Last Updated on 05/06/2025 by Armands Sprogis

7 Outdoor maternity photoshoot tips.

I have done a fair number of outdoor maternity photoshoots and would like to share with you tips and ideas I have learned along the way.

1. Where to go for an outdoor maternity photoshoot

I don’t know about you, but most of the mums I’ve photographed in the past weren’t 100% sure if they even wanted a maternity session, let alone one out in public!

Take some time to think about where you’d like to have your pregnancy photos taken. Your choice of location will likely depend on what you plan to wear. For example, if you’re going with a more revealing maternity dress, you might feel more comfortable in a private or secluded setting.

One of the best things about outdoor maternity sessions is the flexibility, which allows you to pick and choose locations that suit your style and comfort. You can return to a trusted spot or explore somewhere new. Just last year, I had a mum who wanted a forest-themed photoshoot, so I went out and found a beautiful woodland location just for her.

How to choose the outdoor maternity session location.

When choosing a location for a maternity session, I always look for a few key things. One of the most important is variety. I love spots that offer different backgrounds, like a mix of beach, grassy areas, maybe even some interesting rocks. I try to avoid locations that limit us to just one look, like only the beach, as it can make the final gallery feel a bit one-note.

I also carefully consider the time of day for the shoot. It’s important to check where the sun will be during your session. If we’re shooting in a wide open space, I’ll usually suggest going in the late evening, when the light is softer and more flattering. Midday sun can be too harsh and unflattering, especially in open areas. If the parents are only available around midday, I’ll recommend spots that offer some shade to help soften the light for portraits.

TIP: Make sure you visit the location beforehand and plan your locations for the portraits. Go at the same time when you are planning the photoshoot to see where is the light. 

2. Light.

If you are shooting only with available light, make sure you position your subject in a good light. If you are out shooting during midday, make sure your subject is in such a position that her body shape is very well lit. Normally, I would say the sun would be slightly behind the subject. You are shooting into the shadow.

If you have an overcast day, great and easy. No matter where you go you will have a nice soft light. If you want to introduce more punch to your portraits, you could get some off-camera flash lighting. 

Experiment with your light. Try to do a variety of portraits. Do some backlit portraits to add some more dramatic pregnancy photos. 

3. Variety of maternity portrait poses.

When you shooting outdoors it is pretty hard to achieve a variety of poses. Mum would mainly be standing and it is pretty much the same belly hugging pose. I would change the variety by either changing the dress or changing the locations. Going to the beach, then grass area, then rocks etc.

Add dad into the photos. It is not an option for dad not to be in photos, I always ask them to step in. It adds more personality and connection between subjects. 

Do more close up images or change the angle completely. Walk around the subjects to find a new background and the look.

4. What to wear for a maternity photoshoot.

I always recommend wearing clothes which will show off your belly very well.  Nothing too baggy as belly will disappear in clothes. I have maternity dresses or wearing a pair of jeans and a nice top will do it well too.

What you will wear for your photoshoot will greatly depend on where you are shooting and what kind of look mum is after. Some families will prefer very simple, no-fuss clothing and have very simple maternity portraits. Others will want more fancy dresses and make this super special. Some couples want to do a simple walk in the park for photos.

General guidelines always are no stripes across the body, no big logos, if you are wearing a really tight maxi dress, make sure your underwear is not showing through. Especially if the maxi dress is one solid colour. Patterns are fine, but bear in mind that it is harder to show off the belly if you have a load of flowery patterns going on. The eyes will be looking at the dress, not really you. You could have one dress like that, but the simplicity and timeless appeal are always the best way to go.

5. How to change dresses during outdoors pregnancy photoshoot.

After a few of my outdoors photoshoots, I quickly realise I need a solution to dress changes during photoshoots. I was fed up walking back to the car for the change or clothes. Especially if mum would want like 3-4 changes. Too much hassle and waste of time. Also, it restricts you how far you can go. 

So I bought a collapsible standing tent. It was an amazing investment and I love it. You have to practise a bit of how to fold it down so in front of the clients you don’t like a bit silly fighting a collapsable tent :) 

We would take a bag or maternity dresses and head out. You carry a bit more, but you don’t need to keep coming back.

6. Outdoor photoshoots with kids and dogs.

I don’t get this too often, but here and there I would have siblings or pets attending the maternity session too. I love it and it comes with its own set of challenges. I always recommend bringing with you an extra person who can look after the sibling or the dog. I’m afraid dad won’t cut it here as I need him for photos too :) 

We could possibly take some essential portraits, and then they could be moved to the car or fold out the blanket and play on the side while we take the portraits.

7. Extra tips I have learned.

Little Things That Make a Big Difference

These might seem like small details, but they can have a big impact on the flow of the session and mum’s comfort.

Flying fabric photos
If mum wants that stunning, dramatic shot with the fabric flying in the air, make sure the dress has a long train. The longer and lighter the fabric, the more volume and movement it will have when tossed, often with dad helping. I usually do this in the studio, but I’m excited to start trying it outdoors too.

Cover-up for walking to the location
Since maternity dresses can be revealing, it’s a great idea for mum to bring a bathrobe or long cardigan to wear while walking to the shooting spot. This is especially useful on windy days, when she might get cold or the dress could fly up a bit too much.

Towel for sitting poses
Bring along a plain towel in a neutral or coordinating colour, either dark or light, depending on the dress. This can be laid down for any sitting poses to keep the dress clean and mum comfortable.

Printed pose ideas
Having a printed list of pose ideas or inspiration shots is a smart way to stay organised. It helps mum understand what you’re aiming for and keeps the session flowing smoothly without too much back-and-forth.

Hope these tips will help with your next outdoor maternity photo session. Enjoy shooting and check out my other guides. DIY Maternity photography is a great one for indoor maternity sessions.