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 Ideas to Inspire You
The most memorable maternity photos often come from natural connections. Focus on gentle movements like walking hand-in-hand, soft laughter, and quiet, reflective moments.
Strolling Along the Shore with Your Partner at Sunset
Hand in hand, walking along the waterline as the sun dips low creates timeless, romantic images full of warmth.
Cradling Your Bump with Both Hands
Standing still or swaying gently, holding your belly with both hands highlights the beautiful bond forming between you and your baby.
Looking Thoughtfully Toward the Horizon
A candid moment of reflection, looking out at the open sea, symbolises the wonder and excitement of the journey ahead.
Laughing Candidly with Your Partner
Those unscripted bursts of laughter between poses often become the most treasured photos, capturing the love and joy you share.
Holding Your Baby's Sonogram Against Your Belly
A beautiful, symbolic shot that connects the unseen with the tangible, perfect for documenting your baby's first little keepsake.
Walking Barefoot at the Water’s Edge
Let the cool waves tickle your toes as you walk; it brings a sense of playfulness and natural beauty to your gallery.
Sitting in the Sand with a Flowing Dress Around You
Spread your dress out in the sand for an ethereal, goddess-like feel that showcases both strength and softness.
A Partner or Child’s Hand Resting on Your Belly
A simple but deeply emotional pose that captures family connection even before your baby is born.
Windswept Hair and Fabric Creating Natural Movement Shots
Embrace the breeze! Flowing hair and dress fabrics can add dynamic energy to your maternity portraits.
Silhouette Shots with the Sun Low in the Sky
Backlit by the sun, a silhouette shot highlights the graceful shape of your pregnancy and creates a timeless, dramatic image.
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
Choosing the right outfit will help you feel confident and comfortable. Flowy dresses in soft neutrals, earthy tones, or gentle pastels photograph beautifully against the beach backdrop. Look for materials that catch the breeze to add movement to your images.
Partners and siblings can wear complementary, simple outfits for a cohesive look. Comfort is key, especially as you move around on sand and near the water.
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!
