Magical Beach Maternity Photo Ideas for Expecting Mums
The beach holds a special kind of magic, especially when you're celebrating the incredible journey into motherhood. There’s something about the open skies, soft sands, and gentle rhythms of the waves that mirrors the beauty, strength, and serenity of pregnancy.
At The Story of Us, we’ve been lucky to capture so many beautiful beach maternity sessions over the years. In this post, we’re sharing some of our favourite maternity photo ideas we've taken by the ocean — moments filled with golden light, laughter, connection, and quiet reflection. We hope these ideas inspire your own story by the sea.
Beach Maternity Photo Idea #1: Sunset Stroll by the Sea
There’s something sacred about walking the shoreline at sunset—hand in hand, heart to heart, with the sound of waves echoing your quiet anticipation. As the golden light kisses your bump and the breeze plays with your dress, these gentle moments with your partner become timeless. No posing, just connection. A simple walk turns into a memory you'll treasure forever.
Beach Maternity Photo Idea #2: Cradling Your Bump, Holding the Moment
There’s a quiet beauty in simply standing still, barefoot in the sand, hands resting gently on your bump. As the waves roll in and the sun begins to dip, this moment becomes a quiet conversation between you and the life you’re growing. No words needed—just breath, light, and love. It's tender, grounded, and timeless. A stillness that says everything.
Beach Maternity Photo Idea #3: Gazing Ahead, Holding What's to Come
Looking out toward the horizon, there’s a natural stillness—a pause between now and what’s next. With the breeze in your hair and the sea stretching endlessly ahead, this moment becomes a quiet reflection of the journey you're on. It’s not just about what’s changing—it’s about the strength and softness already within you. A beautiful image of hope, anticipation, and presence.
Beach Maternity Photo Idea #4: A Laugh Shared with Your Love
Not every moment needs to be posed—sometimes, the most meaningful photos come from laughter you didn’t expect. A shared joke, a look that makes you both giggle, a splash of water on your toes. These candid moments reveal the joy and connection that brought you here. Light-hearted, real, and full of love—they’re the ones you’ll come back to again and again.
Beach Maternity Photo Idea #5: A Sonogram Against the Sea Breeze
There’s something deeply moving about holding your baby’s first photo close to where they already live—in your heart, and beneath your hands. With the soft backdrop of waves and sunlight, this simple gesture becomes a powerful connection between now and what’s to come. A quiet reminder that they’re already so loved, even before you meet. Gentle, symbolic, and unforgettable.
Beach Maternity Photo Idea #6: One Gentle Touch, All the Love to Come
A partner’s hand. A tiny sibling’s palm. That simple, quiet gesture of touching your bump says everything: “we’re already connected.” Whether it’s protective, playful, or curious, this moment symbolises the growing love that surrounds your baby before they even arrive. It’s an intimate, heartfelt frame that reflects family becoming more.
Beach Maternity Photo Idea #7: Windswept and Glowing in the Breeze
Let the wind do what it does best—carry your hair, lift your dress, and breathe life into every frame. There’s something powerful and unposed about these moments: fabric catching the breeze, strands of hair framing your face, and light dancing across it all. It’s raw, real, and full of energy. A perfect reminder that beauty often lives in movement.
Beach Maternity Photo Idea #8: Barefoot and Free at the Water’s Edge
There’s a quiet joy in walking barefoot along the shoreline—feeling the cool water meet your toes, the breeze wrap around your bump, and the soft sand shift beneath your steps. These moments are natural and playful, adding a sense of movement and freedom to your gallery. It’s not just beautiful—it’s grounding. A gentle reminder that this chapter is both powerful and light.
Beach Maternity Photo Idea #9: Wrapped in Light, Sitting in the Sand
Picture this: you seated in soft, warm sand, your dress flowing around you like a circle of light. The waves behind you hum gently while the golden sun bathes everything in glow. This pose feels still, strong, and almost sacred. It captures the duality of motherhood—softness wrapped around incredible strength. A portrait of calm anticipation.
Beach Maternity Photo Idea #10: Silhouetted by the Setting Sun
As the sun dips low and the sky glows in soft amber tones, a silhouette forms—simple, striking, and full of quiet power. With your bump gently outlined and the light behind you, the image becomes timeless. There’s no need for detail here—just shape, shadow, and emotion. It’s a beautiful way to honour the strength and grace of this season in your life.
Best Times of Day for Beach Maternity Photos
Timing can make all the difference for beach maternity sessions. "Golden hour," just after sunrise or just before sunset, offers the most flattering, dreamy light. Sunrise sessions often feel more private and still, while sunset brings that iconic golden glow. It's also important to consider tides, wind, and seasonal weather to ensure the best experience.
What to Wear for Your Beach Maternity Photoshoot
Beach sessions are all about movement, light, and connection—so your outfits should feel effortless and true to you. Think soft tones, natural fabrics, and pieces that flow with the breeze.
