So, you’ve booked your maternity photoshoot… now comes the big question: “What on earth am I going to wear?”
Don’t worry — choosing your outfit doesn’t have to be stressful! Your maternity photoshoot is all about celebrating your beautiful bump, capturing this special chapter and creating photographs that you’ll treasure for years to come.
Here are a few simple tips to help you choose the perfect outfit.
1. Choose something that shows off your bump
Your bump is the star of the show, so think about outfits that gently follow your shape rather than hiding it.
A fitted dress, a stretchy maxi dress or a beautiful flowing maternity gown can all photograph beautifully. You don’t necessarily need to buy a specialist maternity outfit — something you already feel comfortable and confident in may be perfect.
2. Long, flowing dresses create beautiful movement
If you’re having an outdoor maternity photoshoot, a long, flowing dress can look absolutely gorgeous, particularly in the evening light.
As you move, the fabric catches the breeze and creates lovely, natural movement in your photographs. Soft, flowing fabrics can also add a really dreamy feel to your images.
And yes… a little twirling is definitely encouraged!
3. Keep colours simple
Neutral, earthy and soft tones tend to work beautifully for maternity photography.
Creams, whites, beige, soft pinks, sage greens, blues and warm earthy shades can all complement an outdoor setting without distracting from you and your bump.
If you love colour, don’t be afraid to wear it! The most important thing is choosing something that feels like you.
4. Think about the location
Consider where your photoshoot is taking place when choosing your outfit. Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and surrounding counties have such beautiful outdoor locations that we can be spoiled for choice. Below the images are from near Oxford, Near Swindon, Wiltshire & near Didcot, Oxfordshire.
For an outdoor shoot, flowing dresses and softer fabrics work beautifully against fields, woodland or open countryside. If you’re having a more relaxed lifestyle session, jeans with a fitted top, a cardigan or a simple dress could be perfect.
Think about the colours around you and choose something that complements rather than clashes with the surroundings.
5. Don’t forget your partner and children
If your partner or children are joining you, their outfits don’t need to match yours exactly.
Instead, choose colours that complement one another. For example, if you’re wearing a soft cream dress, your partner could wear neutral trousers and a shirt, while your children could wear coordinating earthy or pastel shades.
Avoid everyone wearing exactly the same colour — coordinating usually looks much more natural.
6. Comfort is important!
This is probably the most important tip of all.
You’re pregnant, and you don’t want to spend your photoshoot worrying about an uncomfortable waistband, shoes that hurt or a dress you constantly need to adjust.
Choose something you can move and relax in. If we’re shooting outdoors, bring sensible shoes for walking between locations and change into your favourite shoes once we’re ready to take photographs.
And don’t forget to bring a cardigan or something warm if the weather is a little cooler.
7. Bring more than one outfit
If you’re not sure what to wear, why choose just one?
Bringing two or three options gives us the opportunity to create a variety of photographs. You might have a beautiful flowing dress for some of the more romantic images and then change into something casual and relaxed.
You don’t have to decide everything beforehand either. Bring your options along and we can chat through them together.
8. Don’t forget the little details
Small details can make a big difference.
Think about:
- Jewellery
- A favourite pair of shoes
- A beautiful shawl or cardigan
- A hat
- A flower crown
- A treasured item with sentimental meaning
You could even include a scan photograph, tiny pair of baby shoes or another special item if you’d like to personalise your photographs.
Most importantly… wear something that makes you feel beautiful
There really are no strict rules when it comes to maternity photography.
The perfect outfit isn’t necessarily the most expensive one or the latest maternity trend. It’s the outfit that makes you feel comfortable, confident and beautifully you.
Your maternity photoshoot is about celebrating you, your bump and the little person you’re waiting to meet.
So choose something you love, relax, enjoy the moment and let me take care of the photographs.
Planning your maternity photoshoot?
At Helen Carter Photography, I want your maternity photoshoot to be relaxed, enjoyable and completely personal to you.
Whether you’d love beautiful outdoor photographs in the evening light, something more relaxed and natural, or a mixture of both, we can create a session that reflects this special time in your life. Contact Helen for a discussion and to book your session. www.helencarterphotography.co.uk
Your bump won’t be this size forever — but your photographs will help you remember exactly how it felt to be waiting for your little one.
📷 Helen Carter Photography
Capturing the beautiful moments that you’ll want to remember forever.
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