A maternity photo session is a wonderful way to document this short but special season in your life, and there are many creative ways to make your session uniquely yours! In this post, we'll explore just some of the many ideas for what to include in your maternity photo session.

First, your partner!

This one is a bit of a “duh”. First and foremost, your baby’s father should be included in your maternity photo session. He is an essential part of this journey and will be there to support you throughout your pregnancy and beyond. Your partner can be included in a variety of poses that help to show the connection between you two and between him and the unborn baby. And if you already have children, I encourage you to include them as well! And don’t worry, I also like to get some of just Mama too! And sometimes your partner might not be available or interested in getting photos or even in the picture (excuse my pun) and that’s okay! Don’t let that stop you from getting maternity photos done for YOU and for your unborn child who will love to look back on these photos one day.

Second, your dog!

If you have a furry family member, they are an important part of your life and should be included in your maternity photos. Dogs are a natural addition to family photos and they add an element of playfulness and fun to your session. You can include your dog in a variety of poses, such as sitting beside you or resting their head on your belly. These photos will be a precious reminder of the joy and love that your dog brings to your life and how life is now before it is about to change forever.

Third, Baby Clothing.

Incorporating a special outfit for your baby is a wonderful way to personalize your maternity session. It could be a vintage hand-me-down from a family member, a tiny onesie, a cozy blanket, or even a cute hat. This adds a sense of anticipation and excitement for the arrival of your little one. You can hold the outfit up to your belly or place it on your bump, or even incorporate it into a creative prop, like a miniature baby carriage or a vintage crib. Plus, it is a cute and easy way to connect your maternity photos to your newborn photos because you can use the same outfit during your newborn session!

Fourth, Baby's Ultrasound Photo

Your baby's ultrasound photo is a significant milestone in your pregnancy journey, and it makes for a meaningful addition to include in your maternity session. Including the ultrasound photo in your photoshoot is a touching way to honor the little one growing inside of you. You can hold the ultrasound up to your belly or have it peek out of a special prop, like a vintage book or a beautiful frame. This is just one more way to add a personal touch to your session and also something that can be incorporated in your newborn session!

Fifth, Flowers.

Flowers are a beautiful and feminine addition to your maternity session. They add a touch of softness and elegance to your photos, and create a dreamy and ethereal look. You can hold a bouquet of your favorite flowers, or even incorporate them into a creative prop, like a flower crown or a floral wreath. Bonus tip: dry the photos from your maternity session and incorporate them in your newborn photos or preserve them for your little one’s baby book or memory shadow box!

Sixth, A Special Location.

If you have a location that holds special meaning to you, like the spot where you got engaged, or a beautiful park where you like to go for walks, this adds a sense of nostalgia and sentimentality to your photos! Either way, the location you choose should highlight your personality and style in your photos.

Seventh, Additional Creative Props.

Incorporating creative props in your maternity session is a fun and playful way to add personality and creativity to your photos. This could be anything from a vintage suitcase, a set of balloons, a chalkboard with your baby's due date, or little wooden letter blocks that spell your baby’s name. These props add a whimsical and unique touch to your photos, and create a sense of fun and excitement for your upcoming arrival.

This mom and dad-to-be were big Star Wars fans and chose to incorporate some of their collectibles in their session. It was definitely a first for me and editing their lightsaber battle was so much fun!

Which of these ideas do you want to include to your maternity session?

Using these tips and ideas, you can have a maternity photo session that is both beautiful but also unique to you! Maternity photos don’t have to be boring or cookie-cutter! As a Chattanooga Maternity Photographer, I love helping couples come up with creative ways to make each session extra special.

Here are a few more of my favorite photos from this gorgeous, Raccoon Mountain maternity session!