When you’re planning your maternity photoshoot, there’s a LOT to consider. Photoshoot theme/ideas, location, your outfit, your photographer (hi, that’s me!)… The list goes on! Lucky for you, I’ve compiled everything you need to know right here to plan your maternity photos, plus some photos from Ashley and Dom’s session that I had the honor of capturing, as a California maternity photographer. 

What is a Maternity Photoshoot, And Why Should You Have One?

A maternity photoshoot is so much more than just cute belly pics (though yes, you’re gonna look GORG). It’s about soaking in this wild, beautiful chapter before life flips upside down in the best possible way. Real talk, pregnancy is weird and magical and overwhelming AF all at once, and you deserve to remember the way it felt. The way your body held life. The way your partner looked at you. The way you waddled into Starbucks like a damn queen 😂. As your California maternity photographer, I’m here to document all of it. The soft, glowy moments and the unhinged ones. Because this season? It’s worth remembering every messy, emotional second. 

Maternity photoshoots can either be just the expectant mother, the couple, or the whole family (or a mix of all three!). It totally depends on your personal preference, because each one makes for such adorable and special photos. 

When to Take Maternity Photos

The best time to take maternity photos fully depends on your comfort and how you feel. You’re the main character here! It’s all about finding a balance between when you have the most movement and when your baby bump is most prominent, so you can see it well in photos. This is typically around 30 weeks, but it can absolutely be different for everyone. 

What to Wear for Maternity Photos

Choosing your maternity photoshoot outfits can be tricky, trying to balance comfort and style. The most important part is that you ARE comfortable in what you’re wearing, and that you feel beautiful! 

Your outfit also totally depends on the style you’re going for. If you’re going for a softer, dreamier look, neutral or pastel colors are the way to go, but if you’re looking for something fun and exciting, you can always opt for a bold print! 

As far as the silhouette, a traditional maternity photoshoot dress is a flowy dress that’s tight until right above your stomach. However, there have been other trends recently that are much more casual, and show mothers wearing jeans, which I am soooo here for. 

Ashley did two outfit changes during her session (LOVE), first wearing a white crop top and unbuttoned jeans, then a gorgeous white flowy dress from Show me Your Mumu, then a ruched, tight-fitted white dress to show off her bump. All of her outfits were absolutely gorgeous for their lake session, and I personally think it’s the perfect inspiration for your maternity photo outfits! 

Neutral Maternity Photoshoot Dresses 

I’ve compiled a list of a few more maternity photo dresses that I love for a maternity session with a neutral color palette: 

• The Brushed Satin Gown from Bumpsuit (Also available in pink and blue)
• The Ruched Mesh Bardot Maxi Dress from Club L London (Also available in pink, blue, and butter yellow)
• The Off-the-Shoulder Pleated Maternity Photoshoot Dress by Glamix Maternity

Colorful Maternity Photoshoot Dresses

If you’re opting for a more bold color palette or want to wear a maternity photoshoot dress that represents the gender of your baby, here are some of my faves: 

• The Deia Dress from Beachwood Baby
• The Carlotta Dress from Club L London
• The Maternity V-Neck Long Sleeve Dress from ASOS

Maternity Photoshoot Outfits (That Aren’t Dresses)

If you’d rather not wear a dress, you still have options! Here’s a list of some of my favorite maternity photoshoot outfits that aren’t dresses: 

• Jeans and a crop top or sports bra
• The Dahlia Maxi Skirt and Baby Tank Set from 12th Tribe
• The Button Knit and Lux Rib Pant Set from Légoe Heritage

Where to Take Your Maternity Photos

Some people might opt for a maternity photo session at home, while others want a studio maternity session or an outdoor maternity photoshoot. Each one is beautiful, and what matters is that where you choose tells your story and captures your pregnancy journey perfectly. 

Some of My Favorite Maternity Photoshoot Locations in Northern California

• Folsom Lake (where Ashley and Dom’s photos were taken) for that neutral, muted vibe
• Land’s End Lookout for a vibrant outdoor style
• Mount Tamalpais for gorgeous views of the Bay Area
• A photo studio, which I can always send recommendations for when you book!

My Favorite Maternity Photoshoot Ideas, As a Maternity Photographer

Now that we’ve covered the basics of a maternity photoshoot, let’s look into some of my favorite ideas for one that I’ve seen as a California maternity photographer! 

An At-Home Maternity Photoshoot

I think an at-home maternity photo session is SO special, because you’re capturing your pre-baby moments in the space where their childhood memories will live. This is a perfect space for a casual session, because it’s somewhere that you’re already comfortable! 

A Studio Maternity Photoshoot

I love a studio maternity photo session, because there’s so much you can do with it! There’s an open space and tons of different backdrops, so you can get a variety of pictures and unlimited outfit changes. Whether you’re opting for an editorial vibe or a casual vibe, a studio creates a perfect space for it. 

Props for Your Maternity Photos

Bringing props to your maternity photos is another idea I love. Some ideas for what to bring to your maternity session are: 

• Your ultrasound
• Flowers
• Balloons
• Baby clothes or shoes
• A board with baby’s name/due date

Ashley and Dom’s Maternity Photoshoot

Ashley and Dom’s maternity session was a dream to capture, and has the perfect maternity photoshoot inspiration for yours! Their neutral color scheme of the white sands at Folsom Lake was complemented beautifully by Ashley’s white dress. 

We headed out to the lake on a summer weekday night (thankfully, because it was still crowded! I can’t imagine how packed it would be on a weekend), and the lighting was perfect right at sunset. Even though there were people around, it felt like it was just us. You can tell these two are so giddy to be bringing their baby into the world, and I seriously couldn’t be happier for them. 

Grace Thao | California Maternity Photographer

I truly love getting the honor of capturing maternity photos. They’re so special and are always truly filled with so much love and excitement! If you’re looking for a photographer to capture these little moments before your whole life changes, you can inquire with me here. I can’t wait to meet you!