Step-by-Step Guide for Maternity Photographers
Maternity photography is not just about documenting pregnancy but about capturing the beauty of motherhood in a way that reflects the strength, the softness, the waiting, the excitement, and sometimes even the overwhelm. That’s what we’re really here to do.
This work honors the transformation of a woman stepping into motherhood, whether it’s her first baby or her fourth. It’s a quiet milestone that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, tucked in between baby showers and doctor’s appointments. But when done with care, maternity photos become part of a family’s story, a moment that feels small now but will be cherished for generations. I’ve had clients tell me, years later, that they pull those images out every birthday, or that their little one loves seeing what “mommy looked like when I was in there.” That’s why this work matters.
Maternity sessions go far beyond the surface. You’re holding space for someone who is letting go of one chapter and stepping into another. Emotion runs deep here, not every mom feels glowing. Some are exhausted, some are nervous, some are dealing with past losses or fears about what’s to come. Others are just incredibly excited and want to freeze this moment before everything changes. Every maternity shoot carries a different emotional rhythm, and as the photographer, reading and responding to that rhythm is part of the job.
That’s why technical skills alone won’t carry you far in this genre. You could have the sharpest lens, the perfect light, and still miss the shot if you’re not fully present. A maternity photographer has to see the small things, a look, a breath, the way she clutches the fabric of the gown just a little tighter. Experience teaches you how to guide with empathy, how to pose without forcing, and how to create an atmosphere that allows real emotion to show up. I’ve learned that the best maternity photoshoots are the ones where the mama doesn’t feel like she’s performing. She feels seen. And safe.
This guide is for photographers who are already familiar with the basics of a good photo session. We’re not going to cover camera settings or when golden hour starts. You already know how to handle light and compose a clean frame. This is the part of the journey where we dig into the heart of the work, the little decisions that elevate a session from good to unforgettable. Whether you’re in Los Angeles or any of the surrounding areas, if you specialize in luxury maternity photography, this is the deep dive you’ve been waiting for.
See my 10 tips for your maternity photoshoot in Los Angeles here.
Step 1: Setting the Tone for a Luxury Maternity Photography Experience
The first interaction you have with a client sets the entire tone for the experience. It happens before you ever pick up a camera. The moment that inquiry lands in your inbox, you’re already reading more than just the words on the screen. You’re picking up on energy, enthusiasm, trust, and alignment. It’s not just about filling the calendar. When you’re offering a luxury maternity session, your goal is to connect with families who value this stage of life, and who want to capture it with depth and intention.
One of the first things I pay attention to is how the mom talks about her pregnancy. Is she nervous? Excited? Is this a long-awaited moment, or did it take her by surprise? You learn so much by the tone. I also look at how she talks about the photos. If I see phrases like “I just want a few quick shots in my backyard” or “nothing too styled,” it’s not an automatic no, but it does tell me I need to first make sure the vision she has for her photos lines up with the kind of portrait photography I offer. Sometimes you’ll get a client who is looking for something that is not within your realm or style so you might not be the right fit. And that’s okay.
During the he booking process I take time to explain what luxury maternity photography really means. A lot of people assume it just means fancy outfits and a high price tag. But for me, it’s about intention and care. It means providing a curated photo session where everything, from wardrobe to posing to lighting, is thought through. It means the mom doesn’t have to do the emotional or mental labor. She shows up, and everything has been prepared for her.
This level of preparation also helps avoid confusion or unmet expectations later. There’s nothing worse than hearing after the fact that someone “thought the photos would be more posed” or “wished we had done a more casual look.” That’s why clarity upfront is everything. When we align on the vision early on, the rest of the process becomes smooth and joyful. The mom feels held. I feel confident. And the results speak for themselves, gorgeous photos that feel authentic and intentional.
Step 2: Outfits, Gowns, and Getting It Just Right
Every detail of a maternity photoshoot tells part of the story, and wardrobe plays a bigger role than most people realize. What she wears isn’t just about looking stylish, it shapes how she moves, how she feels, and how connected she is to the experience. When she’s wrapped in something that fits beautifully, flows effortlessly, and makes her feel like herself (or a version of herself she really loves), it shows in every image. That’s why investing time and thought into building a strong client closet can completely transform the photography experience.
