When to Book Your Maternity Session

The ideal time for maternity photos is between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. During this window, your belly is beautifully round and prominent, you typically still feel relatively comfortable, and you're not yet dealing with the final weeks of exhaustion and swelling.

I recommend booking your session 6-8 weeks before your due date. This gives us time to schedule a date that works for your energy levels and ensures you have these precious photos well before baby arrives.

What to Wear: Styling Ideas

The clothes you wear make a huge difference in how your maternity photos look. Here are my favorite styling options:

Form-fitting dresses: Cream, blush, or earth-tone knit dresses that hug your curves and celebrate your belly
Crop tops with high-waisted bottoms: Show off that bump with style while keeping the look elegant
Flowing fabrics: Soft, draped materials that move beautifully and feel comfortable
Neutral colors: Creams, taupes, blacks, and blushes photograph timeless and let your glow take center stage
Layering: A cardigan or loose sweater over fitted maternity wear creates dimension

Pro tip: Avoid busy patterns, bright neons, or anything too trendy. You want these photos to feel timeless in 10 years.

Best Maternity Photography Poses

Natural, relaxed poses work best for maternity photography. Here are the poses I recommend during your session:

The belly profile: Side angle with hands cradling your bump—classic and beautiful
Seated with baby bump: Sitting on the floor or low stool with your belly front and center
Hands on belly: Hands cradling or resting on your belly, showing connection to baby
Partner portraits: Both partners with hands on the bump, foreheads together, or husband's hand on belly
Ultrasound details: Holding your ultrasound photos—meaningful keepsake shot
Close-ups: Rings on belly, hands on bump detail shots that feel intimate

Session Location Options

Maternity photos work beautifully in both studio and natural settings:

Natural light studio: My Studio 11:11 location in Bay View offers consistent, flattering light with neutral backdrops
Outdoor locations: Lakefront, parks, or family gardens add context and create lifestyle maternity portraits

What to Expect During Your Session

Your maternity session typically lasts 45-60 minutes and includes:

Multiple outfit changes to capture different looks
Solo maternity portraits to celebrate YOU
Partner photos if your partner wants to participate
Belly detail shots and close-ups
Relaxed, candid moments
Professional styling and posing guidance

You'll receive 40+ professionally edited images in an online gallery where you can view, download, and print your favorites.

How to Prepare for Your Maternity Photos

Get a fresh blowout or do your hair: You'll feel more confident and photos look better
Schedule during good lighting: Morning or golden hour sessions have the best natural light
Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be on your feet, so comfort matters
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before your session
Have a partner or friend: Their presence can add meaningful couple or family dimensions
Bring ultrasound photos: If you want those meaningful detail shots

Why Capture This Moment?

Pregnancy is fleeting. In nine months, your belly will be gone and your baby will be here. Maternity photos celebrate this incredible season of your life—the anticipation, the glow, the love you already feel for your growing baby.

These images become treasured keepsakes that you'll love sharing with your child someday. They document one of life's most beautiful transformations.

Complete Maternity Photography Guide: Ideas, Poses & Timeline