You've booked your maternity session with Motiontography, and now you're wondering: "What should I wear for maternity photos?" As a Hampton Roads maternity photographer for over 10 years, I've helped hundreds of expecting mothers choose outfits that photograph beautifully while making them feel confident and comfortable.
The truth is, what you wear makes a huge difference in your final images. The right outfit can accentuate your bump, complement your skin tone, and create timeless portraits you'll treasure forever. The wrong choice? Well, it can distract from your natural glow.
This guide covers everything you need to know about choosing maternity photo outfits specifically for Hampton Roads sessions—whether you're planning a sunrise beach shoot at Sandbridge, a forest session at First Landing State Park, or an elegant studio portrait in our Suffolk location.
The Golden Rules of Maternity Photo Outfits
Before we dive into specific recommendations, let's cover the universal principles that apply whether you're shooting outdoors in Virginia Beach or in our climate-controlled studio:
1. Show That Beautiful Bump
Your baby bump is the star of the show! Choose clothing that accentuates rather than hides your belly. This doesn't mean everything has to be skin-tight—flowy fabrics can beautifully drape over your bump while still showing its shape.
Best choices:
- Form-fitting dresses that hug your curves
- Maxi dresses with empire waists
- Wrap dresses that define your silhouette
- Flowy chiffon or tulle that creates drama while showing bump shape
Avoid:
- Oversized sweaters or baggy shirts
- Dresses that are too tight and uncomfortable
- Horizontal stripes (they can make your bump look wider)
2. Think About Color
Color is powerful in photography. The right palette can make your skin glow and create stunning contrast with your environment.
For Virginia Beach & Outdoor Sessions:
- Ocean-inspired tones: Dusty blue, seafoam green, coral, turquoise
- Neutral elegance: Cream, beige, champagne, soft white
- Sunset sessions: Warm tones like blush pink, peach, burnt orange
- Golden hour magic: Earth tones, sage green, terracotta
For Suffolk Studio Sessions:
- Classic drama: Black, deep navy, charcoal gray
- Jewel tones: Emerald green, sapphire blue, burgundy, plum
- Timeless elegance: Ivory, champagne, blush pink
- Bold statements: Deep red, royal blue, forest green
Colors to Generally Avoid:
- Neon colors (they can cast unflattering color on your skin)
- Pure white outdoors (it can blow out in bright sun)
- Yellow (tricky to photograph and can make skin look sallow)
3. Fabric Matters (Especially in Hampton Roads)
Hampton Roads weather is unique—humid summers, breezy beaches, mild winters. Your fabric choice should work with the season and location.
Best Fabrics for Maternity Photos:
- Chiffon: Lightweight, flows beautifully in beach wind, photographs like a dream
- Tulle: Creates ethereal, romantic looks perfect for fine-art portraits
- Jersey/Modal: Comfortable stretch fabrics that hug your bump smoothly
- Lace: Adds texture and elegance, especially for studio sessions
- Satin/Silk: Luxurious and drapes beautifully (great for studio work)
Fabrics to Avoid:
- Heavy knits: Can add bulk and don't photograph well
- Stiff fabrics: Don't move naturally, can look boxy
- Shiny synthetics: Can create unflattering hot spots in photos
Outfit Ideas for Different Hampton Roads Locations
Virginia Beach & Sandbridge Beach Sessions
Beach maternity sessions are incredibly popular in Hampton Roads, and for good reason—the golden light, ocean backdrop, and natural beauty create stunning portraits.
What Works Best:
- Flowy maxi dresses: Long, flowing dresses catch the ocean breeze beautifully
- Light, airy fabrics: Chiffon and lightweight cotton are perfect for movement
- Barefoot elegance: Skip the shoes! Sand and bare feet are naturally beautiful
- Two-piece sets: A flowing skirt with a crop top or bralette shows off your bump
Real Example: One of my favorite Virginia Beach sessions featured an expecting mom in a dusty blue chiffon gown at sunrise. The fabric caught the wind perfectly, and the color complemented the ocean without competing with it. The photos looked like they belonged in a magazine.
