What to wear for an outdoor maternity photoshoot
A practical, honest guide from a London maternity photographer — with real outfit ideas for shooting outdoors in Richmond Park and across Surrey.
You've booked your session. Now comes the question almost every client asks first: what do I actually wear?
It makes sense to feel a little uncertain. You're dressing a body that's changing fast, you want to feel like yourself, and you want the images to look beautiful for years to come. That's a lot to ask of an outfit.
The good news? Outdoor maternity sessions are actually the most forgiving when it comes to styling. Nature does a lot of the heavy lifting. And spring, in particular, offers the most beautiful conditions for photography — fresh light, soft greens, and a gentleness to the air that makes everything look a little more alive.
Whether you're planning a maternity photoshoot in Richmond Park, across the Surrey Hills, or anywhere in south-west London — this guide will help you get dressed with confidence.
Start with how you want to feel, not how you want to look
This is the most important thing I tell clients before we talk outfits.
The images will reflect your energy. If you're comfortable and relaxed, that comes through. If you're pulling at a dress that doesn't sit right or tugging at something that pinches — that comes through too.
For outdoor sessions especially, you'll be moving. Walking across grass, turning towards the light, possibly sitting down, maybe removing a layer. Comfort and ease of movement matter as much as aesthetics.
Once you're clear on how you want to feel — soft and dreamy, grounded and natural, a little editorial — the right outfits tend to follow naturally.
What to wear for a spring outdoor maternity photoshoot
Spring is one of the most sought-after seasons for outdoor maternity photography in London and Surrey — and for good reason. The light is softer than summer, the greenery is fresh rather than heavy, and the temperatures are kind enough to wear beautiful things without feeling cold.
Here's what photographs well in a spring outdoor setting:
Flowing dresses
A long, flowing dress is the classic choice for a spring maternity photoshoot — and it works because it moves beautifully in a breeze, flatters every stage of pregnancy, and photographs elegantly against natural surroundings like Richmond Park's open meadows or woodland paths.
Look for:
Soft, breathable fabrics — chiffon, georgette, jersey
Earthy or neutral tones: cream, stone, warm white, sage, dusty blush
Empire waists or gathered fabric that flows over the bump
Long hemlines that catch the light as you walk
Bold prints and bright colours rarely translate as well outdoors. They compete with the natural backdrop rather than sitting within it. A warm neutral or muted tone will always feel more timeless.
Soft separates
Not everyone wants a dress — and you absolutely don't need one. A simple, well-chosen set of separates can look just as beautiful, and often feels more like you.
What works well:
A fitted knit or soft ribbed top that shows the bump's shape
Relaxed trousers in linen, cotton or soft denim
A flowing skirt paired with a simple fitted top or bralette
Pre-pregnancy jeans worn unbuttoned, with an oversized shirt or blazer
Separates also give you more flexibility — you can easily remove a layer for a few bump-focused portraits, then layer back up for a different look within the same session.
Layers
Spring weather in London is famously unpredictable — even on a beautiful afternoon, the air can cool quickly once the sun dips. Layers are your friend, both practically and aesthetically.
A light trench coat, an oversized shirt, a soft cardigan or a simple linen blazer adds texture and visual interest, and can be draped or tied depending on the shot. A loose coat worn open over a simple outfit adds something considered without looking overdressed — it’s one of those styling choices that always feels effortless in outdoor portraits.
Knitwear
Even in late spring, a lightweight knit can be perfect for morning or early evening sessions when the light is golden and the air still has an edge. A soft roll-neck or oversized jumper worn with a skirt or simple trousers is a relaxed, modern look that photographs beautifully in a natural setting.
Colours that work well outdoors in spring
When shooting outdoors in Richmond Park, the Surrey countryside, or anywhere with lush green surroundings, your palette needs to sit within the landscape rather than compete with it.
These tones consistently photograph beautifully:
Warm whites and creams — classic, timeless, and luminous in spring light
Earthy neutrals — stone, sand, camel, warm taupe
Muted sage or olive — earthy greens that feel like an extension of the park
Dusty blush or muted rose — soft without being saccharine
Warm browns and rust — particularly beautiful in dappled woodland light
Off-black or deep navy — a stronger choice if you prefer something grounded
What tends not to work as well: bright primaries, stark white against grey skies, or heavily branded or logo-heavy pieces.
A word on patterns and texture
Patterns are not off limits — far from it. The right pattern adds texture and visual interest, and can look beautiful when mixed thoughtfully.
A soft floral, a gentle check, a subtle stripe — these can all work really well outdoors, particularly when you mix different scales of pattern and keep the tones muted. A small floral on a dress paired with a plain linen cardigan, or a fine check top with a simple solid skirt, adds depth without pulling focus from the bump or the setting.
