3 Great Pregnancy Photo Ideas

When my wife Cindy was pregnant with our first, I remember thinking, “Wow, she is literally glowing...” And of course, as a photographer, my next thought was, “We need to capture this moment.” Lucky for me, she was a willing model, feeling her most confident right from the first shot, (Our second pregnancy, not so much!). Once we started the shoot, it was instant magic and the camera just couldn’t get enough of her.

That’s the thing about pregnancy photos: they capture something that you might not necessarily see at the moment, but as photographers we always know it’s there waiting to be captured. The strength, the beauty, the joy. And when it comes to creating timeless, editorial-style maternity portraits here at Motherly Portraits, we aim to capture all of that.

With every maternity shoot being different from mother to mother, each one has its own style and look. If you're looking for some inspiration, here are three pregnancy photo ideas we love to shoot in the studio, each one designed to make you feel like the star you are.

1. SOHO Style: Sophisticated & Chic

Looking for something with a bit of edge, the SOHO style is for you. Inspired by high fashion and the sleek vibe of New York’s SOHO district, this look is all about clean lines, minimal props, and neutral tones. Think chic, modern, and stylish—perfect for moms-to-be who want to feel like they’re on the cover of a fashion magazine.

What makes SOHO style special is its versatility. We can play with lighting to create dramatic shadows or soft, glowing highlights that enhance your natural beauty. Pair this with a minimalist wardrobe—maybe a form-fitting dress or even a simple draped fabric—and you’ve got a look that screams elegance.

In this shot, we took a leather texture leather jacket and paired it with black lace top-and-bottom lingerie for a bold, yet effortlessly chic vibe. Her damp hair adds an edge, reminiscent of those iconic SOHO street style moments, where fashion looks lived-in and real, but still polished. The combination of textures—leather, lace, and wet hair—gives the image that high-fashion, editorial feel. It’s a look that says ‘confidence’ and brings in a touch of that urban, sophisticated SOHO energy that we love to capture in our studio shoots.

Bodyscape Style: Less is More

This one’s for the mom who loves the idea of something intimate and artistic. Bodyscape photography focuses on highlighting the natural curves and shapes of your body, using light and shadow to create a stunning, almost sculptural effect. It’s about capturing the raw beauty of pregnancy in its purest form.

With “Less is More,” we focus on just that—minimalist setups where your body becomes the artwork. We’ll use soft, moody lighting to emphasize the grace and strength in your form, creating images that feel both personal and powerful. It’s an understated yet deeply emotional style.

Bodysuit Classic Style: Simplicity is Perfection

Sometimes, all you need is a timeless look to make a lasting impression. The Bodysuit Classic style is just that—simple yet perfect. A well-fitted, neutral-toned bodysuit paired with clean backgrounds and soft lighting can create a beautifully elegant look.

This style works wonders because it’s timeless. You don’t need flashy outfits or complicated backdrops to capture the beauty of pregnancy. The focus is entirely on you—your expression, your connection to your baby, and the natural glow that comes with motherhood.

Each of these pregnancy photo ideas offers something unique, but they all have one thing in common: they’re about celebrating you and the incredible journey you’re on. If you’re ready to book your maternity session or have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at Motherly Portraits. Cindy and I would love to help you create memories that last a lifetime!

Interested in Working with Us?

Pregnancy is a moment you’ll want to remember forever, so why not make it special with a studio maternity photoshoot? Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, this is your time to shine. Let’s capture the magic and create memories you’ll love looking back on.

Let’s create stunning, unforgettable images. Contact us today to book your session—you’ll treasure these photos forever!