How to Feel Comfortable in Maternity Photos
When I was pregnant – awkward and clumsy – I wish someone had told me how to feel comfortable in maternity photos! Instead I stood there, full facing the camera, hands dangling at my side, and smiling uncomfortably at the camera. I promise, it doesn’t have to be awkward or uncomfortable. Your maternity photography session can be incredibly empowering!
Tip 1 – Outfit
Finding the right dress or outfit is so important for the overall feel of your maternity pictures. This should be am important consideration when prepping for your maternity photos. If your going with a flowy dress, I would recommend it be fitted around the bust to give you some shape. If you go flowy, it’s also important to keep a hand on your belly to show off that bump!
Another option is to rock those curves and go for a more fitted look!
If it feels authentic to you, another option is to go for a dress that opens to show your belly. (I have many of these in my client closet). Even small details like the way your skin changes during pregnancy can be so beautiful for your story! Stretch marks, linea nigra, the way your belly button is suddenly an outie, can be perfect details to fill out your maternity session. Not every woman will feel comfortable bearing these vulnerable changes in their bodies. If you’re on the fence, feel free to browse this article about one woman’s experience with stretchmarks.
Tip 2 – Strike a Pose!
I know… I’ve been there… if you’re like me, the last thing you want to do when you’re 30 weeks pregnant is “pose” for the camera. I’m just going to give you a few quick tips on how you can stand to accentuate all the great parts of your pregnant figure, and hide the parts you might not love. If you take a few minutes to practice these before your session, you can come in confident and feel comfortable for your maternity photos!
Turn away… but just a little
There will be times I’ll have you stand completely facing me, and times I’ll have you have your side towards me, and these are all for specific reasons. Most of the time, however, it’s best to be somewhere in between. This highlights your belly in the most flattering way!
Pop a knee
Once you’ve turned a bit, I’ll have you put your leg that’s towards me up on your tippy toe. Just a bit… this gives your whole body a gorgeous “S” shape.
Minor tweaks
I’ll have you do little changes here and there to give you some variety in your gallery, but if you remember these two basics, you’ll be in great shape! But don’t worry, it’s literally my job to watch for all these things. If you forget in the moment, I’ll help you. I will also be moving around you to get the best angles without interrupting the moments you’re having during your session. And you know I’m all about authentic moments!
Tip 3 – Hands
This is a follow up to tip one. Basically, repeat this throughout the session. When in doubt, rub that belly! Try to never have your hand dangling at your side. Your pictures will have so much more emotion and feeling if you show connection. And in photography, we do that with hands! For example, have one hand on your belly, and one holding your dress. Both hands on your partner. One hand on your belly and one brushing your hair from your face.
Again, don’t worry, I’ll be watching this closely and giving you gently prompts. But if you keep rubbing that belly, you’ll be in great shape!
Tip 4 – Mindset
During your session, it is so important to come in feeling your best mentally. For your session, you have full permission to forget to daily stress of life, work, pregnancy, motherhood, etc. This is your time! I’ll step back frequently and give you time. Close your eyes and picture your baby. If you know it, think of their name. Rub your belly and feel their kicks, hiccups and wiggles, and just imagine how those same things will feel when they are in your arms. When you breath in, imagine what their hair will smell like… that newborn smell that is unlike any other. If you have other children… soak them in. Look at them and take a mental picture of them at this age. Think about them as babies and all that they have learned since. Feel all the feels!
Tip 5 – Focus on your Partner!
If your partner is joining your session, take sometime to love on them! Have them rub your belly, hold their hands, look into their eyes and show them how excited you are! I love stepping back and giving couples time together to think about and celebrate their new family member. Having another person there with you can go a long way to make you feel comfortable in your maternity photos!
At the end of the day, just remember that this is your time. I will be watching all the details for you, but just having these little details in the back of your mind can make all the difference, and really help you feel comfortable and confident in your maternity photos! Check out one amazing maternity session at the Martinez Waterfront!
Jenn Chen is a family, maternity and newborn photographer in the Walnut Creek area. While she works with families of all sizes, she specializes in working with young children and toddlers (she has a 2 and 4 year old of her own!). Jenn has been photographing families since 2017 but has had a passion for photography since she was a child. Jenn has a photography studio in downtown Martinez which is currently open for newborn sessions and children’s portraits.
Jenn is a member of NAPCP and as of 2024 was recognized as a “Master of Family Photography” based on her current portfolio. As of 2025, Jenn was accepted as one of NAPCPs California ambassadors. Jenn is also a member of Nikon Professional Services.
What advice can you give to mothers who feel isolated or lonely in their parenting journey?