Pro Tip for Beach Sessions: Bring a second outfit! Start with something elegant for golden hour, then change into something more casual (like jeans and a fitted tank) for variety.
First Landing State Park & Nature Sessions
First Landing offers incredible variety—Spanish moss, cypress trees, bay beaches, and forest paths. The natural beauty here calls for earthy, organic outfit choices.
What Works Best:
- Earth tones: Sage green, terracotta, rust, cream, tan
- Boho style: Flowing dresses with natural textures
- Layers: Kimonos or light cardigans add dimension
- Texture: Lace details complement the natural texture of trees and moss
Suffolk Studio Sessions at Motiontography
Our Suffolk studio is climate-controlled, private, and designed for fine-art maternity photography. Studio sessions give you more outfit flexibility since we're not battling wind, weather, or harsh sunlight.
What Works Best:
- Dramatic gowns: We have a client wardrobe with stunning maternity gowns
- Solid colors: Bold jewel tones or classic black look incredible against our backdrops
- Fitted silhouettes: Show off that bump with bodycon dresses or fitted wraps
- Bare bump: Many moms choose to do tasteful bare-belly shots—we provide draping fabrics
Motiontography Studio Wardrobe: We provide flowing gowns, draping fabrics, and accessories specifically chosen to photograph beautifully. During your consultation, we'll discuss which pieces might work best for your vision.
What Should Your Partner Wear?
If you're including your partner or spouse in your maternity photos, their outfit matters too! The key is coordination without matching.
Partner Outfit Guidelines:
- Complement, don't match: If you're in blush pink, they could wear khaki or gray (not pink)
- Fitted over baggy: Clothes should fit well without being too tight
- Simple is better: Avoid loud patterns, logos, or graphics
- Coordinate formality: If you're in an elegant gown, they should be in dress pants/button-down (not jeans and a t-shirt)
Beach Session Partner Outfits:
- Khaki or neutral pants with a white or light-colored button-down (roll up the sleeves)
- Light gray or tan pants with a fitted solid-color henley or polo
- For casual looks: well-fitted jeans and a solid t-shirt or tank
Studio Session Partner Outfits:
- Dark jeans or dress pants with a button-down shirt
- All black for dramatic, moody portraits
- Coordinated neutrals (gray, navy, cream)
Including Siblings in Your Maternity Session
Older children can add so much joy and personality to maternity photos! Here's how to dress them:
- Coordinate colors: Choose 2-3 colors from your outfit and dress kids in those tones
- Comfort is key: Kids need to be comfortable or they'll be fussy (avoid stiff, scratchy fabrics)
- Consider their personality: A bowtie might be adorable, but not if your toddler hates it
- Simple patterns okay: Small patterns (like gingham or subtle florals) work fine on kids
Example Color Palette: If you're wearing a dusty blue dress for a beach session, dress your daughter in cream or blush pink, and your son in light khaki pants with a white shirt. Everyone coordinates without looking too matchy.
Accessories & Styling Tips
Jewelry
- Less is more: One statement piece is better than multiple accessories
- Consider the neckline: A necklace can draw attention to your face and bump
- Skip noisy jewelry: Bangles that clink can be distracting during posing
Hair & Makeup for Maternity Photos
While hair and makeup services aren't included in our sessions, I highly recommend getting your hair and makeup done professionally. It makes a huge difference in photos and helps you feel confident and pampered.
Hair Tips:
- Down and flowing looks romantic and feminine
- Loose waves work beautifully for beach sessions (they catch the light)
- Elegant updos are perfect for dramatic studio portraits
- Consider the weather: humidity in Hampton Roads can affect your hair!
Makeup Tips:
- Go slightly heavier than everyday makeup (camera washes you out a bit)
- Define your eyes—they're the focal point
- Choose lip colors that complement your outfit
- Use a setting spray (especially for summer outdoor sessions)
Shoes (Or No Shoes?)
- Beach sessions: Go barefoot! It looks natural and is more comfortable
- Studio sessions: We rarely photograph feet, but bring comfortable shoes to walk in
- Nature sessions: Comfortable sandals or boots depending on the season
- If heels: Bring flats to change into—comfort matters!
