🌸 Maternity Photography Prep Guide 🌸

If you've booked a maternity photoshoot — exciting! And if your next thought is “Oh God, what am I actually going to wear?” you're definitely not alone.

Most of the mums I photograph aren't used to standing in front of a camera, and you absolutely don't need to know how to pose or arrive looking like you've stepped out of a magazine.

I'm Louise from Louise Pollitt Photography, and I photograph maternity sessions across Yorkshire. My aim is for your session to feel relaxed, comfortable and like a lovely little pause in the middle of everything that's happening before your baby arrives.

Here's everything I'd recommend doing before your maternity session — including when to book, what to wear, what to bring and what actually happens once you're in front of the camera.

When Is the Best Time to Have Maternity Photos?

I usually say 32-36 weeks is the very best time for your session.

This is usually the point when your bump is beautifully visible but, hopefully, you're still comfortable enough to enjoy your session.

Every pregnancy is different, though. If you're expecting twins or multiples, or there are other circumstances that mean an earlier session would be better, we can plan around you.

The important thing is not achieving some mythical “perfect” size bump.

It's documenting this part of your life before everything changes again.

What Should I Wear for My Maternity Photoshoot?

This is probably the question I get asked most.

The simple answer is: something you feel good in.

You don't need to buy an entirely new wardrobe just for your photographs. In fact, you'll have full use of my maternity wardrobe during your session, so we'll have plenty of options.

It's still worth bringing a few things of your own.

Colours that photograph beautifully

Soft, neutral and earthy colours tend to work really well because they keep the attention on you and your bump.

Think creams, beige, soft pinks, muted greens, browns and other gentle tones.

I'd generally avoid very large logos, neon colours and extremely busy patterns. They're not forbidden — I just don't want an enormous logo getting more attention than you do!

Dresses and fabrics

Long, flowing dresses can look gorgeous for maternity photography because they create movement and really emphasise the shape of your bump.

Soft or stretchy fabrics are also brilliant because they're comfortable and naturally follow your shape.

But you don't have to wear a dramatic maternity gown.

Sometimes something incredibly simple photographs beautifully.

What Underwear Should I Bring?

This is one of those boring-but-surprisingly-useful tips:

Bring some simple neutral underwear.

Nude, cream, white or black options can be really useful depending on what we're photographing and which outfits you choose.

If we're using something sheer, fitted or open, having the right underwear available makes life much easier.

You may not use it at all — but you'll be glad you've brought it if we need it

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Do I Need Professional Hair and Makeup?

Absolutely not.

If professional hair and makeup makes you feel fabulous and you'd like to make the session into a proper occasion, go for it.

But you certainly don't need it to look beautiful in your photographs.

If you're doing your own makeup, I'd usually recommend keeping it fairly natural and recognisably you.

The same goes for your hair. Soft waves can photograph beautifully, but so can your normal hairstyle.

I don't want you looking at the photographs afterwards and wondering who the glamorous stranger is. 😂

“But I Have No Idea How to Pose!”

Good.

Because you don't need to.

Seriously.

One of the biggest worries people have before a maternity session is:

“I'm really awkward in photographs.”

That's my problem, not yours.

I'll guide you throughout the session. I'll help with where to put your hands, how to stand and the little adjustments that make a photograph work.

Some poses might involve gently holding your bump, changing your weight from one foot to the other, sitting or interacting naturally with your partner or children.

You don't need to practise beforehand.

And you definitely don't need to spend the evening before Googling “how to pose while pregnant”. 😉

Comfort Comes First

Pregnancy isn't always particularly glamorous.

You might be tired. Your back might ache. You might need to sit down. You might need the toilet for the third time in half an hour.

That's completely fine.

We work around you.

If you need a break, we take one. If something doesn't feel comfortable, we don't do it.

I'd much rather have a relaxed mum enjoying her session than force a particular photograph because Pinterest says we should.

Should I Eat and Drink Before My Session?

Yes!

Please don't avoid eating because you're having photographs taken.

Have something to eat beforehand, stay hydrated and bring a drink with you.

You can also bring a small snack, particularly if we're going to be shooting for a while.

Growing a human is quite enough work without adding “hungry photoshoot” to the situation.

Can My Partner Come?

Absolutely.

Including your partner can give us some beautiful photographs of the two of you before you become a family of three — or before your family gets a little bigger.

And don't worry if your partner announces that they also hate photographs.

I hear that one quite a lot. 😂

They won't have to spend the entire session posing romantically at the camera.

We'll keep things relaxed and concentrate on interaction between you rather than creating anything that feels forced.

Can I Bring My Other Children?

Yes.

Including older siblings can make the session particularly special.

I wouldn't expect a toddler or young child to sit perfectly and follow instructions for an hour — because that's not how small humans work.

Instead, we'll let them interact with you, cuddle your bump, have a laugh and capture some of the chaos too.

Those imperfect little moments often become favourites.

Should I Bring Props?

You certainly can, but you don't need to arrive with a suitcase full of them.

If you have something genuinely meaningful, bring it.

That could be:

• An ultrasound photograph

• A pair of baby shoes

• Something with baby's name on it

• A sentimental item

• Something belonging to an older sibling

The key word is meaningful.

I'd rather include one item that actually means something to your family than use lots of props simply because we think a maternity shoot is supposed to have them.

What Happens During a Maternity Session?

Your session will usually last around 1–2 hours, including time for outfit changes.

There's no conveyor belt and no expectation that you perform for the camera for two solid hours.

We'll chat, choose outfits, take photographs and change things as we go.

I'll guide you when you need guidance and give you space when something natural is happening.

We'll create a mixture of photographs so that your finished gallery feels like you, rather than 50 versions of exactly the same pose.

What Happens After the Photoshoot?

Once your session is finished, I'll carefully edit your photographs in my usual style.

Your finished images are delivered digitally within approximately two weeks.

Then you get to experience the slightly surreal moment of looking at yourself and thinking:

“Wait… I actually grew that baby.”

And yes, you absolutely did. ❤️

Your Maternity Photoshoot Checklist

The night before your session, don't overthink it.

Just remember:

• A couple of outfit options if you'd like to bring your own

• Neutral underwear

• Any meaningful item you'd like included

• Water

• A snack if you think you'll need one

• Anything your other children might need

• Comfortable shoes for getting between locations if we're outside

And that's really it.

You don't need to practise posing.

You don't need to lose weight.

You don't need perfect hair.

You don't need to suddenly become comfortable in front of a camera.

That's what I'm there to help with.

Maternity Photography in Yorkshire

Pregnancy can feel incredibly long while you're in it and strangely short once it's over.

A maternity session is a chance to stop for a moment and document you at this exact point in your family's story — before the nappies, night feeds and wondering when you last drank a cup of tea while it was still hot.

I'm Louise, a maternity photographer based in Yorkshire, and my sessions are relaxed, supportive and designed for real mums — including the ones who insist they're terrible in photographs.

If you're thinking about having maternity photographs taken, I'd love to hear from you and help you plan a session that feels completely comfortable and completely you.