My top 5 maternity session poses


As a maternity photographer serving New Hampshire and Massachusetts, one of the things I love most is creating timeless, emotional portraits that celebrate the beauty and strength of motherhood. Over the years, I've developed a handful of go-to poses that not only flatter the expecting mother but also capture the intimate connection between her and her growing baby. Today, I'm sharing some of my favorite maternity poses that have become staples during my sessions.


1. The Classic Belly Cradle


Simple yet powerful, the belly cradle is a pose I use at every session. I ask the mother-to-be to place one hand above and one hand below her belly. This highlights the bump and naturally draws attention to her baby. I often encourage a soft smile or a downward gaze to capture a peaceful, reflective moment.

A person in a floral dress stands beneath a blossoming tree branch in a springtime garden setting.
Someone in a sun hat poses among tall blooming sunflowers in a garden field on a bright summer day.
Pregnant woman in floral dress stands on brick path with stone archway in background.
Pregnant woman in burnt orange velvet dress stands near canopy bed with dried pampas grass decor in rustic bedroom.
Expectant mother in flowy cream dress stands on wooden boardwalk at beach during sunset with ocean in background.
Expectant figure in teal sweater dress and plaid scarf stands in autumn forest setting with fallen leaves on ground.
A pregnant woman in a white lace off-shoulder dress stands in a rustic stone archway with wind-swept hair.
A pregnant woman in an emerald green sweater dress stands between evergreen trees at a Christmas tree farm.

2. Walking with Intention


Movement brings a beautiful authenticity to photos. I have my clients walk slowly toward me, gently cradling their bump or holding the fabric of their dress. This helps them relax, and it adds a natural flow to the images.

A couple walking hand in hand on a garden path with a grand white mansion in the background.
A couple walking hand in hand on a rocky beach with blue water and forested shoreline in the background.
A family silhouetted against a golden sunset walks together holding hands on a sandy beach.
Couple embraces on garden path during maternity photo session in autumn evening light.
Two people walk hand in hand along a peaceful beach with calm water and distant shoreline in the background.
Two people walk on a lush green lawn in front of a grand white colonial-style mansion with arched windows and columns.

3. Partner Poses


When partners join the session, I love capturing the emotion between them. A favorite is having the partner stand behind the expecting mother, wrapping their arms around her belly. I guide them into a gentle forehead touch or a soft kiss on the temple for a tender, heartfelt image.

A couple stands together on rocky coastal shores with a lighthouse visible in the distance during golden hour.
A couple poses together under a rustic wooden structure entrance during an outdoor autumn photoshoot.
Expectant couple shares an intimate moment against a rustic wooden shingle wall during maternity photoshoot.
Black and white intimate maternity photo shows a couple embracing tenderly on a couch with the pregnant woman resting.
A couple embraces in a sunlit garden with blooming sunflowers during a romantic maternity photoshoot.
Expecting couple poses on autumn trail with their loyal black and white dog sitting beside them on fallen leaves.
A couple holds hands while walking barefoot on a beach at sunset, with the waves reflecting their silhouettes.
A couple poses together under blooming spring tree branches while showing her baby bump in a gray ribbed dress.
Black and white maternity photo shows loving couple embracing outdoors, with partners hands resting on pregnant belly.

4. Close-Up of the Belly


Capturing the intricate details is so meaningful. I love doing a close-up shot of the belly, focusing on the hands placed gently around it. Whether it's the mother's hands, the partner's, or even tiny baby shoes or ultrasound photos resting on the bump, this shot always feels intimate and personal.

A pregnant belly in a blue and white floral off-shoulder dress stands among blooming wildflowers in a garden setting.
Pregnant woman in blue dress and lace kimono stands at beach shoreline making heart shape with hands over belly.
Person in floral dress holding pregnant belly while standing outdoors with blurred green foliage background.
A person in a green ribbed sweater dress holds their baby bump while standing among Christmas trees.

5. Sibling Snuggling the Belly


Including older siblings in the session brings a heartwarming, emotional element. I love posing a big brother or sister snuggling up to mom's belly, resting their head gently or giving the bump a sweet kiss. It beautifully symbolizes the excitement and love already growing for the newest family member.

Two children in spring attire touch a pregnant belly while posing in a blooming garden.
A tender embrace shared between two people wearing light colored clothing while standing on a beach at sunset.
A pregnant woman holds a small baby's bare foot against her belly in a black and white beach photo.
Young girl in blue dress hugs green maternity gown beside bright yellow sunflowers in garden setting.
Black and white photo of hands tenderly touching a pregnant belly wearing a striped dress.
Two people in matching pink dresses stand together on a garden path near a white house on a sunny day.
A small boy in stripes gazes adoringly at an expectant mother in a green dress under blooming spring apple blossoms.
A tender moment captured in black and white as a mother in a floral dress embraces her young child outdoors.

Each maternity session is unique, and my goal is always to adapt these poses to fit the client's personality, style, and comfort level. Whether we're standing on a sandy beach in the seacoast of New Hampshire or the seaport in Boston, Massachusetts, these poses help tell the story of one of the most magical times in a family's life. If you're expecting and thinking about scheduling a maternity session, I'd love to help you create beautiful memories you'll treasure forever.