Find your maternity photographer
On Graindevue, you'll find photographers who specialize in maternity portraits. They understand the best timing, flattering poses for pregnant bodies, and how to create images that celebrate rather than simply document.
Why book on Graindevue?
Transparent pricing with no surprises
Maternity photography pricing varies widely, and unclear packages create stress during an already demanding time. On Graindevue, every photographer displays complete package details: session duration, number of edited photos, delivery timeline, and what's included versus extra.
No commissions inflate prices. Photographers pay a flat subscription fee to use the platform, which means the displayed price is the fair price. Compare packages across photographers knowing you're seeing actual costs.
Secure contracts that protect everyone
Each booking generates a detailed contract specifying image rights, cancellation terms, and deliverables. Sign electronically in minutes, creating legal protection for both you and your photographer.
The contract addresses real concerns: What happens if you need to reschedule due to pregnancy complications? What are the delivery timelines? Who owns the images and what can be done with them? Everything is documented before any money changes hands.
Flexible payment options
Pay in two installments: a deposit at booking to secure your date, then the balance according to agreed terms. Multiple payment methods work—card, bank transfer, or check—whatever suits you.
This structure lets you book early (when photographers are most available) without paying everything upfront during an expensive time.
How it works
- Explore portfolios from photographers who specialize in maternity work. Look for styles that resonate with how you want to remember this time.
- Connect through our messaging system to discuss your vision, ask questions, and confirm availability around your due date.
- Book with a personalized contract and protected payment. Your date is secured, and you can relax knowing everything is organized.
Tips for your maternity session
When to schedule your session
Timing matters for maternity photos, and there's a sweet spot most photographers recommend.
The ideal window: 28-34 weeks (7th-8th month)
At this stage, your bump is beautifully prominent without the extreme discomfort of late pregnancy. You can still move relatively comfortably for varied poses. The belly shape photographs well—round and obviously pregnant rather than ambiguous.
Book your photographer at 4-5 months
Don't wait until you're in the ideal window to start looking. Good maternity photographers fill their calendars, and you need time to research styles, communicate preferences, and schedule around your photographer's availability.
Contact photographers early, agree on an approximate date, and plan to confirm the exact timing as your pregnancy progresses. Most photographers expect some flexibility around due dates since babies follow their own timelines.
Avoid waiting too long
Past 36 weeks, many women experience significant discomfort, swelling, and difficulty with certain poses. Early arrivals happen too—booking for 38 weeks and delivering at 37 means missing your session entirely.
Studio or outdoor session?
Both approaches create beautiful maternity portraits, with different moods and considerations.
Studio sessions offer:
- Controlled lighting for consistently flattering results
- Privacy for intimate poses or exposed belly shots
- Climate control—no weather concerns
- Wardrobe changes without logistical complexity
- Focused, efficient sessions
Outdoor sessions offer:
- Natural light with a softer, more organic feel
- Meaningful locations (where you met your partner, your favorite park, your future nursery's garden view)
- More casual, lifestyle-oriented images
- Varied backgrounds within a single session
Home sessions offer:
- Maximum comfort in your own space
- Incorporation of nursery setups
- Intimate, documentary-style images
- No travel during late pregnancy
Discuss location options with your photographer. They'll recommend settings that match your vision and their style.
What to wear for maternity photos
Your wardrobe shapes the look and feel of your images significantly.
What works beautifully:
- Form-fitting fabrics that show your bump's shape
- Flowing dresses and gowns that create elegant movement
- Solid colors in jewel tones or soft neutrals
- Coordinated (not matching) outfits if your partner joins
- Layers that allow you to adjust coverage based on comfort
What to consider:
- Comfort matters most—if you're adjusting constantly, you'll look uncomfortable
- Bring multiple options; seeing them on camera helps you decide
- Nude or underwear shots (if desired) work better on toned skin
- Your photographer may have studio wardrobe options available
Practical prep:
- Moisturize your skin for days beforehand (especially your belly)
- Consider professional hair and makeup if it makes you feel special
- Manicure your hands if close-ups featuring your belly and hands are planned
- Rest well the night before—exhaustion shows in photos
Including your partner and children
Partner involvement: Many expecting mothers want some solo shots and some with their partner. Couples photos capture this chapter of your relationship—the anticipation, the connection, the shared excitement. Discuss with your photographer whether your partner should arrive for the full session or join partway through.
