When the time comes for a maternity photoshoot, what are the best type of outfits to wear? As a maternity portrait photography team, we suggest that you choose clothing that is not too casual or too extravagant. Pick maternity photoshoot dresses that will look timeless even twenty years from now.
The optimal outfits for pregnancy pictures are dresses – both in their looks and comfort level. Even if you view yourself as a not-dress person, consider bringing a few different outfits with one being a dress.
To make things easier for expecting moms who are excited but anxious about the upcoming maternity photoshoot, we will discuss different dress styles, colors, and textures that you should pay attention to when choosing your perfect pregnancy outfit.
FLOWY MATERNITY DRESSES
The flowy maxi dresses are some of the most preferred outfits for pregnancy pictures. This style of maternity gowns is very elegant and allows for flexibility in posing. Flowy maternity gowns beautifully accentuate the baby bump with simple body and hand poses.
If you choose a long tulle dress, it will be ideal for creating movement in your pictures. In outdoor photoshoots, the wind can add motion with a gentle blow, making your portraits seem more alive. During the studio photoshoot, the photographer can add a fan for creating a similar effect. Also, with a few assistants’ help, we can create a striking maternity portrait by tossing up the ends of the tulle dress for a unique motion effect.
Long flowy pregnancy dresses come in different styles in regards to fabric type and dress top design. Depending on if you want a more conservative top or a strapless dress, it’s totally up to you to decide which style will look best in your maternity photoshoot. If unsure, consult your photographer for their professional input on this matter.
If you are looking for a maternity photographer in the Sacramento area, Bidun Studio is ready to offer our assistance and services. To see more of our photography style, check out our maternity portfolio.
FITTED MATERNITY PHOTOSHOOT DRESSES
Body fitting maternity dresses are another favored option for expectant mothers. Fitted dresses beautifully highlight the baby bump while contouring the whole body. The best styles of fitted maternity photoshoot dresses are long gowns in solid colors.
Fitted dresses are best used in a studio setting to accentuate body shape with professional studio lights. A woman’s body is especially beautiful during pregnancy, and if it’s something you want to capture during your photo session – consider wearing a body fitting pregnancy outfit or dress.
COLORS, PATTERNS, AND TEXTURES
Colors, patterns, and textures make a huge difference in any given outfit. Photoshoot outfits must be picked out more carefully than your everyday clothing, and there are a few pointers that I must share with you.
PREGNANCY OUTFIT COLORS
Maternity dresses come in many different colors, as you are very well aware of. While bright and colorful outfits are ok for wearing to everyday activities, it works differently for photoshoots.
You must always consider the photo session location when choosing the right outfit colors. For example, it wouldn’t look the best to wear a bright green dress to a maternity shoot at the beach. In fact, all very bright or neon tones will be very distracting in pictures and are not recommended for pregnancy outfit colors.
It’s best to pick outfit tones that complement you and your facial features, as well as the photoshoot location. Choose pastels and dull tones, as these colors won’t distract from the photoshoot’s main subject – yourself!
OUTFIT PATTERNS
When choosing outfits for any photoshoot, we’ve got to be careful with the patterns. Heavy pattern design can ruin the photoshoot, as it will draw too much attention away from your face. It’s better to bring patterns in your clothing to a minimum for the best photoshoot outcome.
OUTFIT TEXTURES
Textures are not as risky for pregnancy photoshoot outfits. In fact, textures add to the person’s outfit. If you plan to bring a few dresses to your session, consider having one of your outfits with lace texture.
WHERE TO BUY DRESSES FOR MATERNITY PHOTOSHOOT
I hope the points and suggestions referenced above will help you choose the perfect outfit style for your maternity photoshoot. But now, the next big question arises – where to look for the ideal maternity photoshoot dresses?
Let’s look into the top boutiques and shops to find the maternity dress style you will love.
SEW TRENDY MATERNITY BOUTIQUE
Sew Trendy fashion and accessories boutique is a mom-run shop here in the US. This shop offers some of the highest quality handmade maternity gowns that would fit any special event, holiday, and especially the maternity photoshoot. If you are looking for one of a kind dress for your pregnancy pictures – you have come to the right place. You will also find lots of photoshoot accessories, inspiration, and outfit ideas for your maternity pictures.
