The BEST Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. To learn more about ’em, click here. Yep, you asked and we listened! Ever since we aired our 101 Tips and Ideas for Couples Photography, 101 Family Picture Tips & Ideas, AND 50+ Tips and Ideas for Newborn Photography, we’ve had several of you asking for MATERNITY photography inspiration. Well, today we are delivering! To make browsing easier for you, we’ve divided the post into 3 categories that you click on to go straight to the content you want!:
40 Maternity Picture Poses10 Maternity Photography IdeasBONUS: Adoption Photoshoot Ideas
This post is seriously PACKED with photoshoot ideas. If you are a photographer, you may also want to check out this guide to maternity photography – it’s even great for beginners! And for all you moms-to-be, we put together this guide of awesome pregnancy announcement ideas that you have to check out! Trust me when I say, you’re going to want to pin this baby right now! Then just sit back, relax, and SCROLL! Okay, all pinned and ready to go? First up is…
Maternity Picture Poses
Maternity Photography Posing Guide
With 40 pose ideas! Including ideas for:
The MomThe CoupleThe Big Brother / SisterThe Whole Family
Your photographer is sure to have great ideas and guidance on posing, but it’s a great idea to find some poses that you LOVE beforehand to show your photographer. That way you’re sure to get on the same page and you’ll be able to capture just the kind of shots you’re looking for and will treasure forever!
Maternity Picture Poses
Maternity Pictures – Front View Picture Poses
1. Front View- Besides the classic belly profile, don’t forget to take a straight-on front view facing the camera.
SOURCES: {A} Chard Photo {B} Ettevy Photography {C} Susanne Ashby Photography {D} K & J Diaries {E} Little Blonde Book 2. Lying Down- Lying on your back is often a very flattering pose and angle to capture.
Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Laying Down Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Allen Kramer on Veronika’s Blushing {B} Kate Benson Photography {C} Kate Elizabeth Photography {D} Kate Benson Photography {E} Ava Marie Photography 3. Belly Profile- Of course, you have to have a classic profile view to showcase your belly.
Maternity Pictures – Belly Profile Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Atonagel Photography {B} Maria Snider Photography {C} Kate Benson Photography {D} Erin Fonnesbeck Photography {E} Kate Elizabeth Photography 4. Peeking- Here’s a fun idea, hide behind a tree, door, or wall with just your belly and face peeking out.
Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Peeking Belly Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} The De Jaureguis {B} Loriana Marie Photography {C} Elizabeth Ann Photography {D} Stine Pedersen Photography 5. Sitting- Here are a variety of fun poses you can try while sitting down.
Maternity Pictures – Sitting Down Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Chard Photo {B} Chard Photo {C} Andria Lindquist {D} Kelly Hicks Design {E} Devon Anne Photography 6. From Above- Ask your photographer is s/he can get a shot from above for a very flattering view of your figure. (It gets rid of that double chin in an instant!)
Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Belly-From-Above Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Carolyn Kipper Photography {B} Susanne Ashby Photography {C} Kensie Lee Photography {D} Carolyn Kipper {E} Kate Elizabeth Photography 7. Silhouette- Try capturing a silhouette for a truly stunning and timeless picture.
Maternity Pictures – Belly Silhouette Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Kelly Hicks Design {B} Heather Sali Photography {C} Susanne Ashby Photography {D} The Red Letter Days 8. Shadow- Have fun playing with shadows for a unique maternity photo.
Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Belly Shadow Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Erin Wallis Photography {B} Jamado Photography {C} Whitney Owen Photography {D} The Image is Found {E} Kate Benson Photography 9. All Belly – Besides the full-body shots, make sure you get a couple close-ups zoomed in on your cute belly.
Maternity Pictures – All Belly Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Yuna Leonard Photography {B} Aria Photography {C} Carolyn Kipper Photography {D} Susanne Ashby Photography {E} Carolyn Kipper Photography 10. Silly- If you’re not the serious type, feel free to get goofy and have fun with it!
Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Silly Belly Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Claudia Farr Photography {B} Heather Sali Photography {C} Casey’s Chaos {D} Atonagel Photography {E} Lucky Friday Studios
Poses For Couples
- Holding Hands- Hold hands while you walk for a candid and natural looking photo.
Maternity Pictures – Husband & Wife Holding Hands Poses
SOURCES: {A} Susanne Ashby Photography {B} Photography by Asiya {C} David Richards Photography {D} Atonagel Photography {E} Laura Murray Photography 12. Back to Back- Stand back to back to really show off your baby bump.
Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Couples Back to Back Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Kelly Klatt {B} B Couture Photography {C} Susanne Ashby Photography {D} Mary Kizina Photography {E} Jessica Blex 13. Face to Face- Lean in until your foreheads are touching for a seriously sweet picture. Maternity Pictures – Couples Face To Face Picture Poses SOURCES: {A} Christine Choi {B} Chard Photo {C} Kelly Klatt {D} B Couture Photography {E} Atonagel Photography 14. Hugging- Get a picture hugging to capture sincere expressions and emotions.
Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Couples Hugging Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Kristin LaRue {B} Carolyn Kipper Photography {C} Claudia Farr Photography {D} Jessica Blex {E} Melissa Gomez Photography 15. Hug from Behind- Having your husband hug you from behind is a great pose for showing off the belly and still feeling natural.
Maternity Pictures – Hug-From-Behind Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Ettevy Photography {B} Chard Photo {C} Chard Photo {D} Susanne Ashby Photography {E} EP Love 16. Side Hug- Try facing the camera while your husband turns away for a sweet side hug.
Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Side-Hug Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Braedon Photography {B} B Couture Photography {C} Chard Photo {D} Lizelle Lotter Photography {E} Carolyn Kipper Photography 17. Kissing- There’s no better way to capture your love on film than with a couple kissing pictures.
Maternity Pictures – Couples Kissing Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Ettevy Photography {B} Kate Benson Photography {C} Christine Choi {D} Kate Elizabeth Photography {E} Yuna Leonard Photography 18. Upside Down Kiss- Here’s a fun kissing pose that is great for showing off your baby belly.
Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Upside Down Kiss Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Lily Love Photography {B} Carolyn Kipper Photography {C} Jamado Photography {D} B Couture Photography {E} Lily Love Photography 19. Forehead Kiss- This pose is great for capturing genuine emotions.
Maternity Pictures – Forehead Kiss Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} The De Jaureguis {B} Nicole Paulson Photography (This photographer no longer has an active website) {C} Lightly Photo {D} B Couture Photography 20. Top of Head Kiss- There’s nothing sweeter than a top of the head kiss, except for maybe a picture that includes a cute baby bump too.
Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Top-Of-Head Kiss Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Erin Fonnesbeck Photography {B} Diana Elizabeth Blog {C} Christine Choi {D} Carolyn Kipper Photography {E} EP Love 21. Hand on Cheek- Placing your hand on your spouse’s cheek is a great way to soften up a picture.
Maternity Pictures – Hand-On-Cheek Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} The De Jaureguis {B} Lightly Photo {C} Carolyn Rife Photography {D} Laura Murray Photography {E} Ettevy Photography 22. Lying Down- Here are several fun poses you can try out lying on the ground.
Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Lying Down Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Chase and Katie {B} B Couture Photography {C} Ettevy Photography {D} Chard Photo {E} Carolyn Kipper Photography 23. Sitting- Trying sitting in between your spouse’s legs or leaning back into his chest.
Maternity Pictures – Sitting Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Kate Elizabeth Photography {B} Erica Williams {C} Chard Photo {D} Heather Sali Photography {E} Christine Naomi Photography 24. Hug Belly- Here are some cute poses that put the focus completely on baby!
Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Belly Hug Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Christine Naomi Photography {B} Ettevy Photography {C} Laura Murray Photography {D} Chard Photo {E} Kensie Lee Photography 25. Silly- Don’t be afraid to get a little silly together for some fun pictures that show off your personalities.
