What to Wear for Your Maternity Photoshoot

Once we've settled on a date for your maternity session, one of the first things you're likely to wonder is, "What should I wear?"

It's a question I hear often, and understandably so. Your body is changing, your bump is growing, and finding something that feels comfortable and flattering can sometimes be a little harder than usual.

After years of photographing expectant mothers through my maternity photography in Sydney, I've learnt that choosing an outfit doesn't need to be complicated. In fact, some of the most beautiful maternity photographs come from the simplest clothing choices.

I'm drawn to pieces that feel effortless rather than overly styled. Something that sits beautifully, allows you to move freely and doesn't make you feel as though you're wearing a costume for the occasion.

I want you to feel relaxed enough to forget about your outfit and enjoy being in the moment. That's when the most genuine photographs tend to happen.

Choosing fabrics that photograph beautifully

When it comes to maternity styling, I always pay attention to the fabric. The way a material falls, catches the light and moves as you walk can make such a difference to the finished photographs.

Natural fabrics and lighter textures are lovely choices. Think cotton, silk, chiffon, linen or a fine knit. These materials have a lovely quality to them without looking too structured or formal.

I'm particularly fond of clothing with a little movement. A long skirt that trails gently as you walk, a loose sleeve that catches the afternoon breeze or a dress that falls naturally around your bump.

You don't need elaborate details or lots of accessories. Often, it's the simplicity of the clothing that allows the beauty of your pregnancy to take centre stage.

Choosing colours for your maternity photos

Colour is another consideration, particularly for outdoor sessions.

I love photographing in the late afternoon, when the location takes on those beautiful warm tones and the light becomes softer. Choosing colours that sit naturally within the surroundings helps create a lovely sense of harmony throughout your photographs.

• —Soft and neutral: Cream, beige, oatmeal and tan.
• —Warm and earthy: Rust, olive green, caramel and cream.
• —Soft and romantic: Dusty pink, ivory, beige and muted mauve.
• —Natural and relaxed: Sage green, oatmeal, denim blue and white.
• —Rich and warm: Chocolate brown, burgundy, camel and cream.
• —Light and fresh: Soft blue, ivory, pale pink and light beige.

The key is to choose tones that feel a little softened and lived-in rather than overly bright or saturated.

I'd generally steer away from large logos, bold graphics and very busy prints, as they can compete with the natural surroundings.

The idea is to choose colours and clothing that feel natural together, complement one another and allow you to feel comfortable, confident and completely yourself in front of the camera.

Fitted dresses, flowing fabrics or something in between?

The style of dress you choose can give your photographs quite a different feel, so it's worth considering what you're naturally drawn to.

A fitted dress or simple slip creates a lovely silhouette, highlighting the shape of your bump and the beautiful changes your body has been through. I particularly love these styles for photographs that feel close, understated and intimate.

Alternatively, a flowing maxi dress or a relaxed skirt creates a more romantic feel. The extra fabric gives us opportunities to incorporate movement, whether it's walking through long grass, turning into the breeze or simply letting the dress fall naturally around you.

You don't have to settle on just one look, either.

If you're undecided, bring a couple of different options. We can incorporate a more fitted outfit for some photographs and change into something with a little more flow and movement for the remainder of your session.

You don't need to have everything worked out before your session. I'll help you with the details, from choosing location, what to wear, to finding a style that feels right for you. If you love the idea of something more artistic, a fine art maternity session takes a slightly different approach, with a focus on beautiful light, thoughtful composition and more intimate, timeless portraits that celebrate the shape and beauty of pregnancy. I've shared more about this style in my fine art maternity photography.

Should I hire or buy a maternity dress?

If you're looking for something a little different, hiring a maternity dress is worth considering.

There are several dress-hire studios around Sydney with collections specifically designed for pregnancy. It's a lovely way to wear something special for your photographs without purchasing an outfit you may only wear once.

Hiring can also give you access to styles and designers that might otherwise be outside your budget.

Just remember that dress hire is separate from your photography session fee. Before making any arrangements, it's worth taking a look at what a session includes before you commit to one so you have a clear idea of what's included.

Of course, buying something can be just as worthwhile, particularly if it's a piece you'll continue wearing afterwards. A beautiful linen maxi, a silk slip or a comfortable knit dress can easily become part of your everyday wardrobe long after your pregnancy.

