Easy Poses for Your Maternity Shoot and Tips to Make It Better

Let’s admit, being pregnant can be a colossal pain in the bum, not to mention all the other pains you experience almost daily. And don’t get me started on the last few weeks before you are due - A little bit of torture, am I right? Just enough to contemplate your life choices and physically force you to mentally prepare for your baby’s arrival.

Yet you admire those pregnant women in the picture-perfect photo’s looking like they’ve just stepped out of some beauty spa, all radiant like they have been preparing for this very moment their entire lives.

Filling up with a tinge of jealousy yet?

The struggle is real but fear not, I got you.

Here is a list of easy maternity-friendly poses you can do before you’re due.

Easy poses for maternity photoshoot

Standing Poses

This is a no-brainer but by simply standing you have a whole range of poses to try out. Your baby-bump is the obvious focus but by standing the rest of you will look elongated and very elegant.

Fold your dress or shirt around your bump to show off its curves. Look at your belly, look towards the side, look at your spouse, stare off into the distance. Both hands can hold your belly (both underneath or one hand underneath and one hand on top) or one hand can hold your belly and the other can be twirling your hair, holds your spouse’s hand or your older child’s hand.

By doing an indoor shoot you can use everyday props as well. Stand drinking a cup of tea, lean against a countertop or even sit on the countertop (no pregnant woman has ever gotten on to a counter willingly by herself, but it makes good photos).

TIP: By simply changing one thing you have a multitude of different poses.

Sitting

This is not a pregnant woman’s best friend. Try to support your back as best you can and sit on something elevated like your bed or a chair, this makes getting up so much easier. And prop up with pillows. It’s amazing the difference a few pillows in the right place can make.

For indoor shoots, a bed is your best bet. You can use as many pillows as you need without it looking weird, and it’s super comfy.

Lean against your headboard or wall and get comfortable (tall order, I know, but stay with me) and stretch your legs out in front. Using a book or cup of tea works as great props in this position.

Or you can fold your legs to the side like you are having a chat with your BFF. It’s an uncomfortable position to be in but it looks natural.

You can also crisscross your legs in the front. It’s more comfortable than bending your knees to the side but it is also a crotch shot so when you do this, either fold up some of the duvet in front of you or take the photo from a downward angle.

Of course, you don’t have to sit on a bed or chair. Get comfy on the floor, or outside on the grass under a tree. Kitchen scenes create opportunities to use props and sitting on your living room floor brings a hominess to your photos.

TIP: If you are doing an outdoor photo shoot, take a small pillow or two with that you can easily hide behind you.

Lying Down

Your ultimate nemesis.

Most women will agree that there is simply no comfortable way of laying on your back when you are heavily pregnant. So, bend your knees up. A growing baby automatically bends your spine more than normal and by bending your knees you take some strain off arching back.

Slot one ankle behind the other or lie on a couch with your feet propped up on the armrest. Lie down on your bed with your feet propped up against the wall or headboard. Rest your head on hubby’s lap.

Rolling over onto your side makes things a lot easier. You can use this to lovingly stare into hubby’s eyes or stare off into the distance. Don’t like staring? Close your eyes.

TIP: Prop a pillow or rolled-up towel under your neck for comfort.

Husbands

I haven’t forgotten about you. In all these poses you can either stand in front, on the side or behind your baby-momma. Lean in for a kiss, touch her belly, kiss her cheek. Whisper something in her ear. Laugh together. Try listening to baby. Share a cup of something hot and steamy.

Most importantly, you are there to enjoy this wonderful time with your wife and it's an amazing memory to look back on.

Book my Photoshoot