Tips for What to Wear for Your Maternity Photoshoot by Bay Area Newborn & Family Photographer Cindy Tucey Photography

Preparing for your maternity photoshoot is an exciting part of celebrating your journey into motherhood. Choosing the right dress or outfit can enhance your photos, making you feel confident and beautiful. With so many opinions on what to wear, it’s essential to focus on what makes you feel beautiful because that will shine through in your photos. As a photographer, my goal is to help you look and feel your best, so here are a few tips for selecting the perfect attire for your maternity session. (Note: also plan to talk to your photographer in advance about the possibility of wearing two dresses/outfits, as I give my clients the option to do an outfit change during the session if they would like to do so, which adds variety to their gallery and allows them to showcase their personality).

Since maternity photos are all about showcasing the beauty of your pregnancy, choose a dress that accentuates your baby bump and highlights your silhouette. I recommend choosing a dress that’s fitted on top (above the belly) and then flows out gracefully over your bump. You'll want for the dress to be loose and flowy over your bump, which thereby creates a flattering silhouette and allows for plenty of movement. I also recommend the length to be to the floor (although not so long that you risk tripping) as a floor length dress adds a romantic and ethereal touch, perfect for outdoor settings. This may not be what you would normally wear in your normal day-to-day life but it will look amazing for the photos.

When selecting colors, light to medium hues are generally best. Dark colors, such as navy or black, can minimize and hide the bump, which you do not want. Earth tones complement outdoor settings beautifully, but jewel tones, neutrals, or pastels can also look stunning. Just avoid anything too dark to ensure your bump stands out and shines in your photos.

The fabric of your dress plays an important role in how your photos will turn out as the right fabric will add a touch of elegance and movement. Opt for textures like gauze, lace, or crepe that flow gracefully when you move. Avoid super stretchy fabrics that might cling awkwardly and reveal bumps or bra straps. As for undergarments, be sure that your bra straps won't show with the dress you choose, or rather than wearing a bra, you can chose to buy pasties instead so you don't have to worry about bra straps at all. Also be sure your undergarment colors are light enough that they don't show through your dress.

For non-maternity dresses, consider going one size up from your usual fit. Checking reviews can provide helpful insights into sizing. Ultimately, comfort is key — be sure to choose something that fits well and allows you to move naturally.

If your spouse or older children will be in the photos, coordinate your outfits rather than matching exactly. Complementary colors work well to create a cohesive look without blending into each other. For a harmonious appearance, select a color palette that complements everyone’s outfits and creates a cohesive look without being too uniform.

Where to Shop

For maternity dresses, consider these online retailers that offer beautiful options (note that I don’t receive any commission for these recommendations):

Amazon: Lots of options for maternity and non-maternity dresses. Tip: Read the reviews for sizing but you'll often need to go one size larger than you normally would if doing a non-maternity dress.

Baltic Born: Features a bump-friendly section with lovely options.

Jen's Pirate Booty: Curated maternity selection with stylish choices.

ZeBuBeYou on Etsy: Specializes in maternity dresses perfect for photoshoots.

Joyfolie: Offers elegant dresses suitable for various occasions.

In Conclusion

Ultimately, the best choice is one that reflects your personal style and makes you feel beautiful. Choose dresses or outfits that align with your taste and make you feel confident. The more comfortable and happy you are with your clothing, the more naturally your joy and excitement will come through in your photos. By selecting outfits that highlight your bump, flatter your figure, and align with your personal style, you’ll create beautiful, memorable photos that capture the essence of this special time in your life.

Do you live in the South Bay Area, such as San Jose, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Campbell, Cupertino? Are you ready for maternity photos or to capture the magic of your newborn's first days? Contact Bay Area Newborn Photographer Cindy Tucey Photography to schedule your outdoor maternity or in-home lifestyle newborn photography session today.