If you think all maternity photos are the same, think again. Just like any other photo session, your maternity shoot should be about capturing your personality and celebrating your unique and wonderful pregnancy journey. Check out these 10 ideas for making your maternity photo shoot your own.

Go graceful with a flowing dress

If you’re looking for stunning imagery, consider wearing a flowing maternity dress with a long train. These dresses come in almost any color and look beautiful in outdoor maternity shoots when they’re caught by the wind. This simple yet beautiful shoot idea is a great way for the mom-to-be to feel beautiful in her last trimester.

Show off your silhouette

Maternity photos are all about the beauty of pregnancy, and a cool way to capture your baby bump is with photos of your silhouette. These high-contrast photos can be taken outside in front of a sunset, in a studio, or even in your home in front of a window. No matter where you choose to take your photos, the silhouette shot is a lovely way to capture the miracle of pregnancy.

Choose an unexpected location

Sometimes the best locations are the ones you wouldn’t normally think of for photos. Instead of going for a park or field, consider the natural wonders of your area, whether that’s a mountain backdrop, a gorgeous hiking trail, or a secluded spot on the beach. Talk to your photographer about their favorite less common spots for photos and be open to trying something new.

Mix it up

When you think of maternity photos, you may think of an expectant mother holding her belly and smiling, but your session is what you make it. Don’t be afraid to try different poses, whether serious or silly. Let your personality show! After all, these photos are all about you and your pregnancy journey, which is different for every woman. Find poses, shots, and locations that are meaningful to you or help tell your unique story.

Take advantage of golden light

Timing is everything when it comes to natural light photos, and one of the best times to take maternity photos is during “golden hour”—just before sunset. As the sun goes down, everything is suffused with a beautiful golden glow, which is the perfect setting for your maternity photos. If you want to get these stunning images, be sure to talk to your photographer about the best time of day to schedule your shoot so you don’t miss the light.

Get in close

While it’s wonderful to have full-body photos, sometimes closeup images can be the sweetest ones! Whether taking photos with a partner or on your own, ask your photographer to capture some closeup images of your hands and belly. You never know what unique shot might end up being your favorite!

Consider staying at home

Not interested in going out and walking through a field for your maternity photos? Consider an in-home shoot where you can be more comfortable and more yourself. This also gives your photographer an opportunity to snap more natural, candid photos of you and your family as you prepare for your baby’s arrival. You can even take some photos of the nursery to capture the anticipation of waiting for your little one.

Don’t say no to the studio

Natural light photos are incredibly popular right now, and a lot of people think that studio photos are outdated or cheesy. But studio photos are so much more than a cheap backdrop at the local mall. Photographers have complete control of lighting and backgrounds in their studio, allowing them to capture images that perfectly reflect your personality and beauty. If you have your heart set on an in-home or outdoor session, go for it, but don’t be afraid to give a studio session a try.

Take it to the streets

Your outdoor maternity session doesn’t have to stick to fields and lakes. Instead, consider going a little more urban by strolling the streets of your local downtown. Murals, cafes, shops, and even graffiti can make for incredible backdrops to your images, and you still get all the color and brightness of natural light with a fresh, more modern look.

Do what you love most

Are you an avid reader? Do you love to garden? Maybe you play piano or work with rescue animals. Whatever you love, consider incorporating it into your maternity photos. Whether it’s wearing a jersey for your favorite team or bringing your dog along to your session, express the things that matter most to you—and the things you can’t wait to share with your child.