Family Maternity Photoshoot in the Studio

Maternity photography · Clothing & styling

Which dress shows off your bump best? Which colours photograph well, and how do you coordinate your partner’s or children’s outfits? This practical guide will help you choose an outfit that makes you feel comfortable, confident and completely yourself.

At a glance

The best choice is usually a comfortable, stretchy outfit that gently follows the shape of your bump. Avoid clothing that hides your bump completely, restricts your movement or draws attention away with large logos and busy prints. Choose colours and fabrics that suit you, and subtly coordinate your family’s outfits.

Start with your style

Decide on the look you want first

Before choosing a dress, blouse or skirt, think about the mood you would like your photos to capture. Do you love light, soft, minimalist images? Would you prefer a classic, elegant look? Or do bold, dark studio portraits feel more like you?

The location matters too. An outfit for a relaxed studio session may be different from what you would wear for an outdoor photoshoot in Ghent or East Flanders. Feel free to share examples you love beforehand. This helps us plan the clothing, background, lighting and poses together.

Explore our maternity photoshoot in Ghent for more information about the experience, guidance and options available.

Show the shape of your bump

A stretchy dress or top that follows your bump without feeling tight highlights your pregnancy and often creates the most striking results. Fitted does not mean restrictive: your outfit should stay comfortable and move with your body.

Choose flowing fabrics thoughtfully

A long, flowing dress can add movement and softness. Just make sure the fabric still follows the shape of your bump. A very loose dress with lots of volume can hide it instead.

An important distinction: a fitted maternity dress is an excellent choice. What we advise against is clothing that is so tight or small that it pinches, leaves marks, restricts your movement or makes you feel self-conscious during the photoshoot.

A calm, coordinated look

Which colours work well in maternity photos?

Plain, well-coordinated colours keep the focus on your face, bump and emotions. Choose a shade that complements your skin, the background and the mood you want for your photoshoot.

Light and soft

Cream, beige, pale pink, sand, light blue and soft greens create a calm, timeless look.

Rich and elegant

Burgundy, emerald green, navy and warm earthy tones work beautifully for bold or more dramatic portraits.

Best avoided

Neon colours can cast unwanted colour reflections onto your skin and quickly dominate the image.

Maternity photography in Ghent

All you need to do is be yourself.

We help with clothing, lighting and poses, so you can relax in front of the camera and take home timeless images.

Jaweed Studio · Charles de Kerchovelaan 193, 9000 Gent · By appointment only

• Clothing and styling advice beforehand

• Gentle guidance with every pose

• Partners and children are welcome

Texture in photographs

The fabric determines how your outfit drapes

Fabric texture is more noticeable in photographs than you might expect. Stretchy materials follow the shape of your bump beautifully. Chiffon, soft crêpe, satin and delicate tulle can add texture, movement and elegance.

Both matte and shiny fabrics can look stunning when they suit the chosen lighting and mood. Above all, avoid fabrics that feel uncomfortable, crease easily or do not drape well around your body. Bold lettering and large logos can distract from you and your bump.

• Stretchy, comfortable fabrics for fitted looks

• Chiffon for soft movement and an elegant look

• Satin or other shiny fabrics for a luxurious effect

• Subtle textures for extra depth without visual clutter

The finishing touches matter

Underwear, accessories and a well-planned backup outfit

A beautiful outfit works best when you have also planned what to wear underneath and thought through the small details.

Choose underwear that works with your outfit

For light-coloured clothing, bring skin-tone underwear, preferably seamless. Check at home whether straps, edges or colours show through the fabric, and make sure everything stays comfortable when you sit down.

Let one detail stand out

A delicate necklace, a meaningful piece of jewellery, a soft scarf or a small personal item can make the image feel uniquely yours. Choose one thoughtful accent rather than several bold accessories at once.

Put complete outfits together at home

Lay out the dress, underwear, shoes and accessories for each look together and take a photo. Still unsure? Send your options beforehand or bring one carefully prepared backup outfit.

In the frame together

Coordinating outfits with your partner and children

Coordinating does not mean everyone has to wear exactly the same thing. Instead, choose a palette of two or three colours and subtly repeat those shades across the different outfits.

Cream, beige and warm brown, for example, create a soft, natural feel. White, light blue and navy look fresh and classic. For an outdoor session, olive green, sand and cream often work beautifully together.

Keep your partner’s and children’s outfits a little more understated so you remain the main focus of the photograph. Would you like warm images of you all together alongside your maternity portraits? Explore our options for family photography and special moments.

Studio or outdoors?

Match your outfit to the location and season

More control and more variety

In the studio, we have full control over the lighting and background. This allows for fitted dresses, minimalist outfits and delicate fabrics. You can also take your time changing outfits.

Consider the weather and freedom of movement

For an outdoor session, temperature, wind, terrain and ease of movement all matter. Bring an extra layer and comfortable shoes for moving between photo locations.

Compare at a glance

What do we recommend, and what is best avoided?

Use this table as a quick check when choosing between outfits.

For the day of your photoshoot

Practical clothing checklist

• Try your outfit on beforehand while sitting, standing and moving.

• Bring suitable underwear that will not show beneath each outfit.

• Check all family outfits together in natural light.

• Transport clothes on hangers to minimise creasing.

• Bring no more than one or two carefully prepared looks.

• Avoid tight socks or clothing that leaves marks just before the shoot.

• Bring comfortable shoes for an outdoor session.

• Take photos of your options beforehand if you would like advice.

Further reading

More inspiration for your maternity photoshoot

Maternity photography in Ghent

When is the best time for maternity photos?

Beautiful maternity poses for mums-to-be

Browse all articles about pregnancy and special moments.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about clothing for your maternity shoot

Choose comfortable underwear that creates as few visible lines as possible beneath the fabric. With light-coloured or thin clothing, seamless underwear that matches your skin tone usually gives the smoothest finish. Check beforehand how your outfit looks when you sit and move, too.

Yes. Ideally, take a photo showing the complete outfit, including shoes and accessories. This helps us assess which colours, fabrics and fits best suit the mood you have in mind.

Bring both complete outfits if your chosen session allows for this. Keep the dress, underwear and accessories for each look together so we can choose quickly and calmly on the day.

A subtle piece of jewellery, a soft scarf or a small personal item can be enough. Choose one meaningful detail rather than several large accessories that compete with your face and bump.

Ideally, transport clothes on hangers and avoid wearing tight socks, watches or clothing that leaves noticeable marks just before the session. Keep delicate fabrics in their garment bags until shortly before the photos are taken.

Jaweed Studio · Ghent

Chosen your outfit? Let’s create timeless images together.

You can discuss your clothing options beforehand so the colours, fabrics, background and lighting work beautifully together. During the photoshoot, you will receive gentle guidance on posture, hand placement and expression.

Jaweed Studio · Charles de Kerchovelaan 193, 9000 Gent · Visits by appointment only