What to Wear for Maternity Photos: A Beach & Outdoor Styling Guide

One of the first questions almost every maternity client asks me is, “What should I wear?” The right clothing can make an outdoor maternity session feel effortless, especially when we're working with the soft colors, movement and natural light of the beach.

If you're planning maternity portraits, you don't need to purchase an entirely new wardrobe or arrive knowing exactly what photographs well. Wardrobe planning is part of the experience.

During my New Hampshire maternity photography sessions , I help clients plan their clothing, location and overall look before we ever begin photographing. I also provide complete posing direction during the session, so you don't need modeling experience or confidence in front of the camera.

Start With Clothing That Shows Your Shape

Maternity portraits are one of those rare occasions when I don't recommend trying to disguise or minimize your shape. Your pregnancy is exactly what we're celebrating.

Both fitted dresses and flowing gowns photograph beautifully, but they create very different looks.

A fitted dress emphasizes the shape of your bump and can feel clean, modern and elegant. A flowing gown creates softness and movement, particularly outdoors where we can use a little breeze to our advantage.

What Colors Work Best for Beach Maternity Photos?

The beach already gives us a beautiful palette of sand, water, sky and changing evening light. Your clothing doesn't have to match those colors, but it should work comfortably within them.

Colors that photograph beautifully outdoors include:

• Cream and ivory
• Soft blue
• Muted green
• Dusty rose
• Taupe and beige
• Soft gray
• Burgundy and wine tones
• Muted earthy colors

Lighter neutrals can create a soft, airy feeling, while a deeper color can look incredible against a neutral shoreline.

The goal isn't necessarily to match the beach. It's to choose a color palette that feels intentional within the landscape.

Flowing Fabric Is Beautiful Outdoors

Movement is one of the reasons I love outdoor maternity photography.

Your dress moves. Your hair moves. The water moves. Even a small breeze can completely change a portrait.

Chiffon, tulle and other lightweight fabrics can photograph especially well because we can work with that movement instead of trying to control every part of it.

We can create quiet, intimate portraits and more dramatic images simply by changing the way you're standing, walking or interacting with the fabric.

Bring More Than One Look

My maternity sessions generally last about an hour and allow time for approximately two to three outfits.

You don't need three elaborate maternity gowns.

We might begin with something fitted and simple, transition into a flowing dress and finish with a softer or more relaxed look near the water.

Changing your wardrobe can give us a completely different look without having to move to another location.

Maternity clients also have access to gowns from my client wardrobe. We'll discuss your options before the session so you're not trying to figure everything out on your own.

What Should Your Partner Wear?

If your partner is joining the session, coordinate rather than match.

If you're wearing a soft neutral gown, for example, your partner might wear khaki, gray, navy, cream or another understated color that works with your outfit.

For beach maternity portraits, I generally recommend avoiding:

• Large logos
• Busy patterns
• Neon colors
• Distracting graphics
• Identical matching outfits

The goal is for everyone to look connected without making the clothing itself the focus of the photograph.

What Should Children Wear?

The same idea applies when children are included.

Soft textures, simple dresses, neutral shirts, khakis and understated colors tend to photograph beautifully outdoors.

Comfort matters too. A perfectly coordinated outfit isn't helpful if your child is miserable wearing it.

At the beach, bare feet can also look completely natural and keep the portraits relaxed.

Don't Forget What Goes Under the Dress

This is an easy detail to overlook when you're concentrating on the dress itself.

Depending on your wardrobe, you may want to bring:

• Nude seamless underwear
• A strapless or convertible bra
• Nude shapewear, if you prefer it
• Nipple covers for backless or sheer pieces

If we're using a sheer gown or fabric, we'll discuss what will work underneath it before your session.

Keep Jewelry and Accessories Simple

Maternity portraits usually don't need a lot of accessories.

Small earrings or a meaningful necklace can be beautiful, but large statement jewelry, watches and other distracting accessories can pull attention away from you and your bump.

Simple usually photographs best.

What Should You Bring to a Beach Maternity Session?

The finished photographs may look effortless, but we're still working with sand, wind, water and New England weather.

A few practical things can make the experience much easier:

• Comfortable shoes for walking to the location
• A towel
• Water
• A sweater or cover-up for between photographs
• A hairbrush or comb
• Lip color for quick touch-ups
• A bag for belongings you don't want sitting in the sand

You may be barefoot for much of the actual session, but comfortable shoes make getting to and from our shooting location much easier.

What If You Have No Idea What Looks Good on You?

That's completely normal.

Most of the women I photograph tell me they aren't models and don't know what to do with their hands. You don't need to.

Before your session, we'll talk about the look you want, your clothing, location and who will be photographed with you. Once we're shooting, I'll guide you through posture, hands, movement and expression.

My job isn't to turn you into a model. It's to understand posing, light and angles well enough that you can relax and enjoy being photographed.

When Should You Schedule Maternity Photos?

Maternity portraits are generally scheduled between 28 and 34 weeks.

At this point, your pregnancy is usually well defined while the session can still be completed comfortably. If you're expecting twins or have other timing considerations, we may want to schedule earlier.

Outdoor maternity sessions are scheduled around evening light, and weather flexibility is especially important when we're planning a beach session.

Planning a Beach or Outdoor Maternity Session in New Hampshire?

Whether you're picturing a flowing dress by the water, golden evening light in a field or a completely different look, we'll plan your maternity session around the style you love.

I photograph maternity sessions for families throughout Southern New Hampshire and the Greater Boston area. Studio sessions are also available at my private Salem, New Hampshire studio if you'd prefer a more controlled environment with professional lighting and no weather concerns.

Learn more about my New Hampshire maternity photography sessions or view my maternity portfolio for more examples of studio and outdoor maternity portraits.