Complete Guide on Posing for Maternity Photos [Top 15 Poses]
Maternity photography is a special and beautiful way to capture the joy and excitement of a new addition to the family. Whether you’re a future mom thinking of doing a studio or outdoor maternity photoshoot to document this special time in your life, or a professional photographer looking for inspiration to create stunning images, there are a variety of poses and techniques that can help you achieve beautiful photos.
In this maternity photography posing guide, we’ll provide you with a range of ideas for maternity photoshoot poses to help you achieve the perfect shots before your baby arrives.
Maternity Photoshoot Poses
Holding the belly, front and sideways
This first pose is classic belly shot! It not only makes for a great photo but it’s also a simple pose that is the most iconic for maternity shoots.
Basically you can sit or stand either sideways or facing the camera, and just place your hands on your pregnant belly to showcase its shape.
Standing Poses
This pose allows for a full-body shot, showcasing the expectant mother’s growing belly. Some variations of this pose include:
Facing the camera head-on
Angled to the side
Hands resting on the belly
Sitting Poses
Sitting poses are another great option for your pregnancy photo shoot. These poses can be more relaxed and intimate, and can be used to capture the expectant mother’s face in more detail. Some variations of sitting poses include:
Sitting cross-legged on the ground
Sitting on a chair or bench
Lying down on a bed, couch or backdrop
When choosing a sitting pose, it’s important to consider the angle of the shot. A low angle can make the pregnant woman look more powerful and confident, while a high angle can make her look more vulnerable and delicate.
Silhouette Pregnancy Shots
If you are looking for outdoor maternity photoshoot ideas, golden hour at the beach can be the perfect time for a maternity photography session!
A popular pose is the side shot, showing your beautiful pregnant belly silhouette against the sunset. These can also be done in studio against a contrasting background for added comfort and great maternity photos.
The Soothing Touch
This maternity pose captures the tender and nurturing side of motherhood and makes for beautiful maternity pictures. The mother-to-be sits or stands with her belly facing the camera, and places one hand on her belly while the other hand gently touches her face or hair.
Walking Pose
Walking poses are a great way to show off the amazing pregnant body. These poses involve the mom-to-be strolling, walking or just standing in motion, which can add movement and a sense of naturalness to the photos. Put on a flowy dress or voluminous gown for added effect!
The Embracing Couple
Couple poses are perfect for capturing the bond between the expecting mother and her partner and can add a sense of intimacy and connection to the photos. The couple stands or sits facing each other, with mom’s belly prominently displayed.
They can hold hands, embrace, or even kiss for added intimacy. A shot of dad kissing the mom’s belly or a husband hug are a great way to capture the love and connection between the pregnant woman and her partner.
Family Maternity Photo Poses
Another great way to create beautiful and unique maternity photos is to come up with cool ideas, such as incorporating other family members or even the family pets into the photos
These maternity poses capture the expecting mother with her family:
Family Hug
This pose captures the love and connection of the entire family. The pregnant woman sits or kneels in the center, with her partner and any other children gathered around her, arms wrapped tightly around one another.
Family Tree
This a creative and unique take on the traditional family maternity poses. The mom-to-be sits or stands in the center, with her partner and any other children gathered around her in a tree-like formation, each person holding hands or placing their hand on the mom-to-be’s belly. Perfect for capturing the family’s growth and unity.
Grins and Giggles
Show the joy and excitement of the family, with everyone laughing and smiling at the camera! The mom-to-be is sitting or kneeling in the center, with her partner and any other children gathered around her, all making silly faces or joking around.
Twirl around in the Glamorous Gown
Twirling around in a glamorous gown with the wind in your hair is a fun and flirty maternity pose that’s perfect for your maternity photo shoot. It’s a great way to showcase your beautiful baby bump and add a touch of glamour to your maternity pictures.
The flow of the fabric will add an extra touch of elegance to your maternity pictures, and at our studio, we include deigner dresses and accesories with all our maternity sessions to ensure a hassle-free, stunning pregnancy photoshoot.
So put on that stunning dress, strike a pose, and let your natural beauty shine!
The Dreamy Profile
This pose captures the pregnant woman in a dreamy and contemplative mood. As she sits or stands with her back to the camera, with her head turned to the side.
This pose can be enhanced by using soft, diffused lighting and a gentle breeze for added movement in the mother’s hair.
The Nude Pose
Nude maternity photos can be a beautiful and powerful way to capture the raw beauty of a pregnant mother-to-be. The focus being on the curves of the mom’s body and the natural beauty of her pregnancy.
The Casual Lean
A casual, more relaxed shot, the new mom sits or stands with her body slightly leaning to one side, maybe a against a wall or piece of furniture, with her hands resting on her hips or belly.
The Playful Pose
A little fun can go a long way in a maternity photoshoot. Don’t be afraid to add some humor and playfulness to your maternity picture poses.
