8 Best Couple Poses for Black and White Maternity Photos
Couple maternity photography is all about capturing a feeling, a moment in time that marks the beginning of something life-changing. It’s about the quiet excitement, the deep connection, and the overwhelming love that comes with expecting a baby. But when you strip away color and focus on black-and-white imagery, that magic deepens.
Without color to compete for attention, every detail, the texture of clothing, the softness of a cuddle, the play of light and shadow over the curves of the belly, becomes more intentional. The lack of color forces us to focus on what truly matters: the emotion, the closeness, and the deep anticipation of meeting their baby for the first time.
Whether you’re a photographer looking to refine your approach to maternity posing or a couple preparing for a photoshoot to celebrate this incredible moment, this guide covers everything you need to know. From the best ways to use light and contrast to bring out depth in black and white images to how subtle body language changes can make a pose feel more natural and emotionally rich, every little detail matters.
Below, we’ll break down the 8 best couple poses that work beautifully for black and white maternity photography. Each one is designed to feel authentic, emotive, and visually stunning, ensuring that your maternity portraits don’t just capture an image, but capture a feeling.
Pose 1: Close Embrace with a Focus on the Belly
If there’s one can’t-miss couple pose in maternity photography, it’s this one. The close embrace, where the partner wraps their arms around the belly while the mother-to-be gently places her hands over theirs, is the embodiment of love and anticipation. This is one of those poses that instantly tells a story, the couple is united, protective, and completely in sync as they await their baby’s arrival.
Now, let’s talk about how to direct this pose because, trust me, if left unguided, couples often overthink their hands, stiffen up, or, worst-case scenario, hold the belly in a way that looks unnatural (like they’re gripping a basketball instead of cradling new life). The trick is to keep the embrace soft and fluid.
Tell the partner behind to gently rest their hands on the belly, with fingers slightly spread, not rigid, but relaxed. Then, instruct the expecting mother to place her hands lightly over theirs, creating a natural, layered effect. Finally, ask them to take a deep breath together. This small moment of pause shifts their focus away from posing and back to each other.
Now, let’s talk eye contact vs. looking at the belly. This is where the mood of the photo changes completely. Looking at the belly? It creates a tender, protective feel, the couple is fully immersed in their soon-to-arrive baby. Looking at each other? This makes for a romantic, connected portrait, perfect for couples who want that deep, in-love look in their maternity photos. And for those who feel awkward making eye contact on camera, have them close their eyes as they lean in. It softens the energy immediately and results in gorgeous, candid moments.
Lighting for this pose should be soft and directional, think a large window to the side or a diffused studio light coming from an angle. These will gently sculpt the body and belly, creating depth without harsh shadows. If the light is too even and flat, the image risks looking lifeless. And don’t be afraid of shadows, they add dimension and mood to black-and-white images.
When it comes to composition, a close-up shot is gold here. Framing the hands over the belly creates a natural focal point, while using leading lines, like the curve of the arms and the belly itself, guides the eye right to the heart of the image. Shooting slightly from above rather than straight on can also enhance the roundness of the belly, making it look even more prominent.
And one last thing! Remind your couple not to lock their knees in standing poses like this. A slight bend in the knees keeps the stance relaxed and prevents that stiff, awkward look that can sometimes sneak into maternity photos. Trust me, this tiny tweak makes a huge difference.
Read more on Mastering Reflections, Perspective and Dynamic Symmetry in Pregnancy Photography here.
Pose 2: Silhouettes with Dramatic Backlighting
Now, this pose is pure art. A well-executed silhouette maternity photo in black and white is breathtakingly timeless. It’s not just about showing the couple, it’s about creating a bold, iconic shape that highlights the pregnancy in the most dramatic way possible.
To pull this off, the first thing you need is strong backlighting. This could be a big studio softbox placed behind the couple or a natural light source like a bright window. The goal is to completely blow out the background while keeping the couple’s figures in sharp contrast. If you’re shooting outdoors at sunset, positioning the couple against the sky while slightly underexposing them works wonders. The key is not to let any front light interfere, the subjects should be completely shadowed.
The best silhouette maternity poses focus on shape and separation. If the couple is standing too close together, their bodies can merge into one, and you’ll lose that crisp definition that makes silhouettes work. The fix? Have them leave a little space between their torsos while still holding hands or touching foreheads. This ensures their individual forms remain clear and intentional.