FRANCIS GOWN $395
This mermaid style maternity dress is very elegant and comfortable. It has long chiffon sleeves and a tiered mermaid skirt, which beautifully highlights the figure’s curves. This gorgeous gown comes in various colors, making it easy for clients to choose the tone they love, and it fits their photoshoot location.
Francis maternity gown will look fabulous in many different outdoor settings, as well as in-studio. The dress flows beautifully, hugging the mom’s curves in all the right places.
RAQUEL GOWN $368
This maternity gown is a lot more open and could be ideal for someone looking to show more skin and their bump. The skirt of the dress has lots of chiffon fabric, which is great for tossing and taking creative pregnancy pictures. Sleeveless top with a sweetheart neckline help to create a very feminine look. The split front of the skirt can be either showing or covered, for more variety of images.
This pregnancy outfit photographs well in a photography studio and outdoors with natural light.
PAULINA GOWN $384
Paulina maternity gown is an example of a modest dress for your pregnancy pictures. Available in a variety of beautiful tones, you will be sure to find a color that appeals to you the most. This dress will photograph well at sunset time in urban locations and out in nature.
The vintage-inspired style of this maternity photoshoot dress is unique and hard to find elsewhere. Its off the shoulder neckline fits beautifully with elbow-length ruffle sleeves. There are more ruffles on the bottom of the circle skirt, which helps to portray that unique vintage style. Try adding a small accessory such as a necklace or a light belt to your dress. Little things like these can help to make your images more personalized.
SILK FAIRIES – ETSY BOUTIQUE
Silk Fairies is a maternity gown and accessories shop based in Florida, New York. You will find unique designs and styles of maternity dresses that will look wonderful for pregnancy pictures or any other special event. Since this boutique is located in the US, you have the option of requesting a special order directly from the owner of the shop.
SARAH HUNTER GREEN VELVET DRESS, LONG SLEEVES $155+
The velvet fabric of this maternity dress makes it look rich and elegant. This dress is perfect for fall or winter maternity photoshoots, and thanks to its unique style, it can be worn even after you give birth.
The top of the dress has a sweetheart neckline and can be worn off the shoulder style. Long sleeves are perfect for keeping you warm and cozy during a late fall photoshoot. This velvet dress will look gorgeous during a fall photoshoot among colorful autumn trees, or even in an urban city setting. The richness in the velvet tones will make a maternity photoshoot more majestic.
This beautiful velvet gown will help make you look like a queen with its long skirt and the train on the bottom. The dress train comes in a few different sizes so you can conveniently customize your photoshoot outfit. The exact price of the dress will depend on the length of the train. Choose your ideal maternity dress from six gorgeous and rich colors in the Silk Fairies boutique on Etsy.
DIANTHA FITTED MATERNITY DRESS $178
This sophisticated maternity dress is made with excellent taste, although it may be not for everyone. If you love the body-fitting dress styles, this outfit by Silk Fairies boutique is definitely worth considering. The sweetheart neckline with off-shoulder flutter sleeves gives a unique look to this dress.
For this mermaid style maternity dress, I would suggest a studio photoshoot as the best option. The steel blue color this dress comes in will look perfect in a studio setting with professional lighting.
This dress beautifully highlights your baby bump while giving lots of options with the long train. Since the train is made of chiffon fabric, it’s easy to create movement with the help of an assistant and a simple fan. Whenever the photographer is working with chiffon or tulle fabric outfits, it gives them the ability for more creative and artistic images that will wow the viewer.
DARAH BABY BLUE MATERNITY DRESS $135
This beautiful maternity dress in baby blue will help you look and feel good during your photoshoot. The dress offers more coverage with its long sleeves long flowy bottom. What makes this dress super comfortable for pregnant ladies is that it’s made of jersey material that is soft and stretchy.
Some of the best photoshoot locations with this dress are at the beach or by some water source. The tone of this maternity dress looks exceptional against a blue sky or clear water. Pair it up with some minimalistic accessory or prop, and you will get more personalized pictures. Check out the Silk Fairies boutique on Etsy for an even bigger selection of maternity photoshoot dresses.