Existing children: Including siblings creates images that document your whole family's expansion. Keep their portion brief—young children have limited patience—and plan their appearance when they're typically in good spirits.
Consider having someone available to entertain kids during your solo or couple portions so everyone gets the focus they deserve.
Beyond the bump
Think about what you want these photos to represent when you look at them in 10 or 20 years.
Some mothers want primarily glamorous portraits—beautiful, editorial images celebrating their pregnant form. Others prefer lifestyle documentation—reading in the nursery, cooking in the kitchen, ordinary moments during an extraordinary time. Many want both.
Communicate your priorities. Your photographer can weight the session toward whatever feels most meaningful to you.
What to expect during your session
Typical session flow
Most maternity sessions last 1-2 hours. Here's what typically happens:
Arrival and settling in (10-15 minutes): If at a studio, you'll arrive, meet your photographer, and discuss the plan. If outdoors, you'll meet at the location and do a quick walk-through.
First setup (20-30 minutes): Usually solo portraits in your first outfit, with varied poses and angles.
Wardrobe changes (as planned): If you're doing multiple looks, you'll change outfits between setups.
Partner/family portions (if applicable): Often scheduled mid-session so they're not waiting too long.
Final poses (15-20 minutes): Wrapping up with any specific requests or variations.
Your photographer will guide you through poses. Don't worry if you feel awkward—professionals know how to position you for flattering angles, and they'll adjust until things look right.
Physical comfort during the session
Pregnancy is physically demanding, and photo sessions involve standing, moving, and posing. Good maternity photographers:
- Include rest breaks without being asked
- Offer water and comfortable seating between setups
- Suggest poses that work with your current comfort level
- Never push you to do anything that feels wrong
Communicate openly about how you're feeling. A skilled photographer adapts to your physical state that day.
Frequently asked questions
What if I go into labor before my session?
Most maternity photographers have policies for early arrivals. Some offer postpartum sessions instead, focusing on newborn and family photos. Others provide credit toward future services. Your contract should address this scenario.
When you book, specifically ask about policies for early delivery or pregnancy complications requiring bedrest.
Can I do maternity and newborn photos with the same photographer?
Many maternity photographers also specialize in newborn photography, and booking both sessions together often provides package savings. This also creates consistency—same style, same photographer relationship, same editing approach across your maternity and newborn images.
Ask about combined packages when you book your maternity session.
How many photos will I receive?
Typical maternity sessions deliver 20-50 edited images depending on session length, outfit changes, and package tier. Some photographers offer extended galleries; others curate tighter selections.
Review package details before booking to ensure the deliverable count meets your expectations.
Should I hire a professional hair and makeup artist?
This is personal preference. Professional styling helps many women feel more polished and special, which shows in photos. It's particularly valuable for studio sessions or if you want a glamorous, editorial look.
For natural, lifestyle sessions, your everyday look may be more appropriate. Discuss with your photographer whether they recommend or provide styling services.
What if I'm not comfortable showing my belly?
You absolutely don't need to expose your belly for beautiful maternity photos. Flowing fabrics, strategic draping, and creative posing create gorgeous images while keeping you covered. Communicate your comfort level clearly—your photographer should make you feel beautiful, not uncomfortable.
Capturing this chapter
These months of anticipation pass faster than they feel in the moment. Once your baby arrives, you'll have newborn photos, milestone photos, and years of childhood documentation ahead. But this particular moment—pregnant with possibility, your body holding your child, your life about to change fundamentally—only happens now.
Professional maternity photography captures something you can't recreate later. On Graindevue, find the photographer who will document this chapter beautifully.