One of the first questions I get from almost every expecting mom after she books her session is, “What should I wear?” and I completely understand why it feels like such a big decision. You’re already navigating a season where your body is changing, your energy may not be what it used to be, and the last thing you want is to show up feeling uncomfortable or unsure of yourself. The good news is that this does not have to be complicated.
When it comes to beach maternity photos, the goal is not to find the “perfect” outfit, but to choose something that feels like you while allowing the environment to do what it naturally does best. The beach already gives us soft tones, open space, and beautiful light, so what you wear should complement that rather than compete with it.
I almost always guide my clients toward soft, neutral colors because they photograph in a way that feels timeless and calm. Creams, whites, light taupes, soft blues, and muted earth tones all work beautifully on the coast because they blend naturally with the sand and sky without pulling attention away from you. When you look back at these images years from now, those tones will still feel just as relevant as they do today, which is important when you’re creating something meant to live in your home.
Fabric matters just as much as color, and this is where I see the biggest difference in how a session feels. Flowy dresses tend to move with the breeze and create a softness in the image that feels effortless, while more fitted pieces can beautifully highlight your shape in a way that feels simple and strong. There isn’t a right or wrong choice between the two, but I always recommend choosing something that allows you to move comfortably and doesn’t feel restrictive. If you are adjusting it constantly or worrying about how it’s sitting, that will show up in how you feel during the session.
There are also a few things I gently steer clients away from, not because they are “wrong,” but because they tend to distract from what we are trying to create. Bright neon colors, heavy patterns, and stiff fabrics can pull the eye away from you and create visual noise in an environment that is otherwise very clean and simple. The same goes for anything that feels overly trendy, because what looks current today can quickly feel dated when you’re looking at these images years from now. You also don’t have to figure this out on your own.
Part of my role in this process is to guide you through these decisions so you’re not standing in your closet second-guessing everything the night before your session. I’m always happy to look at options, give feedback, and help you narrow things down so you feel confident walking into your session instead of overwhelmed by it.
What matters most is not whether you chose the “right” dress or the “best” color. What matters is that you feel comfortable enough to relax into the experience and be present in it. When you feel at ease, it shows in every image, and that is what creates photographs that feel natural, connected, and true to this season of your life.
At the end of the day, your maternity session is not about the outfit. It is about capturing a moment that is already meaningful, and choosing something simple, soft, and comfortable allows that to be the focus, exactly where it should be.
