Pregnancy Photoshoot Safety Tips: What To Know About Maternity Poses
It’s common to see a beautiful maternity photograph online and think:
“I’d love to recreate that pose during my maternity photoshoot.”
Sometimes that’s possible. But a pose that feels natural for one mum-to-be may be uncomfortable or unfamiliar to another.
We have photographed expectant mums who are experienced dancers or regularly practise yoga or Pilates and are comfortable with movements and positions that most people wouldn’t normally attempt. That doesn’t mean the same pose is appropriate for everyone.
During a maternity photoshoot, getting a particular photograph should never be more important than your comfort and safety.
Here are a few practical things to consider when showing your photographer a maternity pose you would like to try.
Planning your maternity photoshoot?
See our Maternity Photoshoot packages, studio options and what to expect.
1. Your Previous Experience Matters
Some of the more unique maternity photographs you see may involve women who already have considerable experience in dance, yoga, Pilates or another physical activity.
One of the mums we’ve photographed, for example, had been dancing for more than a decade and wanted to incorporate movement into her maternity portraits because dance was an important part of her life.
She already understood her own flexibility, balance and range of movement.
The aim wasn’t to turn her into a dancer for the photograph. The photograph reflected something she was already comfortable doing.
2. Don’t Attempt An Unfamiliar Pose Just For A Photograph
If you’ve never performed a particular movement before, a maternity photoshoot isn’t the time to attempt it simply because you like how it looks in somebody else’s photograph.
Show the photograph to your photographer instead. Often, the idea or feeling behind a pose can be adapted without recreating the exact position.
3. Tell Your Photographer About Relevant Experience
If you regularly practise dance, yoga, Pilates or another activity and would like to incorporate that into your maternity photographs, let your photographer know.
It helps us understand the types of movement you’re already familiar with and the photographs you’re hoping to create.
Equally, tell us if there are movements or poses you would prefer to avoid.
4. A Reference Photograph Is Inspiration, Not A Template
You’re always welcome to show us maternity photographs you like.
We use them to understand the style, mood or pose you’re drawn to rather than treating them as something that must be copied exactly.
The final pose may be adjusted according to what feels comfortable for you, your range of movement and how the position photographs from different angles.
5. Simple Maternity Poses Can Still Be Very Flattering
You don’t need an unusual or physically demanding pose to create a beautiful maternity portrait.
Many maternity photographs are created through relatively small adjustments to body angle, posture, hand placement and lighting.
See our Maternity Photoshoot Posing Guide for examples of how maternity posing works.
If You’re Unsure, Check With Your Healthcare Professional
Your photographer can guide you photographically, but isn’t the person to determine whether a particular movement is medically appropriate during your pregnancy.
If you’re unsure whether you should perform a particular movement or position, check with your healthcare professional rather than attempting it specifically for the photoshoot.
Planning Your Maternity Photoshoot?
If you have particular maternity poses or reference photographs in mind, feel free to show them to us. We’ll use them to understand the look you’re hoping for and guide you through poses that suit your session.
👉 View Maternity Photoshoot Packages
👉 See Our Maternity Photoshoot Posing Guide
👉 Browse Maternity Photography Portfolio
