What to Wear for a Maternity Photoshoot in London
What you wear has a real impact on how your images feel. Here is honest guidance on outfits that photograph beautifully at any stage of pregnancy, and what to avoid. Choosing what to wear for a maternity session is something a lot of people find surprisingly stressful. Pregnancy changes your body in ways that can make your usual wardrobe feel uncertain, and you want to look and feel like yourself at the same time as honouring something quite extraordinary. Here is everything I know about what works. The bump should be the hero The most important thing any maternity outfit can do is show the bump. Loose, shapeless clothing that hides the pregnancy tends to produce images that feel uncertain. Fabric that gently follows the shape of your body, without being tight, almost always photographs more beautifully. You do not need to wear anything revealing. A fitted dress, a soft wrap, or even a simple stretchy top and trousers can work perfectly well. What matters is that the silhouette reads clearly. Colours and textures Soft, muted tones almost always outperform bold or saturated colours in portrait photography. Warm creams, dusty taupes, sage greens, soft terracotta, and dark neutrals all photograph exceptionally well and feel timeless in the finished images. Texture adds interest without distraction. Soft knits, flowing fabrics, and subtle draping all work beautifully. Avoid very shiny or synthetic-looking fabrics, which can reflect light in ways that are difficult to manage. What to avoid Very busy patterns, including bold florals and large prints, which can overwhelm the image Logos or branded clothing Anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. If you are pulling at something, it shows Very stiff fabrics that do not move with you Maternity-specific outfits that feel more functional than beautiful, unless that is genuinely your style Bringing multiple options If you are unsure, bring two or three options and we will decide together at the start of the session. It is genuinely helpful to have a choice, and sometimes the outfit you were less certain about turns out to be the most striking on camera. The outfit you feel most yourself in will almost always produce the most beautiful images. Confidence is visible. Including your partner or children If your partner or children are joining the session, the same principles apply. Aim for a colour palette that works across everyone without being matchy. Soft, coordinating tones look effortless and keep the focus on the relationships and the bump rather than the clothing. Still not sure? Just ask. I am happy to look at outfit ideas before your session and give honest feedback. If you are deciding between two options and want a second opinion, send me a message. Getting this right matters to both of us.