An example to add a little fun to the maternity photography session would be to add props, maybe the mom-to-be is holding a sign announcing the arrival of the new baby? Or maybe she is holding a large balloon, making a playful expression as if she’s about to pop one?
Another idea for a fun playful pose would be to play peek-a-boo- hide behind a sheer fabric then peek out with a cheerful expression. You can also use props such as a giant lollipop or a pair of oversized sunglasses to make for fun pictures.
The Laying Down Shot
This pose captures the mother-to-be in a relaxed and comfortable way. The mother-to-be lies down on a bed or couch, with her belly prominently displayed.
A few examples include:
Laying on your side with one hand resting on your belly, showcasing the baby bump.
A shot of you lying on your back with your arms spread wide and a big smile on your face.
A shot of you and your partner lying together or facing each other.
Candid Poses
Candid moments can make for fun pictures, if you’re a photographer, make your model laugh and snap a few photos, if you’re a model, ask the photographer to take photos as you’re talking or laughing, make it as natural as possible!
Tips when posing:
Remember to Show off Your Baby Bump
Your cute bump is the star of the show in maternity photos, so make sure it’s front and center.
You can do this by positioning yourself so that your belly is facing the camera, or by placing your hands on your belly to showcase its shape.
Experiment with Angles
Different angles can create different looks , so don’t be afraid to experiment. A side view can be very flattering, as can a shot from above. The key is to find an angle that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
Use Props
Props like a chair, a blanket, or a scarf can add interest to your maternity photos. They can also help you to feel more relaxed and natural during the shoot.
Props and accessories can be used to add a unique touch to a pregnancy photoshoot. Some popular props include angel wings, flowers, baby shoes and blankets.
When using props and accessories, it’s important to consider the overall aesthetic of the maternity photo shoot. A cohesive theme, such as a vintage or bohemian theme, can add a sense of elegance and timelessness to the photos.
Embrace Your Emotions
Maternity photos are a great way to document the emotions that come with pregnancy. Whether you’re feeling excited, scared, or anything in between, let your emotions show in your photos. This will make your images more meaningful and personal.
Choose the Right Outfits
When it comes to maternity photos, the outfit you choose can make or break the final result. A flowy dress or a fitted top and a flowing skirt will both show off your baby bump while keeping you comfortable. Avoid tight clothes that may make you feel constricted or uncomfortable.
Should You Book a professional Maternity photoshoot?
When it comes to capturing memories of one of the most special and intimate moments your life, you might be wondering if you should do it yourself with your trusty iPhone camera or invest in a professional photos.
Let me share with you 4 reasons why booking a professional maternity session is the way to go:
1. Experience & Expertise: Professional photographers have years of experience in capturing beautiful pregnancy pictures. They know exactly how to pose you to highlight your beautiful baby bump, use lighting to enhance your features, and create stunning images.
2. Best Equipment: Professional photographers have access to high-quality equipment, including cameras, lenses, lighting, and backdrops that help to create stunning pregnancy photos.
3. Safety and Comfort: Pregnant women can sometimes feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. A professional photographer will put you at ease during your maternity photo session and create an environment where you feel safe and comfortable, allowing you to relax and be yourself in front of the camera.
4. Creative Vision: A professional photographer has the ability to bring their creative vision and cool ideas to your maternity portraits, capturing not only the beauty of your adorable baby bump, but also your unique personality and style. From posing you in the most flattering angle to making sure the lighting on your cute bump is perfect.
At Oxana Alex Photography in Los Angeles, we shoot in studio maternity sessions. See the benefits of a studio photo shoot and contact us to schedule yours today!
Conclusion
In conclusion, maternity photoshoots are a beautiful way to document the joy and excitement of a new addition to the family. From the glamorous gown twirl to the casual lean, from playful poses to candid shots, whether you choose to go for a classic pose or for something more fun and creative, hopefully this maternity posing guide gave you a few ideas!
With the help of a professional photographer, the right poses, techniques, and ideas, you can create stunning maternity photos that will always put a smile on your face:)
Maternity Photoshoot Poses FAQs
The best poses for a maternity photoshoot include walking poses, simple poses, candid shots, close up shots, and even a hug pose with your other kids or family members.
Sure! We wrote a whole article about the best maternity photoshoot ideas here.
When choosing a maternity photographer, look at their portfolio, style, experience, and reviews! You can see how to choose the best maternity photographer here.
For your maternity photoshoot, wear comfortable, form-fitting clothing that flatters your pregnant body and accentuates your baby bump.
To avoid a double chin in your maternity photos, tilt your chin slightly upwards, and avoid standing or sitting with your chin down. Try to keep your head and neck straight, and consider posing with your face slightly angled away from the camera.
First of all, you want to book your maternity session early! See the best time for maternity photos. At our studio we are booked 3 months in advance. After booking, think about what outfits you want to wear and any ideas that you might have and let your photographer guide you thru the rest!
How to schedule my session with Oxana Alex Photography?
You can schedule your session by emailing [email protected] or by texting our photography studio at (310) 854-9695.
