The Best Maternity Photoshoot Ideas, Tips, and Cost Breakdowns We Could Find
If you've been endlessly scrolling through thousands of maternity photos looking for inspiration—put the phone down!
We’ve done the research for you and rounded up the best maternity photoshoot ideas.
When to Schedule Your Maternity Photoshoot
28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy is usually the sweet spot for a maternity photoshoot.
This sweet spot ensures:
- Your baby bump is beautifully defined.
- You're still comfortable enough to pose for a couple of hours.
- There's enough time to share your photos with family and friends before your due date.
If you’re at that stage and find yourself endlessly scrolling through thousands of maternity photos for inspiration—put the phone down! We’ve done the research for you and rounded up the best maternity photoshoot ideas.
Where We Found Our Photoshoot Inspiration
After browsing what felt like a million maternity photos across social media, blogs, and YouTube, we started noticing patterns in the shots that made us save it.
Here’s where we found the best tips and techniques:
YouTube Tutorials
There are tons of creators sharing behind-the-scenes techniques, from flattering poses to editing secrets that make maternity photos pop.
Regardless if you’re the one calling the shots, you’ll want to check out these videos:
- Maternity Photography: How to Pose & Camera Settings
- Maternity Photoshoot Behind-the-Scenes: Tons of Posing Tips & Tricks
Photographer Blogs
Besides YouTube, we went straight to the source: professional maternity photographers’ blogs. They offered loads of styling tips, location ideas, and expert guidance to prepare for your session. Here were the best one’s we just kept coming back to:
- How to Prepare for Your Maternity Session – Pompy Portraits
- Indoor Studio Maternity Photo Inspiration – Elizabeth McCravy
- Maternity Session Guide – White Elm Photography
- What to Wear for Maternity Photos – Becca Jean Photography
Types of Maternity Photoshoots
When it comes to planning your shoot, how you style the shoot will play a huge part in how your photos turn out.
Silhouettes, outdoor sessions, and in-studio are the most popular styles we came across.
Silhouette Maternity Photoshoots
Silhouettes can do a great job at highlighting your baby bump profile against a bright background, creating a more “artistic” style.
Why it works:
- Silhouettes emphasize the shape of your belly, making for timeless and artistic shots.
- They offer a beautiful option for moms who may feel self-conscious but still want to document their journey.
Outdoor Maternity Photoshoots
Nature can make the perfect backdrop for maternity photos, symbolizing new life and growth.
Why it works:
- Natural settings like flowery fields, forests, or lakesides create a serene and organic aesthetic
- The season can add meaningful context—think spring blossoms, autumn leaves, or winter snowflakes
In-Studio Maternity Photoshoots
If you’re for that classic, high-fashion maternity shot, an in-studio shoot offers perfect lighting and a private setting.
Why it works:
- Studio shoots eliminate weather concerns and allow for precise lighting control.
- They’re ideal for bold concepts, like flowing fabric drapes or black-and-white editorial-style images.
How Much Does a Maternity Photoshoot Cost in 2025?
Maternity photos can range anywhere from $600 to $1,500, depending on location, photographer experience, and package options.
Can AI do a maternity photoshoot?
It definitely can. AI headshot generators like Bettershot are getting better by the day, and while maternity photo options are still pretty limited, we’ve been hearing the same question over and over: Can your AI turn my baby bump pics into professional maternity photos?
We love the idea—and we’re working on it! Imagine skipping the stress of scheduling a photoshoot and still getting gorgeous, high-quality maternity portraits straight from your camera roll. Sound like something you'd want to try?
Join our waitlist to be the first to know when it’s ready!