Updated at: 17-10-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

When you’re pregnant, you’ll want to remember it for the rest of your life by taking a few maternity photos. You may be wondering how I’m supposed to pose. What am I supposed to be wearing? We’re expecting a new addition to our family. If you’re worried about how you’re going to pose for your maternity photos, take a look at this post for some helpful pointers.

Find Your Pregnancy Style with Maternity Photos – Choosing the right style for your pregnancy photos is an important consideration. The best way to learn what positions work with pregnant women’s bodies while they’re showing off their bellies is to look at pregnancy picture shoots in fashion magazines or on the internet. Pose your hands on top of or on the side of your tummy, for example, if you have a prominent belly. If you have little bumps, you can make them look more bigger by cradling them with both hands!

Maternity Poses for Beautiful Photos

Photograph Mom Alone

Take a few shots of simply the mom if you’re taking pictures of a pair. Getting good maternity portraits of her embracing her bump is going to make for tender and meaningful photographs.

Maternity Poses: These 3 Simple Setups are All You Need

Posing her in a way that brings out the best features of her features can also enhance the depth and warmth of the image. A 45-degree angle might work better for her. In this approach, the outline of the hump is brought into sharper relief. This is especially beneficial if you have a modest baby bulge.

Talk to the baby while she rubs her belly. If she’s uncomfortable doing this, have her grin down at her baby belly. Motivate her by imagining her first encounter with the newborn. Pregnancy portraits will have a more natural feel to them as a result of this.

Photograph her from many angles, including full-length and close-up. Experiment with different crop sizes once you’ve shot enough solid portraits to warrant it.

Get her to do a calf raise. This position aids in relieving stress and distributing weight. Pregnancy images are all about showing off your bump, so it’s important that you have interesting lines leading to it.

When taking her portrait, keep an eye on how she moves her hands and where her gaze goes. See if she can look you in the eye, your partner in the eye, down her shoulder, or even her stomach.

Rather than looking at her belly, have her look at her feet by bending her neck towards the camera. This will prevent any chins from getting squeezed.

Shoot Dad With the Belly

Dad’s time in front of the camera doesn’t have to be limited just because the baby’s belly is the main attraction. Have dad kneel down and place his hands on either side of the tummy. Allow him to speak directly to your abdomen and savor the intimacy.

Standing partially behind the mother and placing his hands on her belly is another wonderful pregnancy position option. Close your distance till you can only see the hands. Instead of photographing the mother’s face in full, focus on the father’s eyes.

Then have him gaze down at his stomach. Do what your dad wants if he asks you to. Your clients will appreciate more intimate images if you make them feel like they are a part of the pregnancy photography session.

Direct Walking Maternity Poses

Maternity photos might benefit from a more dynamic look by using walking positions. It also helps your clients relax and feel more comfortable. Sitting in one place, especially with a baby bump, can feel uncomfortable after a while.

Maternity photographs might benefit from a bit of movement. In addition, it promotes a sense of well-being and comfort for your customers. Long periods of time spent in one position, especially while pregnant, can be taxing.

Couples can be photographed as they approach the camera, either with their eyes on the lens or on each other. Ask them to walk slowly and naturally to display greater intimacy.

Alternatively, you may ask them to talk about the baby. As a result, they will glance at or even touch the mother’s tummy. Maternity photos taken in this manner won’t appear staged.

Shoot Silhouette Maternity Poses

Silhouette maternity photos are ideal for moms who are shy in front of the camera. Pictures of her will show off her toned figure and flattering midsection. Her facial expression, on the other hand, does not need to be concerned about.

Whether the expectant mother is standing or sitting, you can still get some great silhouette maternity portraits. You may make her baby bump pop by having her show the camera a different side.

Additionally, you can ask the father to give her a belly kiss as well. A really intimate scene will be created, almost as if we were in their house.

Use Legs and Hands to Highlight the Belly

The belly is the focal point of maternity photos. To keep our attention focused on the belly and the pair, hands and legs are excellent aids to use.

Place your hands either above or below the belly, depending on your preference. If you choose, you can place one atop the other, with the other slightly to the side. It’s also possible to simply have your client rub her tummy as she typically does when standing alone.

