What To Wear For Your Maternity Photoshoot
Keep the attention on you
What you wear matters because it affects the finished portrait.
For maternity portraits, there is one additional consideration:
Your clothing should allow the shape of your body to be seen.
That does not mean you need a maternity wardrobe or a special dress for the occasion.
Simple clothing usually photographs best.
Start with black
Black works particularly well with the way I photograph.
It simplifies the frame, works beautifully against my black studio background and allows light to describe the shape of your body.
Neutral colours can work well too.
Avoid strong patterns, logos, fluorescent colours and heavily distressed clothing.
The clothes should never become more important than you.
You may already own what you need
A fitted top or dress can show the shape of your bump beautifully.
A simple shirt, lingerie, pre-pregnancy jeans worn below the bump or one of my studio fabrics may be all we need.
I also have a small selection of maternity pieces in the studio.
There is no need to buy something simply because you are having maternity portraits taken.
If your partner or children are joining you
Keep their clothing simple too.
Black or neutral clothing works particularly well.
Coordinate rather than match.
The aim is for the people in the photograph to belong together without their clothing becoming the photograph.
A few things to remember
If you plan to show your bump or shoulders, avoid tight clothing beforehand that may leave marks on your skin.
Avoid fake tan and body shimmer close to your session.
Hands feature often in maternity portraits, so simple, neat nails photograph best.
Most importantly, wear something comfortable.
The body is already doing the work.
Read the full maternity photoshoot guide →
Ready when you are
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JOHANNESBURG PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER
One Moment. One Portrait. Forever
© 2005–2026 Bridget Corke Photography
Blairgowrie · Johannesburg · South Africa
International Master's in Portrait Photography
One of only two in Africa.