Pregnancy is an unforgettable experience, and maternity photography is meant to capture that! Chances are, the mama-to-be is already documenting her pregnancy journey on her own – why not go the extra mile to commemorate the occasion with a maternity photoshoot? Take advantage of this precious time, show off the bump and highlight that gorgeous pregnancy glow!
Because this shoot is a big deal (and super time-specific!), it’s natural to feel some pressure as their trusted photographer. The good news: you can totally prep for a seamless shoot by having a solid selection of posing ideas up your sleeve. Keep in mind – the goal here isn’t to snap that perfect pregnancy photo; it’s to authentically capture the feeling of this milestone moment!
Read on for five of the most popular poses for maternity photo shoots that you’ll want to add to your posing list and portfolio, STAT.
Silhouette pose
A solo silhouette pose showing off the bump is a MUST for every maternity photo session!
Have the mama-to-be stand sideways and either cradle the bump or extend her arms out. A good light source here is a must, as it’s needed to create that gorgeous silhouette! For this maternity posing idea, be sure she’s wearing form-fitting clothes with no lines or bunching – this will make for a truly memorable portrait.
Cradling pose
A great way to authentically capture that mother-child connection: the cradling pose!
Have the mother sit or stand with her hands gently cradling her belly. This pose can be captured indoors or outdoors – just make sure you have adequate lighting to really showcase that pregnancy glow!
Sitting pose
Pregnancy can be uncomfortable, and because you want to make your client – pregnant or not – as comfy as possible during their session, a sitting pose is a great option!
Have her sit on a bench or chair with her legs crossed or slightly apart, looking down at her bump. Different angles can help capture that authentic feel, but just make sure you’re using a long lens (85mm, 100mm, 200mm and above) to better capture this important milestone – a wide-angle lens can distort your subject’s frame.
Lying down pose
A lying down pose can be a perfect way to showcase those pregnancy curves and baby bump!
If she’s comfortable doing so, have her lay on her back or side, placing her hands gently on her belly. This serene, peaceful pose is also great for creating movement. Instruct her to gently put her hair behind her ear for a curve of the arm and wrist, or gently move one knee forward.
Family/couple poses
Pregnancy affects the whole family, so be sure to include some shots of the happy couple and the rest of the family – especially the four-legged family members!
Posing a couple leaning on each other back-to-back can be a sweet way to showcase their love and support. For families – especially those with younger kids – have the parents hold the child in their arms so that all faces are at the same height. And for those aww-inducing maternity photos with pets, have Mom hold their favorite treats just outside the shot for a beautiful portrait that has them smiling at her baby bump!
Get free maternity posing ideas – download the Unscripted App
Regardless of the type, maternity photography is meant to capture that beautiful bond between a mother and her child.
And these 5 go-to maternity photo posing ideas are just a starting point! Regardless of the mama-to-be’s personal style, you’ll have countless maternity posing ideas at your fingertips with the Unscripted App. Download it today for free posing ideas for your next sessions!
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