Try to position your hands such that your fingers are close together and your hands overlap but do not overwhelm the tummy.

If your mother is facing you, have her cross her legs so you can draw more lines in the direction of her belly. This will draw attention to the bulge more than if she stood straight-legged.

To get the same impression while also giving her more shape in other pregnancy postures, have her bend one of her legs at the knee.

Shoot Active Maternity Poses

There are a number of moms who enjoy working out or meditating during their pregnancies. While she’s working out, why not snap some maternity photos? Fast movements are not an issue. It’s hard to call prenatal yoga or aerobics “dynamic.”

Request that the pregnant woman wear activewear that reveals her growing belly if she feels confident about it. Large workout balls that resemble the stomach would be a good idea.

As the mother’s body prepares to grow a new life, she must take special care during her pregnancy. Getting some exercise is an excellent method to demonstrate the lady’s commitment to her own physical well-being.

Remember All Bodies Are Different

Some maternity postures may not work for every expectant mother. In addition, not all of the maternity postures will be easy to perform.

When putting a client in a tough or uncomfortable position, always remember to ask permission first. The best maternity images are taken when the subject is at ease in front of the camera, in the posture, and in the setting.

Be on the lookout for signs that your client is in pain, and take steps to put them at ease.

It’s important to keep in mind that you may need to use hands or a belt to draw attention to the growing belly in some maternity sessions.

It’s best to let positions develop naturally so that conversation can flow more freely. The finest images are taken when the couple is laughing or having fun.

Build up the Maternity Poses

You don’t have to move your customers very much to construct and achieve a variety of positions. Keep your clients in one place, and your client will feel more at ease, as well. Walking a lot while 8 months pregnant might be exhausting.

Start by having the couple face each other and embracing each other’s stomachs with the outside hand. When your clients are looking down, you might ask them to glance at each other. During this time, have the dad look at the baby’s belly and the mother look at the camera.

Another option is to have the dad stand behind the mother, with his hands close to the camera, and support the bottom of her belly.

When the father kisses his wife on the temple while the mother is looking down, the scene is complete. As an example, they could hold hands or use the objects they brought to the meeting. For a more varied set of images, turn to longer lenses for up-close and far-away shots.

It’s a good idea to photograph at least four to five different poses for each variant.

Don’t Forget to Play and Have Fun

Maternity sessions don’t have to be particularly tender and intimate, but they can still be enjoyable. Consider asking your customers to have some fun with it. Allow them to move about, dance, and take in the atmosphere if they so desire.

Talk to them and have the mom say something nice to the dad and then the other way around. This usually results in a wide range of genuine expressions that are ideal for photographing. Your clients’ personalities can be clearly seen in these images.

Pregnant women are now taking to sitting down in maternity positions. Sit on a bench and pretend you’re sitting on your couch with the pair. If they’d rather, they can have some fun with each other.

Keep Arms and Face Away From the Body

In the 7th to 9th month of pregnancy, when the mother’s belly is most round, maternity sessions are most common.

However, as a side effect, the arms, legs, and even the face may enlarge. Even merely walking a lot helps the baby grow and thrive because of the extra water they are carrying around.

To avoid a squeezed neck and a double chin, have your client push their chin toward the camera while they are being photographed.

8 Maternity Photoshoot Ideas For Expectant Mothers

It is possible to add shape and lines to the body’s contour by bending the arms away from the body and keeping them at a distance from the body.

Pregnant women should be encouraged to appreciate this beautiful time in their lives by finding the most flattering perspective and light.

Maternity Poses: These 3 Simple Setups are All You Need

#1: Solo poses for a pregnant parent

Because most maternity sessions feature just the expecting mother, you’ll want to nail your posing! When photographing pregnant women, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Choose an easy location

Scout sites that don’t demand a lot of walking for your photographs. ” A convenient shooting location ensures everyone’s safety, so look for an outdoor maternity area close during the warmer months or an inside location during the colder months.

Andrea Nigh says, “Talk a lot before the shoot.” If you want your client to be thrilled about the session, find a wonderful setting that reflects their personality.

