What to Wear to a Maternity Photoshoot in a Studio
What to Wear Guide for Your Maternity Photoshoot
Choosing what to wear for your maternity photography session can feel overwhelming, but the right outfit makes a significant difference to how your images look and how confident you feel.
As a maternity photographer in London who specialises in studio-based pregnancy photography, each session is styled to highlight your shape in a simple, elegant way. This guide covers the best outfit ideas, what works beautifully on camera, and how to prepare for your session.
Amanda Byram posing for an elegant maternity photoshoot in a London photography studio.
Best Outfits for a Pregnancy Photoshoot
Fitted Dresses That Highlight Your Bump
Fitted dresses are one of the most popular choices for maternity photography sessions. They gently contour your body and clearly define your bump, creating a clean, elegant silhouette.
Soft, stretchy fabrics in neutral tones work particularly well allowing light to fall smoothly across the body.
Editorial Styling for Pregnancy Portraits
For a more fashion-led approach, pregnancy portraits can be styled with a strong editorial focus, inspired by the clean, sculptural imagery seen in magazines such as Vogue.
This style is less about softness and more about shape, presence, and confident simplicity, creating images that feel modern, elevated, and visually striking. You are encouraged to bring favourite outfits and shoes that reflect your personal style, whether that’s a tailored piece, a fitted dress, or something minimal and understated.
Careful direction and lighting are used to create polished, high-impact images that feel both contemporary and timeless.
Explore more examples of my fashion-led maternity portraits in my London studio maternity photography portfolio.
Nude or Semi-Nude Maternity Photography
Minimal styling, including tasteful maternity nudes or partially covered looks, focuses entirely on your pregnancy shape and form.
This style of maternity photography is timeless and works particularly well in an artistic, private London studio setting, where lighting and composition can be carefully controlled.
For more inspiration and to explore this elegant style of maternity portraiture, view my maternity nude photography portfolio.
Choose Colours That Reflect Your Style
Your maternity photoshoot is a chance to express your personality, whether you love a soft, timeless look or something more bold and fashion-inspired.
For a refined studio portrait, colours that photograph beautifully include:
black and deeper tones for a dramatic, elegant and sculptural feel
rich textures and luxurious fabrics that add depth to your images
neutral shades such as cream, beige and soft earthy tones for a timeless look
simple, well-fitted outfits that highlight your beautiful changing shape
Darker colours can create a striking, artistic feel, while lighter tones give a softer and more ethereal style. The most important thing is choosing something that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
For a London studio maternity photoshoot, we recommend avoiding busy patterns, bold logos or distracting prints, as they can take attention away from you and your beautiful bump.
What NOT to Wear to a Pregnancy Shoot
Avoid Outfits That Hide Your Shape
Some clothing choices can make your maternity portraits feel less flattering, including:
oversized, shapeless outfits that hide your bump
large logos or distracting graphics
very bright colours that overpower the image
busy patterns that compete with your connection and expression
Instead, choose pieces that show your shape, feel like you, and complement the artistic style you want for your final portraits.
What Should Partners Wear?
Coordinated, Simple & Neutral Styling
If your partner is joining your studio pregnancy session, their outfit should complement rather than compete.
Recommended options:
neutral tones (white, beige, black, grey)
simple, well-fitted clothing
minimal patterns
Keeping styling understated ensures the focus remains on you and your pregnancy.
How Many Outfits Should You Bring?
Quality Over Quantity
For most maternity studio sessions, 2–3 carefully chosen outfits are perfect.
This gives us the opportunity to create a variety of looks while keeping your session relaxed and unhurried.
Different outfits allow for:
a mix of timeless and more dramatic portraits
variety throughout your final gallery
different shapes, textures and moods
beautiful groupings of images that work together as a collection
A few thoughtfully selected pieces will always create a more cohesive set of photographs than too many outfit changes. Your session is designed to flow naturally, giving you time to relax, feel confident and enjoy the experience.
Below is a gallery of images to give you inspiration and show how other expectant mums have styled their looks for their maternity session.
Studio Pregnancy Photo Shoot – Final Tips
Choosing the right outfit for your studio pregnancy photo shoot is about simplicity, comfort, and confidence.
Well-chosen styling ensures your images feel elegant, timeless, and focused on this important stage of your pregnancy.
Your London Maternity Photography Studio
Your maternity photoshoot takes place in my beautiful West London studio, where we’ll create timeless portraits in a relaxed and private environment.
Located in Chiswick, the studio is easily accessible for mums-to-be across London looking for an artistic maternity photography experience.
If you’re unsure what to wear or how to prepare, I’ll guide you through every step — from choosing outfits to creating portraits that feel natural, elegant and completely you.
I’d love to hear from you
Whether you’re planning your first maternity photoshoot or adding another chapter to your family’s story, I’d love to hear what you’re looking for.
Tell me a little about your pregnancy, your ideas for your session, and what you would like to capture. I’ll personally reply with availability, answer any questions you have, and guide you through the next steps.
Your maternity session should feel relaxed, personal and completely tailored to you.