SEXY MAMA MATERNITY
Sexy Mama Maternity boutique is owned and operated in the US by passionate, optimistic, and creative mamas. This boutique offers a wide variety of handmade trendy and sophisticated maternity attire. You will find a wide variety of maternity dresses, maternity clothing, and even baby clothing. If you are looking for maternity activewear, they have got it too, along with a collection of maternity wedding gowns. Orders can be customized to clients’ specific sizes if needed.
LONG SLEEVE TIE FRONT GOWN WITH TRAIN – $162
One of the best and creative ways to draw attention to your baby bump is to have some accessory or a belt right above it. This gorgeous maternity gown has a tie in the front that masterfully highlights the pregnancy photoshoot’s main object. The dress is very flattering, and the stretchy material beautifully hugs all the right places.
This gorgeous maternity gown comes in various colors, so each person can choose the tone they like the most. Photoshoot locations can be either in nature, in an urban environment, and even in the studio. The tone and style of this dress will complement pretty much any location spot.
OFF THE SHOULDER RUCHED TULLE GOWN – $258
This mermaid style maternity gown has a very interesting design. The dress has a unique look with off-the-shoulder short sleeves, fitted bodice, and ruched tulle bottom. It looks elegant and trendy at the same time.
If the sky blue color is not your favorite, choose from many other options that this boutique offers. This elegant dress will look pretty in outdoor locations with simple and minimalistic backdrops, such as the beach or a field.
ASOS CLOTHING SHOP
The ASOS online shop offers stylish and modern clothing for women of all sizes, including the pregnancy stage. You can find pregnancy clothes for every day and special occasions such as a baby shower, wedding, or a maternity photoshoot.
See for yourself why so many women choose to update their wardrobes with stylish pieces from the ASOS shop. Here are some favorites from their shop; gowns that will help to beautifully highlight your baby bump.
MAYA MATERNITY MAXI TULLE DRESS – $108-$143
TFNC MATERNITY MAXI DRESS IN SAGE – $73-$103
TFNC MATERNITY LACE DETAIL MAXI DRESS IN PEARL PINK – $66-$119
PINK BLUSH MATERNITY
Pink Blush is an online shop that offers both women clothing and maternity clothing. Their maternity outfits section is extensive and offers many pieces for special occasions, photoshoots, and even for every day.
If you are looking for an affordable place to purchase maternity clothing from, this might be just the place for you. With a wide variety of short, midi, and maxi maternity dresses, different styles, and patterns – you will be sure to find something you will love. Pink Blush Maternity has a variety of plus-size photoshoot gowns, which is a huge advantage.
MAUVE LACE MESH OVERLAY MATERNITY MAXI DRESS – $95
This beautiful lace maxi dress is very light and perfect for summer maternity photo sessions. The maxi gown has a scalloped trim and a v-neckline. The dress is pretty conservative with a double-lined bust and skirt to prevent sheerness, short sleeves, and covered back.
This maternity maxi dress is very suitable for pictures as it allows for comfortable movements and walking. It will look beautiful in a natural setting such as a park, flower field, or a hilltop. You can choose from over ten different color tones of this maternity dress at Pink Blush Maternity.
PINK METALLIC OFF SHOULDER LONG SLEEVE WRAP MATERNITY DRESS $95
This long maternity photoshoot gown comes in a unique metallic pink color that will be sure to highlight your beautiful baby bump. If you love the off-shoulder neckline style and long sleeves, this could be the dress for you! The dress is not flowy or overly tight, and it is easy to walk around in during the photo session.
This mermaid style dress can work equally well for outdoor photoshoots as well as studio maternity sessions. Outdoor locations can include a beach, a wildflower field, or a dry grass field. For studio photoshoots, it’s best to shoot with a light color backdrop that complements the outfit that the subject is wearing.
The pink metallic tone is not bright or distracting in pictures, but rather pleasing to the eye. The elegant hi-low hemline design and a slight train highlight the pregnancy body beautifully.
FOREST GREEN OFF SHOULDER CHIFFON MAXI MATERNITY DRESS – $95
This chiffon maxi dress can be an ideal maternity photoshoot attire. You can get various images to your liking with loose sleeves that can be worn both off-the-shoulder or as regular sleeves. The front of the dress is made with a beautiful sweetheart neckline that is not revealing and great for highlighting your figure.
Pink Blush Maternity carries this maternity dress in three attractive colors – forest green, lavender, and mauve, which will look gorgeous in an outdoor photoshoot. This maxi maternity dress’s long flowy chiffon material creates a sense of natural movement and won’t make you look bigger than you are.
