Booking your maternity session is just the first step in capturing this magical time of your pregnancy. But what comes next? How do you make sure you look and feel your best? What should you wear? When is the perfect time to schedule?

If these questions are swirling in your mind, you’re not alone. Many expecting moms feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty before their shoot. In this guide, I’m walking you through my top maternity photoshoot tips to help you prepare, feel confident, and truly enjoy the experience.

Whether you’re just starting to plan or your session is right around the corner, these tips will ensure you’re ready to create beautiful, meaningful images you’ll treasure forever.

When to Schedule Your Maternity Session

The first of the maternity photoshoot tips is when to schedule your session. The ideal window for most maternity sessions is between 34 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage, your bump is beautifully round and prominent, but you’re likely still feeling comfortable enough to move, pose, and enjoy the experience.

If you’re carrying multiples, you may want to schedule a bit earlier – closer to 28 to 32 weeks – as twins or triplets can arrive earlier and bring added physical demands.

What to Wear: Styling Tips for Your Maternity Photos

One of the most asked maternity photoshoot tips is ‘What Should I Wear?’ – and that’s exactly why I’ve created my comprehensive wardrobe collection to take this stress completely off your shoulders. Instead of spending hours shopping or worrying about what will photograph well, you can simply choose from my carefully curated pieces that are specifically selected to create stunning maternity portraits.

My client closet is stocked with maternity dresses in soft neutrals, pastels, and light grays that have been hand-picked because they photograph beautifully in my light and airy style. Every piece in my collection features the perfect combination of comfort and elegance – think flowy dresses with empire waistlines, form-fitting gowns that beautifully showcase your bump, and soft fabrics like chiffon, cotton, and lace that catch light and create dreamy movement.

The advantage of using my wardrobe collection is that each piece has been tested in my studio lighting and proven to create that timeless, radiant look I’m known for. You won’t have to worry about bright colors that might overpower your natural beauty or busy patterns that distract from your glow. Every dress works harmoniously with my photographic style and studio environment.

For family coordination, I also provide guidance on complementary pieces for partners and siblings, ensuring everyone’s outfits work together in muted tones that enhance rather than compete with your maternity look. This means your entire family will look cohesive and beautiful without any of the guesswork.

Check out my Pinterest board for inspiration, and remember – when you choose from my collection, you’re choosing pieces that are guaranteed to make you feel confident, comfortable, and absolutely radiant.

Beauty Preparation for Radiant Photos

A little bit of self-care can go a long way when preparing for your session! In the week leading up to your shoot, focus on hydrating your skin and using gentle exfoliation to give your complexion a healthy glow.

Whether you choose professional makeup or a DIY approach, aim for enhancing your natural features. Soft, camera-friendly makeup paired with styled hair (even a simple blowout) can boost your confidence and polish your look.

Don’t forget your nails – those belly-hugging shots often highlight your hands. Clean, neutral-colored nails photograph best and won’t distract from the overall image.

Lastly, get plenty of rest the night before and drink water the day of your session. Feeling refreshed is one of the best maternity photoshoot tips I can give! Find more Makeup Tips for Photoshoots in my interview with a local makeup artist.

What to Bring to Your Session

Being prepared can help the entire session feel calm and smooth. I recommend packing a few essentials:

Bring water and a light snack, especially if we’ll be shooting for an hour or more. Comfortable shoes are a must for getting to and from your location.

Touch-up supplies (like lip balm, a brush, and face powder) are helpful for keeping your look fresh.

Some moms choose to bring meaningful props, such as ultrasound photos, baby shoes, or a favorite swaddle. These personal touches can add a sweet layer of meaning to your images.

Lastly, an extra outfit and a support person (like your partner or a close friend) can make all the difference in helping you feel confident and cared for throughout the session. This maternity photoshoot tip can help you reduce stress when bringing little ones.

Posing Tips for Natural, Flattering Photos

Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a model to look amazing in your maternity photos. As your photographer, I’ll gently guide you through poses that highlight your bump and your natural beauty.

Expect to place your hands on or under your belly often, it draws attention to your baby and adds a beautiful connection to the pose. I’ll show you how to tilt, shift, and move in subtle ways that create graceful lines and a relaxed look.

We’ll also incorporate candid moments – laughing with your partner, tucking your hair behind your ear, or just breathing deeply and enjoying the moment. These unscripted interactions are often the most cherished images of all.

If you’re including children or partners, we’ll incorporate natural, simple ways to bring them into the session so it feels heartfelt and authentic.

Capturing This Beautiful Chapter

Your maternity session is more than just a photo shoot, it’s a celebration of your body, your strength, and the new life you’re about to welcome.

By following these simple maternity photoshoot tips – timing your session thoughtfully, choosing outfits that flatter and feel like you, and preparing with care – you’re setting yourself up for a relaxed, joy-filled experience that results in truly timeless images.

If you’re ready to document this beautiful chapter of your life, I’d love to help you feel confident and radiant every step of the way. Reach out to learn more about booking your maternity session.

You deserve to feel as beautiful as you are during this incredible season, let’s capture it together.