How to create heirloom maternity images that will last lifetimes

Maternity sessions will forever be my favorite type of portrait photography. Besides being one of the most powerful moments your life, your skin is glowing, your hair is full, and your body is transforming into a full expression of its unique femininity. One of my biggest regrets is not fully documenting my own pregnancies.

Woman in white dress lying in golden grass field with mountain sunset backdrop.

1. Aim for 27-33 weeks

Women's bodies are beautifully different, but typically the ideal time to photograph an expecting mama is between 27-33 weeks, or later in the second trimester. During this window, the belly has defined roundness that gives that draws the eye within the framing many mothers also find that they're still mobile and have plenty of energy. From personal experience, I remember getting less comfortable and holding more water in my third trimester, as my body prepared for birth.


All of this said, if you find yourself in your third trimester and wishing you had booked a session sooner, please reach out. The most important thing is honoring and documenting this moment, the magnificence of the female body, and often a full, beautiful belly so close to the due date carries its own kind of magic.

Pregnant woman in cream dress cradling belly near sunlit red rock canyon.

2. Style & Wardrobe

I've photographed expecting mamas in flowing dresses, torn jeans, and birthday suits. They can all be absolutely beautiful, but it depends on what you want the final gallery of your images to feel like. There are a plethora of websites that sell and rent maternity dresses, and I even have a few gems in my client closet (see below) that are yours to borrow for the session. To feel your most photogenic, consider having your hair and makeup professionally done before your session. Take advantage of this moment in your pregnancy for some self-care and pampering. A pedicure, fresh lip tint, and a natural hairdo can make a huge difference in how you feel on your session day.


Pregnant woman in black off-shoulder gown cradles bare baby bump at golden sunset in open field.
Pregnant woman in orange dress standing on coastal cliffs with turquoise ocean waves and rocky shoreline below.
Pregnant woman in white lace dress standing in desert landscape with mountains and dramatic sunset sky behind her.
Pregnant woman in white lace bohemian gown holds baby bump while standing in lush green garden.
Santa Fe Maternity session, dreamy pink dress and golden aspen grove with dramatic New Mexico mountain backdrop at sunset.

Client Closet

In 2026, I added to my growing collection of adjustable maternity dresses (XS-XL), available to borrow for your photo session. These include a boho, flutter-sleeve lace gown by J&L Designs, a rust-red linen dress, which can open at the belly, by Reclamation, and a feminine floral design by Reclamation. I also have a couple of one-piece skirts that look beautiful with a bare top, bandeau, or elegant shawl.

Pregnant woman in white lace gown poses in colorful desert badlands landscape.
Pregnant woman in red dress sits peacefully among white wildflowers in green field.
Pregnant woman in floral gown smiling over shoulder in sun-drenched desert meadow at sunset.

3. Consider bare belly or nude

You will never regret having images of your pregnant body to look back on, and I have an arsenal of tasteful poses that work for nude or almost nude images. I also have several dresses that can show just the belly for the more modest.

For a more intimate setting, my studio space provides a warm and private setting for mamas who aren't comfortable baring all in the great outdoors.

Artistic nude maternity photo of pregnant woman lying gracefully on dark sandy beach beside rocky cliffs.

4. Incorporate personal touches

Bring along props or items that hold significance to you and your partner. It could be baby shoes, ultrasound images, or even a cherished family heirloom, These items add a personal touch to your final gallery and also memorializes these keepsakes that should be passed down for generations.


Couple sits in golden grass field with ultrasound photos displayed in foreground.

5. Invite your husband and children

This certainly doesn't have to be a solo show. Fathers are always welcome to be in all, some, or a couple of the images of the final gallery at no extra charge. If this isn't your first pregnancy, soon-to-be siblings are often just as excited as mom and dad. And, as always, pups are welcome. Just let me know if you're bringing your canine companion, so that we may choose a location that is dog-friendly.

Expecting couple stands together in vast green meadow under dramatic cloudy sunset sky with mountain views.
Laughing woman in white lace dress holding a child near white rock formations.