LUKALULA CLOTHING SHOP
If the maternity shops mentioned above are slightly out of your budget, you can look into lower-cost shops such as Lukalula. This shop offers discounted price maternity gowns, pregnancy clothing, mommy-and-me outfit sets, kids’ clothing, and accessories.
These online shops are only an example or a suggestion, and we cannot take responsibility for any of their outfits’ quality or customer service. See the images for yourself and choose the style and brand you love the most.
At Lukalula, you can find maternity dresses at pretty low and affordable price points, and I’ve included some good options below:
MATERNITY V NECK PURE COLOR DRESS $43
MATERNITY WHITE FLORAL LACE DRESS – $49
MATERNITY OFF THE SHOULDER PHOTOSHOOT GOWN $42
BIGSOIN MATERNITY CLOTHING SHOP
Bigsoin is another online shop that offers maternity outfits from every day to special occasions at very affordable prices. You will find a large collection of midi and maxi maternity dresses, and photoshoot gowns that show off your beautiful round belly. With a big selection of maternity photoshoot dresses, you will be sure to find a gown that complements your photo session location.
MATERNITY ELEGAN V-NECK STITCHING MESH GOWN PINK DRESS – $49
MATERNITY LACE STITCHING V-NECK LONG SLEEVE MAXI DRESS – $51
MATERNITY OFF SHOULDER SHORT SLEEVE FULL-LENGTH DRESS – $33
PLUS-SIZE MATERNITY DRESSES
It might be hard to find maternity dresses in a plus-size, so we’ve put together a list of boutiques and online shops that offer that. Pink Blush Maternity is one of the shops that offer gorgeous and flattering maternity gowns in plus-size, in addition to all other sizes. With such affordable prices, you can get even two different maternity photoshoot dresses for more variety of images. Here are some of the dresses that you can find in Pink Blush Maternity.
PINK BLUSH BLACK RUFFLE OFF SHOULDER MERMAID MATERNITY PLUS PHOTOSHOOT DRESS – $75
GREEN CHIFFON LONG SLEEVE PLEATED PLUS MATERNITY MAXI DRESS – $68
PINK BLUSH WHITE LACE MESH OVERLAY PLUS MATERNITY MAXI DRESS – $95
MAMA BUMP RENTALS
If purchasing a maternity photoshoot dress doesn’t seem like the right option for you, why not try renting a gown for this special occasion? Often, expectant mothers are too overwhelmed with all the preparations for the baby’s arrival, baby shower, and their everyday activities. Finding and buying a dress that you might only wear that one time may seem like a waste of money for some.
At Mama Bump Rentals, you will find fashionable designer pregnancy gowns and maternity photoshoot dresses. These maternity dresses are ideal for formal wear, baby shower celebrations, weddings, and especially maternity photography. With their extensive collection of stylish and trendy maternity dresses, you will be able to find an outfit that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Mama Bump Rentals make it easy for their clients to conveniently choose their favorite maternity gown through their website, pay an affordable fee, and they will get to wear their chosen dress for up to five days. In the end, all that’s left is to ship the dress back to the rental store for cleaning.
Dress rental fees typically range between $45-$100 per outfit, which is a pretty affordable price for designer maternity gowns. Check out Mama Bump Rentals for yourself and see if you can find a pregnancy outfit that you will fall in love with.
OUTDOOR VS STUDIO PHOTOSHOOT MATERNITY DRESSES
Have you settled on the maternity dress but still unsure whether you prefer an outdoor or in-studio photo session? The decision is totally up to you if the weather permits for an on-location photoshoot. It’s become more and more trendy to take pregnancy pictures outside in different unique locations. Spots like a beach, park, or a wooded area are some of the most preferred outdoor sites.
When deciding between studio or outdoor photoshoots, one thing to keep in mind is making sure your dress and your husband’s outfit fit to the environment. Never wear formal outfits or shoes to an outdoor session – it will only make it seem out of place and be super uncomfortable to move around in. (More on the outfits later in the post.)
Pregnancy outfit in soft pastel tones, lace, or maybe small textures will work really well for on-location pictures. If your dress has a train or extra material for tossing, it’s always a plus in taking more creative pregnancy pictures. Maternity photoshoot dresses in solid and pastel colors are the best choice for photo sessions.
