Pregnancy is one of the most emotional and memorable chapters of life. A professional maternity photoshoot gives you the opportunity to preserve this special time through photographs that you can look back on for years.
The right poses can make a maternity session feel natural, emotional and beautiful without making the photographs look overly staged.
Whether you are planning a solo session, a couple's photoshoot or a family maternity session, these 20 maternity photo poses can give you plenty of inspiration.
For couples looking for professional maternity photography in Perth, S2V Studio and Boparai Studio focus on creating photographs that capture both the beauty of pregnancy and the genuine connection between family members.
1. Hands on the Baby Bump
One of the simplest and most timeless maternity poses is placing both hands gently around your baby bump.
Stand naturally, look towards the camera or look down at your belly.
This pose works particularly well for close-up portraits and full-length photographs because it keeps the focus on your pregnancy.
2. Looking Down at Your Bump
A simple downward gaze can create a peaceful and emotional photograph.
Stand or sit comfortably with your hands resting on your bump and look down.
This pose often captures the quiet anticipation of meeting your baby and works beautifully with soft natural lighting.
3. Side Profile Maternity Portrait
A side-profile photograph is one of the most recognisable maternity photography poses.
Turn your body sideways towards the camera while keeping your shoulders relaxed.
This angle naturally highlights the shape of your baby bump and creates an elegant silhouette.
4. Looking Towards the Camera
Not every maternity photograph needs to be emotional or serious.
Stand comfortably, place one hand underneath your bump and look directly at the camera with a natural smile.
This creates a confident and warm portrait that works well as a hero image in your maternity gallery.
5. Walking Towards the Camera
Walking creates natural movement and can make a maternity photoshoot feel less posed.
Walk slowly towards your photographer while looking at the camera, looking down or interacting with your partner.
Flowing dresses can add beautiful movement to this type of photograph.
6. Walking Away From the Camera
For a more cinematic image, walk away from the camera with your partner.
This pose works particularly well outdoors, especially in open fields, beaches, gardens or scenic locations.
A flowing dress can create additional movement as you walk.
7. Partner's Hands on the Baby Bump
Invite your partner into the photograph by having them gently place their hands around your bump.
You can both look at the camera or look at each other.
This pose focuses on the shared excitement of becoming parents.
8. Forehead-to-Forehead Couple Pose
Stand close together with your partner and gently touch your foreheads.
Close your eyes or look at each other.
This creates an intimate and emotional photograph without requiring complicated posing.
It is especially effective during golden-hour maternity photography sessions.
9. Partner Kissing the Baby Bump
Ask your partner to gently kiss your baby bump while you look towards them or towards the camera.
This is a classic maternity pose because it naturally communicates love and anticipation.
Keep the interaction relaxed rather than trying to hold a perfectly posed position.
10. Couple Looking at the Baby Bump
Stand together and look down at your bump.
Your partner can place one hand on your belly while you gently hold it as well.
This creates a photograph centred around the anticipation of meeting your baby.
11. Sitting on a Chair
A seated pose can provide variety during your maternity photography session.
Sit comfortably on a chair or stool with your hands resting around your bump.
Your photographer can experiment with different angles, close-ups and lighting to create several images from one simple pose.
12. Sitting on the Floor
For a more relaxed maternity photograph, sit comfortably on the floor with your legs positioned naturally.
This can create a lifestyle-style image that feels intimate and authentic.
A soft dress, neutral outfit or simple home-style setting can work particularly well for this pose.
13. Holding Your Dress
If you are wearing a flowing maternity gown, gently hold the sides of your dress while standing or walking.
Your photographer can capture the fabric moving naturally.
This can create dramatic, editorial-style maternity photographs without requiring complicated posing.
14. Looking Over Your Shoulder
Stand with your body slightly turned away from the camera and look back over your shoulder.
This creates a flattering three-quarter angle while adding variety to your gallery.
It is particularly effective with long flowing gowns.
15. Silhouette Maternity Pose
Silhouette photography can create dramatic maternity portraits.
Stand sideways towards a strong light source, such as a sunset or studio light, while keeping your body relaxed.
Your photographer can expose the image to emphasise your outline and baby bump.
16. Maternity Pose With a Flowing Gown
For an editorial-style photograph, stand naturally while allowing your photographer or assistant to create movement in the fabric of your gown.
The flowing material can frame your body and add depth to the photograph.
This works beautifully in outdoor locations with natural wind.
17. Barefoot in Nature
For an authentic outdoor maternity session, consider going barefoot.
Stand or walk naturally through grass, sand or another suitable location.
This style works particularly well for relaxed, earthy maternity photography and can create photographs that feel connected to nature.
18. Including Your Older Children
If you already have children, include them in the maternity session.
Ask your children to stand beside you, hold your hands or gently place their hands on your bump.
You can also capture candid interactions such as hugs, kisses and playful moments.
These photographs document the beginning of a new chapter for the entire family.
19. Family Group Hug
Bring everyone together for a relaxed family hug.
Instead of looking directly at the camera, encourage everyone to interact with each other.
Your photographer can capture both posed and candid versions of the moment.
These photographs often become some of the most meaningful images in a family gallery.
20. The Close-Up Baby Bump Portrait
Finish your session with a close-up photograph focused on your bump and hands.
You can include your partner's hands or your child's hands to tell a more personal story.
Close-up images are excellent for creating variety because they capture small details that wider photographs cannot.
Maternity Photography With S2V Studio and Boparai Studio
Choosing a maternity photographer is about more than finding someone who can take technically good photographs.
You want someone who understands posing, lighting, composition and the emotional moments that make maternity photography meaningful.
S2V Studio and Boparai Studio aim to create maternity portraits that feel elegant while still capturing genuine emotion and connection.
Whether you prefer a studio session, outdoor maternity photography, couple portraits or a full family session, your photographer can help you create a collection of photographs that tells the story of this stage of your life.
Final Thoughts
The most beautiful maternity photographs are not necessarily the most complicated.
Sometimes the simplest moments holding your bump, looking at your partner, walking together or sharing a family hug tell the strongest story.
Whether you want elegant portraits, candid family moments or dramatic outdoor photographs, these 20 maternity photo poses can help you plan a session that feels personal and timeless.
If you are searching for maternity photography in Perth, S2V Studio and Boparai Studio can help you turn this special chapter into photographs you will be able to revisit for years to come.