One of the most striking silhouette poses is having the couple face each other, holding hands with the belly as the centerpiece. This setup immediately draws attention to the pregnancy and creates a perfect storytelling moment. Another variation is the forehead-to-forehead silhouette, which naturally exudes romance and closeness. And if the couple is feeling extra affectionate, a gentle kiss silhouette adds an undeniable sense of intimacy.
See my guide on Mastering Different Types of Lighting in Photography here and my guide to Understanding Types of Photography Lighting Sources here.
Pose 3: Forehead-to-Forehead Couple Pose
This pose isn’t just about physical closeness, it’s about capturing the emotional depth and anticipation of two people stepping into parenthood together.
This pose requires careful attention to body language. Couples often feel a bit uncertain when stepping in front of the camera, and without guidance, they can become too stiff or overly posed. To help them feel less self-conscious, encourage them to breathe together. A simple instruction like, “Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, let your foreheads touch softly,” helps them relax into the moment. Adding a gentle sway, even the smallest, slowest movement, keeps the pose from looking static. This subtle movement creates a sense of natural flow, making the connection between them feel even more organic.
Avoid too much pressure. If their foreheads press together too firmly, the muscles in their faces tighten, and what should be a soft, loving pose turns into something that looks tense or awkward. Framing is crucial here. A tight crop focusing on their faces and expressions eliminates distractions and ensures the viewer is drawn directly to their emotional connection. Shooting slightly from above eye level enhances the feeling of closeness, while side angles can add a creative touch. For a more artistic approach, consider incorporating negative space or an away-from-the-camera angle where one person looks slightly off, adding a cinematic feel to the image.
Read more on Camera Angles and Backdrop Ideas for Best Maternity Pictures here.
When directing this pose, watch out for posture. Because we’re dealing with an outline of the body, small details, like slouching shoulders or awkward head tilts, become painfully obvious in silhouettes. A small arch in the back for the expecting mother can enhance the belly shape beautifully, while reminding the partner to stand tall (but relaxed) keeps the shot looking elegant, not stiff.
The most common mistake when shooting silhouettes? Forgetting limb separation. If arms are glued to the body, they disappear into the shape, making the couple look blocky. Have them slightly lift their arms away from their sides, even just an inch makes a huge difference in creating well-defined shapes.
Composition wise, simplicity is key. Minimal distractions in the background will keep the focus purely on the couple’s connection and the stunning shape of the belly. A straight-on shot works beautifully, but don’t be afraid to experiment with angles, sometimes, a slight side angle enhances the curve of the belly even more.
If you want to add even more depth to a silhouette, introduce a little rim lighting. This means placing a soft side light just barely illuminating their edges, which subtly outlines their profiles without breaking the silhouette effect. It’s a fantastic way to make black-and-white maternity photos feel even more polished and artistic.
Silhouette shots are statement pieces. They feel cinematic, powerful, and deeply emotional all at once. When executed correctly, they feel less like a photo and more like a piece of fine art.
Read more on Crafting Minimalist Elegance in Maternity Photos here.
Pose 4: Holding Hands
A simple, hand-holding pose in maternity photography is subtle, but conveys so much, support, love, unity, and a shared journey into parenthood. This pose strips away excess movement and brings everything back to a single, meaningful connection: their hands.
Pay attention to stiff fingers and clenched grips. Many people instinctively tense their hands when they’re being photographed, which makes the pose feel awkward instead of natural. Always remind them to keep their hands relaxed and loose, it’ll show much better in the photos.
If you want to take it a step further and make the moment feel more candid, have them gently squeeze each other’s hand. This small, real-life interaction triggers an instant emotional response, a subtle smile, a shift in posture, or even a quiet laugh. These are the moments that make a maternity photoshoot feel real and not just staged.
The most classic setup is having the couple stand side by side, facing the camera, with hands intertwined over the belly. This conveys a sense of partnership and togetherness. Another stunning option is having them face each other, holding hands gently while making soft eye contact. This adds more emotion and romance, making it perfect for couples who want a more affectionate maternity photo.
When it comes to composition, mid-frame shots are ideal for maintaining balance. If you want to add a more dramatic effect, shooting slightly from below elongates their silhouettes and makes the connection between them feel even more significant.
Pose 5: The Belly-Kiss Pose
This is the ultimate storytelling pose in maternity photography. The belly-kiss shot is so simple, yet so profoundly sentimental. It’s one of the most cherished images for expecting couples because it visually represents the deep love and anticipation they have for their baby. But there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it, and how you direct this pose will make all the difference.
