How to prepare for your maternity photoshoot – Apple Grove Studio
Natural outdoor and studio maternity photoshoots in London.
Your pregnancy is a beautiful, fleeting journey worth remembering forever. Here’s a gentle guide to help you feel prepared and relaxed for your maternity session—whether we meet in my studio, at your home or out in nature.
First of all — congratulations! This beautiful season of your life deserves to be documented with care. Maternity photography isn’t about perfection—it’s about capturing the tenderness, anticipation, and quiet joy that surrounds you.
If you’re looking for a pregnancy photoshoot in London, I’d be honoured to photograph this chapter for you. I’ve created this guide to help you feel prepared and confident—so you can walk into your session feeling calm, beautiful, and truly yourself.
The perfect time for your maternity photoshoot
The sweet spot for your maternity photoshoot is between 28 and 34 weeks. By this stage, your bump has that lovely full curve, but you’re hopefully still feeling comfortable. That said, there’s no perfect formula — I’ve photographed mamas well into their 40th week, and the most important thing is that you feel comfortable.
Many families choose to secure their session soon after their 20-week scan to make sure we find the perfect date—especially if you're dreaming of a golden-hour session outdoors, as the summer dates get booked quickly.
What to wear for your maternity session
Whether your session is in my studio or outdoors in nature, you’re welcome to wear something from your own wardrobe or choose from my curated studio collection.
Some lovely outfit ideas include:
Flowy dresses in soft textures
Oversized shirts, paired with a crop top or bra
Unbuttoned pre-pregnancy jeans for a relaxed look
Stretchy skirts or trousers that sit comfortably under your bump
Neutral sets in soft fabrics
Cardigans for layering and texture
You’ll also have access to my carefully curated wardrobe of flattering maternity pieces — flowing dresses and co-ordinated sets in timeless whites, neutral tones, and muted earthy shades. During our virtual consultation, I will suggest you some pieces from my studio collection and will bring your selection to your session (if it’s outdoors or at your home).
A few tips to prepare:
Wear seamless, nude-coloured underwear—it works best under delicate fabrics.
Arrive in loose-fitting clothing to avoid marks on your skin.
If you have a sentimental item you’d like to include, feel free to bring it along.
Coordinating family outfits
If your partner or children are joining you, for a harmonious look, opt for soft neutrals, muted greens, off-whites, or warm earthy tones. Mixing textures — like cotton, linen, or soft knits—adds depth and interest. Avoid identical outfits and instead aim for complementary colours that reflect each person’s style.
And don’t worry—if you need help, I’m always happy to suggest combinations or check through your outfit ideas beforehand.
Outdoor maternity photography in Richmond and beyond
If you’d love your maternity session to take place surrounded by nature, we’re truly spoilt for choice in South West London. I often photograph families in Richmond Park, Bushy Park, Ham, or along the leafy paths by the Thames. I have several pre-scouted peaceful locations which make stunning backdrops for maternity photography - I’ll take you through the options during your pre-session consultation and send you the detailed directions ahead of your shoot.
Outfit-wise, everything mentioned above works beautifully outdoors too. Just make sure you’re comfortable and can move freely. I’ll bring a few extra options with me, and we’ll chat during your pre-session call about what suits the location and season.
Footwear should be comfortable and easy to remove—think neutral sandals, flats, western boots, or even bare feet on the grass.
Including your partner, children — and pets!
Your maternity session can absolutely include your partner, older children—and your fur babies if you’d like! It’s a lovely way to honour this moment of togetherness before life shifts again.
Partners:
Sometimes they’re unsure what to expect. Sharing a few photos from my website or a Pinterest board beforehand can be helpful.
Stick to earthy or neutral tones for a soft, timeless look.
I’ll gently guide you both through natural interaction, so nothing ever feels staged or stiff.
Children:
My sessions are completely child-led. We’ll let them explore and capture all the unscripted, joyful moments in between.
We’ll play, tell stories, and follow their lead. I’ll bring a picnic blanket so we can keep things relaxed.
If you’re based centrally in Chelsea or Fulham and worried about travel and naps, I promise it can be a gentle, joyful experience—even with small children.
Feeling relaxed and connected during your session
It’s completely normal to feel a little unsure in front of the camera—many of the mums and partners I photograph say the same thing. That’s why our session will feel more like time spent together than a formal shoot.
I’ll gently prompt you throughout with ideas, but these are just starting points. The real magic comes from movement and connection. Think:
Walking together
Holding hands
Hugs, cuddles, and close interaction
Spinning, lifting, or playing with your children
Piggybacks, being on shoulders, or simply swaying together
The more movement and interaction, the more natural and varied your gallery will be. And don’t worry—I’ll guide you through it all while creating space for your family to just be.
If you’re ever in doubt, looking through some of your favourite inspiration images together beforehand can be helpful. Share your ideas with me—I love seeing what speaks to you.
Maternity photoshoots in the studio
If you have booked a studio session, we will meet in the morning or early afternoon when the light is soft and beautiful. My peaceful garden studio is tucked away at the end of Orchard Road in St Margarets, just a short drive from Central London. It’s private, calming, and designed to help you feel completely at home. There’s private parking available, and I’ll send you directions ahead of time so arriving is easy and stress-free.
Final little tips
Rest well the night before
Drink plenty of water on the day
Most importantly: trust the process. You don’t need to perform or pose—just come as you are. I’ll take care of the rest.
Maternity photography isn’t just about beautiful images — it’s about holding onto this fleeting chapter. Whether it’s your first or your third, whether you’re feeling calm, radiant, or a little tender – I’ll meet you right where you are, and create space for it all.
Let’s create something beautiful together.
With warmth,
Alina
Apple Grove Studio – Maternity & Family Photography