The key is keeping the tones consistent — soft, earthy, and in the same family — and avoiding anything too sharp or high-contrast. A bold graphic print or a bright busy pattern will compete with everything around it. A soft, worn-in check or a gentle ditsy floral will sit within it beautifully.
A note on footwear
For outdoor sessions in Richmond Park or across Surrey, footwear is worth thinking about ahead of time.
You'll often be walking across uneven ground, grass, and woodland paths. High heels aren't practical — and even if we find a solid path, they don't read as naturally in an outdoor setting.
What works well:
Western or Chelsea boots — the most versatile choice for spring, particularly in earthy or neutral tones
Simple white trainers — can look beautiful in a relaxed, modern way, though they work best when the rest of the outfit is consistent with that casual energy
Sandals or bare feet — lovely in warmer spring weather, particularly for bump-only portraits on the grass
Ballet flats or simple loafers — understated and elegant
Wellies — genuinely one of the best choices for Richmond Park and Surrey locations. We’ll often be walking through grass and muddy paths, and a great pair of wellies with a flowing skirt can look incredibly stylish. Don’t underestimate this one.
I'll always let you know what kind of terrain to expect at your location, so you can choose accordingly.
Including your partner or children
If your partner or older children are joining the session, the same principle applies: coordinate rather than match.
Aim for a cohesive palette where everything sits together — you don't want anyone pulling focus from mum.
A few practical tips:
Partners: neutral tones work best — navy, grey, stone, soft khaki
Avoid anyone wearing the exact same colour as anyone else
Children: simple, unfussy outfits in soft colours or light patterns
Mix textures — linen, denim, cotton, a light knit — rather than identical fabrics
I'm always happy to review outfit combinations ahead of the session. It's one of those small things that makes a noticeable difference to how the images feel.
What about the images with winter light?
Some of the maternity images in this post were taken in Richmond Park in winter — and I want to name that, because the styling advice genuinely shifts.
Winter outdoor sessions have their own kind of beauty. The light is lower and more directional, the park feels emptier and more dramatic, and there's a stillness to it that can produce extraordinary images. But you'll want to dress accordingly.
For winter outdoor sessions, I recommend:
Layers that can be added and removed — a beautiful coat worn open over a simpler outfit works particularly well
Knitwear as a base — a soft rollneck or fitted jumper with a flowing skirt underneath
Warm fabrics — wool, cashmere, thick jersey
Boots rather than sandals
A good coat you love — winter is the one time a structured, beautiful coat becomes part of the image, not a practical afterthought
If your session is in late autumn or winter, I'll always brief you on what to expect at your specific location and time of day so you can dress appropriately without sacrificing the look.
The Apple Grove Studio client wardrobe
If choosing an outfit feels overwhelming, you don't have to do it alone — or do it from your own wardrobe at all.
I have a curated client wardrobe available to borrow, including flowing maxi dresses, skirts and knits — exactly the kind of pieces that photograph beautifully outdoors. Everything sits in warm neutrals and earthy tones. For sessions in Richmond Park and across south-west London, I’m happy to bring a selection along so you have real options on the day without any additional stress.
During our pre-session consultation, we'll talk through what you're drawn to, what you already have, and whether there's anything from the wardrobe that might complement your session. It's one less thing to worry about — and it means you can focus on simply enjoying the experience.
Practical tips before your session
A few final things worth knowing:
Arrive in loose-fitting clothes to avoid marks on your skin before the session
Wear seamless, nude-toned underwear under lighter fabrics
Bring two outfit options if you can — it gives us flexibility, and sessions often benefit from a change of look midway
Pack layers even in spring — light is often at its best in the early evening when temperatures drop
Water and a light snack, particularly if children are joining
I'll send you a full preparation guide once your session is confirmed, which includes everything from timing and location to styling and what to expect on the day. Nothing should feel like a surprise.
Booking an outdoor maternity photoshoot in London or Surrey
I photograph maternity sessions across south-west London and Surrey — with Richmond Park being one of the locations I return to most. If you're based in Twickenham, Richmond, Kingston, Teddington, or anywhere nearby, I'd love to hear from you.
Sessions are available year-round, and each one is planned around your timing, your style, and what this season means to you.
If you're ready to start planning, you can get in touch here. I'll reply within 48 hours with availability, pricing, and everything you need to begin.
Apple Grove Studio — Maternity, Newborn & Family Photography in London, Richmond, Twickenham and Surrey.
Any questions, please email hello@applegrovestudio.com.
Can’t wait to see you in the studio.
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.
Alina | Apple Grove Studio