Let’s start with positioning. The most natural approach is to have the partner kneel or lean in towards the belly. But it’s all about angles. If the partner leans in too much, they might block the light or completely cover their own face, making the shot feel unbalanced. Guide them into a slight tilt, keeping their face visible to the camera while still maintaining closeness.
Again with this shot, watch for poor hand placement. Hands that are too rigid or awkwardly positioned can ruin the softness of the image. The best approach is to have the mother gently cradle the belly while the partner places one hand softly alongside hers. This creates a beautiful layering effect that draws attention to the belly without overwhelming the frame.
Framing is everything! Side profiles work incredibly well, as they emphasize the curve of the belly while keeping the partner’s expression clearly visible. Another gorgeous option is a slight overhead angle, which accentuates the roundness of the belly and adds a unique perspective to the image. The key is to ensure balance, too much of a top-down angle, and the partner’s face can get lost in the frame.
Pose 6: Hug from Behind with Hands on the Belly
The partner’s arms wrapped around the mother-to-be’s belly create a sense of security, warmth, and love, while their intertwined hands become a focal point that showcases their shared connection to the baby.
The biggest mistake photographers (and even couples) make is turning it into a tight squeeze rather than a soft, supportive cuddle. If the partner grips too firmly, it can make the image look stiff, overly posed, and, frankly, uncomfortable for the expecting mother. The key is gentleness, the embrace should feel natural, not staged. I sometimes tell partners, “Hold her the way you would if you were standing together in a quiet moment at home” This instantly relaxes their body language and makes the pose feel authentic and intimate rather than forced. To bring more emotion into the image, I sometimes ask the couple to close their eyes for a few seconds and just breathe.
Medium or close-up shots tend to work best for this shot. The goal is to highlight the couple’s hands over the belly, drawing attention to the pregnancy without unnecessary distractions. Shooting from a slightly lower angle can enhance the feeling of closeness, while a side profile shot can bring out the curves of the belly beautifully. This is a photo opportunity that every maternity photographer should have on their shot list.
In black-and-white maternity photography, this pose shines when you use soft directional lighting, it adds depth, dimension, and contrast to the image, making the hands, belly, and expressions stand out even more.
Pose 7: Directly at the Camera
There’s a certain power and elegance in a maternity portrait where the couple looks directly at the camera. This is a statement, a confident, poised moment that exudes strength, love, and anticipation. While many maternity photos lean towards softness and tenderness, this pose brings something different: boldness, presence, and an undeniable sense of empowerment.
When directing this pose, confidence is key. Many couples, especially those who aren’t used to being in front of a camera, can feel unsure about looking straight into the lens. The best way to guide them is to focus on posture first. Ask couples to relax the shoulders, slightly lift their chin and let the confidence settle in.
There are two strong variations of this pose that work exceptionally well in black-and-white maternity photography. The first is the couple standing side by side, hands gently cradling the belly, looking directly into the camera. This composition is symmetrical, striking, and timeless. The second variation is having the partner stand slightly behind the expecting mother, wrapping their arms around her while both make direct eye contact with the camera. This setup adds depth to the frame while also reinforcing the feeling of protection and support.
Expression plays a major role in how this image translates emotionally. A subtle, soft smile keeps the image warm and intimate, while a more serious, editorial stare can turn it into a dramatic, high-impact portrait.
For framing, a centered shot is ideal for maximum impact. This keeps the couple as the focal point, ensuring the viewer’s attention stays on them. However, if you want to add more visual interest, an off-center composition can also be interesting. Placing them slightly to one side, with negative space on the other, creates an artistic, cinematic feel that works beautifully as well.
For lighting, use strong directional lighting to sculpt the couple’s faces and highlight the belly. In black-and-white photography, contrast is your best friend, deep shadows and bright highlights make this pose feel bold, timeless, and powerful. If you’re shooting outdoors, try a shaded area with indirect light to add depth without washing out details.
See my Beginner’s Guide to Mastering a Maternity Photoshoot in Studio here.
Pose 8: The Classic Couple Portrait
There’s a reason some poses never go out of style, they work in every setting, with every couple, and create effortlessly timeless images. The classic couple portrait is exactly that. The key to making this pose shine is perfecting body language. The couple should look poised yet relaxed, no stiff shoulders, no forced smiles, just natural warmth and confidence.
Framing this pose is all about balance and symmetry. A centered composition works beautifully for that polished, editorial feel, while an off-center variation can add a slightly more artistic touch. Mid-range to full-length shots tend to work best here, ensuring the entire couple is included in the frame without losing the impact of their expressions.