Season-Specific Wardrobe Advice for Hampton Roads
Spring (March-May)
Hampton Roads springs are beautiful—blooming trees, mild temperatures, and gorgeous light.
- Colors: Pastels, soft pinks, lavender, mint green, cream
- Fabrics: Light layers, flowy chiffon, cotton
- Weather note: Can still be cool in March; bring a wrap or cardigan
Summer (June-August)
Summer in Hampton Roads means humidity and heat. Dress accordingly!
- Colors: Light colors stay cooler, ocean-inspired tones
- Fabrics: Breathable cotton, lightweight chiffon
- Timing: Schedule sunrise or sunset sessions to avoid peak heat
- Pro tip: Bring a small towel and setting spray for touch-ups
Fall (September-November)
My favorite season for maternity photography in Virginia! Comfortable temperatures and beautiful colors.
- Colors: Rust, burgundy, forest green, mustard, cream
- Fabrics: You can layer! Try cardigans over dresses
- Location: Fall foliage at First Landing is stunning
Winter (December-February)
Winter sessions are underrated! Fewer crowds, beautiful muted tones, cozy vibes.
- Colors: Deep jewel tones, cream, black, burgundy
- Studio advantage: Winter is perfect for studio sessions (no weather worries!)
- Outdoor sessions: Layer a cozy cardigan or shawl you can remove for photos
Common Maternity Photo Wardrobe Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
After photographing hundreds of maternity sessions, I've seen these mistakes more than once. Here's how to avoid them:
Mistake #1: Wearing Something Brand New & Untested
The Problem: You order a gorgeous dress online, it arrives the day before your session, and you discover it doesn't fit quite right or isn't comfortable.
The Solution: Order outfits at least a week early. Try them on, walk around in them, sit in them. Make sure you feel comfortable and confident.
Mistake #2: Choosing Outfits That Are Too Tight
The Problem: Uncomfortable = visible in photos. If you're constantly tugging at your dress or can't breathe, it will show on your face.
The Solution: Choose stretchy fabrics with give. Your bump is still growing—buy one size up if needed.
Mistake #3: Overthinking Partner/Sibling Outfits
The Problem: Trying to get everyone in identical colors can look forced and takes away from the natural feel.
The Solution: Choose a color palette (2-3 colors) and let everyone wear something in that family. Coordinated, not identical.
Mistake #4: Forgetting About Undergarments
The Problem: Visible bra straps, panty lines, or wrong-colored undergarments showing through clothing.
The Solution: Invest in nude seamless undergarments, strapless bras, or adhesive cups. Consider what undergarments work with each outfit.
Mistake #5: Only Bringing One Outfit
The Problem: Limited variety in your final gallery—all photos look similar.
The Solution: Bring 2-3 outfit options! We can do multiple looks in most session times.
How to Choose Between Multiple Outfit Options
Can't decide between two dresses? Here's my decision-making framework:
- Which one makes you feel amazing? Confidence shows in photos—wear what makes you feel like your best self
- Which one fits your location better? Flowy for beach, fitted for studio, earthy for forest
- Which one is more comfortable? You'll be standing, sitting, and moving—comfort matters
- Which one is more "timeless"? Trendy can date your photos; classic looks last forever
- When in doubt—bring both! We can often fit in multiple outfit changes
Shopping for Maternity Photo Outfits in Hampton Roads
Where to find great maternity photo outfits locally:
Online Options:
- Baltic Born: Affordable, flowy maxi dresses perfect for beach sessions
- PinkBlush Maternity: Huge selection of maternity-specific styles
- ASOS Maternity: Trendy options at various price points
- Sew Trendy Accessories: Maternity gowns specifically for photo shoots
Local Hampton Roads Shopping:
- Target: Surprisingly great maternity basics and dresses
- Macy's (Lynnhaven Mall): Maternity section with variety
- TJ Maxx/Marshall's: Hunt for deals on maternity dresses
Budget Tip: Check Facebook Marketplace or Poshmark for secondhand maternity photo dresses. Many moms sell their gently-used maternity session outfits!
