Congratulations!. Documenting your pregnancy is likely something you really want to do, but can also feel quite intimidating. The trick is to make the environment of your maternity session do the heavy lifting for you. Both in-home and outdoor sessions work for maternity. One isn’t better than the other; they just create different outcomes and can influence the feel of your images. This is a guide to help you decide which option feels right for you so you can confidently approach your maternity session.
In-Home Maternity Sessions
At home, the session leans on window light and the spaces you already spend time in. It might be the nursery you’ve spent lots of time planning and preparing, a quiet corner, or simply your living room or front porch. Maternity photos at home can bring a calm, grounded feel to your images.
Why you might choose this option:
- No need to travel
- Privacy if you feel uncomfortable being photographed in public, or if you want to bare your belly (entirely optional) and don’t want to do that outside
- Children and pets can come and go as they please.
- Flexible timing, since we aren’t tied to sunset or early morning
Things to keep in mind:
- Your home doesn’t need to be spotless. I only need a few clear spaces with good light.
- Even small or darker rooms can work – one window is often enough
Outdoor Maternity Sessions
Outdoors, the setting adds variety and scale. Beaches are a popular choice in Melbourne, especially at sunset when the light is soft. A walk on the beach helps things feel relaxed, and some women choose to get into the water for images.
Why you might choose this option:
- Wide, open backdrops and seasonal variety.
- The setting can do the heavy lifting and help you feel less of the focus
- Golden hour light is beautiful for showing off bellies
- More space for movement and interaction, especially if you’re including your partner or children.
Things to keep in mind:
- Weather can change, but rescheduling is always an option.
- Sunset timing can clash with younger children’s routines.
- I choose quieter times and locations to minimise distractions.
Solo or Family Sessions
Maternity sessions can focus just on you, or include your partner and children.
- Solo: The focus is just on you and your growing baby. At home, this often feels calm and simple. Outdoors, it can feel more expansive. Either way, the environment helps take pressure off you being the centre of attention.
- With partner: Both indoors and outdoors work, depending on whether you prefer a relaxed home setting with a cup of tea in your own space or a casual walk outside.
- With children: At home, they can dip in and out. Outdoors, they tend to play and explore, which brings natural interaction. If children are included, you’ll need to book your maternity session as a family session to allow for a little extra time. We’ll still get plenty of you and your pregnant belly.
What to Wear
What you wear changes how your bump looks on camera.
- Consider if you want to show your belly with closer fitting clothing or would like to hold a more flowy dress to show off your belly shape.
- Cotton, linen and knitwear photograph well.
- Black can flatten dimension, while mid-tones and lighter shades show shape more clearly, but if you like wearing black and feel most comfortable in black, it’s completely fine!!
- Choose clothing you can sit, walk and move in comfortably.
- Consider if you want to have an option that shows your bare belly, eg a robe.
When to Book
The best time for maternity photos is between 28 and 35 weeks. Your bump is well defined, but you’re still likely to feel comfortable moving around. Booking ahead gives you flexibility if the date needs to shift.
Final Thoughts
Both in-home and outdoor maternity sessions have their strengths. At home, the focus is on interesting light and your own space. Outdoors, it’s about the backdrop, timing and more movement. Whichever option you choose, the aim is the same: thoughtful images that reflect this stage of life in a way that feels natural to you.
