Maternity photography is always changing and new trends are always emerging. I’m giving you an insider’s look at what’s popular right now in maternity photography, and how you can incorporate these trendy Pinterest inspired aesthetic into your sessions to create a stunning maternity photo album and maternity photo gallery during your next photoshoot. Also, I’m sharing examples and inspiration to help you plan your maternity photoshoot.
Earthy Aesthetic
More expectant moms are choosing outdoor spots like forests, beaches, and gardens for their photoshoots. The natural scenery perfectly highlights the pregnancy glow and creates a peaceful, natural vibe. The beauty of the surroundings enhances the overall aesthetic, making the photos feel serene and timeless.
Adding flowers, leaves, and other botanical touches to your outdoor maternity session is also a hit! Flower crowns, floral arrangements, and nature-esque photo props bring a little whimsy flair to your session. These elements add that earthy, organic feel you’re craving to your maternity session, and draw a parallel to the beauty of nature, and motherhood.
The combination of outdoor settings and botanical elements results in stunning, memorable maternity photos that celebrate the natural beauty and joy of pregnancy in a unique and enchanting way. This is a trending topic on Pinterest too – check out some of the earthy outfit aesthetic inspiration there too if you’re wanting to have your earthy outfit tied into your photo session aesthetic!
Minimalist Aesthetic
Minimalism is all about keeping things simple and elegant. Think clean lines, neutral colors. This style is all about letting your natural curves, shape, and growing baby bump shine when it comes to photography!
Clear lines and neutral colors like whites, grays, and beiges, or some contrast with blacks and browns. Think natural home aesthetic – but in clothing choices! This look is fresh and uncluttered, and yet makes such a statement! I enjoy sessions that tap into more of the minimalist vibe because it lets us lean into the intimate moments of pregnancy and celebrating motherhood in its purest form.
As a multi-talented photographer, I am always open to adjusting the style of the session according to your comfort level and your preference. I’ve photographed hundreds of clients – and some mamas-to-be who want to celebrate their pregnant bodies in a boudoir maternity or nude pregnancy session as well and this is another direction you can take this aesthetic.
Hygge Aesthetic
Whether it’s a family session, maternity session, newborn session, or something else – home is always where we feel the most comfortable and relaxed, right? So it should be no surprise that the hygge aesthetic (cozy vibes) is a goal for pregnant moms who want to do an in-home maternity session. Hygge aesthetic sessions allow for more intimacy where you can be dressed up, down, or even lean into more boudoir or nude photos too if you choose, due to the privacy of being in your own home for your maternity photos. But really, it’s about the environment and mindset for this type of aesthetic.
Hygge likely will encourage more relaxed, cozy, and lifestyle maternity photos. It’s an entire mood, and I’m here for it! It can be simple poses, like lounging on the couch, preparing a meal in the kitchen, or doing a sweet family activity at home (like baking with your older kiddos). You can also get creative and fun with this too – featuring some of your favorite pregnancy food craving foods – and snack away in your session!
Dreamy Aesthetic
Lighting is everything…whether it’s in your home and you’re trying to master that cozy lighting, or you’re taking that perfectly timed selfie with the golden hour sunlight. Lighting can bring your photos to the next level. That’s exactly why this dreamy aesthetic has become so popular in maternity.. and it starts with light.. but that’s not all! It’s all about those dreamy feels that make you feel all sparkly,and magical! We’re talking that ethereal glow that feels like something out of a magazine.
This is one of the most magical times of your life, and it seems fitting you’d want to lean into that magical and dreamy aesthetic for your pregnancy photos. This means you’ll feel glowy, serene, and radiant! Whether you do soft golden hour light or do high contrast dramatic lighting that accentuates your silhouette, it’s hard to go wrong! It creates those awe-struck images that you aren’t going to forget any time soon. The kind you want to get printed on a huge canvas in your home because you’re so proud of how divine you look!
A note for the dreamy aesthetic – this is a great one to pre-plan with your photographer because there may be certain editing styles (haze, motion, tint/tone) that you want to ensure your photographer is willing to do. Not all photographers are the same, and some prefer certain styles of editing or lighting, so make sure to communicate with your photographer about what you’re looking for and give them examples or create a mood board on Pinterest!
Sentimental Aesthetic
Alright, where are all my sentimental ladies at? If you’re someone who loves a good sappy love story.. this is for you! The Sentimental Aesthetic is the perfect way to bring in props that mean something to you and have memories or stories attached (or soon will), like baby shoes, ultrasound images, family heirlooms, and letters. These are quite popular in maternity photoshoots because they bring in that extra layer of meaning!
This can even be an opportunity for you to share about you and your partner, and how you became parents, or about your own love story! Or maybe it’s even in a special location that is meaningful to you both – like your favorite ice cream shop, or where you had your first date, or the place where you first crossed paths. Get creative and make it meaningful for you. These sessions are great to start brainstorming about before booking so you can have some ideas ready to share with your photographer!
Goddess Aesthetic
More expectant mothers are choosing unique and eye-catching maternity gowns. Whether you’re searching for a designer maternity gown, or looking for an everyday option – there are no ends to the goddess aesthetic. Stunning gowns and maternity dresses often show off flowing fabrics, intricate details, ruffles, lace, and fitted elegant silhouettes that make you (as a mom-to-be) feel like a GODDESS! And that’s the goal right? You are stunning – and your body is doing so many amazing things and changing every day. You deserve to celebrate!
For studio sessions, ask your photographer if they have any dresses you can borrow or rent for your session! I have a few maternity gowns and outfits in my closet that I lend to my clients to wear during their studio sessions. I also recommend still bringing a couple of outfits that you like and know for sure fits well with your body and your personality – just to be safe!
Real pregnancy talk for a minute though…
Also, let’s be real… I get it…it’s normal to also not always feel your best, or ready for photography during your pregnancy. I’ve been there! Feeling big and uncomfortable during pregnancy can be a bit overwhelming, but trust me, this is a chapter in your life that deserves to be celebrated and remembered, and you will want to look back on it. Consider a maternity session as a love letter to yourself and that precious little one growing within you.. truly!
You’re not just capturing your pregnancy glow; you’re freezing a moment in time when your body is doing something absolutely miraculous. Your kids will look at those portraits one day and see the superhero that you are – their first home, their first love.
Alright, well I’m convinced these trendy maternity photo themes and aesthetics are bound to help you capture your perfect maternity photos with the photographer of your choice! I challenge you to try something new and add a little twist on the traditional maternity photos by embodying one or more of these aesthetics!
Start planning!
Ready to get to planning and booking your maternity session? I’m with ya!! If you’re traveling to or living in the Bay Area – you can book your San Francisco Bay maternity photoshoot today at minianna.com/book
Want to see more examples of maternity photoshoots in the San Francisco Bay Area? Check out my maternity portfolio here: www.minianna.com/maternity
I share more about the magic of maternity (and why I love helping mamas capture these special moments) at minianna.com/blog/the-magic-of-maternity
Are you a pinner?! Follow me on Pinterest to see more of my work, and more of my inspiration and aesthetic ideas!