Using Motiontography's Client Wardrobe
Good news: You don't have to buy anything! Our Suffolk studio has a client wardrobe with maternity gowns, draping fabrics, and accessories specifically chosen to photograph beautifully.
What's Available:
- Flowing maternity gowns in various colors
- Elegant draping fabrics for bare-bump portraits
- Accessories to enhance your look
- Options for different styles (romantic, dramatic, classic)
During your pre-session consultation, we'll discuss which pieces from our wardrobe might work for your vision. Many clients combine a gown from our wardrobe with a personal outfit for variety.
Final Checklist: What to Bring to Your Session
Print this checklist and bring it with you!
- ☐ 2-3 outfit options (even if you think you'll only wear one)
- ☐ Appropriate undergarments for each outfit
- ☐ Comfortable shoes for walking (even if barefoot for photos)
- ☐ Backup hair ties/bobby pins
- ☐ Touch-up makeup (powder, lipstick, setting spray)
- ☐ Partner/sibling outfits
- ☐ Any meaningful props you want to include
- ☐ Water bottle (stay hydrated!)
- ☐ Small snack (pregnancy hunger is real)
- ☐ Hairbrush/comb
Ready to Book Your Hampton Roads Maternity Session?
Now that you know exactly what to wear for your maternity photos, it's time to book your session! Whether you're envisioning a sunrise session at Virginia Beach, an ethereal forest shoot at First Landing, or an elegant studio portrait in our Suffolk location, Motiontography is here to create stunning, timeless maternity portraits you'll treasure forever.
What's Included in Motiontography Maternity Sessions:
- Access to our client wardrobe (studio gowns & fabrics)
- Pre-session wardrobe consultation
- Professional posing guidance
- Location recommendations for outdoor sessions
- Beautiful, professionally edited images
Ready to create magic?
Book Your Maternity Session
Ask About Wardrobe Options
Frequently Asked Questions About Maternity Photo Outfits
What colors photograph best for maternity photos?
Soft neutrals (cream, beige, blush pink, sage green) photograph beautifully and create a timeless look. For beach sessions in Virginia Beach, consider ocean-inspired colors like dusty blue, seafoam, or coral. Deep jewel tones (emerald, burgundy, navy) work wonderfully for dramatic studio portraits. Avoid neon colors and busy patterns that distract from your beautiful bump.
Should I wear fitted or flowy outfits for maternity photos?
Both work beautifully! Fitted dresses show off your bump's shape and create an elegant silhouette. Flowy fabrics like chiffon add movement and drama, especially for outdoor Virginia Beach sessions. We recommend bringing both styles to your Hampton Roads maternity session for variety.
What should I avoid wearing for maternity photos?
Avoid busy patterns, logos, and graphics that distract from your face and bump. Skip uncomfortable shoes (you'll be standing for a while). Avoid overly baggy clothes that hide your bump. Don't wear brand new shoes that might hurt your feet during the session.
What should my partner wear for maternity photos?
Your partner should complement (not match) your outfit. If you're wearing a flowy dress, they could wear dress pants and a button-down shirt. For beach sessions, khakis or neutral pants with a fitted shirt work great. The goal is to look coordinated without being too matchy-matchy.
Does Motiontography provide maternity gowns?
Yes! We have a client wardrobe with studio gowns available for your session. These include flowing dresses, elegant maternity gowns, and draping fabrics perfect for fine-art maternity photography. We'll discuss wardrobe options during your consultation.
How many outfits should I bring to my maternity session?
We recommend bringing 2-3 outfit options even if you think you'll only wear one. This gives you variety in your final gallery and allows us to create different looks and moods. Most of our maternity packages allow time for multiple outfit changes.
Can I do bare-bump maternity photos?
Absolutely! Bare-bump portraits are beautiful and artistic. We provide draping fabrics and tasteful posing to create elegant, timeless images. Many clients do a mix—some shots clothed, some with artistic bare-bump draping.
What shoes should I wear for beach maternity photos in Virginia Beach?
Go barefoot for beach sessions! Walking in sand with bare feet looks natural and beautiful in photos. Bring comfortable sandals or flip-flops to walk to the location, but plan to remove them for the actual photos.
