Your body is going through so many changes during pregnancy, and capturing those moments with maternity photos is a wonderful way to celebrate and cherish this special time. To create images that look natural and candid, I’ve got a short guide featuring five simple maternity poses and prompts that you can try solo or with your partner. Whether you prefer to have your partner take the photos, set up a self-timer, or hire a professional photographer, these poses will help document your pregnancy in an authentic and real way.

One: The Modern Prom Pose

This pose is super relaxed and generally pretty easy for anyone to do it. Also, once you get the main parts down – you can do a bunch of variations of it. I like to think of it as an elevated primp pose. Start by positioning your back against your partner’s front and leaning into them, making full use of their support. From there, you can place your hands on your baby bump. This is where you can get a little creative, your partner can go for your bump, wrap you in a bear hug, rest their arm over your shoulders, ect.

Two: The Booty Pop

So, one of the benefits of being 30-35 weeks pregnant is that booty! All jokes aside, you really do have a new silhouette, so this pose is a good way of showing it off. I like it when momma’s try to tackle this photo solo, because we are really highlighting that figure! But of course, there are ways to do this with your partner as well. To do this pose, you’ll turn to your side, showing your profile. Bend the knee closest to the camera forward and rest the hand closest to the camera on your bump. With your hand furthest from the camera, you’ll place it on your hip and just it backwards. This is the most styled pose you’ll do but it really emphasizes your figure.

Three: The Face Grab

I love this pose because you get some genuine reactions out of each other and also incorporate some props if needed. You’ll need your partner for this one – have them stand behind you and wrap their arms around you. One of their arms can go over your shoulders, the other can go to your bump. You’ll rest one hand on your partner and then take your other hand and reach back to touch your partner’s face. From there, have fun with it: go nose to nose, have him give you cheek kisses, or whisper something silly in your ear.

Four: The Toddler Tummy Kiss

If you’re adding to your family, then you’ll want your maternity session to include all your babies. So having your toddlers interact with the new baby is going to be a super sweet photo to capture. One of my favorite ways to make this happen is to prompt your kids with a “On the count of three, you’re going to kiss mommy’s tummy all over as fast as you can!” This is always a little chaotic, but it’s super sweet.

Five: Follow the Leader

Walking is one of the easiest ways to break the photoshoot ice. I actually love to start with this pose. You spend less time worried about standing and smiling and you’re absolutely more focused on not tripping. To make walking photos a little more interesting, I like to have one person lead. While you walk, you’re looking down at the baby, or looking at each other. As the photographer, I like to get all angles of this walk: from the hand holding, to just the bump, to maybe adding in some blur to show motion! 

There you have it. My favorite simple maternity photo prompts help capture natural and candid inspired images for your maternity session! It’s never too early to reach out about your maternity photo. Get in contact with me today to learn more about my packages and pricing!