What are the best poses for maternity photography?
Although many pregnant women may not feel camera ready, an experienced maternity photographer can flatter the body in amazing ways.
One of the most flattering angles for maternity portraits is the profile, which showcases the burgeoning belly.
By positioning the mother at a slight angle, photographers can highlight the belly.
Newbie photographers will find photographing the pregnant belly is actually harder to capture than they might believe! The trick is to photograph the belly, while keeping the female shape.
Also, controlled manipulation of light and shadows is important in maternity photography. Shadows and highlights play a key role, helping to define the curves we wish to accentuate, while also discreetly concealing aspects that the mother may prefer not to spotlight.
Scroll for five ideas for flattering maternity shoots:
Pose 1: Hand Cradle
In maternity photography, the classic cradle pose is timeless because it showcases the growing baby bump. Although mama might feel she is big, it actually can be difficult to capture the belly.
In this pose, the expectant mother cradles her baby bump with one or both hands. This pose not only emphasizes her love for the unborn baby, but also beautifully accentuates the curves of the pregnant body.
As with most pregnant poses, it’s best to capture the profile of the belly.
This cradle can also be done with the father’s hands, if it’s a couples maternity session.
Tips to get the best pose:
- Experiment with different angles to find the most flattering angle. Every body and pregnancy is different.
- Encourage the mother to relax her expression, mouth and eyes.
Pose 2: Fabric Throws
Create Elevate the maternity photoshoot by incorporating fabrics or drapes that accentuate the pregnant mother’s belly. This pose allows for creative play with textures and colors, adding drama. Pick colors that align with the baby’s gender (blue or pink) or pick something neutral like purple, red, white, etc.
Tips to get the best pose:
- Choose fabrics that complement the mother’s skin tone or the baby’s gender
- Have a photography assistant throw the fabric. It might take several tries and/or some help with Photoshop!
Pose 3: Bare Essentials
For a classic maternity boudoir style, trying using minimal or no wardrobe. This allows the focus to remain on the beauty of the baby bump and the shape of the mother’s new body. Soft lighting and neutral tones contribute to a timeless style.
Tips to get the best pose:
- Use dramatic, side lighting to control shadows and highlights.
- Keep the background clean. This style should be clean, and focused on the shape.
- Add a reflection in Photoshop or using plexiglass for a fun effect
Pose 3: Incorporate Siblings
If a mother wants to incorporate siblings, it’s best to do it at the end or start of the shoot as their attention span might be limited. At Studio Newport, our maternity sessions include age appropriate hair and makeup for sisters. We also have dresses for girls, to coordinate with mom.
Have the siblings stand or sit beside the mother, with their hands gently placed on her baby bump.
Tips to get the best pose:
- Gently guide children, but don’t try to over pose them as they will give fake expressions.
- Make sure there is a physical connection between the mom and child. This might be through a kiss, or a hand on the belly.
Pose 4: Maternity Silhouette
A maternity shoot is a perfect opportunity for the classic silhouette pose, which accentuates the curves of the baby bump. To achieve a dramatic effect, use a controlled light, to carve out the highlights. This technique not only highlights the contours of the pregnant body but also can hide some less appealing parts of pregnancy such as stretch marks and weight gain.
Tips to get the best pose:
- Experiment with different lighting angles to create dynamic shadows.
- Ensure the background is uncluttered to maintain focus on the silhouette.
Pose 5: Edgy Wardrobe
Infuse a some edge into your maternity photoshoot by incorporating a stylish leather jacket (or something similar).
Drape the jacket over the mother’s shoulders or have her wear it partially open, allowing the baby bump to pop through.
This accessory is still simple, yet adds an element of fashion to the maternity collection.
Tips to get the best pose:
- Choose a leather jacket that complements the overall style and mood of the photoshoot.
- Experiment with different ways of wearing the jacket for variety.