Your new baby is almost here! Chances are you’ll want to document every moment of your child’s life, so why not start with maternity photos? These sessions are a great way to capture the joy and anticipation you feel as you prepare for the new addition to your family.

 

But sometimes maternity photos can all seem similar. You scroll through Pinterest and see the same ideas and poses again and again. How can you make your maternity images show off your personality and stand out from the same old photos?

 

Lucky for you, we have tons of suggestions on how to do a maternity session your own way. Here are just a few of our favorites!

 

Combine boudoir and maternity

Who says pregnant women aren’t sexy? Your body is amazing. You’re actually growing a human being! If you’re really feeling yourself—or really want to feel gorgeous—a boudoir session can be the perfect way to show off your baby bump and feel sexy.

 

Let older siblings say hello

If you have older children, including them in your maternity photos is always a great idea. It gets them more excited about the new baby and helps them feel involved. Plus, it can make for some adorable images. One of my favorites is the old tin can telephone, with your older child listening on one end while you hold the other end to your baby bump. How cute is that?

 

Choose backgrounds that pop

We’ve all seen maternity photos on the beach or in a picturesque field, but what about a more urban and modern setting? Choose a favorite art museum or mural in your city or town to pose in front of and get photos that stand out!

 

Bring props that represent you

Have a favorite hobby or sports team? Bring a prop to your session to represent your favorite things and show off a little of your personality in your maternity photos. (And maybe your loves will transfer to your new addition!)

 

Capture the nursery

You’ve worked hard to create your dream nursery, so why not include it in your photos? Lifestyle images of you in the nursery are always fun, and you can even capture a few photos of you adding books to the shelf or putting toys or clothes away in anticipation of your due date.

 

Show off your cravings

Is there a food you can’t get enough of? Bring it along as a prop for your photos to capture some fun images of you chowing down.

 

Go vintage

Who said your photos have to be modern? Re-create a fun look from your favorite time period with vintage clothes and props. The perfect excuse to go thrift shopping!

 

Choose a seasonal activity

If your maternity shoot falls during autumn, visit a pumpkin patch or apple orchard. If it’s a winter session, build a snowman with your partner. The season can give you great ideas for props and scenery!

 

Highlight your silhouette

Show off your bump in black and white with a striking silhouette in front of a window or other light source. These photos are always stunning!

 

Celebrate your culture

Whether you and your partner come from the same cultural background or different ones, showing off your baby’s heritage can be a great way to honor the family you’re creating together.

 

Include the family pets

You’re probably not the only one excited—or anxious—about the impending arrival of a new addition! Adding the family pets to your maternity session can make for fun photos!