Include wardrobe options

It is common for pregnant women to feel self-conscious about their bumps. When it comes time to take their pregnancy photos, make sure they look their best! Consider stocking a client’s wardrobe with one-size-fits-all gowns that are both beautiful and practical. A client guide (or Pinterest board) with links to your favorite shoppable looks is another option.

Prior to each session, Janae Marie meets with each pregnant mother to allow her to view and try on her gowns. “After meeting with me, every woman is always at ease since I provide a wide range of sizes, colors, and designs of dresses; no more stressing about what she will wear!”

Prioritize safe, comfortable poses

Certain poses can be difficult to perform if you’re carrying a baby in your belly. Make sure your pregnant client’s physical limitations are taken into consideration before deciding on a posture.

The majority of maternity photoshoot positions can be broken down into two groups:

  1. Sitting positions
  2. Standing positions

What happens next is entirely about

  • Where their hands rest
  • The manner in which they interact with their dress (making it flow or twirl, etc.)
  • this location’s natural splendor
  • natural facial expressions

Find ways to flatter the body

Facial expressions that are in harmony with one another

However, there are several less-than-flattering ways to photograph pregnancy. Use these ways to ensure that your client is happy with the results of her photo shoot:

Avoid shooting straight-on

This viewpoint can make your customer appear much larger than they actually are. A pregnancy photo shoot is not about showcasing the beauty of a pregnant woman’s large frame. You want to accentuate your client’s growing belly while also letting others know she’s expecting.

“Thoughtful maternity posing is crucial,” says Vanessa Hicks, “since most pregnant ladies already feel a little self-conscious about their new shape.” Make sure they’re comfortable in front of the camera and remind them why they’re doing this.” This is a beautiful experience they’re beginning onto!”

Shoot from the side

With a baby on the way, the best way to show off the baby bump is from the side. Take a few shots of your pregnant client cradling her belly in order to capture the natural bond between mother and kid.

Use a longer lens

Your client’s face may appear stretched and distorted if you use wide-angle lenses. The best way to capture this momentous occasion is with a long lens. A full-frame camera’s 85mm, 100mm, 200mm, and higher lenses are considered long lenses on the camera.

Encourage bent arms and legs

Create movement by directing your client as follows:

  • The knee closest to your camera should be bent slightly.
  • they should raise their skirts so that their elbows are naturally bent
  • keep their hair out of their face for a more natural arm and wrist curvature.

#2: Posing couples for a maternity session

They may want to include a photo of the two of them (or three!) together, if your soon-to-be parent has a partner. The customer should be asked how many images they prefer to have with their spouse versus alone in advance, and how many photos they prefer to have alone.

Interaction is everything

It is true that Andrea Nigh does direct her customers; nevertheless, she maintains a light-hearted atmosphere throughout the session by getting them to interact with one another and have a good time. Natural and beautiful photographs are more appealing to me than posed ones.”

When photographing couples, it’s a joy to know that they’re not alone in their posing concern! In place of becoming worked up and scared, they can focus their attention on each other for a few truly connected minutes.

More movement is possible with two

When photographing a pair, it’s best to choose postures that involve some movement. As they go through a field or down a city street, your client now has your support.

Walk-and-talk—but from the side!

Even while walking positions are gorgeous, we’ve previously warned you against front-on photographs, haven’t we? If you’re taking a shot of a pregnant woman, advise her to lead her partner as they walk, exactly like Kaytlin Lane did in the photo above.

Dip and spin

It’s safe for your client to twirl and dip with the help of a partner’s steadying presence. I love the way Kaytlin’s candid pregnancy photos show how movement can liven up even the dullest situation.

Tender touch

Some couples find pregnancy to be unexpectedly stressful. Utilize their photo shoot as an opportunity to re-establish contact and alleviate their stress.

Connect with others in these ways:

  • Mom’s belly was touched by dad’s hand.
  • forehead-to-forehead
  • snuggled up in a chair

Make sure your clients know how things are going with the photos. When I take a picture of a customer, I immediately comment on how stunning it is,” says Janae Marie. Afterward, I show them a picture and they’re always in amazement of how beautiful they are!”

