I remember when I was pregnant, everything felt like a big decision. What to eat, what to wear, what crib to buy… and of course, how to prepare for maternity photos and what maternity photography poses to do during the shoot.

At the same time, whether you’re stepping in front of the camera for a maternity session or a family shoot, feeling confident in how to pose can make all the difference. After all, the best photos don’t come from stiff smiles or awkward stances, they come from genuine connection, gentle movement, and feeling comfortable in your own skin

As a Bay Area maternity photographer, I guide my clients through poses that feel natural, easy, and flattering. If you want to feel extra confident on camera, here are some simple maternity photography poses that will help you look and feel amazing.

Whether you’re flying solo or bringing the whole crew, these ideas are designed to help you feel relaxed, connected, and totally camera-ready while capturing the love and joy of this beautiful season.

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Why Maternity Photography Poses Matter

The best maternity photography poses aren’t stiff or overly staged. Instead, they’re rooted in emotion and connection. Ultimately, we want to highlight the beauty of your growing bump and the love you share with those closest to you.

Yes, your baby belly is the star, but so is your smile, your laugh, your hand gently resting on your bump, and the way your partner looks at you like you’re pure magic. These quiet, intimate moments matter just as much as the big ones.

That’s why we’ll meet at a gorgeous outdoor location to capture the joy, anticipation, and love that fills this season of life. Maternity lifestyle sessions focus on you, the expecting mother, and the sweet bond between you and the baby growing inside you.

My goal is to make you feel radiant, celebrated, and deeply connected to the moment.

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Maternity Photography Poses That Feel Effortless

Solo Poses

These solo maternity photography poses are all about embracing this special season, celebrating your strength, and letting your natural beauty shine, no fancy choreography required. Just a few simple movements and prompts can bring out so much joy, connection, and confidence.

1. Hands-on-Belly with a Laugh – Maternity Pose

This pose is full of warmth and joy and it’s a beautiful way to highlight your bump while keeping things relaxed and genuine.

• Turn your body slightly at a 45-degree angle to the camera.
• Place one hand gently on top of your belly, and the other below.
• Then look off into the distance, let out a soft smile or even a laugh, and just breathe it all in.

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2. Glow and Gaze – Maternity Pose

This timeless pose captures the quiet connection between you and your baby with a soft, reflective moment filled with love.

• Stand at a slight side angle to the camera.
• Rest one hand gently on top of your belly, and the other underneath.
• Then, look down at your bump with a tender smile.

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3. Strolling Through Flowers – Maternity Pose

Soft, playful, and effortlessly serene. This pose feels like a gentle walk through nature. It’s candid, light, and perfect for showcasing both movement and calm.

• Stand angled slightly to the side.
• Rest one hand beneath your belly, while the other reaches out to touch a nearby flower or bit of greenery.
• Look outward with a relaxed, natural smile.

Maternity Photography Poses With Your Partner That Capture Real Connection

Couples Maternity Pose

Some of the sweetest maternity photography poses come from simply letting your partner love on you and that beautiful bump! These moments are filled with laughter, tenderness, and anticipation and they make for the most heartfelt images.

1. The Bump Kiss – Couples Maternity Pose

This pose is always a heart-stealer. Your partner kneels to gently kiss your belly while you smile down at them, soaking in the love you both already feel for your baby. It’s sweet, intimate, and full of meaning. Let the love lead as this pose is all about connection.

Mama

• Stand angled to the side,
• Place one hand under the belly, the other hand under the belly.
• Look down and smile at your belly and partner.

Partner

• Angle sideways to the camera
• neel on one knee (the knee closest to the camera should be down)
• Lean in and kiss the belly softly

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2. Sitting Cuddles – Couples Maternity Pose

For a cozy, candid feel, snuggle up sitting together and even better if it’s by the water. Not only does this pose invite real connection, but it also brings out natural laughter and relaxed intimacy. Instead of stressing about getting it perfect, just lean in and enjoy the moment. After all, this pose is all about warmth and closeness, it captures the quiet joy of simply being together.

Mama

• Sit between your partner’s legs, angled slightly to the side
• Place one hand under the belly, the other hand under the belly.
• Lean in, forehead to forehead toward your partner, and smile

Partner

• Sit comfortably behind mama, relaxed but engaged
• One arm resting casually on your shin, the other around her shoulders
• Keep feet flat to minimize the visibility of shoe soles
• Lean in, gently touching foreheads, and smile

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3. Here’s Looking at You Mama – Couples Maternity Pose

This pose is all about movement, connection, and a little playful magic. As your session unfolds, your partner reaches out to you, and you take their hand while glancing back with a radiant smile. Altogether, it feels whimsical, full of energy, and perfect for capturing joy in motion. In the end, this pose is all about lightness, fun, and letting your love lead the way.