For the mum-to-be:
Flowy dresses or skirts that move with the wind (bonus points for a little drama!)
Light, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or gauze
Soft, earthy tones—think cream, blush, sage, sand, or sky blue
Consider a second look: one more fitted to highlight your bump
Barefoot is beautiful, or bring simple sandals for the walk there
Hair down and loose works beautifully with the sea breeze
For the partner:
Neutral or earthy tones to complement your outfit (oatmeal, olive, tan, navy)
A relaxed shirt—linen, chambray, or a soft tee—with rolled sleeves or open over a tee
Comfortable chinos or shorts
Avoid logos or bold patterns that distract from connection
Barefoot works well here too—especially near the water
For the kids:
Keep it comfy and playful—soft fabrics in colours that echo yours
Linen rompers, cotton overalls, breezy dresses, or simple shorts and shirts
Layers like knit cardigans or light jumpers if it's breezy
Let them go barefoot—sandy toes make for the sweetest photos
If they have a favourite hat or comfort toy, bring it—it’s part of the story
Most importantly, wear what makes you feel good. The beach brings out a beautiful softness in every session—and when you feel relaxed and connected, it truly shows in every frame.
How to Prepare for Your Beach Maternity Session
Stay hydrated: Bring water to sip throughout your session.
Pack essentials: A small towel, a brush for wind-tousled hair, and a backup outfit (just in case) can be lifesavers.
Check conditions: Confirm tides and weather with your photographer to pick the best day and time.
Take it easy: Allow plenty of time to arrive so you're relaxed and ready to enjoy the moment.
Ready to capture your pregnancy story by the beach? Let’s make it happen!
Your maternity journey is a once-in-a-lifetime chapter — one filled with quiet anticipation, deep love, and dreams of the beautiful life ahead. Capturing these moments by the sea lets you hold onto the wonder of this season forever.
Explore our portfolio to see the magic we create: Family, In-home, Newborn, Maternity, Family Trips, Celebrations, and Extended Family.
Ready to make your story come to life? Book your maternity photography session with us today — we can’t wait to help you capture your memories in the most beautiful, heartfelt way.
FAQ: Beach Maternity Photos
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Most mums-to-be book their beach maternity photos when they are between 28 to 34 weeks pregnant. Your belly will have a beautiful shape by then, and you'll still feel comfortable enough to move around easily.
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Weather is always a part of beach sessions! If it's windy or cloudy, we can still capture stunning, emotional photos. However, if heavy rain or storms are forecast, we'll work together to reschedule to a better day.
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Absolutely! Including your partner and children adds so much warmth and connection to your maternity story. We’ll create a mix of solo and family portraits so you have a beautiful variety to treasure.
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It’s a good idea to bring water, a hairbrush for windy moments, a towel, and a backup outfit just in case. If you have a meaningful prop, like a sonogram photo or a special baby item, we can incorporate it too.
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Cottesloe Beach: Famous for its sweeping sunsets and crystal-clear water, Cottesloe offers both iconic beauty and classic Perth vibes.
Leighton Beach: Leighton is perfect if you love wide open spaces and a more peaceful atmosphere. It’s also great for simple, clean backgrounds that keep the focus on your family.
South Beach: With a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, South Beach feels casual and inviting. The grassy areas nearby also offer a nice variety for your gallery.
Mettam's Pool: This quieter spot features natural rock pools, creating beautiful, textured scenery and opportunities for candid moments.
Secret Local Spots: Some of the most breathtaking beach maternity photos happen at hidden gems along our coastline. If you have a special spot close to your heart, we’d love to hear about it. And if you’re looking for inspiration, we can suggest a few of our favourite tucked-away beaches where the magic always unfolds.
If you have young children, we often recommend The Wild Chapter, as it allows extra time for your little ones to explore, settle in, and play — making the whole experience feel more like a carefree afternoon at the beach.
For more details on the packages, please check out our family portfolio.
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Natural, light makeup and hair that embraces movement, like soft waves or loose buns, work beautifully. A touch of hairspray can help tame flyaways while keeping everything soft and relaxed.
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Absolutely! You can wear stylish sandals or barefoot sandals, or we can find spots with grassy access paths if you'd prefer to keep your shoes on.
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Our beach maternity sessions usually take around 45 minutes — the perfect amount of time to capture a beautiful mix of candid and gently posed moments without feeling rushed. You can explore our maternity portfolio to see the magic we create during these sessions.
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Both are beautiful in their own way. Sunset offers that rich, golden glow, while sunrise tends to be quieter and softer in light. We'll help you choose the best time based on your vision and the beach location.
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Yes, if your chosen beach allows dogs, your furry family member is welcome!
Check out Pet Photography Perth Guide – Outdoor and In-home Ideas for more inspiration!