Maternity Pictures – Silly Belly Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Cami Worthington {B} Heather Sali Photography {C} Loriana Marie Photography {D} Kate Elizabeth Photography {E} Kelly Bik Photography
Poses For The Big Brother/ Sister
- Hug Belly- Capture a picture of your son or daughter hugging your belly.
Maternity Pictures – Sibling Hug Belly Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Kensie Lee Photography {B} B Couture Photography {C} Elizabeth Ann Photography {D} Jen Driesbach {E} B Couture Photography 27. Kiss Belly- You don’t even have to get them to look at the capture if you ask them to kiss your tummy.
Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Sibling Kiss Belly Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Jamado Photography {B} B Couture Photography {C} Wild Whim Photography {D} Diary of a Fit Mommy {E} Live Joy Photography 28. Sitting on Belly- Let your toddler sit on your growing belly with this darling pose.
Maternity Pictures – Sibling Sitting On Belly Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Live Joy Photography {B} Nicole Paulson Photography {C} Atonagel Photography {D} Susanne Ashby Photography {E} Maria Snider Photography 29. A Little Fun– Don’t forget to have a little fun with your little mini during your maternity photo shoot!
Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Sibling Fun Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Carolyn Kipper Photography {B} Evin Photography {C} Kate Elizabeth Photography {D} Ashley Nicole Johnson Photography {E} Connection Photography
Poses For The Whole Family
- Standing- Here are a variety of wonderful family standing poses.
Maternity Pictures – Family Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} M Houser Photography {B} Carolyn Kipper Photography {C} Jamado Photography {D} Chard Photo {E} B Couture Photography 31. Sitting- Try one of these creative sitting poses while interacting with your family.
Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Family Sitting Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Evin Photography {B} Rebekah Westover Photography {C} M Houser Photography {D} Jessica Hamlin Photography {E} Kate Benson Photography 32. Kissing- Snap a shot of the whole family sharing some love.
Maternity Pictures – Family Kissing Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Chard Photo {B} M Houser Photography {C} Dave Richards Photography {D} Live Joy Photography {E} Carolyn Kipper 33. Hugging- Hugging poses are great at capturing your family’s personalities and expressions, and you don’t even have to have the kids look at the camera.
Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Family Hugging Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Cozy Clicks Photography {B} Chard Photo {C} Eric Kelley {D} Christine Naomi Photography {E} Jeanna Hayes Photo 34. Hands on Belly- Have every place a hand on mommy’s belly.
Maternity Pictures – Family Hands On Belly Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Aria Photography {B} Bambini Photography {C} Evin Photography {D} Drew B Photography {E} Nicole Paulson Photography 35. Silhouette- Arrange the lighting and timing to capture a family silhouette that you’ll treasure forever.
Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Family Silhouete Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Jamado Photography {B} Atonagel Photography {C} Jamado Photography {D} Wildflower Photgraphy {E} Chard Photo 36. Playing- Get a photo of your family playing and interacting together.
Maternity Pictures – Family Playing Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Carolyn Kipper Photography {B} Erin Wallis Photography {C} Chard Photo {D} Kate Benson Photography {E} Chard Photo 37. Holding Hands- Here’s a simple pose, just line up and hold hands.
Maternity Pictures – Family Holding Hands Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Rebekah Westover Photography {B} Devon Anne Photography {C} Aria Photography {D} Christine Naomi Photography {E} Chard Photo 38. Mom in Front- Focus on mom’s belly in the foreground, with the rest of the family in the background.
Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Atonagel Photography {B} Brooke Ashley Photography {C} Jamado Photography {D} Kate Benson Photography {E} Maria Snider Photography
Maternity Photography Ideas With Props
- Umbrella– Use an umbrella to capture shadows or just add a fun pop of color.
Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Umbrella Prop Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Carolyn Kipper Photography {B} Allyson Cheney with epagaFOTO {C} Nicole Paulson Photography 40. Book- Get a picture with your favorite baby book, like Guess How Much I Love You, Are You My Mother?, I Love You Forever, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Maternity Pictures – Book Prop Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Whit Meza Photography {B} Kelly Hicks Design {C} Ettevy Photography {D} Kathleen Amelia Photography {E} Tammy Cedar Photography 41. Balloons- Colored balloons are a great way to incorporate the baby’s gender. These giant, round balloons always photograph beautifully!
Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Balloon Prop Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Carolyn Kipper Photography {B} Christine Choi {C} Diary of a Fit Mommy {D} Baby Bliss Photography {E} Nicole Paulson Photography 42. Chair- Use a decorative chair for different posing options.
Maternity Pictures – Chair Prop Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} The De Jaureguis {B} Kelly Hicks Design {C} Braedon Photography {D} Casey Martinez Photography {E} Kate Benson Photography 43. Letters- Spell out your baby’s name, gender, or any message you like! You can grab some ready-to-paint MDF letters here.
Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Letter Prop Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Nicole Paulson Photography {B} Chard Photo {C} Kristin LaRue {D} Ashley Nicole Johnson Photography {E} Chard Photo 44. Sonogram- Bring along your baby’s sonogram for some sweet, personalized pictures. This is the perfect frame to use for the first photo.
Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Sonogram Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Live Joy Photography {B} Devon Anne Photography {C} Susanne Ashby Photography {D} Ashley Nicole Johnson Photography {E} Allen Kramer on Veronika’s Blushing 45. Baby Clothes- Aren’t these photos showcasing baby’s clothes just adorable? We found some great plain white onesies for gender neutral, blue onesies, and pink onesies.
Maternity Pictures – Baby Clothes Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Ettevy Photography {B} Nicole Paulson Photography {C} Melissa Gomez Photography {D} Tiffany from Sarah Pudlo & Co {E} M Houser Photography 46. Bump Sign- Draw attention to your cute bump with a traffic “Bump” sign. You can get your very own here!
Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Bump Sign Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Nicole Paulson Photography {B} Julie Parker Photography {C} Trish Barker Photography {D} Nicole Paulson Photography 47. Flowers- Flowers a great prop because they are natural, but still add color and interest to the photo.
Maternity Pictures – Flower Prop Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Connection Photography {B} Bumble Alley Photography {C} Nicole Paulson Photography {D} Backyard Boutique {E} B Couture Photography 48. Pet- If you have a pet, why not bring him along to sneak into a couple of pictures?
Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Picture Poses With Pets
SOURCES: {A} Ettevy Photography {B} Nicole Paulson Photography {C} Drew B Photography
BONUS: Adoption Photo Shoot Ideas
- Globe or Map- Use a map or globe to show what area of the world your baby is coming from.
Adoption / Maternity Pictures – Globe Prop Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Justin and Hannah {B} Jillian Burden {C} Jessica Overholt {D} Arielle Elise Photography {E} Jessica Overholt {F} Jessica Overholt 50. Sign- Use a sign to create your own personal and heartfelt message to your baby. A simple, ready-to-paint chalkboard like this would work perfectly! It will be a picture s/he will keep forever. Don’t forget your chalk markers.
Adoption / Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Sign Prop Picture Poses
SOURCES: {A} Arielle Elise Photography {B} Justin and Hannah {C} Justin and Hannah {D} Arielle Elise Photography {E} Justin and Hannah And there you have it! More ideas than you’ll ever know what to do with. {Told you it was worth the pin.} We did our very best to find and link to the original sources of each photo, but if you see a photo that is not linked correctly, please let us know so we can fix it. We definitely want to give credit where credit is due. We are so grateful for these wonderfully talented photographers who capture memories so beautifully! If you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to check out all our other photography round-ups… 101 Family Picture Tips & Ideas 50+ Tips & Ideas for Newborn Photography 50 Tips & Ideas for Spring Photography
