Maternity Dresses for Photo Shoot: When to Shoot & How to Pose

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If you’re pregnant and looking into getting a maternity photo shoot done, this is your complete maternity dresses for photo shoot guide, including what to wear, when to shoot maternity photo shoots, how to pose, and more. Whether you’re looking for boho maternity dresses for photoshoot or chiffon maternity dress for photoshoot, I have you covered! Congratulations, mama! Look no further for your maternity photo shoot inspiration.

BEST TIME TO TAKE MATERNITY PHOTOS:

The recommended time to take pregnancy photos is between week 30-36. For most women, the bump is in full effect at this point, and it’s before many pregnant women are too swollen and constantly uncomfortable at nine months.

For twins, a little earlier works well for the same reasons. I advise starting to look for and booking a photographer around 20-25 weeks. You can also consider DIY with a friend or tripod. Also, start searching and order dresses.

HOW TO FIND A MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER:

Search Instagram hashtags for your city and maternity photography. For example, in Dallas, I searched for “dallasmaternity” in accounts and hashtags. Look through and find a handful of photographers whose style you like, paying attention to how the photographer edits and poses her moms-to-be.

Once you narrow it down to a few you want, reach out for rates and availability. Some photographers will have a maternity wardrobe – basically stretchy dresses they own that you can wear for the photoshoot – which is a great bonus! 

Choosing Maternity Clothes:

The best maternity outfit for photoshoot is a long maxi dress that will best showcase your beautiful pregnant goddess silhouette. Purchase a timeless dress, but also show your style. If you plan on printing the photos and displaying them in your home, think about what colors are in that room and consider a complimentary color for your dress.

Flutter sleeves and off shoulder styles are very flattering on a mom-to-be. Do you want a full glam gown maternity gown or a more boho maternity dress? After my extensive research during own pregnancy, here the best places to find pregnancy dresses for photo shoots, for winter, spring, summer, or fall.

Best Maternity Dresses for Photo Shoots:

1. Baltic Born maternity picture dresses – For boho amazing maternity dressses for photoshoot or a expecting mom looking for a romantic, casual look check out baltic born maternity dress. This mauve dress (pictured below) has cute details and comes in sizes XS to XXXL. Check out the bump-friendly section of their site for tons of options! They also indicate in the notes if the dress is nursing friendly for postpartum moms. Pair with sandals for warmer months and spandex undergarments.
2. Red Dress Boutique maternity set for photoshoots – countless flowy dress maternity shoot cute bump-friendly styles – great for your maternity baby shower dress too! This floral maxi dress is gorgeous and bump friendly. They have great options for sophisticated look.
3. Etsy – If looking for a lace maternity dress or chiffon maternity dress for photoshoot, etsy is a great place to start. For the glamorous mom who wants a custom, enchanting maternity gown in a specific color. A popular shop is Anyuta Couture Maternity. I swoon for their fitted mermaid gown in pink or blue as the best fitted maternity dress for photoshoot. Anyuta couture reviews are very positive and this dress comes in sizes XXS to XL – XXL. They also have options for a black and white maternity shoot or brown maternity dress for photoshoot. This is my favorite 2 piece maternity set for photoshoot I’ve worn for my own family photos.
4. Pink Blush Maternity maternity picture outfit – For affordable, simple, and timeless options. Check out pink blush maternity photoshoot section, which includes their extended dress options. I wore this long sleeve, white dress that fit the occasion well, it has a lot of stretch and is double lined so its not see through! This long sleeve maternity dress for photoshoot is super flattering for maternity pictures. If you need a new strapless bra, I recommend this one. Bonus tip: pink blush store is also great for comfy everyday maternity clothes, like t shirt dresses and easter maternity dresses, and there is usually access to deals with a discount code. This is a great shop for cheap maternity dresses for photoshoot.
5. Free People – for the boho free spirited mama-to-be looking for a flowy maternity dresses for photoshoot. This maxi dress comes in multiple colors, including brown maternity photoshoot dress, and a popular brand for maternity photos. I should mention, it is great for summer photos on the beach too!
6. Amazon – For cute maternity outfits for pictures, maternity photoshoot dresses and sales, especially on gowns and mini dress, turn to amazon. They have many cute and on trend looks available for less. Your maternity gown may only get worn a few times, so saving a little with baby coming doesn’t hurt! This sleeve sweetheart gown off the shoulder gown has tons of great reviews for under $40!
7. Looking for more options for dads and kids? Check out this blog post on long flowy dresses for photoshoot, which includes recommended shops for dads and kids and the best websites for maternity photoshoot dresses.

HOW TO DO HAIR, MAKEUP, AND ACCESSORIES to compliment a MATERNITY dress:

What maternity photoshoot guide would be complete without hair and makeup tips?

• Hair and makeup should match the vibe of the dresses you picked. If you plan on wearing a very glamourous gown with a long train, consider a more dramatic makeup look. If going with a softer, more boho dress, keep your hair in soft curls and makeup more natural. 
• Bonus tip: nails should be manicured in a light, neutral color. Remember, we are going for timeless. A little self pampering is well deserved.
• Popular accessories include a flower crown or wide brim hat.
• For your partners maternity photoshoot outfit, have them dressed based on what you’re wearing. They should compliment you in style and color but not take the focus away from you. For men, jeans with pockets work well, like these khakis or dark colored jeans and a solid neutral henley (avoid logos, hats, loud patterns, and sneakers).

HOW TO POSE FOR MATERNITY PHOTOS:

The biggest tip for maternity session poses for pregnancy photos is to ALWAYS have at least one hand on the bump at all times. A great look is to have one hand on top, and one hand on the bottom, to showcase the bump in all its glory! Then, create space between the arms and the belly. You can do this by lifting your elbows slightly, so there is space between your upper arm and your side; this will make your arms look slimmer for a maternity photo. 

Stand slightly away from the camera with your feet together for the lower body. Then pop the front leg to bend the knee closest to the camera. This pose works great for solo shots. If you’re DIY your maternity photos, grab a friend or tripod and take a few maternity photos like this, some landscape, vertical, full-body, and close-up pictures. If you have a partner, have them join behind you and put one hand on the bump (above or below). Then, take a few with your partner on the other side.

Also, have a friend or the photographer take photos of just you and your future child, without your partner. It’s a magical time where you are growing a human! Bonus tip: a classic shot of you, looking down towards the baby, will be cherished for years to come. 

FINALLY, ENJOY THE PICTURES! 

The last step, enjoy your pictures! You may look different with the baby bump than you usually do, but embrace the fact that you are pregnant goddess bringing new life into this world, no matter what. You are glowing after all! 

Thank you for reading this guide to maternity dresses for photo shoot: what to wear, when to shoot, how to pose, and more! You may also enjoy reading the the best dresses for photoshoot, the baby gift guide for 0-24 months, the best postpartum jeans, or check out my nursery for baby boy. Don’t forget to subscribe to the mailing list for monthly newsletters & a free food guide.

Till next time,

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