Mother with pink fabric swirling around her during her maternity photoshoot in Milton Keynes

What to Wear for Your Maternity Photoshoot

Oct 9, 2025 | Maternity

One of the first questions I get from expectant mums is:
“What should I wear for my maternity photoshoot?”

I completely understand — your body is changing every week, and it can be hard to know what will photograph beautifully while still feeling comfortable and true to you.

The lovely thing is, you don’t need to worry about buying anything special for your session — I’ve got you covered!

At Purple Rose Photography, I have a carefully curated wardrobe of beautiful maternity gowns, including flowing tulle dresses, elegant fitted styles, and luxurious fabrics we can use to create those soft, romantic, or dramatic looks you see in my portfolio.


💫 Flowy, fitted, or a mix of both

The key to stunning maternity portraits is variety.
I always suggest bringing (or choosing) two or three different looks so we can capture all sides of your personality and pregnancy journey.

Here’s what works beautifully on camera:

  1. Flowing gowns — these move gracefully and highlight your bump while adding a romantic, ethereal feel.
  2. Fitted dresses — perfect for showing off your shape and curves with confidence.
  3. Draped fabric looks — using my studio fabrics, we can create bold, editorial-style portraits that feel powerful and timeless.

I’ll guide you through each look, adjusting lighting and poses to flatter your shape and help you feel relaxed and radiant.


Photo of pregnant mum to be in a tulle gown at her maternity photoshoot on Milton Keynes
Photo of a pregnant mum to be at her maternity photoshoot in Milton Keynes, wearing a pink tulle maternity dress

🌿 Colours that photograph beautifully

Soft, neutral tones always stand the test of time.
Cream, beige, blush pink, sage green, pale blue, and warm earthy tones all work beautifully and flatter every skin tone.

If you’re drawn to more drama, deeper colours like burgundy, forest green, or navy can look breathtaking — especially when paired with my sheer tulle or flowing fabric backdrops.

The goal is to create images that feel elegant, timeless, and true to you — not something you’ll look back on and regret because of a loud pattern or trendy print.


🧡 Finishing touches that make a difference

Little details can elevate your session effortlessly:

  • Jewellery: Simple and meaningful pieces — wedding rings, a delicate necklace, or sentimental bracelets work beautifully.
  • Hair & makeup: Soft curls and natural makeup always photograph best. If you’d like, I can recommend trusted local artists who specialise in maternity sessions.
  • Nails: A neutral manicure looks lovely for those close-up bump-holding shots.
  • Underwear: Nude or strapless options work best under my gowns and fabrics.

👨‍👩‍👧 Including partners and children

If your partner or children are joining you, I’ll help coordinate outfits so everything complements beautifully.

For example:

  • If you’re wearing a soft cream or blush gown, your partner could wear beige or pale grey.
  • For family photos, stay within a similar colour palette so your bump remains the focus.

You’ll never need to guess what to wear — I’ll send guidance before your session and have everything ready when you arrive.


📸 Studio or outdoor — both are stunning

If you’ve booked a studio maternity session at my Milton Keynes home studio, you’ll have access to all my gowns, fabrics, and accessories — everything from soft lace to layered tulle to dramatic flowing material for those artistic, high-impact portraits.

If you prefer an outdoor maternity session, we’ll choose outfits that flow beautifully in the natural light — perfect for golden hour sessions in the Milton Keynes countryside or local parks.


💌 Final thoughts

Your maternity photoshoot is about so much more than “just” photos — it’s about celebrating how strong, beautiful, and incredible you are right now.

You don’t have to worry about what to wear or how to pose — I’ll take care of everything.
All you need to do is show up, relax, and enjoy this moment.

Let’s create something magical — elegant, emotional, and uniquely you.

👉 Book Your Maternity Photoshoot
👉 Learn About Our Newborn Sessions

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