When I bring in new gowns, I think about how they’ll drape across a baby bump, how the light will catch on the fabric, and how it will move when she shifts position. I stay away from anything stiff or clingy in the wrong places. I’ve learned that stretch satin, silks, and soft knits often photograph like a dream, especially in studio lighting where every fold and contour tells part of the visual story. There are also fabrics that seem promising but fall flat on camera, shiny polyester, synthetic lace that bunches oddly, or anything that looks dated the minute it’s zipped up. Every piece in the closet should feel timeless. The whole goal is to create gorgeous photos that don’t feel locked into a trend.
Silhouettes are just as important as fabric. Some moms want a fitted look that celebrates the shape of their bump, while others want the ease and flow of something looser. The key is knowing how to read a body, not just by size, but posture, comfort, and mood. Some mamas feel radiant in form-fitting pieces with a dramatic train. Others feel best when they’re gently covered in soft drapes with long sleeves or an open back. Offering a variety of cuts lets you match the outfit to the person, not the other way around.
Step 3: Hair, Makeup, and the Power of Professional Pampering
When a mama arrives already feeling put together, everything clicks into place more easily. Hair done, makeup fresh, outfit ready, it gives her a boost of confidence that shows up in every frame. Even if she’s not usually the type to get glam, there’s something about taking that time for herself before the photoshoot that helps her step into the moment with presence and self-assurance.
I always recommend having hair and makeup done before arriving to the session. Whether she books a professional or does it herself at home, giving attention to those little details helps her settle into the experience. Pregnancy brings all kinds of changes to skin, hair, and body. A little prep helps highlight her natural features and adds polish that translates really well under studio light.
There are always a few mamas who feel unsure. Some haven’t worn makeup in years. Some worry about looking too done-up or feeling unlike themselves. I get it, but I always gently explain how a little enhancement under soft lighting really supports the overall feel of the portraits. It’s not about changing her look. It’s about honoring this milestone with intention. When the effort is there, the portraits hold something extra, not just in polish, but in the way she carries herself. That confidence becomes part of the final images.
To help the day run smoothly, I always recommend scheduling beauty appointments early, leaving plenty of time to arrive without rushing. No one wants to be flustered when they walk into the studio. A little padding in the schedule gives room for traffic, outfit prep, or a moment of stillness before stepping in front of the lens. Everything about the maternity photoshoot should feel calm and supported. When she walks in feeling prepared, the rest of the session just flows.
Read more on mastering maternity photoshoot hair and makeup here.
Step 4: Choosing the Right Location for Your Maternity Session
While outdoor and lifestyle sessions have their charm, there’s something incredibly grounding about a studio session, especially when it comes to maternity photography. The control, the lighting, the calm, it all adds up to an experience that puts the focus exactly where it should be. Shooting in a studio space allows for consistency, comfort, and the ability to create images that feel clean, elevated, and timeless.
A studio setting is especially helpful for pregnancy stages where comfort is fragile. You never know if a mama is coming in at 28 weeks full of energy or 36 weeks and needing to sit every few minutes. Offering a cozy, climate-controlled space takes the pressure off. She’s not worrying about wind, sun, uneven ground, or too many eyes around. Instead, you can create intentional lighting, adjust the mood with ease, and give her a moment to just be.
Some photographers offer in-home maternity options, and when done well, these can be deeply personal. There’s a different kind of rhythm in the comfort of your home, especially for mamas expecting their second or third little one. If you’re exploring this option, use natural window light wherever possible. Embrace the quiet spaces, the corner of the nursery, the edge of a bed, a hallway with soft shadows.
Even though I work exclusively in studio, I understand why some choose outdoor sessions for variety. In those cases, overcast skies and soft light tend to win over dramatic sunshine. Fog, shade, and cloudy skies can create a dreamy mood that fits beautifully with the tone of fine art maternity imagery. If you go this route, always have a solid backup plan, especially during transitional weather seasons. Permits, crowds, and timing challenges can disrupt the rhythm if you’re not fully prepared.
