50 Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas

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Get ready for some serious maternity photography inspiration! Today we’re sharing 50 stunning maternity photo shoot ideas! We’ve got SO many photoshoot ideas for maternity pictures like pose ideas, outfit ideas and more! You’re pregnancy photoshoot just got a whole lot better!

The BEST Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas

various couples showing of maternity picture ideas

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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!:

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

images of women and couples showing ideas for maternity photo posing

Just for YOU, we’ve put together the ULTIMATE…

Maternity Photography Posing Guide

With 40 pose ideas! Including ideas for:

  • The Mom
  • The Couple
  • The Big Brother / Sister
  • The 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.

5 photographs of pregnant women in different maternity poses

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

Pregnant Women Showing Maternity Poses Lying Down

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

Maternity Poses that Emphasize the Baby Bump

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

Sitting Maternity Photography 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

Maternity Poses for Mothers Taken from Above

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

Maternity Pictures that Show Woman's Shadow

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

Maternity Pictures Belly Close Up

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

Funny and Silly Maternity Photos Ideas

SOURCES:  {A} Claudia Farr Photography {B} Heather Sali Photography {C} Casey’s Chaos {D} Atonagel Photography {E} Lucky Friday Studios

Poses For Couples

11.  Holding Hands-  Hold hands while you walk for a candid and natural looking photo.

Maternity Pictures – Husband & Wife Holding Hands Poses

Couple Maternity Pregnancy photo shoot ideas

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

Wife and Husband Couple Poses for Maternity Session

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

Maternity Photography Pose Ideas for Couples

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

Maternity Photography Inspiration for Couples

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

Hug From Behind Maternity Photo Pose Ideas for Couples

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

5 Couples Showing Side Hug Maternity Pose Ideas

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

Couples Kissing Romantic Maternity Pose Ideas

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

Upside Down Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas with Spouse

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

Several images of couples exchanging a forehead kiss | The Dating Divas
Maternity Couples forehead kisses photo shoot.

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

Husband Top of Head Kiss Wife Maternity Pose Ideas

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

Hand on Cheek Pregnancy Photo Session

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

Couples Lying on the Group During Maternity Photo Shoot

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

Pictures of Couples Sitting for Maternity Photo Shoot

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

Hand Hugging Belly Maternity Session Inspiration

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

Funny Maternity Picture Ideas For Couples

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

26.  Hug Belly- Capture a picture of your son or daughter hugging your belly.

Maternity Pictures – Sibling Hug Belly Picture Poses

Maternity Photoshoot Poses with Older Siblings

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

Pregnancy Photo Pose Ideas with Kids

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

Pregnancy Photo Shoot with Big Brother or Sister

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

Sibling Maternity Picture Photo Shoot Ideas

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

30.  Standing- Here are a variety of wonderful family standing poses.

Maternity Pictures – Family Picture Poses

Maternity Poses for Families

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

Whole Family Maternity photography Ideas

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

Family Maternity Session Photography Inspiration

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

Family Pregnancy Maternity pic ideas

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

Examples of Unique Family Maternity Pictures

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

Examples of Family Silhouette Maternity Photo Shoot

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

Lifestyle Candid Maternity Family Photos

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

Maternity Family Portrait Photoshoot

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

Cute Poses to Add Depth to Maternity Photos

SOURCES:  {A} Atonagel Photography {B} Brooke Ashley Photography {C} Jamado Photography {D} Kate Benson Photography {E} Maria Snider Photography

Maternity Photography Ideas With Props

Maternity Photo Shoot Prop Ideas

Adding some fun and unique props is a great way to personalize your pictures and turn an ordinary photo shoot into an extraordinary one.  Here are lots of fun ideas to get the wheels spinning.
Thank you Amazon prime and 2 day shipping you can have these props (well some of them..can’t buy a dog on Amazon) show up at your door!
Pink Balloons, Blue Balloons, LOVE letters, and Are you my mother?


39.  Umbrella–  Use an umbrella to capture shadows or just add a fun pop of color.

Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas – Umbrella Prop Picture Poses

Women Taking Maternity Photos With Umbrellas

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

Maternity Photoshoot with Various Pictures of Pregnant women reading children's books

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

Maternity Photography Inspiration with Balloons

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

Maternity Photoshoot Pose ideas Using a Chair

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

Maternity Photography Inspiration Including Letter Props

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

Maternity Photos With Couples Holding Sonogram Photo

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

 

Baby Clothes as Prop for Maternity Photo Shoot

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

Maternity Photos with Couples Staning next to Bump Road Sign

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

Flowers for a Maternity Photo Shoot

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

Maternity Photo with Dog

SOURCES:  {A} Ettevy Photography {B} Nicole Paulson Photography {C} Drew B Photography

BONUS: Adoption Photo Shoot Ideas

We're Adopting Photo Shoot Ideas

We just ADORE all of the fun adoption photo shoots that have been popping up on pinterest.  What a great alternative to the traditional maternity photo sessions!  These are pictures you and your baby are sure to treasure forever.

49.  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

Adoption Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas

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

Adoption Photoshoot Ideas Using Sign for Prop

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

Shanelle

I am a reading, singing, shopping queen! (I'm very lucky that my handsome hubby likes shopping as much as I do) Married for 9 years and ready for forever, I love spending time with Brigham (my husband) and our 4 kiddos. I teach high school English during the school year and in the summertime, we love to go on adventures in the great outdoors.

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