What to wear for your maternity photo session?

What to wear for your maternity photo session? Tips and tricks from an Aix-en-Provence & Marseille maternity and pregnancy photographer

A maternity session is an exciting time to capture the anticipation, the bond and the love that you already have for your baby! These images will have a special place in your heart and you will look back at them with a lot of tenderness (and maybe some nostalgia). Since the portraits are all about your gorgeous belly and the life growing inside you, I recommend sticking to timeless styles and colors.

Here are some tips on what to wear for your session:

1)    Clothing

The type of clothes that you chose will have an important impact on the overall feeling of your session. Do you prefer a more casual look? A fitted top and a pair of jeans would be a great choice. Are you looking for a more elegant look? Maxi dresses are a perfect option. 

In our NYC & Aix-en-Provence studios, classic and elegance are the adjectives that I plan around. If my clients want a relaxed vibe, I have beautiful silk blouses that will match any pair of trousers. If mama wants a more elegant feeling, maxi dresses are a winner. They are flattering, comfortable and perfect to show off your beautiful pregnant form. It is not always necessary to buy pregnancy clothes for your session. Many ‘regular’ dresses can accommodate your belly and look wonderful in portraits. 

2)    Colors 

Since the main focus of your maternity portraits is your bump, solid colors are a good option. They will allow your belly to stand out and create timeless portraits. In case you prefer to wear prints or patterns, make sure they will not steal the show. 

While I usually recommend neutral and pastel colors for baby and newborn sessions, pregnancy portraits can look stunning with some brighter colors. To choose the right color palette, make sure to take into account your location: if in the studio, the colors of the backgrounds, if outdoors, colors of the surroundings.

3)    Nudes and semi-nudes

Nude and semi-nude are an incredible way to remember your baby bump. From timeless silhouette to elegant bare portraits, they can be the most incredible way to remember your pregnancy. If you decide to go that way, I recommend choosing a photographer who makes you feel comfortable, that you trust and that has special training for this kind of images (check out the photographer’s portfolio and never hesitate to ask questions). 

 4)    What to avoid

 I recommend avoiding too many colors, heavy prints, big logos, and clothes in which you do not feel amazing.

How to proceed

-      Choose a maternity photographer that delivers the style that you want: if you are looking for timeless nudes, do not hire a photographer who photographs mainly outdoors

-      Discuss exactly what you want with your photographer

-      Ask your photographer's advice on clothing: what to wear and where to shop

-      If your photographer offers a client closet, take advantage of it! It will save you the hassle of shopping and the money to buy clothes. 

Here are some of the dresses that ou studio loves for maternity portraits. If you are interested in more styling recommendations for your photoshoot, check out styling page.

If you are in Provence, PACA, Aix-en-Provence, Marseille or New York and are looking for a maternity photographer, feel free to contact me to discuss or book your pregnancy photo session. Maternity and pregnancy photo sessions take place in our photo studio (Upper West Side & Aix-en-Provence) and its cozy atmosphere is perfect to create timeless portraits. All my clients also have access to our Classic Closet with gorgeous dresses to show off their beautiful baby bump.

When is the best time for a maternity photo session?

Best dresses for a photo session