In Los Angeles, there are plenty of iconic outdoor locations, but they’re not always as dreamy in practice as they are in theory. Parking is tricky. Noise is everywhere. You’re navigating tourists, sun glare, and occasional security guards. If you decide to photograph in public spaces, be smart about timing and location. Early mornings on weekdays tend to be your best bet. And know when a permit is necessary, flying under the radar is only charming until it gets you shut down mid-session.
In the end, the choice of location should support the story you’re telling, not distract from it. Whether it’s the clean simplicity of a studio, the raw emotion of a home setting, or the wide openness of a beautiful beach, the focus always comes back to capturing the beauty of motherhood in a way that feels personal, thoughtful, and true.
Step 5: The Art of Posing and Emotion
There’s a certain quiet sensitivity that goes into directing a maternity shoot. Every movement should feel intentional, but never forced. The goal is to highlight the beauty of motherhood without making it feel staged. Each session brings its own energy, and the first thing I do before ever adjusting a hand or guiding a foot is pay attention to that energy. Some mamas walk in glowing with excitement. Others are exhausted, feeling heavy, and hoping they make it through the hour without needing to sit down three times. Reading that energy and meeting her where she is matters more than any pre-planned pose list.
Some women don’t feel like themselves during pregnancy. The growing belly, the swelling, the hormonal shifts, it’s a lot. Not everyone arrives to a session feeling like a glowing goddess, and that’s more than okay. It’s real. That’s why posing needs to be flexible. If she’s dealing with sciatica or nausea, there’s no reason to have her standing for too long or twisting into positions that look good but feel terrible. If she’s carrying self-consciousness around her arms or her face feels puffy from water retention, I make gentle adjustments with lighting and angles instead of drawing attention to anything that already feels vulnerable.
I approach posing with softness. Instead of rigid directions, I guide her into a general shape and then watch. The best images often happen in the transitions, when she shifts her weight, brushes hair off her shoulder, or settles into a stance without overthinking. I let her exhale. I give her time. The longer you allow the moment to breathe, the more genuine the expression becomes. Sometimes, a hand resting just slightly higher, or turning the chin a few degrees, makes all the difference. These subtle tweaks shape the final image, but they don’t interrupt the mood. There’s a rhythm that develops when she begins to trust how she looks and how she feels. That’s when we get the portraits that pull people in, not just because they’re beautiful, but because they feel like her.
Step 6: Lighting Like a Portrait Pro
Studio lighting gives full control, over the mood, the shape, and the emotion in every frame. I keep my lighting setup clean and intentional, usually starting with a large softbox placed to one side. This creates soft contrast, highlights the curve of the bump, and lets the light fall across her face in a way that feels both polished and natural.
Everything gets adjusted based on the tone of the session. For a softer, romantic look, I’ll keep the light close and the shadows gentle. For more editorial images, I’ll shift the setup for deeper contrast and a sharper mood. I pay close attention to how the light hits the gown and skin, making sure highlights on the bump stay dimensional without becoming harsh.
The lighting never competes with the subject, it shapes the atmosphere. Whether the goal is fine art or fashion-inspired, the light supports the story we’re telling. Always with purpose, always with care.
See 15 creative tips to make your maternity photos more cinematic here.
Step 7: Composition and Storytelling for Your Pregnancy Photoshoot
A maternity portrait should carry the emotion of the pregnancy, the connection between her and the baby, and often the presence of the growing family around her. Composition is where that story takes form. Every frame should feel intentional, not just visually pleasing, but emotionally honest.
I pay close attention to framing that invites intimacy. Sometimes that means pulling back to include the space around her, letting the studio shadows cradle the scene, or letting the long lines of the gown flow into the frame to guide the eye inward. Other times, I move in tighter to capture a hand on the belly, a tilt of the head, or a closed-eye moment. It’s the push and pull between those wide and intimate shots that gives a gallery its rhythm.
When partners or siblings join the session, they need to be placed with just as much intention. Every element added to the frame should support the emotion. I guide them gently, helping them find natural ways to connect,, a forehead kiss, a hand resting together on the bump, a quiet glance. When everyone is part of the moment instead of performing for the camera, the family photos start to carry weight.
Coaching movement that doesn’t feel staged is about creating the space for it. I don’t ask for big gestures. I offer small suggestions, to sway, to lean, to breathe deeply. The best expressions often come between frames, and the most emotional compositions come from watching instead of directing.
