Natural outdoor, in-home and studio maternity photography

Your pregnancy is a beautiful, fleeting journey worth remembering forever. This gentle guide is designed to help you feel prepared and relaxed for your maternity session — whether we meet in my garden studio, in the comfort of your home, or outdoors in nature.

First of all — congratulations

This season of your life deserves to be documented with care. Maternity photography isn’t about perfection or performance; it’s about capturing the tenderness, anticipation, and quiet connection that surrounds you.

If you’re looking for a maternity photoshoot in London, I’d be honoured to photograph this chapter for you. I’ve created this guide to help you feel confident and at ease, so you can arrive feeling calm, comfortable, and truly yourself.

The best time for your maternity photoshoot

The ideal window for a maternity session is usually between 28 and 34 weeks. At this stage, your bump has a beautiful, rounded shape, while you’re often still feeling relatively comfortable. That said, there’s no strict rule — I’ve photographed mothers well into their 40th week. The most important thing is how you feel.

Many families choose to secure their session soon after their 20‑week scan, especially if you’re dreaming of a golden‑hour outdoor shoot, as summer dates tend to book up quickly.

What to wear for your maternity session

Whether your session takes place in the studio, at home, or outdoors, you’re welcome to wear pieces from your own wardrobe, choose from my curated studio collection, or combine the two.

The key thing to keep in mind is comfort and ease of movement — and, if you’d like to show off your bump, choosing something that allows easy access and flexibility.

Some modern, flattering outfit ideas include:

Soft knit jumpers that can be gently rolled up to reveal the bump
Cropped tops paired with relaxed trousers or skirts
Co‑ordinated sets in soft fabrics
Unbuttoned pre‑pregnancy jeans with a fitted top or bra, and an oversized shirt
Flowy dresses in natural fabrics
Fitted tops (including mesh or stretch fabrics) that can be lifted or styled to show shape
Cardigans or light layers for texture and movement

If you prefer a more minimal, contemporary look, simple separates often photograph beautifully and feel very natural — especially for in‑home sessions.

You’ll also have access to my carefully curated studio wardrobe, featuring flowing dresses and co‑ordinated pieces in timeless whites, warm neutrals, and muted earthy tones. During our pre‑session consultation, I’ll suggest pieces that suit your body, the location, and the overall feel you’re drawn to. If your session is outdoors or at home, I’ll bring your selected pieces along.

A few practical tips:

Wear seamless, nude‑coloured underwear under lighter fabrics
Arrive in loose‑fitting clothing to avoid marks on your skin

Coordinating outfits for partners and children

If your partner or children are joining you, aim for a soft, cohesive palette rather than matching outfits exactly. Neutral tones, off‑whites, browns, greys, muted greens and warm earthy shades, work beautifully.

Mixing textures — linen, cotton, denim, knits — adds depth and keeps the images feeling relaxed and modern. I’m always happy to review outfit ideas or suggest combinations ahead of time if you’d like reassurance.

Hair and makeup

Most of my clients keep hair and makeup very natural, which suits the relaxed, emotive style of my work. Soft waves, natural texture, or a simple brush‑through are perfect — nothing overly styled or rigid.

Makeup should feel like you. A light, polished version of your everyday look is ideal. The goal is to feel confident, comfortable, and present, rather than overly made‑up.

Outdoor maternity photography in Richmond and beyond

If you’d love to be surrounded by nature, South West London offers some beautiful options. I regularly photograph maternity sessions in Richmond Park, Bushy Park, Ham, and along the Thames.

I have several pre‑scouted, peaceful locations that photograph beautifully. During your pre‑session consultation, I’ll talk you through the options and send detailed directions ahead of your shoot.

Everything mentioned in the styling section works beautifully outdoors. Comfort is key, and footwear should be easy to walk in and remove — neutral sandals, flats, western boots, or even bare feet on the grass.

In‑home maternity sessions

In‑home maternity sessions are a beautiful option if you’d prefer a slower, more intimate experience. They’re ideal if you don’t want to travel, or if you’re based centrally in areas like Chelsea or Fulham and working around naps or school pick‑ups.

We’ll use natural light, simple spaces, and gentle movement — a window, a sofa, a bed, or a favourite corner of your home is often all we need. You don’t need a perfect house or a styled interior; I’ll guide you towards the best light and angles, and focus on connection rather than surroundings.

Styling for in‑home sessions works especially well with modern separates, soft knits, relaxed trousers, or fitted tops that highlight your bump without feeling overdone.

Studio maternity sessions

If you’ve booked a studio session, we’ll meet in the morning or early afternoon when the light is soft and flattering. My private garden studio in St Margarets is calm, light‑filled, and designed to feel welcoming and unhurried.

There’s private parking available, and I’ll send directions ahead of time so arriving feels easy and stress‑free.

A small bunch of seasonal flowers can be a lovely optional detail — something gentle to hold and take home afterwards.

Including your family

Your maternity session can absolutely include your partner, older children, and even your pets if you’d like. It’s a lovely way to honour this moment of togetherness before life shifts again.

Partners

Neutral or earthy tones work best
I’ll gently guide you both so nothing feels staged or awkward

Children

Sessions are completely child‑led
We’ll move, play, cuddle, and follow their rhythm
I’ll bring a picnic blanket for outdoor sessions to keep things relaxed

Feeling relaxed during your session

It’s completely normal to feel unsure in front of the camera — almost everyone tells me this. That’s why your session will feel more like time spent together than a formal shoot.

I’ll offer gentle prompts, but the real magic comes from movement and connection:

Walking together
Holding hands
Hugs and close interaction
Playing with children
Swaying, lifting, spinning

You don’t need to perform or pose — just arrive as you are. I’ll take care of the rest.

Final thoughts

Rest well the night before, drink plenty of water, and trust the process. You don’t need to try or perform — just come as you are.

My maternity photography in London isn’t just about beautiful images; it’s about holding onto a fleeting chapter. Whether this is your first baby or your third, whether you’re feeling radiant, tender, or somewhere in between — I’ll meet you right where you are.

If you’d like to book or have any questions, I’d love to hear from you.

With warmth,
Alina

Browse the portfolio

If you’d like to explore the different types of sessions before booking:

👉 Family photography
https://applegrovestudio.com/portfolio/family

👉 Motherhood (mum + baby)
https://applegrovestudio.com/portfolio/motherhood

👉 Maternity
https://applegrovestudio.com/portfolio/maternity

👉 Newborn
https://applegrovestudio.com/portfolio/newborn

If you have any questions at all — about timing, session types, or what might suit your family best — feel free to get in touch. I’m always happy to help.