Maternity Photo Shoot Outfit Ideas for Couples
Expecting a child is such a special time in your life and in your partner’s life. One way that you can commemorate all of this excitement, nervousness and anticipation is to have a maternity photo shoot with your partner.
But what should you two be wearing? I’m Daria Koso, a Miami-based photographer, and I’ll help you decide with some couple maternity photo shoot ideas that I believe would work really well for you.
Keeping You as the Focus
Whatever you decide to wear, it’s important to keep you and your baby bump as the focus. One way that you can do this is ensuring that your partner doesn’t wear clothes that are noticeably brighter than yours while several of these other couple outfit ideas will also keep the focus where it should be.
Match in Looks
You two should match. So, if you want to have a more casual look, such as by wearing jeans and a simple shirt, then your partner should have a similar casual appearance. Conversely, if you’re planning to wear a formal dress, then they should wear something that’s also formal.
Avoid Logos and Busy Patterns
Wearing clothes that have logos or otherwise busy patterns on them can really take attention away from you and your partner as well as from the overall setting of these photos. Avoid doing so; avoid wearing anything that could be distracting.
That said, subtle patterns or especially small logos could work as long as they don’t contrast with the overall outfit. If you’re in doubt, I’ll be glad to talk with you prior to our scheduled maternity shoot about any logos or patterns that are on clothes that you’re considering.
Consider a Floral Crown
If it fits your style, wearing a floral crown can add an ethereal touch to your maternity shoot.
Be Stylish
Many couples really enjoy having stylish maternity photos taken during their photo session. Some of these outfit ideas include designer gowns and suits, or you could simply add luxurious props or touches to other clothes that you’re considering in order to take them up another notch. Note that the location can also add quite a lot of style on its own.
Themed Maternity Photos
Among the maternity photo shoot outfit possibilities for couples that you could consider would be having your shoot be partially or completely part of a theme.
For example, if your expected due date is around Christmas or if you simply love the holiday, you could have a Christmas-themed photo shoot, whether through what you’re wearing, the strategic placement of a Christmas tree or otherwise.
Also, if you and your partner are sports fans, consider having your maternity photographer take shots of you two wearing clothes that celebrate your favorite team. Holding up a onesie with its logo on it during the shoot is another option.
Of course, summer beach vibes is a theme that you can use for your maternity photo shoot that could be pretty easily done year-round in Florida.
Whatever your passion is, we can make it work.
Dress for the Background
Generally, you have a lot of leeway in the types of colors and clothes that you’ll wear if your maternity photo session will be indoors or otherwise in front of a neutral backdrop. However, if it’ll be an outdoor maternity photo shoot, that’s different. For example, with a background that’s full of nature, you should focus on wearing clothes that are in more earthy tones. Green, blue, brown and gray are potential options.
Silhouette Shots
A silhouette photo can really stand out in any gallery, and that’s true in maternity photography as well. This could be taken at sunrise or sunset – i.e. during golden hour – but it doesn’t have to be then or even be part of an outdoor maternity session at all; a studio session could work.
In any case, you should ensure that you and your partner are wearing generally tighter clothing for this type of shoot as baggy clothes can result in you two having more of an undefined look with your baby bump not being readily apparent.
Colors
The colors that you use for your outdoor or studio photo session are so important for image quality and for setting the tone.
Black or White
You could have a maternity shoot that’s black or white or both. However, it’s usually best that the focus be either black or white, and especially avoid having yourself entirely in black and your partner entirely in white and vice versa. Also keep in mind that black is a slimming color, which can be a positive in many scenarios but isn’t when we want to celebrate your pregnancy.
Same Color Palette
You two should generally wear colors from the same palette. So, if one of you is adorned in gentle, soft colors, the other shouldn’t be wearing bold, bright colors, and if you’re wearing dark tones, they shouldn’t be in light colors. One example of colors that would work well together is you in gray or blue and your partner wearing cream.
In some cases, the same color for both of you can work, such as if you’re both casually dressed in blue jeans, but, even then, you may not want it to be the exact same shade of that color.
Solid Colors
Wearing solid colors is usually best for maternity photo shoots. The main reason why is because what you wear won’t be distracting since those solid colors will result in you and your partner being the clear focuses of the images.
Unsure About Colors?
If you’re unsure about what colors are best for your couple maternity session, keep in mind that soft tones and neutral colors will work in nearly all types of settings. Consider something in soft gray, light blue or a similar color.
Don’t Wear Anything That Could Leave a Mark
Both at the photo shoot and in the hours prior to it, avoid wearing anything that may leave a mark on your skin that could then remain there for the entire session. One of the many culprits of this are maternity jeans, but also be wary of some bras, underwear, shoes and socks. And don’t wrap elastic hair ties around your wrist that day.
Options for You
As for what you should wear specifically, there are several maternity photo shoot outfit ideas that you can consider.
First, think about whether you should wear an outfit that’s more form-fitting or flowy.
The main benefit of something that’s tighter is that it helps showcase the true star of the photo shoot, your baby bump. However, it’s also so important for you to be relaxed and have fun during your photo shoot, and loose-fitting outfits may better create that feeling for you. And I can absolutely get some amazing photos that highlight the right places regardless of what you’re wearing.
In any case, a long black dress, especially if it’s a bodycon dress, could work so well during this type of photo shoot.
Also, a maxi dress will create the beautiful, elegant setting that this day deserves. Long-sleeve pregnancy dresses can be considerations as well.
Some want to wear lingerie during these tender moments. If this describes you, consider pairing it with a cardigan or even with one of your partner’s shirts.
Cardigans can also go well with a casual outfit. An oversized one could be perfect for allowing your baby bump to take center stage.
As for types of fabric to consider, recommended ones include chiffon, silk, soft cotton, lace, tulle and rayon. In particular, a chiffon maternity gown can really make you shine in your maternity photos.
Options for Your Partner
One potential option for your partner is a dress shirt and trousers, a tie too if you’re wanting a formal look to your pictures. Meanwhile, a solid-color t-shirt or sweater and jeans could work really well for more casual photos.
When to Have Your Maternity Photo Shoot
When should expectant parents do their maternity photo shoot? It depends, but a rough timeline to consider is around 29-34 weeks into your pregnancy. In any case, make sure to reach out to your Miami photographer well in advance of then to ensure that the timing will work out well for everyone involved.
If you are considering getting a maternity photo shoot done for you and your partner, perhaps with an eye towards including those beautiful images in baby shower announcements, I’ll be glad to help make this day and these photos special and ones that you’ll always treasure.
