I & YPhotography & Film
How to Prepare for Your Maternity Photoshoot
15 March 2026

How to Prepare for Your Maternity Photoshoot

Your maternity session is one of the most meaningful photoshoots you'll ever have. Here's everything you need to know to feel confident, comfortable, and truly beautiful on the day.

Your maternity session is one of the most meaningful photoshoots you'll ever have — a chance to honour this extraordinary chapter of your life before everything changes in the most wonderful way. Here's everything you need to know to feel confident, comfortable, and truly beautiful on the day.


Timing Is Everything


The sweet spot for maternity photography is between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage, your bump is beautifully round and prominent, yet you're still feeling comfortable enough to move, pose, and enjoy the session. We strongly recommend booking early — ideally by week 25 — so that your preferred date is secured and there's time to plan everything without rush.


Choosing Your Outfits


Clothing can make an enormous difference to the feel and tone of your images. Here are our top tips:


  • Flowy dresses and skirts photograph beautifully outdoors and give a soft, timeless feel.
  • Form-fitting fabrics — jersey, silk, or satin — highlight the shape of your bump in a flattering way.
  • Neutral tones and soft pastels tend to photograph best in natural light: ivory, blush, sage, and camel are all wonderful choices.
  • Avoid busy patterns or logos, which can be distracting and date the photos.
  • Bring two or three outfit options so we can vary the look throughout the session.

    • If you'd like to incorporate your partner or existing children, think about coordinating rather than matching — similar tones look elegant without appearing too staged.


    Hair, Make-Up, and Self-Care


    If your budget allows, professional hair and make-up is absolutely worth it for a maternity session. A good artist will enhance your features while keeping everything looking natural and 'you'. Book your artist for 1–1.5 hours before the session start time.


    In the days before the shoot:

  • Stay well hydrated — it genuinely shows in the skin.
  • Get a good night's sleep the night before.
  • Moisturise your bump, especially if you plan on any bare-bump images.

    • Choosing Your Location


    We offer both outdoor and indoor sessions. Outdoor locations — woodland, open fields, lakesides, or beautiful gardens — lend a natural, luminous quality that is particularly magical at golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset). Indoor sessions have a more intimate, lifestyle feel and work wonderfully in your own home, giving the images a personal warmth.


    During our pre-shoot consultation, we'll discuss locations that feel right for your style and vision.


    On the Day


    Please don't rush. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready without stress. Eat a light meal beforehand, bring water, and wear comfortable shoes for getting around on location. Most importantly — trust us, and trust yourself. You are growing a life. You are radiant. Our job is simply to show that.


    After the Session


    Your gallery will be ready within 3–4 weeks, delivered via a private online link. You'll receive your full selection of beautifully edited images, ready to download, print, and treasure for a lifetime.

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