Maternity Shoot Planning: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me (Before I Overthought Everything)

If you’re pregnant right now and you’re planning a maternity shoot… hi.

You’re probably excited, emotional, tired, and somehow also putting pressure on yourself to make it perfect. Because same.

I don’t know if it’s social media, or just the “I want to do this whole pregnancy journey properly” pressure, but it’s almost like maternity shoots have become part of the checklist. Like: “if you don’t do it, did you even experience pregnancy?” 🙃

And the thing is… I actually wanted a maternity shoot. Genuinely.

I’ve worked behind the camera for most of my career, so I was lowkey excited to be the one in front of it for once. And also, being pregnant is such a wild and special chapter. I don’t even know if I’ll do this again one day… so yes, I wanted those photos to look back on. I wanted something I could keep forever.

But what I didn’t expect was how quickly the planning side turns into a bit of a mental spiral.

So here are 5 things I learned while planning my maternity shoot, the honest version, in case it helps you breathe a little and enjoy it more.

1. Don’t expect your shoot to look exactly like your reference photo

I need you to hear me on this one: your shoot will not look identical to the Pinterest / Instagram reference. And that is not a failure.

Your location is different.

Your body is different.

Your dress might be different.

The lighting will be different.

Even your mood that day will be different.

And honestly? That’s the point.

One of the most magical things I learned during pregnancy is that no one experiences it the same way. Like even if two women are pregnant at the same time, it’s still a totally different journey. Different symptoms, different emotions, different everything.

So why would the photos be the same?

What helped me is going in with this mindset:

Whatever gets created today is going to be unique. It’s going to be mine. And nobody can ever replicate it again.

That alone takes the pressure down so much.

2. Your maternity shoot does NOT have to cost thousands

At first, my brain went BIG.

1. Photographer - Omg yes!

2. Studio - How can I go without?

3. Dress hire - Absolute must!

4. Makeup - Duh!

5. All the things - and more!

Because that’s what it looks like online, right? Like it’s normal to go all out.

But as things got closer (and also as I started prepping for a baby in general), I realised something very practical:

Money can actually be spent better elsewhere when you’re about to welcome a child into the world.

That doesn’t mean you can’t do a paid shoot if you want to, you absolutely can.

But it means you shouldn’t feel like you have to.

I ended up using my own camera, and my sister helped me shoot, and we created something I’m genuinely obsessed with. Like… I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

And even if you don’t have a “fancy” camera, your phone is enough. Phones are honestly insane now.

So if budget is tight or you’re just trying to be realistic: you can still do something beautiful.

3. Use what’s accessible to you (and let creativity do the heavy lifting)

This was a big lesson for me: you don’t need more stuff. You need a better plan.

Pick locations that are accessible and free.

Pick outfits that you already own.

Work with what’s available and make it feel intentional.

Because when you choose what’s within reach, two things happen:

1. The shoot becomes way easier to actually pull off

2. You end up with something that feels more YOU

For example, instead of chasing a “perfect” studio vibe, you can shoot:

• in your home (soft window light is elite)

• at the beach

• in an open field

• in a quiet street with good textures

• in a park close to you

You don’t need a million options. You need one good spot and a clear idea.

And the best part? When you keep it simple, you’re less stressed… which makes you look better in the photos anyway 😅

4. Do the shoot earlier than you think (because baby + body = unpredictable)

Okay so nobody tells you this clearly enough:

You don’t know how you’re going to feel later in pregnancy.

Some people glow the whole time. Others are fighting for their lives by the third trimester.

Energy changes. Swelling happens. Sleep disappears. Life gets heavy.

So if you’re thinking, “I’ll do it later when the bump is bigger”… yes, sure but also, don’t gamble with your comfort.

A sweet spot for a lot of women is around:

28–34 weeks (give or take)

Big bump - Check!

Still some energy - Check!

Not in the danger zone of “I can’t breathe when I tie my shoes” - Check! (hopefully)

Also if you’re doing hair/nails/makeup, plan it in a way where you’re not rushing that day. Pregnancy and rushing is a terrible combo.

5. The real goal isn’t ‘perfect photos’… it’s a memory

This is the part I keep coming back to.

At the end of the day, the maternity shoot isn’t a campaign.

It’s not content you owe people.

It’s not something you need to prove you did “right”.

It’s a memory.

A moment in time.

A version of your body.

A chapter you survived and carried and lived through.

And yes, you can absolutely want it to look beautiful, that’s valid.

But don’t let perfection steal the joy.

Because the real flex isn’t the dress.

The real flex is that you were there, you did it, you captured it, and one day you’ll look back and remember exactly what that season felt like.

Before you go: one gentle reminder

If you’re reading this and you haven’t planned your shoot yet, or you’re behind, or you feel like you’re not doing pregnancy “the right way”…

You are not failing.

You’re just human.

And you’re growing a whole person.

That is enough. 🤍

Tell me in the comments

Are you planning a maternity shoot?

And what kind of vibe are you going for; soft and dreamy, bold and editorial, cozy at home, beach sunset, something different?

I’d LOVE to hear.