As a luxury maternity photographer in Edmonton, one of the most common questions I get is: “What should I wear for my maternity session?” And it’s a great question—because what you wear can truly shape the tone and style of your portraits.
To make things easier, I offer a curated client closet filled with elegant, timeless gowns, perfect for both studio and outdoor maternity photography in Edmonton. But I also love when moms bring their own outfits—it adds a personal touch, and you get to keep something meaningful from the session.
If you’re preparing for your maternity photoshoot in Edmonton, here are a few tips to help you feel confident, stylish, and ready for your big day.
1. How Many Outfits Should You Bring?
For your Edmonton maternity photography session, I typically recommend bringing 1–2 personal outfits in addition to anything you may borrow from my wardrobe collection.
One of these can be maternity lingerie or a fitted piece that highlights your growing bump. While I don’t carry many lingerie items in my client closet for practicality and hygiene reasons, you’re more than welcome to bring your own. Some moms prefer to keep things modest, especially when they plan to share photos with family and friends. But if you’re interested in adding a boudoir-style maternity session, I fully support it! We can blend soft elegance with something a little more spicy—tastefully and beautifully.
The second outfit I often suggest is something casual and energetic—like your favorite pair of jeans paired with a crop top. It brings a fun, modern vibe to your gallery. Some of my clients even bring unique pieces like a ballet tutu, which creates a memorable, artistic touch.
These combinations give your maternity photos a mix of formal and casual, soft and strong—perfect for storytelling through images.
2. Comfort Is Everything in Pregnancy Photography
Most of my Edmonton maternity sessions are scheduled between 28 and 32 weeks, when your baby bump is nicely rounded but you’re still feeling comfortable enough to move around.
That’s why comfort is so important. Whether we’re doing an outdoor maternity shoot in Edmonton’s scenic parks or a cozy studio maternity session, your outfit should allow for easy movement and natural posing. If you are considering dresses, I recommend something that cinch above the belly, soft fabrics, and breathable textures. Some brands that I found like PinkBlush.
You’ll be walking, posing, and maybe even playing with your toddler—so choose outfits that make you feel relaxed and beautiful.
3. Keep It Simple and Timeless
You’re investing in a luxury maternity photography experience, and one of the best ways to ensure your photos stand the test of time is by choosing simple, quality outfits.
For both studio and outdoor maternity photos in Edmonton, I suggest solid colours over patterns or logos. Busy prints and trendy graphics can distract from your face and belly, and they often date a photo. On the other hand, neutrals and soft pastels are always flattering and never go out of style.
Some color ideas:
- Studio sessions: white, black, cream
- Outdoor sessions: beige, sage, blush, dusty blue, or soft earthy tones.
Sticking to one colour per outfit—a monochromatic look—keeps the focus on your glow, your belly, and the emotional connection of the session. My typical outdoor maternity session will be in a light & airy style, so I always ask my client to consider soft colours and avoid red, orange, deep blue, those strong colours.
4. Coordinate Your Family’s Outfits
If your partner or children are joining your maternity session, outfit coordination is key. This applies whether you’re planning a couple maternity shoot, a family maternity session, or a more posed studio portrait.
You don’t need to match exactly. The goal is to create harmony. If you’re wearing jeans, your partner and little ones can wear denim or similarly casual pieces. If you’re in a flowing gown, your partner should avoid casual t-shirts or graphic hoodies.
Try to keep everyone in a shared color palette—creams, greys, soft blues, or warm browns all photograph well. Avoid dressing your partner in the exact same tone as you; after all, you and your baby bump are the stars of the session.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget the Small Details
Details matter—especially in close-up maternity poses. Hands will show up in many of your photos, whether you’re cradling your belly or snuggling with your toddler. I always recommend keeping nails clean and simple for a polished look.
Whether you’re planning a solo maternity shoot, bringing your family along for a family maternity session in Edmonton, or dreaming of a more intimate boudoir maternity experience, your outfit choices play a huge role in the final look and feel.
Need help deciding what to wear? I’m here for that! As your Edmonton maternity photographer, I’m always happy to help you style your session for timeless, emotional, and beautiful results.
Samantha, the visionary behind Little One Photo, is a passionate photographer with a special gift for capturing the essence of newborns and families. With over a decade of experience, she has honed her craft to create timeless, emotive portraits that families cherish for generations. Samantha’s warm personality and patient approach put even the tiniest clients at ease, allowing her to capture genuine moments of connection and love.