Lighting is what takes this pose from simple to breathtaking. In black-and-white photography, contrast is everything. A strong, single light source slightly from the side can create depth and drama, while soft, even lighting results in a more ethereal, dreamy effect. Both are stunning, it just depends on the mood you want to achieve.
The beauty of the classic couple portrait is in its simplicity, emotion, and timeless quality, exactly what black-and-white maternity photography is all about.
Why Black and White Works So Well for Couple Photography
Black-and-white maternity photography is all about stripping away the distractions and focusing on pure emotion. Without color, the viewer is drawn to the couple’s expressions, the softness of their touch, and the way light wraps around their bodies. It enhances the natural tenderness between partners, making every couple pose feel even more intimate.
One of the biggest reasons photographers love black and white for maternity photos is how well it emphasizes contrast. In color photography, the focus can shift to wardrobe choices, background elements, or even skin tones. But in black and white, every line, curve, and shadow is amplified. This is particularly powerful in maternity photography, where the roundness of the belly, the shape of the hands, and the closeness of the couple take center stage.
Lighting plays a crucial role in making black-and-white images stand out. Soft, diffused light creates a dreamy, ethereal effect, while high-contrast lighting adds drama and depth. A backlit silhouette of a couple holding hands over the belly can be just as stunning as a softly lit, intimate close-up of foreheads touching. When done right, black and white photography brings out the textures in clothing, the gentle touch of hands, and the emotion in a couple’s gaze, all without the distraction of color.
Beyond aesthetics, black and white images evoke a feeling of timelessness. They don’t feel tied to a trend or a specific moment in time. A beautifully framed black-and-white maternity portrait will look just as stunning 50 years from now as it does today. There’s a reason why black-and-white wedding photography has remained popular for decades, the same applies to maternity photoshoots.
Another benefit? Black-and-white photography is incredibly forgiving in terms of wardrobe. It evens out any distractions that might come from bright colors, mismatched outfits, or variations in lighting. Even if a couple is wearing slightly different shades or textures, black and white blends everything together seamlessly. It also enhances details like lace, silk, or soft cotton fabrics, adding a sense of depth and texture to the image.
Also,for couples who might feel a bit awkward in front of the camera, black and white photography also has a way of softening insecurities. The focus isn’t on the tiny details but on the overall feeling of love and connection. A well-directed couple pose, combined with the right lighting and composition, can transform a simple moment into a breathtaking piece of art.
Wardrobe Suggestions for Black and White Maternity Photography
Without color to define the mood, what remains is shape, contrast, and texture, all of which are heavily influenced by clothing choices. The wrong outfit can disrupt the entire aesthetic, while the right one enhances the form, the emotion, and the artistic elegance of the image.
Stick to Solid Colors
Black-and-white photography thrives on clean lines and minimal distractions, and intricate patterns can become visually chaotic when stripped of color. For example, a floral print that looks soft in real life can turn into a confusing mess of gray tones, taking attention away from the true subject, the couple and the baby bump.
Contrast is Key
In black-and-white photography, contrast defines the mood. A light dress against a dark background creates a soft, ethereal effect, while a dark dress against a light background results in a high-impact, dramatic portrait.
For couples, wearing contrasting tones can help separate their forms and add depth to the composition. If the mother-to-be is in a flowing white gown, the partner in a dark, fitted shirt adds a striking balance. On the flip side, if she’s in deep black, the partner in a light-colored, crisp outfit creates a refined, editorial feel.
Texture Matters
When it comes to black-and-white maternity photography, texture is everything. Without color to define the mood, fabrics play a major role in adding depth, elegance, and visual interest to an image. Lace is always a favorite, it’s soft, romantic, and its delicate patterns translate beautifully in monochrome. The intricate details create just enough contrast to keep the photo visually engaging without overwhelming the frame. Silk or satin, on the other hand, works wonders in dramatic lighting setups, catching highlights in just the right way to sculpt the body and emphasize the natural curves of pregnancy.
For a more organic, intimate feel, soft knits are a great choice, especially for casual couple maternity poses. They bring warmth and a sense of closeness to the photo, making everything feel more natural and cozy. The key to choosing the right textures is enhancing the shape of the body without adding unnecessary bulk.
Fitted vs. Flowing
One of the biggest misconceptions in maternity photography is that flowing gowns are always the best choice. While they create beautiful movement, they don’t always work for every shot, and not every pose benefits from excess fabric. The choice between fitted and flowing outfits should depend on the style of the shoot, the couple’s energy, and the mood being created in the final image.