Mama

• Stand angled slightly to the side
• Rest one hand under your belly, and extend the other hand back toward your partner
• Look up toward your partner with a soft, joyful smile

Partner

• Reach forward to hold Mama’s hand gently, letting the connection lead the moment

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Tips to Rock Your Maternity Photography Poses With Confidence

1. Keep it Moving

When in doubt, move! Movement is your best friend. In fact, some of my favorite “candid” moments happen when I ask clients to walk and not look at the camera.

On the other hand, static poses can sometimes feel stiff or awkward (uhh like, “what do I do with my hands?”). That’s exactly why I love prompting you to sway, stroll, snuggle, or even twirl. A little movement, in turn, adds just enough distraction to help you relax—it brings out natural expressions, genuine connection, and effortless confidence on camera.

2. Embrace Your Bump

I always keep an eye out for limp or unengaged hands during a session, because your hands can quietly say a lot. One easy way to create instant connection in your photos? Gently embrace your bump.

Simply place one hand on top, the other below, and take a breath. Smile softly, either outward or down toward your baby. Even though it’s a small shift, it makes your photos feel intentional, connected, and full of heart.

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3. Relax, Breathe, and Switch Things Up

I always keep an eye out for limp or unengaged hands during a session, because your hands can quietly say a lot. To create instant connection, one of the easiest tricks is to gently embrace your bump.

From there, simply place one hand on top, the other below, and take a deep breath. Smile softly, either outward or down toward your baby. Even though it’s a small shift, it makes a big difference. In the end, it helps your photos feel intentional, connected, and full of heart.

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4. Choose a Meaningful Location

A beautiful location can truly set the tone and bring out the soft, romantic energy of your session.

For example, waterfront views, grassy fields, tall trees, and those golden Bay Area sunsets, these settings are ideal for maternity photos. Personally, I love letting the environment inspire us. Rather than forcing poses, I take cues from what’s around us. A big tree? We’ll try some tender, romantic moments beneath it. A wide, lush lawn? Perfect for sitting or lying down together. A gentle hill or path? That’s our cue for sweet walking shots and natural movement.

Along the way, changing things up throughout the session keeps everyone, especially partners and toddlers, engaged and having fun. Instead of jumping straight into posed shots, I let the setting and your connection lead the way. I’ll quietly observe how you interact with your partner, your bump, and your surroundings, then offer gentle prompts that flow naturally from your energy.

In the end, the result is photos that feel effortless, heartfelt, and uniquely you.

Some of my favorite San Francisco Peninsula Maternity Photography Locations

Leo Ryan Park in Foster City

Leo Ryan Park beautiful park offers wide open green lawns, a peaceful lagoon, a charming gazebo right on the water, and an outdoor amphitheater—just a few of the many scenic features that make it perfect for a maternity session.

Arizona Cactus Garden in Palo Alto

Located at Stanford University, the Arizona Garden showcases a stunning variety of colorful and rare cacti—from tall columnar shapes to barrel and monstrose forms. It’s unique, textural, and especially striking during golden hour.

Filio Gardens in Woodside

This private estate is a dreamy location year-round. Filoli features meticulously maintained gardens that change beautifully with the seasons. Advance tickets are required for entrance, but the setting is worth it with its lush, vibrant, and picture-perfect gardens and historic architecture for capturing your growing bump.

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Why You’ll Never Regret Learning These Maternity Photography Poses

I get it. Figuring out how to pose during a maternity session can feel like just another task on your never-ending to-do list. However, the truth is, the best photos aren’t about striking the perfect pose. Instead, they’re about feeling at ease and capturing real, heartfelt moments. That’s exactly why my approach is all about gentle guidance into natural, relaxed poses that feel effortless and true to you.

To make things even easier, I keep sessions light-hearted and fun so you can actually enjoy the experience. Whether it’s resting a hand on your bump, sharing a quiet nose-to-nose moment with your partner, or letting your toddler launch into a tickle war, I’ll guide you through it with warmth and ease. Ultimately, when you’re comfortable and connected, the photos become more than beautiful images, they become lasting memories you’ll always treasure.

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Final Thought: Maternity Photography Poses To Capture Your Pregnancy Glow

Still wondering what to wear, how to pose, or where to shoot? No worries, I’ve got you. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Instead, just show up, and I’ll guide you through every step with care and ease. I’ll be right there, gently cheering you on from behind the lens.

Expecting a baby soon? I’d love to connect and chat about your maternity photos!

I can’t wait to help you feel beautiful, seen, and celebrated. Take a peek at my portfolio for more behind-the-scenes and baby bump inspiration!

If you love reading this blog, you will also love:

• When Is the Best Time for Maternity Photos? A Real Mom’s Guide
• What to Wear for Family Photoshoot: A Style Guide for Busy Moms
• Tips for Family Photos with Toddlers (From a Photographer Mom)