Don't overlook what's already in your wardrobe

Before heading out to the shops or spending hours browsing maternity dresses online, have a look at what you already own.

You may have a favourite dress that works beautifully with your growing bump. A simple cotton maxi, a relaxed linen dress or a long skirt paired with a soft top can be all you need.

I love the idea of incorporating something familiar into your session. There's no pressure to look dramatically different or to dress in a way that doesn't feel natural to you.

Sometimes, the pieces we reach for most often are the ones that photograph best because we're comfortable wearing them.

And years from now, when you look back at these photographs, it's lovely to see a version of yourself that feels familiar rather than someone dressed up for a photoshoot.

A few things worth bringing along

I usually suggest bringing a couple of outfits if you're having trouble deciding. A little variety is lovely, but there's no need to pack your entire wardrobe.

A combination of a fitted dress, something flowing, even jeans and your partner's oversized shirt can give us plenty to work with.

A few practical things I'd recommend:

• —Hang your outfits before the session. Keep them on hangers in the car rather than folding them into a bag. Give them a steam beforehand so they're ready to wear.
• —Choose suitable underwear. Seamless underwear in a colour close to your skin is ideal, particularly underneath lighter or more delicate fabrics.
• —Leave the hair tie off your wrist. If you usually wear one around your wrist, pop it in your bag before getting ready so it doesn't leave a mark.
• —Think about footwear. Flat sandals or bare feet are my preference for outdoor sessions. We'll often wander between a few spots, and heels aren't particularly practical in long grass or on uneven ground.
• —Bring something warm. An oversized cardigan, linen shirt or soft wrap is worth having nearby, especially during the cooler months as the afternoon turns into evening.

For sessions around the Hills District, particularly in open reserves and bushland, the temperature can drop quite quickly once the sun begins to disappear. A warm layer is always a good idea, and can also make a lovely addition to a few photographs.

You can read a little more about the settings I love in my guide to outdoor maternity photoshoots in Sydney.

What should your partner and children wear?

If we're including your partner or older children, I suggest choosing your own outfit first and using that as a starting point for everyone else.

Rather than dressing everyone identically, think about colours and textures that sit comfortably alongside one another.

For partners, a relaxed linen shirt, a simple cotton t-shirt, chinos or denim are all lovely options. For children, I tend to favour comfortable clothing in softer colours such as cream, beige, sage, muted blue or denim.

You don't need everyone in matching shades. A little variation makes the photographs feel more natural and gives each person room to wear something that suits them.

I particularly love a combination of different textures and complementary tones. It brings everything together without looking too coordinated or as though you've spent weeks planning everyone's outfits.

Most importantly, make sure the children can move, play and be themselves. Some of my favourite family photographs happen in between the moments we've planned.

If you're including your partner, I've also put together a little more information in my guide to maternity photos with your partner.

Preparing for your session

On the day of your maternity photoshoot, give yourself a little breathing room.

The last thing I want is for you to arrive feeling flustered because you've been rushing around trying to get everything organised.

I'd suggest allowing an extra 30 minutes to get ready. Put on some music, enjoy a cup of tea, have something to eat and give yourself a little time to settle before heading out.

You don't need to arrive with everything perfectly in place. I'll guide you throughout the session, so there's no need to worry about what to do with your hands, where to look or how to stand.

We'll take our time, make the most of the beautiful light and allow things to unfold naturally and organically. If you're drawn to something a little more understated and artistic, you might also enjoy exploring my fine art maternity photography sessions, which offer a different way to document this special time.

A little something to remember

When you look back on your maternity photographs in years to come, I want you to be reminded of what this time felt like. The excitement of waiting to meet your baby, the little movements, the quiet moments and all the anticipation of the life you're about to welcome.

There's no need to buy a whole new wardrobe or choose something overly styled. The best outfits are often the simplest ones, pieces that feel comfortable, suit your style and make you feel beautiful just as you are.

I'll gently guide you along the way, from choosing a location to helping you feel at ease in front of the camera. My aim is to capture this chapter as it unfolds, with all its little details and in-between moments.

So that one day, when you look back, the photographs don't just remind you of how you looked, but take you right back to how it felt to be here, waiting for your little one to arrive.