Maternity photoshoots are a wonderful way to capture your pregnancy journey and create special memories you’ll look back on forever. There are plenty of ways to make your shoot truly unforgettable, including choosing what to wear. And who better to advise on the best maternity photoshoot outfits than expert maternity and newborn photographer, Janine Harris, founder of White Salt Photography.
In this journal, we’ve gathered the best dresses to consider when planning your maternity photoshoot outfits, while Janine delves into some of her best photoshoot clothing ideas and expert recommendations to help you look and feel your best during the shoot, She also covers different color schemes, tips and advice for you and your partner to help make your maternity photoshoot breathtaking.
All the beautiful photos in this journal were shot by Janine so make sure to check out her portfolio after you’ve finished reading.
Topics
Best maternity photoshoot dress brands
Choosing a maternity photoshoot dress should come down to the vibe you want to create and what makes you feel like yourself.
Janine’s recommended brands for maternity photoshoot dresses:
We also recommend: Pinkblush, Lullaby Club, H&M, Show Me Your Mumu and HATCH. As always, as well as choosing a style to suit you, choose high quality materials to keep you – and your skin – cool and comfortable on the day. Take a look at what to wear in your third trimester to stay cool.
Overall cutest maternity photoshoot dresses
The best pregnancy dresses in different colors
The most popular colors when it comes to flawless pregnancy dresses for photoshoots are white, pink and blue. We also love cream for a slightly modern take on traditional white. Remember you can play around with materials or shades to add a bit of interest.
White
The Carolina Maternity Dress from HATCH Collection is stunning in its simplicity. This beautiful dress is made of 100% cotton, features a flattering empire waistline, and comes in a beautiful crisp white.
White Boho Lace Maternity & Nursing Maxi Dress
Pink
For a gorgeous soft pink dress, the Melody Maxi Dress in Blush from Hazel and Folk is perfect. Dreamy and soft, it works beautifully for any season.
Fit: Up to 3XL
Credit: Hazel & Folk
Melody Maxi Dress | Blush
Find on Hazel & Folk
Blue
Teal is a great take on traditional blue. We love the Isabella Gown in teal from Hazel and Folk for a stunning fit and flattering design.
Credit: Hazel & Folk
Isabella Gown | Teal
Find on Hazel & Folk
Cream
Cream is a great take on traditional white. Two dresses we recommend are the Harper Wrap Dress and Azure Midi, both from Opia.
Credit: Opia
Harper Wrap Dress – Cream
Find on Opia
Credit: Opia
Azure Midi – Cream
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Top lace maternity dress for photoshoot
If you’re looking for a stunning lace maternity dress for your photoshoot, the Sandra Maxi Dress Champagne Forever Lace has what you need. This beautiful antique champagne full lenght dress features a stunning lace detail, adjustable straps and a flattering silhouette that will make you look and feel like a siren.
Another great option when it comes to lace maternity dresses is the Pirate Queen Maxi Dress from Coven & Co, which features beautiful lace detailing on the sleeves and a flattering empire waistline.
Credit: Coven & Co
PIRATE QUEEN GOWN
Find on Coven & Co
Best maternity gown for photos
The De Luxe Chain Back Gown from L’IDEE is anything but basic. It’s an elevated option for your maternity photoshoot that you can wear forever.
De luxe chain back gown in metallic
The True Romance gown from Coven & Co somehow manages to be both flowy and yet hug you in all the right places. A stunning versatile dress, it works for anything from beach maternity shoots to studio photoshoots and everything in between.
Credit: Coven & Co
TRUE ROMANCE GOWN
Find on Coven & Co
Best matching outfits for photos
Matching mom and me outfits are adorable. Involving your little one’s siblings can be a special moment for you both to share. There are some beautiful mama and mini outfits out there to choose from depending on the theme of the shoot and what you both enjoy wearing.
For older siblings, check out the range from Mango. A sophisticated and summer selection perfect for your budding fashionista.
One of the top picks is The Lullaby Club Mama Mini Lounge Set in White, which has a matching mini lounge set for your little one. This set is made of a soft and breathable fabric that will keep you and your child comfortable throughout the shoot.
Credit: The Lullaby Club
Mini Lounge Set // White
Find on The Lullaby Club
Another great option is the Cotton Marlow Maternity Cardigan by Hatch Collection, which can be paired with a similar knit for your little one for a cozy and stylish look.