For more ideas on choosing locations and theme of your photo session, see our detailed post – Maternity Photoshoot Ideas.
IN-STUDIO PREGNANCY OUTFIT
Do you associate in-studio pictures with those perfectly posed formal portraits that we may be accustomed to seeing? Your images are not necessarily stiff and emotionless photos if you discuss everything with your photographer and properly prepare.
Portraits taken in the studio have more of a fashion and magazine-look. The studio backdrops and lighting create a feeling of a professional photoshoot.
For in-studio photo sessions, it’s recommended to wear semi-formal maternity gowns. Solid black or white dresses will look very flattering on you during a studio photoshoot. Designer maternity gowns will help to accentuate your beautiful baby bump when captured with the correct studio lighting.
One of the main advantages of shooting in the studio is the ability to photograph at any time of day or season. In contrast, outdoor sessions are limited to sunset time and some weather restrictions such as rain, snow, or wind. The photographer can also apply more of their creativity to the photoshoot. For example, they can use a fan to add a beautiful flow to the hair, do laying down or silhouette poses, or use furniture pieces such as chairs, bench, etc.
Once you evaluate your ideas and inspirations and all pros & cons, talk to your photographer and see what they suggest. If your chosen photographer doesn’t have access to a studio, you might just have to go with an outdoor photoshoot. However, if you specifically want to have professional studio maternity pictures, you will need to keep researching until you find a photographer that has a studio and whose style matches your taste.
OUTFIT TIPS FOR THE FAMILY
Most of the time, maternity photoshoots include the father of the baby. If there are already kids in the family, it’s ok to include them but keep in mind that the session will turn more into a family photoshoot rather than a pregnancy shoot. Having kids in the photo session is a bit distracting when you are going for artistic and creative pregnancy pictures.
If you have a spouse or children joining the photoshoot, you should consider a few pointers when designing your session. Always pick your outfit first, and then match everyone else’s to that style. For example, if you choose to wear an ivory color maternity gown, have your husband wear tones that are a few shades darker but not completely in a different color scheme.
Your outfits don’t necessarily have to match exactly, as that would seem a little too odd. It’s best to pick 2-3 tones that work well with each other and select outfits within that color range. You can find many more tips on choosing the right outfit for your photoshoot in our family photoshoot guide.
TIPS FOR THE BEST PREGNANCY PICTURES
After discussing the best dresses for maternity pictures, and where to get them, we still have a few important tips to share with expecting parents.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A MATERNITY PHOTOSHOOT
Most of the time, newly expectant moms have no idea where to start when preparing for a maternity session. As photographers, we understand how hard it is for you, and we try to guide you on the right path toward what goes into a successful maternity photoshoot.
The best time for maternity pictures is in your 6th or 7th month of pregnancy. It’s when your baby bump starts to take on a round shape that will be beautifully highlighted during the photoshoot.
If choosing the ideal pregnancy outfit and the right photoshoot location are some of the most important steps, so is the hairstyle and makeup components. The maternity photoshoot could be a once in a lifetime session, and it’s a great idea to look your best for this session.
To see more of our tips and suggestions on preparing for your photo session, read our detailed Photoshoot Preparation Guide.
FIND A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER
When choosing a photographer for your maternity pictures, look for someone whose style you connect with. The photographer might not be the most popular one on Instagram, but they can possess the knowledge and talent that is very valuable.
Study the photographers’ work to see which style you are most drawn to and why you feel that way. These images will be very precious for you, so don’t trust the memories to someone who is just getting into portrait photography. Look for the photographer who specializes in maternity pictures, as that will be their strong side.
If you are looking for a maternity portrait photographer in the Sacramento, California area, you can see more of Bidun Studio Photography work here.
CONCLUSION
Picking the right maternity photoshoot dresses is one of the most essential steps during the session. We’ve discussed many maternity clothing boutiques and shops in this post, and I hope you will find this info helpful when preparing for your photo session.
This photo session is all about you and your baby bump, so celebrate this time and enjoy it while it lasts for a few more months. When your little one arrives, you will be very glad that you have beautiful memories that can be passed on to your child some day.
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Photographer: Sergey Bidun
Written by Maria Bidun
