Maternity photography is one of the easiest sessions to dress for, but only if you start with the right brief: the bump leads, fabric should move, and comfort is non-negotiable at 32-36 weeks. Below is what we've seen work over hundreds of sessions.
the bump-first principle
Outfits that work well sit either over or under the bump cleanly — pulling tight across it tends to look unflattering, and bunching above or below distracts the eye. The goal is silhouette: fabric that shows the bump's shape, doesn't compete with it.
outfit categories that work
- Flowing dresses. Long, soft, neutral or muted tones. Empire-line cuts and bias-cut maxi dresses work especially well. Our in-house wardrobe is mostly this category — sizes 8 to 22.
- Soft knits over leggings or fitted trousers. If you're not comfortable in dresses, an oversized cardigan or knit over fitted black bottoms is a strong alternative.
- Partner's shirt. Classic for a reason. A loose white or pale shirt over the bump, especially with a partner in matching tones, photographs beautifully.
- Bare-bump under fitted fabric. If you're comfortable with it, a fitted skirt with a band that sits below the bump and a bralette or fine knit above creates strong, simple maternity images.
colours and fabrics
Soft and muted photographs more flatteringly than bold colour. The maternity images people frame above their beds tend to be in cream, dusty rose, soft sage, warm taupe, or deep navy — colours that don't compete with skin tone. Fabric that moves (silk, fine cotton, soft jersey) catches light better than stiff structured pieces.
if you don't want tight clothing
Many of our clients arrive saying they want maternity photos but feel awkward about anything fitted. That's fine — we have a strong selection of flowing dresses, loose knit dresses, and oversized soft-fabric pieces in our wardrobe. There's no expectation of bare-bump shots unless you want them. The session works either way.
bringing a partner or older children
Most of our favourite maternity images include the partner. The brief is the same colour palette as you — neutral, soft, fitted-but-not-tight pieces. White or chambray shirts over dark trousers always work. If you're including older siblings (which we recommend if you have them), keep them in the same palette: cream, soft beige, dusty blue.
on the day
- Arrive in loose, comfortable clothing — we'll change you into the shoot outfit on-site.
- Bring two or three outfit options. Hard to predict what feels right until you see yourself on the cyc.
- Pack snacks. Sessions are 60 minutes and breaks help energy levels.
- Hair down or loosely styled tends to photograph better than tight up-dos for maternity.
- Optional makeup artist available (£85/hour) — recommended for couples-and-bump shots.
booking your maternity session
We run maternity photography from our Tiptree, Essex studio — 32-34 weeks is the sweet spot but we'll shoot earlier or later if it suits you. Sessions from £195. Many clients book maternity and newborn photography together — the deposit on the maternity rolls forward to the newborn slot. See full details on the maternity photography page or enquire via the booking form.
