Ask any photographer, and I’m betting that the majority of them will tell you that outdoor shoots are more fun. It makes sense – you get to be out in the sunshine and in the fresh air, hopefully at a location that provides a gorgeous backdrop for your portraits. It’s a recipe for great photos and for having fun, which also helps in creating a beautiful portrait…
But if you ask me, I think too many maternity photographers keep things indoors. Now, don’t get me wrong – indoor shots can be wonderful. I wonder, though, why there aren’t more outdoor maternity photo shoots.
Maybe it’s because photographers think a pregnant mom doesn’t want to drive all over the place from one shoot location to the next? Whatever the reason, there’s a case to be made for making more outdoor maternity portraits.
Here are a few creative ideas for getting better results when you take your client outside for her portrait shoot!
Table of Contents
- Simplicity is Key for Your Outdoor Maternity Photo Shoot
- Don’t Stop Shooting During an Outdoor Maternity Photo Shoot
- Your Outdoor Maternity Photo Shoot Can Benefit From Shooting Through Something
- Bring Attention to Mom With Her Wardrobe
- Recommended Gear for Outdoor Maternity Photography
- Gear Up and Get Ready for an Improved Outdoor Maternity Photo Shoot
Simplicity is Key for Your Outdoor Maternity Photo Shoot
Photo by Martin Valigursky via Shutterstock
Remember, the point of the photos you create is to show off mom, her baby bump, and her partner or other children. When you head outdoors, that can be a little hard to pull off, simply because there’s so many colors, textures, shapes, and good light (hopefully!) to tantalize your eye.
But the more details you stuff into the shot, the less prominent your client will be – and that’s definitely not what you want. So, when shooting outdoors, strive to maintain an air of simplicity in the shot. That doesn’t mean you should put the mom-to-be in front of a boring background, either…
All it means is that you need to get creative with how you frame the shot to ensure all eyes are on mom. For example, if there’s a little too much background interest happening, shoot with a wider aperture to ensure the background is nicely blurred. If you feel that mom is getting lost in the space of the shot, simply move forward a few steps to make her the star of the shot.
Photo by Marcos Mesa Sam Wordley via Shutterstock
You might even convert your images to black and white to give the shots you take a simple, yet classic look. In the image above, you can see how the black and white conversion helps simplify the scene. In the absence of color, the bright white of sunlight draws attention to the mom-to-be. This is facilitated by the fact that the background is nicely blurred, which helps set off the subjects even more.
Don’t Stop Shooting During an Outdoor Maternity Photo Shoot
Photo by Mila Supinskaya Glashchenko via Shutterstock
You can spend all the time in the world prepping your clients, giving them direction, and posing them just right, but in the end, at least in my experience, the best outdoor maternity photos are often the ones that happen off the cuff.
Those moments that occur in between the “formal” takes where you’re directing your clients are rife with possibilities for beautiful, genuine images like the one above.
As a result, it’s imperative that you keep shooting. In fact, I’d say set your camera to continuous shooting mode and fire away! By continuing to shoot after you tell your client she can relax, you set her up for a more relaxed and natural portrait. In that moment, you will often find a smile, a kiss shared with her partner, or a sweet interaction with a child that sets the image apart from the rest of the bunch.
These types of candid shots can’t be faked, either. You can tell within an instant that the photo above was captured as a result of continuing to shoot. You’ll likely even find that these natural moments are the ones to which your clients are most strongly drawn.
Your Outdoor Maternity Photo Shoot Can Benefit From Shooting Through Something
Photo by Jon Cartagena on Unsplash (license)
A nice trick to employ when taking a maternity portrait (or any portrait for that matter) is to shoot through something.
Adding something to the foreground of the shot, like the plants in the image above, gives the photo immediate depth. Rather than feeling like a flat, two-dimensional image, the photo becomes a more three-dimensional space, with a better indication of the subject’s relationship to her surroundings.
Additionally, by shooting through something, you can help frame the subject, drawing attention to her, her belly, or both.
In the image above, the stems of the plants provide a masking effect to the subject’s body, helping push the eye toward her face. But notice how this effect is very subtle – you can still see mom’s belly bump.
Perhaps most importantly, shooting through something makes for a much more unique and interesting portrait. A lot of maternity photos simply look the same – the same pose, the same backgrounds, the same positioning of the hands, and shot from the same point of view. By changing things up and putting something between your lens and the model, you give the viewer something that’s more compelling and has more impact right off the bat.
