Pregnancy Session Guide
Clothing & Styling
Clothing plays an important role in how your images feel, but the aim is simple: choose pieces that show off your shape and feel like you. The most important thing is that your clothes complement your body rather than compete with it. When you feel comfortable and confident, it shows.
Try to plan your outfits well in advance of your session. This gives you time to try everything on, make small adjustments, and avoid last-minute stress. Make sure anything that needs ironing is properly pressed, as creases are very noticeable on camera.
Plain, muted colours tend to photograph best. They keep the focus on faces, connection, and your growing bump rather than on clothing. Soft, earthy tones are especially popular because they feel calm, warm, and timeless. Very dark colours, such as black, can lose detail in photographs, while neon shades, large logos, and busy patterns often distract from the overall image.
Shiny fabrics like satin or sequins can reflect light in unpredictable ways and draw attention away from faces. Softer textures, layered fabrics, and gentle tonal combinations usually look more natural and flattering on camera.
It’s also worth thinking about where your photos will live. If you plan to display them at home, consider how the colours and patterns you choose will work with your interior space. Neutral or softly toned outfits tend to sit beautifully in a wide range of homes.
That said, muted colours are not a rule. If you’re naturally drawn to colour and want your images to reflect your personality, that can absolutely work too. The key is intention. Choose pieces you love, that feel like you, and that you feel confident wearing. Confidence always photographs well.
What to wear: ideas for pregnancy sessions
Clothing should highlight your shape and feel good to wear. When you feel comfortable and confident, it shows in your photographs.
Below are a few styling directions to help you choose what feels right for you. These are not rules, just starting points.
If you’d like to show off your bump
Highlight your belly and celebrate your changing shape:
Crop top with jeans or trousers
Crop top paired with a long skirt
Dresses with a front or side slit that reveal the bump
Simple underwear or lingerie
Nude maternity portraits, if that feels right for you
These styles work particularly well if you’re comfortable showing skin and want images that feel strong, intimate, or modern.
If you prefer more coverage
Draw attention to your bump while feeling more covered elsewhere
Long-sleeved dresses
Dresses with more volume or gentle draping
Dresses with a slit that shows the belly while concealing other areas
Sheer dressing gowns
Darker-toned clothing, which can feel grounding and elegant
There’s no need to hide your body, but feeling at ease in what you’re wearing matters more than anything.
If you like the idea of skin-focused images without being fully nude
Sheer or semi-transparent tops
Open oversized shirts over well-fitting underwear or lingerie with subtle lace or texture
A small bunch of seasonal flowers can add texture and something gentle to hold
Wear very loose clothing before the session to avoid marks on the skin
Soft underwear, loose tops, or loungewear are ideal beforehand
These options feel intimate while still offering coverage and structure.
A few practical tips
Flowy dresses in soft, natural fabrics photograph beautifully
Oversized shirts styled open over a crop top or bra create a relaxed look
Unbuttoned pre-pregnancy jeans can work well under the bump
Stretchy skirts or trousers worn low can feel comfortable and flattering
Neutral co-ordinated sets and layers add texture without distraction
Wear seamless, nude underwear under lighter fabrics
Wear in loose clothing to avoid marks on the skin
Adding sentimental items if it feel meaningful
Coordinating Family Outfits
If your partner or children are joining you, aim for clothing that complements rather than matches exactly.
Soft neutrals, warm earthy tones, muted greens, and off-whites work well together. Mixing textures, such as cotton, linen, or knitwear, adds depth without feeling busy.
If you’re unsure, you’re always welcome to send outfit photos ahead of time. I’m happy to help you refine combinations.
Hair and Makeup
Most clients keep hair and makeup very natural, which suits the relaxed, emotive style of these sessions.
Soft waves, brushed-through hair, or simple styles tend to photograph beautifully.
Makeup should feel familiar to you, not like a special occasion version of yourself. A little polish is fine if it helps you feel confident, but nothing needs to be heavy or overly styled.
The goal is to feel like yourself.
Outdoor Sessions
If you’d like to photograph your pregnancy outdoors, we’re lucky to have beautiful natural spaces nearby. I regularly work in Richmond Park, Bushy Park, Wimbledon Common, and along quieter stretches of the Thames.
I’ll suggest locations based on the season, light, and how private or open you’d like the session to feel. Detailed directions are always sent in advance.
Everything discussed for clothing applies outdoors too. Comfort matters, especially footwear. Neutral sandals, flats, boots, or bare feet all work well. Shoes should be easy to remove if needed.
Including Your Partner, Children, and Pets
Your maternity session can absolutely include your partner, older children, and pets if you wish. It’s often a lovely way to honour this moment before life shifts again.
Partners
It’s common to feel unsure in front of the camera. I’ll guide gently, with simple prompts that create natural interaction rather than stiff posing.
Children
Sessions are child-led. We follow their pace, allow space for play, and capture the in-between moments. I’ll bring a picnic blanket and keep things relaxed and flexible.
Most people tell me they’re nervous about being photographed. That’s completely normal.
The session will feel more like time spent together than a formal shoot. I’ll offer gentle prompts, but nothing is forced. Movement helps everything feel natural:
Walking together, holding hands, hugs and close contact, playing with children, swaying, lifting, or spinning
You don’t need to perform. Just show up as you are.
How the Session Feels
Final Notes
Rest well the night before, drink plenty of water, trust the process
You don’t need to know how to pose or what to do. I’ll guide you, hold the space, and let things unfold naturally.
This chapter is brief, tender, and important. My role is to help you remember it honestly.