Back to front

Standing or sitting, this straightforward position is a good choice. Depending on the couple’s height and the setting, you can determine which is preferable.

A simple back-to-front posture may produce a stunning moment of intimacy between two people, as seen by the two photographs shown here by Andrea Nigh and Captured Happiness Photography.

#3: Family maternity poses the whole crew will love

Your next maternity photo shoot can be enhanced by inviting the entire family! Everybody, including your family members, friends, and even pets, is invited at this event!

However, just like with relationship pictures, you’ll need to ask your client how many photos they want of themselves, their partner, and their family. Your questionnaire should include a section such as this:

Find what makes this family special

In every family, there is a unique relationship. A family’s level of touchiness can vary greatly from one generation to the next. Don’t be hesitant to push each family a little further than they’re used to, but don’t go overboard.

I don’t pose my clients too much,” Andrea Nigh tells me. So instead, I have them stroll around with their significant other or family members so that I can capture the genuine grins and laughs. For a variety of shots, lighting, and perspectives, I shoot and move about a lot.

50 Maternity Photography Poses for Body Positive Pregnant Women

Props don’t have to be cheesy

Ask your clients’ loved ones to bring a few items that truly represent them to the meeting. A few suggestions:

  • A passion for the sport? A baseball, a glove, and a catcher’s mitt are great props for a few maternity photos.
  • Let’s go on a picnic. With an heirloom quilt, an expansive basket, and a simple snack (such as sliced apples), this family snapshot is ready to hang on the wall.
  • Print out their sonogram and ask the parents to bring a copy of it with them. Preparing for the “after” photo when the baby arrives is a terrific idea. (See the example given by Sasha Q. above!)

Follow the leader

Create a side-view photo of the pregnant family members walking one after the other. Move around to get a variety of shots of this stance in a big outdoor area. Your clients’ sole responsibility is to have a good time.

One pose, multiple photos

Staying active when photographing, as Andrea suggests, will result in far more photos than simply standing motionless.

From wide-angle landscapes to up-close portraits, I’ve got it all. from the side to the front to the back… A single position can yield an almost infinite number of variations.

“If you simply focus on making a certain photo and never stand back to see the moment in its whole, you may miss the way her spouse is staring at her or the way her child has a hand on mom’s abdomen,” Andrea Nigh says. All of these occasions help to illustrate the story of your client!

FAQs

How do you take a pregnant belly picture?

Natural light from a window is ideal for portrait photography. Shoot against a basic wall or backdrop. Pregnant women should choose an attire that can be worn in all of their photos and that will grow with them. If you don’t have someone to take the picture for you, you can use a self-timer.

How do you do a maternity shoot at home?

  1. Being able to see light.
  2. tripod, self-timer, and remote control
  3. Watch what’s going on in the background.
  4. Wear form-fitting attire if you don’t want to show off your stomach.
  5. A shot list is a must.
  6. Hair and Makeup.
  7. At least 6-8 weeks before the due date, schedule your session.

What week is best for maternity photos?

While 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy is ideal for a maternity photo shoot, expectant moms can still enjoy a shoot as long as they aren’t too near to their due dates and can move around with a developing baby belly without feeling restricted.

How do you pose with a bump?

If you’d like to see how your bump grows over time, it’s advisable to take your photos from the side rather than the front. Drop your weight onto your back foot and frame your bump with your hands for the greatest stance.

Why does my pregnant belly look lumpy?

Because of the growth-promoting effects of pregnancy hormones on fibroids, women may occasionally appear to be pregnant despite their actual gestational age. Also, their bumps may appear lumpy, Gaither explains.

Is it worth getting maternity photos?

Because your pregnancy won’t last indefinitely and will go by far faster than you expected, it’s critical that you document these precious times while you can. As a memento of your miraculous pregnancy, having maternity images to look back on will serve as a constant source of joy and peace of mind.

When should you take pregnancy belly pictures?

Mariah Milan Dagupion, a professional photographer, recommends capturing shots at the 30-week mark. While your tummy does get round at this point, it isn’t yet excessively heavy, according to her. Use your own stamina as a reference because each pregnancy and pregnant belly is unique.