Bring Attention to Mom With Her Wardrobe
Photo by Danie Franco on Unsplash (license)
The beauty of portraiture is that there are all sorts of tricks to bring more attention to the subject. Wardrobe selection is one such factor.
When thinking about the wardrobe for your outdoor maternity shoots, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, try to select items that contrast well with the colors of the scene, as is seen in the image above. The woman’s pink dress stands out against the pale greens that dominate the shot.
Photo by Gift Habeshaw on Unsplash (license)
Second, it’s also a good idea to select wardrobe pieces that contrast with the feel or the mood of the scene. For example, in the image above, the mom’s gown is very delicate, flowing, and quite elegant. But that works gorgeously with an outdoor scene that is full of harsh, stiff elements like the railings on the bridge.
A third wardrobe consideration to make is obviously how things fit. On the one hand, you want mom to be comfortable, but on the other hand, you want the wardrobe choices to accentuate her belly. But none of that comes at the cost of comfort. No mom is going to want to slip into an ill-fitting, uncomfortable maternity gown no matter how badly she wants her pregnancy photos!
Recommended Gear for Outdoor Maternity Photography
To capture the beauty and emotion of a maternity session in the great outdoors, the right gear can make all the difference. From cameras and lenses to light modifiers and accessories, here’s what we recommend to get the most out of your outdoor maternity photo shoots.
Camera: Choose a Reliable DSLR or Mirrorless Body
Photo by Anastassia Anufrieva on Unsplash (license)
For outdoor maternity sessions, you’ll want a camera that handles natural light well and offers fast, accurate autofocus. Full-frame mirrorless models like the Canon EOS R or Sony a7 III are all excellent options, offering beautiful image quality and great dynamic range. If you’re working on a budget, APS-C cameras like the Canon R50 or Nikon Z50 still deliver professional-looking results.
As a side note, buying used gear from trusted online platforms like MPB can help you save money and expand your kit. MPB inspects and grades all their gear, includes a six-month warranty, and offers a seven-day return policy. You can even sell or trade in your old gear to help offset the cost of your new-to-you camera. What’s not to like about that?!
Lens: Go for Versatility and Dreamy Bokeh
Photo by Natalia Kirichenko via Shutterstock
A fast prime lens—like a 50mm f/1.8 or an 85mm f/1.8—is ideal for creating beautiful, softly blurred backgrounds that keep the focus on your subject. These lenses are lightweight and perfect for capturing intimate portraits with shallow depth of field.
If you prefer flexibility in your framing, a 24–70mm f/2.8 zoom lens is a go-to choice. It allows you to switch between wide and tight shots without changing lenses—a big plus when working on location.
Again, you can often find excellent deals on these lenses by shopping used through MPB. It’s a smart way to stretch your budget further without sacrificing quality.
Light Modifiers: Shape the Sun to Your Advantage
Natural light is beautiful but sometimes harsh. A 5-in-1 reflector is a must-have to bounce soft, warm light onto your subject. A collapsible diffuser helps soften direct sunlight, especially during midday shoots. For added control, consider a portable softbox and off-camera flash during golden hour or in shaded environments.
Tripods & Accessories
A lightweight tripod or monopod adds stability when shooting with slower shutter speeds. Don’t forget extras like a lens hood, extra batteries, memory cards, and weather protection—because the outdoors can be unpredictable!
Gear Up and Get Ready for an Improved Outdoor Maternity Photo Shoot
Photo by Kholodovskaya_a via Shutterstock
Outdoor maternity photography is more than just capturing a moment—it’s about celebrating the strength, beauty, and anticipation of motherhood against the stunning backdrop of nature. Whether you’re using golden hour light, experimenting with creative angles, or helping your subject feel confident and comfortable, each small effort adds up to something truly meaningful. With the right mindset, a little planning, and the gear that works for you, you have the power to create images that parents will treasure for a lifetime.
So take these tips and bring them to life. Scout your locations, play with natural light, pack the tools that make you feel prepared, and most importantly—embrace the moments that happen in between poses. Let your creativity guide you, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Each maternity session is a chance to tell a beautiful, unique story. Go out there and make it your own!
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Learn More:
- How to Capture Emotion and Connection in Maternity Photography
- 5 Simple Yet Effective Tips for Boosting Your Professional Photography Business
Hero photo by Lobachad via Shutterstock
