The maternity photoshoot has become increasingly popular since its inception in the 1990s. People wait with bated breath for the release of celebrity photoshoots, with Beyonce’s shoot for her pregnancy with her twins almost breaking the internet.
But it’s not just for celebrities anymore. With more and more people turning to professional photographers to document this momentous time in a new mother’s life, the maternity photoshoot is the new wedding album. While we don’t all want as dramatic a setting as Beyonce, we all want to mark this amazing time when our body is undergoing incredible changes and creating life. The moment deserves recognition and appreciation, however you want to do it.
So whether you’re into the simpler silhouetted photoshoots or the more dramatic flowing gown, flower crown look, we’ve picked out the top maternity photoshoot incoming trends for you to take your pick or even just get inspired for your own shoot. The photographer wants to capture you and your body in this time, so input from you about your style, your preferences and your aesthetic will all be appreciated and will make the photoshoot seem more you.
Make it a family affair
Is there anything cuter than getting the whole gang in on the action? This was a huge trend back in the 2010s and actually became a little cringey because the whole thing became overdone. People had their other children holding signs saying things like ‘not another one!’ or ‘big brother/sister!’ which dated pretty quickly.
But the more modern photoshoots are like these, timeless, soft, artistic and genuine. Kiera Maxime’s shoot with her little boy coordinates the family in colours the complement the landscape, but it’s not overly matchy-matchy and the colour scheme features classy neutrals and earth tones that makes for a natural look. Unposed and candid shots work best with young children, as we can see form the stunning, simple moment that Francesca Corti caught.
Goddess vibes
This is definitely one for the drama mamas out there! This is a major trend we’re seeing all over the place. ‘Statement’ is the phrase of the season and those who love a more dramatic look are really going for it with these looks. You can either really lean into this trend like Elizabeth Garay does, or try a less statement version that still hypes up the ethereal look.
It’s a nod to the female body and how amazing it is that it can create an entire little human. It plays with the idea of fertility and moves away from the softer, more tender photoshoots in preference of a powerful presence in the photos. This is a trend for a strong and confident woman who isn’t shy about showing off her power.
Black and white
Classic, simple and sophisticated. I think all of us felt our breath was taken away when we saw Rosanna Davison’s maternity shoot a few months ago before her twin boys were born. And that beautiful silhouetted look is a major theme throughout photoshoots at the moment. Vanessa Brown's work echoes that natural feel, playing light and shadow off each other to create a really stunning effect.
Another timeless piece that will look as classic today as it will in twenty years’ time, these are the kinds of photos that will allow photographer to het creative, playing with the light and dark, maximising the artistry and giving you plenty to work with. The sleek lines of Tina Weigl's interpretation an almost classical look of ancient marble statues, making it an incredible piece of personalised art to have in your home.
Nature is the best backdrop
So many photoshoots take place in the outdoor for a reason. The outdoors have their own natural beauty! No need for a backdrop or anything else in the background, nature provides the dramatic setting, especially with sunsets and sunrises providing incredible natural lighting.
Angela Khalil and Nahyun of ‘Lifting Motherhood’ make full use of that natural light and setting, playing with light flares, reflection and movement in their backgrounds. It creates a serene and dramatic look, capturing all of natures beauty while putting the focus on the subject.
Statement gowns
Let your clothes do the talking! Much like the goddess inspired looks, these kinds of photoshoots are all about the power of femininity. Big, frothing, flowing gowns emphasise your bump and create a moody or fairytale feel, depending on your accessories, colour scheme and photographer’s vision.
Channel your inner queen and make these looks your own, like Bryan’s photography that plays up his subject’s fierceness with cascading tulle in a jewel green. Meanwhile, Michelle Perdue plays up her subject’s colours, a deep glowing red that contrasts with her natural surroundings.
Out-of-focus face
If you’re not totally into the whole idea of posing and putting yourself out there, there’s plenty of options to capture this special time in a way that you feel comfortable. You can keep the focus purely on the event – you belly! Frame it well and set it up in an artistic way and it can be just as stunning and ethereal as any of the full-length poses.
It allows you to do something different and standout from the usual, expected kind of photos. Frederica Mazzieri’s photos capture the simple elegance of the moment, framed by a stunning natural background. Heslee’s photo incorporates the subject and their partner into the photo, allowing them to show their personality without having to show their face. The cute touch of the baby shoes with the natural lighting make it the perfect, adorable moment.
Tasteful boudoir
The return of the boudoir shoot means it’s gotten a makeover! More sensual than sexual, it’s all about the body and it’s amazing transformation. Tastefully baring the body, the modern take is less about black lace and more about glowing skin and showing off your new shape.
This look by Mona Marandy is all about playing up your glow, with a simple black background to highlight her body’s change. Nico Nordstrom’s on the other hand, embraces the sensuality of the of the boudoir look. Inspired by classical art, it’s full of draping fabric, luscious flowers and a relaxed, reclined look.
