What to Wear for a Maternity Photoshoot in South London — and What to Avoid

There's a moment in most maternity sessions — usually when we're looking back at the first few frames on the camera — where I hear the same thing: "Oh, I actually look really nice."

It's said with genuine surprise almost every time. And I understand why. Pregnancy can be a complicated relationship with your own body, and the idea of being photographed in the middle of it can feel daunting. Getting dressed for those photos can feel even more so.

But here's what I've learned from photographing pregnant women across Balham, Clapham, Tooting, Streatham, Wandsworth, and the wider South London area for many years: what you wear makes an enormous difference to how you feel in front of the camera — and that feeling comes through in every single image.

So this is my honest guide. No pressure, no strict rules — just the things that genuinely work, and the things that tend not to.

First: What Kind of Session Are You Having?

Before we talk about outfits, it's worth thinking about the setting — because what looks beautiful at home in natural window light can be very different to what works in a park or woodland.

All of my maternity sessions in South London take place either at home or at an outdoor location — sometimes both within the same session. Knowing which type of session you're booking shapes everything that follows.

If you're not sure yet, don't worry — when you book with me, I'll send you a full session guide with tailored advice for your specific location and time of year.

What Works for a Maternity Photoshoot

Fitted or Form-Fitting Clothing

This is probably the single most important piece of advice I give, and the one that surprises people most.

Loose, baggy clothing tends to hide the bump — which is the entire star of the show. Fitted fabrics, whether a stretchy jersey dress, a ribbed knit, a wrap style, or even a simple fitted top with jeans, follow the shape of your body and show off that beautiful round silhouette in a way that loose layers simply can't.

You don't need to wear anything revealing or uncomfortable. But something that skims the bump rather than concealing it will give you images you'll genuinely want to frame.

Simple, Unfussy Fabrics

In photographs, texture and movement read beautifully — particularly soft jersey, silk, satin, linen, and fine knits. Fabrics that drape well tend to be very flattering, and in the right light they add a loveliness to an image that structured or stiff fabric rarely achieves.

Think soft wrap dresses, lightweight maxi dresses, stretchy ribbed sets, flowing linen (well ironed!). These kinds of pieces move naturally and photograph in a way that feels effortless rather than posed.

Neutral and Muted Tones

Cream, ivory, soft white, dusty blush, sage green, warm tan, muted terracotta, powder blue — these tones photograph consistently well, particularly in the natural indoor light I work with during home sessions, and against the green spaces and autumn colours of South London's parks and commons.

Neutral palettes also age beautifully. The images from your maternity session may be on your wall for decades. Timeless tends to serve people better than on-trend.

That said, if there's a colour you love and feel incredible in, wear it. Confidence shows in photographs far more than colour palette.

One or Two Outfit Options

Bringing a second outfit is always a good idea — particularly if you're unsure about one of your choices. We can try both and see what works in the actual light and space. Two outfits also gives your gallery a little variety, which many mums really appreciate when it comes to choosing prints.

One relaxed option and one slightly more dressed-up option tends to work well. For example, a fitted maxi dress for some bedroom shots, and a simple stretchy top with softly fitting trousers for more casual images in the kitchen or living room.

Bare Bump Options

Many mums-to-be choose to incorporate some bare bump images into their session — and these often end up being the most treasured photos of all. You don't need to feel completely comfortable with this from the start; I always let things develop naturally during the session, and if it feels right, we can try a few.

If you're open to this, bringing a light robe, a wrap, or an unbuttoned shirt to layer over a simple bralette or nothing at all gives us lots of options. Nothing needs to be decided in advance.

What to Avoid

Very Busy Prints and Large Logos

Bold stripes, large floral patterns, heavy graphic prints, and prominent brand logos all pull the eye away from your face and your bump. In a photograph, a busy pattern can compete with the very things you want the viewer to notice.

Small, subtle prints are generally fine. But if in doubt, opt for a plain colour.

Very Bright Whites (Especially Near Windows)

Pure white can overexpose easily in strong natural light and create a harsh contrast with your skin. Cream, ivory, and off-white are all much more forgiving and look just as fresh and clean in images. A small distinction, but it genuinely makes a difference.

Stiff or Uncomfortable Clothing

If you're not comfortable, it will show. Waistbands that dig in, fabrics that feel scratchy, new shoes you haven't broken in, a dress that requires constant adjusting — any of these will distract you during the session and reduce the chance of those natural, relaxed expressions that make maternity photos truly beautiful.

Wear things you've worn before and feel good in. Your maternity photoshoot is not the occasion for a brand new outfit.

Heavy Shapewear or Restrictive Layers

Similarly, anything that conceals the bump shape or feels constricting underneath your outfit tends to work against you. The goal is to celebrate and showcase how you look right now — not to smooth or minimise.

What About Hair and Make-Up?

This comes up in almost every enquiry I receive, and my answer is always the same: do whatever makes you feel most like yourself.

If you wear make-up day-to-day, put it on for your session. If you rarely bother, don't feel you have to start now. Freshly styled hair — even if that just means freshly washed and air-dried — does make most people feel more confident in front of the camera, and that confidence always comes through.

What I'd gently say is: this is a lovely excuse to do something that makes you feel good. Whether that's a blow-dry at a local salon, a face mask the night before, your favourite lipstick, or simply a long shower before I arrive — whatever puts you in that "I feel nice today" headspace is genuinely worth it.

A Note on Partners

If your partner is joining you for part of the session — which I always encourage — it's worth coordinating loosely rather than matching precisely.

The same principles apply: neutral tones, unfussy fabrics, nothing too loud or branded. A well-fitting plain t-shirt or a simple linen shirt goes with almost anything, and keeps the focus where it belongs — on you and that bump.

The Honest Truth

The maternity photos that end up as large prints above the fireplace or in a beautiful album aren't usually the ones where every detail was planned perfectly. They're the ones where you felt relaxed, you were in something comfortable, and something real passed between you and the camera — or between you and your partner.

Getting dressed thoughtfully just removes one less thing to think about on the day, so we can get to the good stuff sooner.

Book a Maternity Photoshoot in South London

I'm Juliet, a professional portrait photographer based in Balham, SW12. I photograph maternity, newborns, babies, children, and families across South London and South West London — including Clapham, Streatham, Tooting, Wandsworth, Wimbledon, Brixton, Earlsfield, Putney, Battersea, and surrounding areas.

Every session comes with a full guide, including outfit advice tailored to your specific location and time of year. I'm always happy to answer questions before you book.

Take a look at the maternity portfolio and pricing, or get in touch here.

Juliet Savigear is a professional maternity and baby photographer based in Balham, covering South West London including Clapham, Tooting, Streatham, Wandsworth, Wimbledon, Brixton, Battersea, Earlsfield and Putney.