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Maternity Photoshoot Guide

Guide to a Beautiful Maternity Photoshoot

Celebrate Your Pregnancy Journey with Confidence and Grace

Pregnancy is one of life’s most profound experiences—filled with beauty, emotion, and anticipation. An artistic maternity photoshoot allows you to pause, reflect, and preserve this extraordinary moment in timeless fine-art portraits. This guide walks you through every detail—from timing and preparation to wardrobe and mindset—so you can relax, feel radiant, and enjoy your maternity experience.Planning Your Maternity Photography Session

Planning Your Maternity Photography Session

Ideal Timing For Your Shoot

    Every pregnancy is unique, but there’s a perfect window to capture your beautiful bump at its best.
    • Single Pregnancies: Schedule your session between 30–35 weeks for a full, beautifully rounded belly.

    • Multiples: Aim for 27–31 weeks, as babies often arrive earlier and comfort becomes more important.

Preparing for Your Photoshoot

Makeup, Hair, and Nails

Your maternity photoshoot is the perfect reason to indulge in some pampering.

  • Makeup: Keep it soft and natural with luminous skin, gentle contouring, and subtly defined eyes.

  • Hair: Soft waves or natural textures complement the femininity of pregnancy.

  • Nails: Choose neutral or pastel tones for elegant, close-up details.

Things to Avoid

  • Tanning Products: Skip fake tan or shimmer lotions that appear uneven under studio lights.

  • Tight Clothing: Avoid tight underwear or jeans before your session to prevent skin marks.

  • Heavy Makeup: Less is more—natural tones photograph beautifully.

Wardrobe Options for Maternity Shoots

Essential Clothing Choices

Your wardrobe helps shape the story of your session. I encourage a mix of textures, tones, and movement:

  • Form-Fitted Dresses: A black dress defines your silhouette; a white or cream gown adds ethereal softness.

  • Lace and Sheer Fabrics: Create romantic, light-filled portraits with flowy chiffon, silk, or tulle.

  • Bandeau Tops & Maxi Skirts: Modest yet elegant, they reveal your bump gracefully.

  • Jeans and Shirts: Pre-pregnancy jeans with your partner’s white shirt give a relaxed, intimate feel.

  • Colour: Bold, solid tones—like crimson or sapphire—add artistic flair without distraction.

Incorporating Accessories and Jewellery

Keep It Simple and Personal

Accessories should enhance your portrait, not overpower it. Consider:

  • Statement Jewellery: A single, elegant piece or sentimental heirloom.

  • Floral Crowns or Drapes: Perfect for an ethereal, goddess-inspired look.

  • Fabric Drapery: Bring 3–4 metres of soft chiffon or silk for dramatic tossed-fabric shots.

Final Tips for a Perfect Maternity Session

Create a Calm, Enjoyable Experience

Make your session a celebration. Plan your morning slowly, hydrate, and arrive with a relaxed mindset. The calm you feel translates into serene, glowing portraits.

Choose the Right Photographer

Select a maternity photographer whose artistry and approach make you feel confident, beautiful, and at ease. Your comfort in front of the lens is key to genuine, emotive portraits.

After Your Session

Continue the celebration—perhaps with a dinner date or quiet moment with your partner. You’ve created timeless memories that honour this fleeting chapter of motherhood.

Closing Message

Transforming Transient Moments into Timeless Art

Every maternity session is a reflection of your journey—a moment of grace, strength, and love. With expert posing, fine-art lighting, and a relaxed atmosphere, your portraits become more than photographs; they become heirlooms that celebrate life’s most extraordinary gift.





JOHANNESBURG PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER

© 2005 -2025 Bridget Corke Photography

Blairgowrie, 2194, SOUTH AFRICA

International Master's in portrait photography from The Portrait Masters, one of only two in Africa.

bridget@bridgetcorke.co.za +27828814044