Pregnancy is a magical time in your life, full of incredible changes and ecstatic anticipation. It’s no surprise that women want to capture it all in maternity photos. The best time to schedule a pregnancy photo shoot is between weeks 28 and 32 when you can flaunt that adorable baby bump. However, knowing when to take photos isn’t the only thing you’ll need to know in order to pull off a stunning photoshoot. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite maternity photo ideas to assist you in capturing the perfect shot.

SEARCH FOR UNIQUE BACKDROPS

The location is often the starting point for the best maternity photo ideas. Find a jaw-dropping setting if you want jaw-dropping pregnancy photos! Your lighting and outfit choices will be influenced by your setting.

GET YOUR PARTNER IN THE PICTURE

If you’re getting ready to become a parent with a partner by your side, your photoshoot isn’t complete without them. Your shared joy will shine through in those maternity photos.

TEST OUT DIFFERENT POSITIONS

You don’t have to smile and stand in front of the camera to get beautiful maternity photos. Experiment with different poses and get creative with nearby props and furniture.

PLAY WITH PERSPECTIVE

Looking for new maternity photo ideas? Encourage your photographer to play around with scale and perspective to add a personal touch.

GET THE TIMING RIGHT

Because lighting can make or break your maternity photos, plan your pregnancy photoshoot for the best light possible. Photographers love shooting during the “golden hour,” which occurs shortly after sunrise or just before sunset, to capture those soft golden hues.

GO FOR THE CLOSE UP

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You’ll want a lot of full-length maternity photos, but don’t forget to get a few close-ups as well. Concentrate on your arms and hands intertwined with your partner’s—and, of course, that lovely baby bump.

Note: If you want to make some adjustments to the photo just let me know. I can do it for you at a very low cost. You can hire me to edit your photo.

GET YOUR FREE DEMO

TAKE SOME CANDIDS

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Posing isn’t required for all maternity photos. Whether you’re at home relaxing or having a spontaneous laugh with your partner, candid shots are a great way to document your pregnancy.

HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR

There’s a lot about pregnancy that’s out of the ordinary, so why not embrace it? Whether you’re craving all the cookies or can’t get enough pickles, your crazy food cravings can make for great maternity photo ideas.

FIND A BEAUTIFUL FIELD

Looking for the ideal location for your maternity photoshoot? Keep an eye out for open fields near your house—tall, lush grasses make for a particularly eye-catching backdrop. Extra points if your outfit matches the season’s colors.

BRAVE THE BAD WEATHER

It’s difficult not to be disappointed when it begins to rain on the day of your pregnancy photoshoot. However, this stunning image should serve as proof that even inclement weather can result in some truly magical maternity photos.

DON’T SHY AWAY FROM THE STUDIO

While we prefer natural settings for your maternity photoshoot, keep in mind that professional photos taken in a studio can be show-stoppers. High-contrast black-and-white images add to the opulence.

GET YOUR HANDS ON A LETTER BOARD

Use letter boards to add a fun element to your maternity photos! They’re having a serious social media moment, and it’s easy to see why—they’re a cute way to share snarky messages (and we’re sure you have plenty to say about pregnancy).

PHOTOGRAPH YOUR BUMP FROM DIFFERENT ANGLES

During pregnancy, your body goes through incredible changes. Photograph your baby bump from various angles to highlight those incredible curves.

INCORPORATE YOUR OLDER KIDS

A list of go-to maternity photo ideas would be incomplete without mentioning the importance of getting your older children in front of the camera. After all, we’re sure you’re not the only one looking forward to meeting the new baby! In addition, you can use your pregnancy photoshoot to sneak in a family portrait before your numbers balloon.

BE A HOMEBODY

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Maternity photos taken in a studio can be very glamorous, but for a more intimate feel, consider having a pregnancy photoshoot in the comfort of your own home. A relaxed, comfortable setting can be ideal for capturing those emotional moments.

HIT THE STREETS

If curling up on the couch isn’t your thing, embrace the industrial feel of your city’s streets. Look for textured backdrops like concrete and metal for an urban chic look.

HAVE FUN WITH FLORALS

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Pregnancy can transform any woman into a goddess. What is our recommendation? Accept it! Floral crowns have been at the top of the list of cute maternity photo ideas for a few years now, and there’s a reason why the trend is still going strong.

SHOW OFF YOUR SILHOUETTE

Take black and white maternity photos of your silhouette to celebrate your amazing pregnant body. For the best views, stand in profile.

INDULGE IN YOUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY

. Are you a reader? Do you enjoy cooking or soaking up some rays on the beach? Whatever it is that makes you happy, consider taking maternity photos of yourself doing your favorite activity.

HEAD UNDERWATER

Photographing your pregnant belly underwater is another popular maternity photoshoot trend. The distortions and reflections can create a really cool effect.