Fitted dresses that hug the belly create strong, sculpted silhouettes, making them ideal for dramatic lighting setups, where contrast plays a significant role. These styles work beautifully in black and white photography, especially in side-profile shots, where the focus is entirely on the shape. The clean lines and defined curves make these images feel powerful, elegant, and visually striking.
Flowing gowns, on the other hand, are perfect for ethereal, dreamlike portraits. While I typically prefer them for color photography, they can still work in black and white when used correctly. The key is to create a sense of softness and movement, especially when paired with subtle posing techniques like a gentle hand placement on the belly or a slight fabric toss. These outfits work particularly well in softer, romantic setups, where the focus is on emotion and storytelling rather than structure.
Minimalistic Prop Should Enhance, Not Distract
Props in maternity photography should always serve a purpose, not just be there for decoration. Unlike heavily themed pregnancy shoots, black and white couple maternity photos rely on emotion, intimacy, and composition rather than elaborate setups.
That being said, a few simple props can add a touch of symbolism and depth without feeling forced. A single flower in the mother’s hands for example or personal touches, like wearing a bracelet with sentimental meaning, can make the image feel even more personal. The key is to incorporate these props organically, allowing them to feel like a natural extension of the couple’s interaction rather than a staged element.
Again, for these types of shoots, props are completely optional, and often the most striking, emotionally rich images need nothing but the couple and their love. If a prop doesn’t enhance the story of the couple’s journey, it’s better left out.
Final Thoughts on Creating Stunning Black and White Maternity Photos
There’s something magical about black-and-white maternity photography. It’s raw, it’s timeless, and it strips away every distraction so that all that remains is love, connection, and anticipation. A well-crafted maternity couple photo isn’t about trendy filters, elaborate backdrops, or over-the-top props, it’s about emotion, light, and composition working together to tell a story.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned after photographing countless maternity sessions, it’s that simplicity is powerful. The best images aren’t the ones where everything feels overly polished or staged, they’re the ones where the couple forgets for a moment that they’re even in a photoshoot. The ones where their hands naturally find each other, where a quiet laugh escapes in between poses, or where a forehead kiss lingers just a second longer than expected. Those are the images that hold real emotion, and that’s what makes couple maternity shoots so extraordinary.
Trust the Process
Every maternity photoshoot has its own rhythm. Some couples walk in confident and camera-ready, while others feel awkward, unsure of what to do with their hands, and nervous about whether they’ll look “right” in the photos. And that’s okay. Part of being a great maternity photographer is guiding them through the process and making them feel comfortable enough to be themselves.
Tell them to relax and have fun, remind them that the photoshoot is not about perfect poses, but about capturing who they are in this exact moment. Avoid overwhelming them with poses that feel unnatural or overly staged. Instead, let them settle in, encourage movement, crack a few jokes, and allow their personalities to come through. When they realize they don’t have to perform for the camera, their shoulders drop, their breath evens out, and they naturally become present in the moment. That’s when the magic happens.
Every Couple is Unique
One of the biggest mistakes photographers make is trying to fit every couple into the same set of poses. Every relationship has its own energy, and every maternity journey is different. Some couples are deeply romantic, constantly touching and whispering to each other, while others are more playful, full of laughter and inside jokes. Some are quiet and introspective, sharing deep, knowing glances.
Your job isn’t to force them into a mold. It’s to observe, listen, and adapt. If a couple naturally interacts with soft, intimate gestures, lean into that with close embraces and gentle, quiet moments. If they’re full of energy, let them laugh, move, and engage with each other. The best maternity photographers know how to capture chemistry.
Oxana Alex – Fashion Photographer Los Angeles
At Oxana Alex Photography, we are open for booking in studio maternity photography, business portraits, fashion photography, family photography and mommy and me photography sessions. Our studio is located at 2100 Sawtelle Blvd UNIT 307 Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA. You can see our photoshoot pricing here & our photography reviews here.
Conclusion
A black-and-white maternity photo is a story told in light and shadow. It’s the way a soft backlight wraps around a growing belly, the depth in a partner’s gaze as they hold their loved one, and the way hands rest instinctively over the place where their baby will soon arrive.
So, when you step into your next maternity shoot, don’t overcomplicate it. Guide the couple, encourage movement, adjust to their energy, and most importantly, let them feel. The best maternity portraits aren’t just technically beautiful, they’re the ones that, years from now, will make that couple stop, smile, and remember exactly how it felt to be in that moment.
How do I schedule my session?
You can schedule your session by emailing [email protected] or by texting our studio at (310) 854-9695.
