Planning a maternity session and not sure what to wear? We always tell our clients that the best maternity photos start with outfits that feel comfortable, flattering, and effortless to move in. Flowy fabrics, soft textures, and dresses with movement photograph beautifully outdoors - especially during golden hour sessions.
Below are some of our favorite maternity dresses, accessories, and photo props that create soft, timeless images while helping mamas feel confident and comfortable during their session.
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Our favorite
Maternity Dresses for Spring & Summer Photoshoots
Dreamy
open-front Maternity Gown
A soft lace gown with an open front design that beautifully highlights the baby bump while adding gorgeous movement to photos. This style photographs especially well during sunset sessions.
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off-shoulder floral lace maternity dress
This feminine lace dress gives a timeless, light-and-airy look that works beautifully for outdoor maternity sessions. This dress offers 10+ color options, including pink, light blue, & white.
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Elegant
off-shoulder ruffle slim-fit dress
A flattering fitted gown with dramatic ruffle details and an elegant off-shoulder neckline for that elevated maternity look. Colors include sage, hunter green, pink, floral patterns, blue, beige, mustard, black, & white.
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ruffle sleeve cut-out midi maternity dress
Perfect for a more casual and comfortable maternity session while still looking polished and feminine in photos. This dress is perfect for hot summer days, providing good air flow. Offered in various colors.
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summer off-shoulder maternity maxi dress
Lightweight, breathable, and effortless for summer maternity sessions in fields, gardens, or open landscapes. This dress offers a more casual feel, and it's a perfect choice for family maternity shoots.
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chiffon maternity gown with leg slit
This flowy chiffon gown creates beautiful movement in photos and photographs beautifully in the wind and evening light. Unique color options include dusty blue, teal, aqua, champagne, fuchsia, grey, & lavender
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long summer sundress with v neck & back bow tie
This adorable sundress is offered in both solid and soft florals. It has a relaxed silhouette, making this dress perfect for natural, earthy maternity sessions. Our favorite style is the white color - keeping it timeless.
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mesh bishop short sleeve midi dress with belly tie
This dress is suitable for the whole pregnancy - a flattering fitted option with soft mesh sleeves that adds texture and elegance without feeling overly formal. Super comfortable - made of lightweight and soft fabric.
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embroidered tulle maternity gown
This soft tulle gown creates a whimsical, airy look that feels beautiful in open fields and sunset sessions. Ideal for the mamas to be who love being extra and want to create absolutely stunning photos, above & beyond.
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puffy Tulle open-belly statement
gown
Perfect for mamas wanting a dramatic, editorial-inspired maternity look with extra movement and texture. If you want to really make a "new mama" statement, this is the gown for you. There are 40+ color options.
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Flowy long sleeve maternity dress
A beautiful option for mamas who want a little arm extra coverage while still showcasing that soft, elegant, and flattering maternity look. The long sleeves create a relaxed, comfortable feel.
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maternity
Accessories We Recommend
Props
For Maternity Photoshoots
Props don’t have to be elaborate to feel meaningful in maternity photos. Some of our favorite details are things parents already have at home such as sonogram pictures, baby shoes, a special onesie, baby name signs, hats, baby books, blankets, or meaningful gifts from family and friends. These little touches help make your session feel personal and tell your family’s story naturally.
Classic Felt
Letter Board
Simple, timeless, and perfect for personalized pregnancy announcements or milestone photos. You can use these boards to share baby's due date, name, or other unique messages relating to your family.
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Adhesive pearl
belly accents
A fun and unique accessory for maternity photos - these stick-on pearls can be styled on the baby bump for a soft, elegant look that adds a little extra detail to bare belly portraits.
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Lightweight Handmade
Crochet Blanket
A soft, flowy layering piece that can be used for sitting poses, movement shots, or wrapped styling details during maternity sessions. Great accent for both expecting mamas alone, couple shots, and families.
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What Photographs Best for Maternity Sessions?
Over the years, we’ve found that maternity outfits photograph best when they include:
- Soft fabrics like lace, chiffon, tulle, and cotton
- Neutral tones, earthy colors, & soft florals
- Dresses with movement and flow
- Comfortable fits that allow easy movement
- Minimal logos or distracting patterns
We also recommend bringing:
- A second outfit for variety
- Neutral undergarments
- Comfortable shoes for walking between locations
- Accessories like flower crowns or layered kimonos for added texture
Featured Maternity Session Inspo
For Ashley’s maternity session, she chose a soft blush lace gown that photographed beautifully in the early evening light. Flowy fabrics and delicate lace details always create such a soft, timeless look during outdoor maternity sessions.
Ashley also brought a second outfit, a beautiful white dress, to take photos in with her newly-titled husband. This allowed for one session to provide two completely different purposes and vibes.
If you’re planning your own maternity photoshoot, we hope these outfit ideas help you feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful in front of the camera.
Sisters, Owners, & Photographers of Picture Perfect Schatz
Quick Shop: Maternity Dress Favs
Dreamy Open-Front Maternity Gown
Off-Shoulder Floral Lace Maternity Dress
Elegant Off-Shoulder Ruffle Slim-Fit Dress
Ruffle Sleeve Cut-Out Midi Maternity Dress
Summer Off-Shoulder Maternity Maxi Dress
Chiffon Maternity Gown with Leg Slit
Long Summer Sundress with V Neck & Back Bow Tie
Mesh Bishop Sleeve Midi Dress with Belly Tie
Embroidered Tulle Maternity Gown