See my guide on pregnancy photography and mastering reflections, perspective and dynamic symmetry here.
Step 8: Editing and Retouching
Editing is where the mood and tone of the session are fully shaped. It’s the final step that brings everything together, from lighting and styling to emotion and expression. I use retouching to refine the images and create a clean, cohesive finish that fits the overall feel of the gallery.
Adjustments are made thoughtfully, depending on what each image calls for. I’ll smooth, enhance, and polish as needed, always aiming to keep the final gallery consistent and elevated. Color grading plays a big role too, I lean into tones that feel warm, elegant, and timeless rather than trendy. Every photo should feel complete and intentional, ready to be printed, framed, and remembered.
For Maternity & Newborn Photographers Who Also Offer Newborn Photography
For photographers specializing in maternity who also offer newborn photo sessions, there’s an opportunity to create a beautiful sense of continuity between the two experiences. The transition from documenting pregnancy to photographing those early newborn days holds so much emotional depth, tenderness, exhaustion, joy, and everything in between.
Newborn scheduling should always remain flexible. Babies arrive on their own time, and sessions need room to adjust. A calm, relaxed pace helps keep both the baby and the mama comfortable, allowing the experience to feel supported rather than rushed.
Lighting for a newborn session should echo the softness established during the maternity session. Diffused studio light works well to maintain a consistent tone throughout both galleries. Props and styling are best kept minimal, soft textures, gentle tones, and a clean space that draws focus to connection. Safety and comfort come before anything else. The newborn guides the flow, and the environment adapts accordingly.
Styling that carries over from the maternity portraits can create a cohesive visual story. Matching tones, textures, or fabrics can tie the images together in a subtle but meaningful way. Posing the newborn in mama’s arms, wrapped in similar neutrals or photographed skin to skin, continues the emotional thread from bump to baby.
Portrait Maternity Photography
Portrait maternity photography holds a special place in the broader world of maternity photography. It’s where all the elements, styling, composition, lighting, emotion, converge into an image that feels refined, clean, and deeply expressive. This is where photographers specializing in maternity often evolve their work into something closer to fine art.
When I’m building a gallery of portrait photography, I’m always thinking about cohesion. The tones need to speak to each other. The wardrobe shifts gently in mood from one look to the next. The backdrop and light support, not distract. I often limit the number of setups in a session so that we can go deeper, not wider. A session with just two carefully styled looks, one soft and fluid, the other structured and bold, often produces more powerful images than trying to do five different themes in a rush.
Portrait sessions also leave space to experiment with an editorial edge. This is where silhouette, contrast, and mood come into play, where fashion meets emotion. A structured gown, dramatic lighting, or an unexpected angle can completely transform the tone of the image. Even within a maternity shoot, there’s space to push into something more stylized without losing the heart of the moment. Whether it’s a close crop, a layered frame, or bold posture, these editorial elements can add power and dimension to a session.
See camera angles and backdrop ideas for best maternity pictures in Los Angeles here.
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
There’s a quiet kind of power in this work. Maternity photography isn’t loud or flashy. It doesn’t need to be. It’s full of presence, emotion, and subtle strength. It asks for more than technical skill, it asks for heart. Every session holds a moment that only happens once, and to be trusted with that is something I never take lightly. The honor of documenting this stage, this moment where a family expands, where a woman stands in her transition, will always be the reason this work holds meaning.
For photographers who specialize in this space, there’s something deeply rewarding about leaning into the slower rhythm of it all. This isn’t about being the most followed or the most booked. It’s about being the one who shows up with full attention and translates feeling into frame. That’s what makes an amazing photographer. Not flashy edits or trendy sets, but empathy, trust, and excellence in the way you hold space for someone else’s story.
To all the maternity photographers building something intentional, who see this work as more than just another photoshoot, keep leaning in. Keep creating portraits that carry weight. Keep refining your eye, your light, your voice. There’s room to be a portrait photographer and a storyteller, to create images that clients don’t just scroll past, but frame, print, and hand down. That’s what the best photographers do, they make work that lives on long after the moment is over.
How do I schedule my session?
You can schedule your session by emailing [email protected] or by texting our studio at (310) 854-9695.
