Booking photos to be taken for a maternity shoot can be stressful in and of itself. Trying to figure out what to wear to show off your baby bump during your maternity photo shoot is yet another overwhelming facet of this milestone event during your pregnancy.
A maternity photo session is supposed to be fun, easy, and something you look forward to. However, many women start to feel the pressure as the maternity photo session gets closer, trying to figure out what to wear.
Maternity photoshoot outfit ideas
In this article, we’ll cover the bases of maternity clothing to wear for your maternity photo shoot. From creative and flowy to relaxed and casual, your maternity photoshoot is the official opportunity to capture your baby bump on film so that you can remember this time forever.
This article will help you style yourself to feel beautiful and confident in the photos.
When should I book a maternity shoot?
You should start researching and speaking to potential photographers after your first prenatal appointment. That may seem early, but these sorts of photos are booked well in advance, and if you want to secure a spot, it’s best to do it as soon as possible.
While you can choose your photographer and even have a say in where you’d like the photos to be taken, your maternity photo shoot won’t take place for quite some time.
Most women have normal, healthy pregnancies that are not high-risk, and women who are not pregnant with twins or multiples have their maternity pictures taken in the third trimester.
The third trimester begins at 28 weeks and until delivery.
Most photographers prefer to take photos of expectant mothers sometime between weeks 33 and 36 to ensure that the baby bump is prominent and will be seen in all the photographs. Scheduling the shoot within that period also ensures you can keep your appointment rather than being in the hospital with your newborn.
Many babies are born early, and if yours comes after 37 weeks, considered full-term, you will want to have your photos done before you have your little one.
Most photographers don’t offer refunds and require a deposit to book their services.
While it is understandable that women want a baby bump that will show up on camera, you don’t want to waste too much time waiting for the perfect moment.
General pieces for maternity photoshoots
Maternity photos are typically taken outdoors, so you’ll have the backdrop of whatever scenery you and the photographer choose to compete with.
It’s essential to stay aware of lots of patterns and designs. The point is to show off that beautiful belly, not get lost in the foreground.
The following are some great tips and outfit inspiration for any maternity shoot.
1. A simple lace dress
Pretty maternity dresses are a great way to celebrate that bump and create a flattering silhouette!
A simple lace dress that is a solid color is elegant and timeless. It also keeps the focus on you and your baby bump.
You can wear a tight-fitting dress that will show off your gorgeous curves or opt for something flowy and dramatic, with stretchy fabric. You can also go with the popular trend – a dress that has a split across the belly to show your bare bump in all its glory.
Regardless of what you decide as far as styles, a lace dress makes for beautiful photos. They come in many options for all body types, from petite to plus, and they can be added to with accessories, statement pieces, and jewelry to make the look come together in a way that reflects your personality.
2. Solid colors
Solid colors are always best for any photo shoot, especially maternity photos, in which you want your baby bump to be in the limelight.
Patterns and designs can be pretty, but solid colors keep the viewer’s eye from wandering about the photo, trying to find the focal point.
3. Bold accessories
For women who want a statement piece, bold accessories like jewelry, tiaras, wraps, or scarves are a great way to break up the solid colors featured in maternity shoots. This is especially true if your photo shoot doubles as family photos, and you all wear the same solid colors.
4. Coordinating color palettes
Talk to your photographer or get online and look at the magic that is color palettes. You can choose from outfits easily if you know which colors complement and will look best with the setting.
You can style everyone in your family (if you’re also taking family photos) to match so that the photos look uniform and no one sticks out too much.
Just remember that the most important thing is feeling good and confident. So if you don’t care for a particular palette, feel free to change things and wear what you want. If you are also more comfortable in a casual outfit then feel free to wear something that makes you feel confident!
Creative winter maternity photos
When it comes to cold weather photos and maternity shoot outfits, it’s essential not to compromise warmth and circulation for beautiful images.
You can easily add dimension and range to layered or thicker pieces of clothing and still show off that beautiful bump.
The following are some suggestions to do just that.
1. Wool or cashmere sweater off shoulders
A sophisticated form-fitting wool or soft cashmere sweater with an off-shoulder neckline is a great choice when planning an outdoor winter outfit.
You’re showing enough skin to feel a bit flirty, but you’re also staying warm, and the focus isn’t taken wholly away from your belly.
2. Thick sweater or turtleneck
Maternity photos can still be flattering even if the clothes aren’t tight. You can still look fabulous in a turtleneck or thick sweater.
A thick solid cable knit sweater can be a timeless piece for an outfit in the winter. Pair this with skinny jeans or leggings, a scarf, and maybe even a cute winter hat to look fantastic and feel great as you celebrate this special time in your life.
Winter maternity dresses for photoshoots
If you know you want to wear a dress, but you also have your photos taken in the winter, don’t worry about having to change plans.
You can still find a great dress to wear, all while battling the cold.
The following are some maternity photoshoot dresses that can show off your bump and beautiful curves and keep you warm for photographs.
1. Sweater dresses
Dresses are timeless, and many women choose them for maternity shoots because they are flattering on the bump.
A sweater dress can be paired with tights or leggings and chunky or cute accessories to accentuate your look and show off your bump perfectly. All while you stay warm! Dresses don’t have to be thin to look beautiful!
2. Long dress made of warm material
Think velour or wool as an excellent alternative for a long flowy maxi dress in the winter. This will keep you warm, it can hug your body, and you can get these dresses in nearly every color imaginable.
Pair it with tall boots for an intense look that keeps your legs warm. If you aren’t showing off your legs, you can wear leggings under the dress for added warmth.
3. Thick jumper
Unlike most dresses, wearing a jumper gives you much creative freedom with the rest of the outfit. Thick tights or leggings can be worn under them, and you can wear just about any shirt you want to pair a jumper with.
You can choose your accessories or pair them with a jacket or cute coat.
What to wear for your maternity shoot
We hope that through this article you have found some outfit inspiration!
You can wear any outfit you feel the most confident and beautiful in.
Beautiful photos come from confident models, and the outfit has very little to do with the actual image. It’s the feeling that translates, not the dresses or the clothing.
Many photographers recommend bringing a few different accessories or outfits to try, and many will give tips along the way.
Don’t feel as though you have to figure everything out on your own.
Your photographer knows what outfit and angle to shoot from to show your baby bump in all its glory. A competent photographer will also know which pose best highlights your pregnant belly.
Just relax and enjoy the maternity session.