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How to Prepare for Your Maternity Photoshoot

Monday, January 05, 2026 | By: Paint The Stars Photography

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How to Prepare for Your Maternity Photoshoot

Annapolis, Baltimore & Pasadena, Maryland Maternity Photographer

Preparing for your maternity photoshoot should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, maternity photos are a once-in-a-lifetime way to celebrate this beautiful season — swollen ankles, cravings, and all.

As a luxury maternity photographer serving Annapolis, Baltimore, and Pasadena, Maryland, I’ve guided hundreds of expecting moms through their sessions. The good news? You don’t need to stress, overthink, or panic-Google “how to pose while pregnant” at 2 a.m. (I’ve got you.)

Here’s exactly how to prepare for a glamour, high-end maternity photoshoot that makes you feel confident, radiant, and like the goddess you are.

When Is the Best Time for Maternity Photos?

(Because yes, timing matters)

The ideal time for maternity photos is between 28–34 weeks. At this stage:

• Your belly is beautifully round and defined

• You’re usually still comfortable enough to pose and move

• We avoid that “I just want to lie down forever” phase of late pregnancy

If you’re carrying twins or have a high-risk pregnancy, earlier sessions (around 26–28 weeks) are often best.

👉 Pro tip: Book early. Prime maternity dates fill quickly, especially for clients looking for a luxury maternity photographer in Annapolis or Baltimore.

When Is the Best Time to Schedule Maternity Photos?
Pregnant woman in a blue dress holding her belly, standing against a dark, flowing fabric background during a Baltimore maternity photography session..
Woman in flowing blue dress holds a child standing on a round platform against a dark backdrop during her Baltimore maternity pictures..

What to Wear for a Glamour Maternity Session

This is where my Pasadena, Maryland studio really shines ✨

My indoor maternity photography studio in Pasadena, MD is fully equipped with:

  • Flowing couture fabrics
  • Luxury maternity gowns
  • High-end backdrops
  • Styling pieces designed specifically for maternity photography

That means you don’t need to shop, stress, or guess.

Best colors for maternity photos:

  • Neutrals (cream, taupe, mocha, soft gray)
  • Jewel tones (emerald, ruby, sapphire)
  • Soft pastels for a romantic look
  • Bold blacks and whites for a dramatic, editorial vibe

✨ We avoid busy patterns, logos, and anything that distracts from you.

View My Collection of Gowns To Borrow

Hair & Makeup: Yes, It’s Worth It

This is not the time to “just throw on mascara.”

Professional hair and makeup:

  • Elevates your images instantly
  • Lasts under studio lighting
  • Helps you feel confident and camera-ready

Many of my maternity clients tell me this is the first time in months they’ve truly felt pampered — and you deserve that.

Pregnant couple holding baby shoes, both wearing jeans at their maternity photography session near Annapolis, MD.
Pregnant couple posing in jeans, embracing affectionately against a neutral backdrop maternity photography session near Annapolis, MD..
Silhouetted couple embracing, woman visibly pregnant, both wearing jeans against white background maternity photography session near Annapolis, MD..
A woman in three stages: pregnant, holding a newborn, and with a toddler, against a dark background maternity photography session near Baltimore, MD..
Silhouette of a pregnant person in a patterned dress against a blue background maternity photography session near Crofton, MD..

What to Bring to Your Maternity Session

Honestly? Not much.

I recommend:

  • Nude or strapless undergarments
  • A supportive bra
  • Any sentimental items (ultrasound photos, baby shoes, etc.)
  • Trust in the process 💕

Everything else — posing, styling, direction — is handled for you.

View my portfolio

How to Pose (Without Feeling Awkward)

Good news: You don’t need to know how.

As a professional maternity photographer serving Annapolis, Baltimore, and surrounding Maryland areas, I guide you through:

  • Flattering poses
  • Hand placement
  • Body angles
  • Expression (yes, even if you “hate being photographed”)

You just show up. I’ll take care of the rest.

10 Tips From a Pro: How To Look Good In Photos

Studio vs Outdoor Maternity Photography in Maryland

While outdoor maternity sessions in Annapolis or Baltimore can be beautiful, studio maternity photography offers:

  • Climate control (no Maryland humidity drama)
  • Complete privacy
  • Luxury styling options
  • Consistent, editorial lighting

My Pasadena, MD maternity studio is designed specifically for high-end, vibrant, glamour maternity portraits — no weather backups required.

Pregnant woman with red hair touches her belly, seated on a cylinder, pink and blue gradient background during a photo shoot with Annapolis maternity photographer.
Pregnant woman in elegant black dress poses in spotlight with hand on head, casting shadow on the wall during a photo shoot with Annapolis maternity photographer..
Pregnant woman in a flowing yellow dress stands gracefully inside a glowing circle during a photo shoot with a Maryland maternity photographer..
Pregnant woman in white dress sitting gracefully on reflective surface with flowing sheer fabric around her during a photo shoot with a Maryland maternity photographer..

Relax — This Is Your Moment 🤍

Your maternity photoshoot isn’t about perfection. It’s about:

  • Celebrating your body
  • Honoring your journey
  • Creating artwork you’ll treasure forever

And yes — even if you feel tired, bloated, or “not like yourself,” I promise: you will be stunned by your final images.

What to Wear for Your Maternity Photoshoot

Book Your Annapolis, Baltimore & Pasadena Maternity Photographer

If you’re searching for a luxury maternity photographer in Annapolis, Baltimore, or Pasadena, Maryland, I would love to create a custom maternity experience just for you.

📍 Pasadena, Maryland indoor maternity studio

📸 Glamour, high-end, vibrant maternity photography

👗 Full access to studio wardrobe & styling

👉 Contact me today to book your maternity session and let’s create something unforgettable.

Annapolis maternity and family photographer
Contact Me
Learn More About My Photography

Amanda Gargano,

Maryland Maternity Photographer

Serving the Annapolis and Baltimore areas of Maryland.

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Paint The Stars Photography
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Maternity Photography, Newborn Photography, Fine Art Family Photography in the Washington D.C and Baltimore/Annapolis, MD area.
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