They’re family too, and these photos become even more special over the years.
Photographer: Southern Daisy Photography (Texas)
Special Locations
28. The Perfect Nursery
This is the only time the nursery will be this clean. Seriously, capture it now before reality sets in.
Photographer: Allison Corrin Photography (Lenexa, TX)
29. At-Home Lifestyle
Life isn’t always picture-perfect, but these candid at-home moments often become the most meaningful photos.
Photographer: Lauren Riggs Photography (Colorado Springs)
Special Circumstances and Meaningful Moments
30. Tattoos and Pregnancy
‘But what will happen to that tattoo when you get pregnant?’ The answer: This. And it’s awesome.
Photographer: Jessamyn Harris Photography (San Francisco)
31. Twins Get Equal Billing
Expecting twins? Make sure they both get featured. Sibling rivalry starts early.
Photographer: Heather Rice Photography, Florida
32. Rainbow Baby Celebration
If you’re expecting after a loss, this is a lovely way to honor your journey and celebrate your rainbow baby.
Photographer: Ashley Maiso Photography (Orlando, FL)
33. Surrogacy Journey
A beautiful way to highlight the village you’ve created and honor this special relationship.
Photographer: RHM Photography, New Jersey
34. Preemie Parents
Did your baby come early? Celebrate their due date or homecoming day instead. (This is one of our writers, Rhiannon, and her baby.)
Photographer: MG Photo, North Carolina
35. Military Service
Honor your service. Many photographers even offer discounts for military personnel.
Photographer: Weston Neuschafer Photography (Arroyo Grande, California)
36. Adoption is Expecting Too
Adoption has its own type of expectation and anticipation. Celebrate this journey too.
Photographer: Lenses and Paws (Nashville)
37. Gender Reveal Photos
Your maternity shoot can pull double duty as a gender reveal. Skip burning down forests – all you need is a t-shirt and some paint.
Photographer: Ashlee Wethington Photography (Centralia, IL)
38. The Meta Shot
Get a picture of the baby in the ultrasound within the picture of the baby bump. Very meta.
Photographer: Kelia Joy Photography (Spokane, WA)
39. Water Photography
Water shots are especially meaningful if you’re planning a water birth, but they’re beautiful regardless.
Photographer: Love Mate Photography, Florida
40. Well-Framed Simplicity
It’s easy to get carried away with trendy ideas, but sometimes a well-framed, simple photo is all you need.
Photographer: A Little Bit of Lacquer – photo, iSweet Photography (Boston)
More Creative Ideas
41. Before and After
Many photographers offer package deals combining pregnancy and newborn shoots. These before-and-after comparisons are stunning.
Photographer: 100 Layer Cake-let – Photo, Elate Photo (southern CA)
42. Pregnant Best Friends
Are you and your best friend both pregnant?
Photographer: Paula Andrews Photography (Melbourne)
43. Tandem Nursing
Planning to tandem nurse? The Instagram comments alone will make capturing this moment worthwhile.
Photographer: Ashlee Wethington Photography (Centralia, IL)
44. Puns
Delicious pregnancy puns can be fun. Just don’t go overboard – you want photos you’ll still love in 20 years.
Photographer: Julie Parker Photography (Ogden, UT)
45. Candid and Fun
Some of the best shots aren’t posed at all. Let the photographer capture real moments of joy and connection.
Photographer: Tout Petit Pixel (Marseilles, France)
46. Everything About This is Gorgeous
Sometimes you see a maternity photo that just captures everything perfectly—the light, the moment, the emotion.
Photographer: Neva Michelle Photography (Killeen, TX)
47. Pregnancy Can Still Be Sexy
I’m not saying hanging something over the fireplace that makes guests uncomfortable, but I am saying your pregnant body can still be beautiful and sensual if that feels right to you.
Photographer: Brooke Ashley Photography (Dallas)
48. Foreground Focus
Keep the bump in focus while the background softly blurs. This technique draws all attention to the front of the photo.
Photographer: Brooke Ashley Photography (Dallas)
49. Make it Personal
The best maternity photos reflect who you truly are. Don’t feel pressured to follow trends that don’t resonate with you.
Photographer: Neva Michelle Photography, Texas
50. The Simple Beauty Shot
End with something timeless and simple. A beautiful portrait that captures this moment in your life.
Photographer: Render Photography (Minnesota)
Practical Tips
DIY vs. Professional Photographer
Both options can create beautiful memories. Professional photographers bring expertise, equipment, and an artistic eye that’s hard to replicate. But DIY shoots with your phone or a friend’s camera can be just as meaningful, especially if budget is tight.
For DIY shoots, use natural light (golden hour is your friend), keep backgrounds simple, and take way more photos than you think you need. You’ll delete most, but you’ll be glad you have options.
What to Wear
Wear something that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable. Flowy maxi dresses are popular because they photograph well and you can wear them again. Fitted dresses show off your bump beautifully. Don’t be afraid to go casual if that’s more your style.
Bring multiple outfit options if possible. You might feel differently on the day of the shoot than you do now. Try to stick to timeless styles, and minimal patterns.
Location Matters
Choose a location that means something to you. Your home, a favorite park, the beach where you got engaged, or even just a beautiful natural setting. Meaningful locations add emotional depth to your photos.
Common Questions About Maternity Photos
Do I really need maternity photos?
No one ‘needs’ them, but many women treasure having this time documented. Your body is doing something incredible, and photos help you remember this fleeting season. That said, if they’re not your thing, that’s completely fine too.
What if I don’t feel beautiful pregnant?
I hear you. Pregnancy doesn’t always feel gorgeous in the moment. But looking back at these photos years later, you’ll likely see them differently. A good photographer knows how to capture you at your best and make you feel comfortable throughout the process.
How much do maternity photos typically cost?
Professional maternity photography sessions typically range from $200-$600, depending on your location, the photographer’s experience, session length, and what’s included. Many photographers offer maternity-newborn packages that provide better value if you want both.
Can I do maternity photos at home?
Absolutely. In-home maternity sessions capture intimate, authentic moments in your own space. They’re particularly great if you have young children who are more comfortable at home, or if you want lifestyle shots that show your real daily life.
Final Thoughts
The best maternity photo is one that feels authentic to you. Don’t get so caught up in Pinterest-perfect ideas that you forget to enjoy this experience. Whether you go all out with a professional shoot complete with props and wardrobe changes, or you snap a few simple photos in your backyard, what matters is capturing this moment in a way that feels right for you and your family.
Have other maternity photo ideas or questions? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.
Related Articles You Might Like
- Your Guide to Amazing Maternity Photos
- 100+ Perfect Maternity Captions for Instagram and Pregnancy Photos
- What to Do in Your Last Trimester
- Preparing for Baby: What You Actually Need
Updated January 2026
About the Author: Amy Morrison is a mom of two boys who has been writing about pregnancy and new parenthood since 2010. She has photographed her own pregnancies and has worked with professional photographers throughout her career as a creative director.