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15 Tips for taking better Maternity Photographs
Recently, a friend asked me for tips on shooting maternity sessions. I started rattling off some ideas and decided to put them all in one spot.
Belly shots are some of my favorites for many reasons. They have definitely gotten a bad rap over the years, and we’ve all seen the ‘what not to do’ images on those funny websites, but really they can be so beautiful. It’s a time of anticipation, change, and excitement—all of which should be documented! How nice it is to have subjects take direction, and it’s also a wonderful time to get to know new parents before you work with their precious newborn.
Family maternity sessions with other children (especially toddlers) are a whole other ball game… but these tips can apply too!
Posing and Angles
Flattering a mama and her pregnant belly should be high on your list of things to accomplish. There are all types of body types, which means there are countless ways women can carry a baby. What might look great for one mom could not work at all for another.
Here are some go-to poses and angles for pregnant mommies (and daddies).
1. Hands on the Belly
It’s very natural for her to want to touch the bump! This is really effective in drawing attention to her belly and giving her a place to put those hands. Mix it up as much as possible and try hands on the hips, in pockets, or even touching her hair can work too.
2. Keep It Natural
When she looks down at her belly, make sure her head isn’t completely tilted at a weird angle… it can look unnatural and create a double chin. Have her fixate on a point slightly away from her bump. Don’t forget eye contact and a smile… everyone loves a classic shot like that. Vary expressions from laughter to more intense.
3. Up High
If you can, stand on something or bring a stool to your session. Height is a great way to flatter your subject and a bigger belly. Get creative! Have your subject(s) lie on a quilt or blanket so you can shoot from above. Getting up high can minimize parts of the body (other than the belly) that might have gotten bigger during pregnancy.
4. Get Couples Close
A fun tip for couples is to ‘squeeze all the air out’ between them. Have him touch her as much as possible (ummm keep it appropriate!). Try to get full body, half body, and close-ups of both of them together… even without the belly. Basic couple posing can work well here, and if the belly gets in the way just go with it, usually it will make them (and you!) giggle.
5. Standing vs. Sitting
Standing is almost always more flattering for pregnant women, but you still want your subject to be relaxed in their posing, so tell her to bend a knee or pop a hip. Sitting can be done, though, and I find it works best when shooting a family or a couple together. Just be extra aware of your angles.
6. Straight On
It really depends on how ‘out there’ the bump is and what she’s wearing. If you can tell mama is pregnant with a straight-on shot, make sure you get one. Twisting to the side is obviously where it’s at for all pregnant moms, but she doesn’t have to be completely turned to the side; 45° angles can work well too.
7. Composition
One of the things to love about maternity images is the creativity they lend. Now is a great time to play with your composition, color, angles, and breaking rules… especially if you are working with two adults that will take direction. Sometimes that is actually overwhelming and frustrating for me!! When we shoot kids and babies, we are forced to take their lead most times, so when we can actually stop for a moment and compose a more interesting shot, it can be difficult to think on the spot. Slow down and even plan in your head before the session some new things you’d like to try or experiment with. Photographing ‘just the bump’ has become the thing to do during belly sessions (guilty!) and while I think those shots can be fun, just make sure to include faces as well.
8. Emotion
Talk with the mom or the expecting couple beforehand about how awkward all of this might feel. Most people feel so silly in front of a camera (I know I do!!) Reassure them it’s perfectly normal and a great warm-up for future newborn pictures. Have them focus on the emotions they’re experiencing and keep them in mind during their session. When they really start to anticipate the excitement of a new baby, it can show in their faces and body language. Use all those hormones to your advantage!
9. Wardrobe
What should I wear? This is the most asked question I get from expecting moms before their session and it’s a great one! I always tell them ‘don’t hide the bump… we need to see it, that’s the point!’ I also give them the option of two looks and even have them bring clothes and I’ll help them pick. Keep in mind a spot to have them change since it’s a lot harder to manage a bump in a tight space! Clothes that cling are usually your best bet and more flattering. If mom wears a flowy dress, you can make it work, but you’ll probably need her to gather and hold it close under the belly for defined belly shots or try facing her into the wind if you have some. Clothing can also depend on the location and type of session. If you’re somewhere urban, then maybe boots and bright colors are in order. More natural and you might have her opt for neutral tones and casual apparel. This is a fun time to accessorize with jewelry, scarves, or fun shoes because once she has the baby, fashion might not be high on the agenda. Have the new dad compliment her in his attire, much like you would in a regular family or couple session, just not too matchy-matchy.
10. Family
Family maternity sessions can be wonderful but also challenging. If there are older siblings, especially young ones, it can be tricky to get them in the shot while showcasing the mom’s belly. Ensure mom doesn’t have to chase them around, leaving you and dad to help wrangle. Keep it light and fun, aiming for ‘classic’ shots while focusing on family interactions. Encourage the idea of being a big sister or brother. Posing and direction will naturally evolve with kids in the mix. Keep the bump prominent and flatter mom as much as possible. Including pets can also be a great addition. Many couples want to feature their fur babies, so choose your location wisely when working with animals.
11. Props
While I’m not usually a big fan of props, they can be quite popular in maternity sessions. In my opinion, there’s a fine line between something cute and something overly cheesy.
Be transparent with your clients about your style by sharing links to your previous maternity sessions. If the expectant mom wants to incorporate a prop or an idea she’s seen on Pinterest, collaborate with her to make it work. Strive to bring her vision to life while also adding your personal touch.
Clear communication from the start is crucial!
12. When
When should maternity sessions take place? Ideally, you want to see the bump, so this depends on whether it’s a first pregnancy. I recommend scheduling sessions at the beginning of the last trimester and preferably before 35 weeks. Beyond this point, moms may start to feel uncomfortable, making it hard to pose. If you’ve been pregnant, try to remember the timing that worked for you. If you do the session too early, the bump might not be noticeable, defeating the purpose. Communicate with the parents to decide on the best timing. Also, ensure there are no complications like the risk of preterm delivery, physical limitations, or the possibility of bed rest. For moms expecting multiples, scheduling the session in the second trimester might be necessary.
13. Lenses
You can truly shoot a maternity session with any lens. My go-to lenses are the 85mm and 35mm, but longer lenses can also work wonders. If you decide to use a super wide lens, be mindful of distortion; the last thing you want is for the mom to appear larger than she is. Wide angles can add a creative touch and capture the full scene beautifully. This is an excellent opportunity to experiment with a Lensbaby, tilt-shift, or practice shooting wide open!
14. Selfie
Position yourself near a window or go outside during the golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) to take advantage of soft, natural light. This lighting enhances your features and creates a warm, glowing effect, which is perfect for highlighting your pregnancy.
Natural light is softer and more flattering compared to harsh, direct artificial lighting. It reduces shadows and highlights the contours of your face and body, creating a more professional and aesthetically pleasing photo.
If shooting indoors, use a light-colored backdrop or wall to reflect the natural light, further enhancing the soft, warm effect on your photos.
15. Inspiration
If you’re looking for ideas for your maternity pictures, browsing through other women’s maternity photo shoots can be incredibly fun and inspiring. Take note of the poses, settings, and styles you love, and think about how you can incorporate those elements into your own photos.