Where  Find Maternity Clothing

There are also specialty stores and boutiques that cater specifically to pregnant women’s needs, such as A Pea in the Pod and Destination Pregnancy, which both have knowledgeable staff that can help you find the perfect maternity wardrobe.

In the event that none of these options work, department stores carry a wide variety of flattering styles of dress pants with elastic waistbands, tops with ruching around the middle to conceal your belly, and dresses with empire waists, which have a band of material under the bust that fits comfortably across your belly.

How long should I wear my postnatal abdominal binder?

This abdominal binder should be worn for six weeks or until your midwife gives you the permission to discontinue if you’re wearing it because of diastasis recti (a separation of your ab muscles). For back support, you should only wear it for as long as necessary.

Postpartum girdles have many other advantages, too. Many post-pregnancy garments lack structure and elasticity, making it difficult to find something that is both supportive and comfortable. Maternity belts with a high compression aspect are helpful for both recuperation from childbirth and for embarking on new activities, such as running, that require a lot of physical exertion. Even after a c-section, many women use them to help minimize swelling and bruising at the incision site (which will help prevent a seroma from forming).

Back discomfort can be alleviated by postpartum girdles as well Sciatica is a common postpartum complaint, and while it usually goes away on its own, it can be excruciatingly painful while it’s there. It is easier for mom to walk around without limping or leaning on things/people until she feels stronger again because of the pressure from wearing a postpartum girdle, which helps minimize this type of numbness and pain.

Because these garments don’t need to be buttoned or undone like conventional clothing, they are typically convenient to use. Simply step into them and pull yourself up! Many models include a zipper that extends all the way up between the legs, allowing your baby to snuggle up close to you and benefit from the healing and bonding that occurs between you two.

Postpartum girdle benefits far outweigh the price, yet many women prefer to rent these garments for their first few weeks of recovery rather than buy them outright. As a result, expectant mothers who have a difficult or unexpected pregnancy can get the support they need without having to spend a lot of money on things they won’t use right away.

What do husbands wear for maternity pictures?

Groomsmen can either wear a tuxedo or something more casual, like khakis and a button-down shirt, if they’re the groom.

What is an expecting mother?

A woman who has just learned she is pregnant and is about to give birth to her first child is known as an expecting mother.

How do you make a cute pregnancy picture?

If you want a cute picture of the expecting mother, make sure she is facing the camera with her best side up.

Are there any nearby parks for photoshoots?

Pine Lake Park and Central Park Zoo, two of the most popular maternity photo locations in the area, are just a short drive apart. Even if you’d prefer to picture your baby bulge on a hiking path or at the beach, you may want to look for sites outside of your own area.

How long do most people wait between pregnancies?

While most new parents wait 18 months between having their first kid and their second, some couples want to wait three years before having another child.

When should I start wearing a maternity belt?

Pregnancy belts should be used as soon as your doctor advises you to do so. But most mothers start wearing the support band when they can no longer carry their baby on their own or can no longer lie down comfortably.

Which trimester do breasts grow the most?

Preparation for nursing usually takes place throughout the third trimester.

How much maternity pay will I get?

There are many factors to consider, such as the policies of the company you work for. It can take anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on the policies of the company and your own. If feasible, talk about these topics before applying for maternity leave rather than after returning to the company all fired up expecting a bigger income because someone stated something imprecise at the interview.

Can wear a maternity belt hurt the baby?

It isn’t possible. Wearing a pregnancy belt does not have any harmful consequences on the child, according to the available research. Pregnant women need not be concerned about using this type of device or accessory, as there have been no known examples of it causing harm to unborn children as a result, so don’t worry about it at this time.

50 Maternity Photography Poses for Body Positive Pregnant Women

Conclusion

Intimate photographs of expectant mothers are a wonderful approach to establish a long-term relationship with your clientele. In order to ensure that they return for future sessions.

Keeping these pointers in mind during a maternity photo shoot can help you stay on track. Pose variations and experimentation are made possible by these positions. Create more poses so that you may show your clients a broader range of images.

Remember to take into account diverse body types, and always provide a positive experience for your customers!