Cutest plus size maternity photoshoot outfit
When it comes to showing off your curves on your special shoot, opt for soft, clean material that flows and highlights your curves, such as this bohemian style knot-detail weave from H&M, or a stunning wrap dress like the Melody Maxi from Hazel and Folk. If you’re looking for something white, Pinkblush offers a simple yet elegant white off the shoulder look too.
Fit: Up to 4XL
Knot-Detail Dress Light Beige
Fit: Up to 3XL
Credit: Hazel & Folk
Melody Maxi Dress | Smokey Taupe
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For a more formal option, Show Me Your Mumu’s Emily Empire Maxi Dress is a dreamy option that flatters all body types and is available in plus size.
Fit: Up to 3XL
Best affordable pregnancy photos outfit
If you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of affordable pregnancy photoshoot outfits that won’t break the bank and don’t look cheap. We love this smocked off shoulder maxi from Ingrid and Isabel, which is well-priced for its quality – as it’s 100% cotton. It’s also a perfect option for a wild outdoorsy look or a warm indoors shoot.
Most amazing maternity robe for photoshoot
For the most amazing maternity robe for photoshoots, you can’t go wrong with the Island Breeze Robe by Coven and Co. This robe is made of a lightweight and flowy fabric that will make you feel like a goddess during your shoot.
Fit: Up to XL with loose fit and tie waist
Credit: Coven and Co
ISLAND BREEZE LACE ROBE
Find on Coven and Co
Amazing outfits for outdoor shoots
Depending on different seasons, there’s a maternity photoshoot theme idea in there. You can go for a moody winter look with a longer sleeve dress like the gorgeous gingham example, or even capture the cool wintery bluster of the wild ocean and shoot on the beach in a robe or knit. There’s something magical about fall and autumn, so consider a tone of dress that might suit this aesthetic.
The Lottie Midi in Sky Cream from Opia is a simple yet cute option that is just perfect for maternity photoshoot. We love the hue for summer shoots.
Credit: Opia
Lottie Midi – Sky Cream
Find on Opia
Keeping in with the gingham theme with the Rue Midi Chai Spice dress from Opia, this is a gorgeous option for Fall or Winter.
Credit: Opia
Rue Midi – Chai Spice
Find on Opia
Stylish outfits for indoor shoots
Recreate Janine’s cozy and crisp white photo in your own space with the Elin Maxi from Opia.
Credit: Opia
Elin Maxi
Find on Opia
Another option for indoor shoots is divine lingerie and a crisp white shirt. We love the The Relaxed Oxford Shirt from Everlane and the Hotmilk Warrior Soft Cup Nursing bra, both of which will see you to postpartum and beyond.
The Relaxed Oxford Shirt Whisper Pink
Warrior plunge ivory contour nursing bra – flexi underwire
Cute maternity photoshoot outfits for couples
If your shoot is in winter, opt for a stunning chunky knit in matching hues. Consider having your knit open to show off your belly if you’re comfortable. Alternatively, you can wear the same material for hotter weather. Think crisp white or beige linen.
FAQs about maternity photoshoots
What week of pregnancy should I do a photoshoot?
The best time for a maternity session is between 30-36 weeks of pregnancy. You want to be showing, but at the same time still feel comfortable. Don’t leave it to the last minute to organise a photo session, says Janine.
What should my husband wear for maternity pics?
Janine always recommend picking something your partner feels comfortable in wearing. In terms of colours, neutrals are best: think khaki or brown pants, light denim jeans paired with a casual white shirt or t-shirt. What to stay away from is dark colours, such as black, dark blue or grey. Those don’t photograph well.
What are the most photogenic fabrics?
You can never go wrong with cotton or linen! Any natural fabric photographs well. Knits or lacy fabrics add a nice textured look to your photos.
Should I wear jewelry for maternity shoots?
Janine highly recommends stripping it back, less is definitely more! “I always suggest taking off any watches (especially fitness trackers) and just keep it simple for a timeless look that keeps the focus on the mum to be.”
How to ensure comfort in maternity shoot outfits?
Make sure you pick something that fits well. Don’t shop for an outfit weeks ahead of time, as you never know how big your tummy is going to be. Loose fitting dresses are always a good choice. A cute look also could be open jeans and a singlet, a stretchy cotton dress with a chunky knit cardigan or just an oversized white shirt.
To find more inspiration, check out these 10 photoshoot ideas and stunning celebrity maternity photoshoots.