Maternity Portrait Ideas to Celebrate This Beautiful Chapter
While “maternity portrait” might once have meant a perfectly posed studio shot, today it can be so much more. At The Story of Us, we love creating galleries that blend gently guided portraits with natural, emotive moments. Yes, we’ll capture the timeless silhouette or soft hand-on-belly shot—but we also focus on the in-between. The quiet laughter. The glances shared with your partner. The way your hand rests instinctively where new life is growing.
These maternity portraits come from sessions with families we’ve photographed here in Perth and beyond. We hope they inspire your own photoshoot—and help you honour this beautiful, fleeting chapter of becoming.
Maternity portrait idea #1: Among the Wildflowers
There’s something timeless about expecting mothers surrounded by wildflowers—soft colours dancing in the breeze, golden light catching the curve of a growing belly. In spring, fields around Perth come alive with blooms, making them perfect for whimsical, nature-filled portraits. Flowing dresses and bare feet add a gentle, grounded feel, and the photos glow with calm and connection. These sessions are especially beautiful when timed just before sunset, when everything is warm and honey-hued. Whether it’s a solo shoot or shared with a partner, the flowers seem to echo the feeling of new life on the way.
See more of Marianna’s maternity portrait at Perth’s city park
Maternity portrait idea #2: Growing Family, Growing Heart
When you're welcoming a second (or third) baby, maternity sessions become about more than the bump—they’re about the whole growing family. We love capturing toddlers kissing mum’s belly, partners carrying little ones on their shoulders, and the sweet chaos that comes with it all. These sessions are full of play, cuddles, and spontaneous moments that say so much about your family’s love and rhythm. It’s a beautiful way to make older siblings feel part of the journey, too.
Maternity portrait idea #3: In-Home Maternity Portraits
There’s a quiet intimacy to in-home maternity sessions—capturing the in-between moments of daily life before everything changes. We often shoot in bedrooms, nurseries, or sunny corners of the home, using soft textures and natural light to create a gentle, emotional tone. These portraits are less posed, more honest. A hand resting on a belly, a book left open on the bed, sunlight on the floor. For families welcoming a second (or third) baby, it’s also a lovely way to include older children in a setting they know and love.
Find inspiration of maternity portrait at home from the Seng’s family first pregnancy photos.
Maternity portrait idea #4: Barefoot on the Beach at Sunset
The beach at golden hour is a favourite for maternity sessions, and for good reason. Soft pastel skies, wind in your hair, salt in the air—it all adds up to portraits that feel light, open, and utterly serene. We love capturing mums-to-be walking barefoot through the shallows, embracing partners at the water’s edge, or standing still as the ocean moves behind them. Perth’s coastline offers a range of moods, from quiet and reflective to windswept and wild, all of which can reflect your personal style and energy.
Treasure your pregnancy moment like Josephine’s maternity portrait at the beach during the warm sunset hour.
Maternity portrait idea #5: Glowing in the Golden Sunset
Sunset light is a portrait photographer’s best friend—and it’s especially magic during maternity sessions. There’s a glow that wraps around you, softens every edge, and brings out the calm strength in this season of waiting. Whether we’re in an open field, park, or tucked-away urban spot, the golden hour adds drama and warmth to your portraits. A flowing gown or neutral-toned outfit lets the light speak, and we guide you through gentle movements that feel natural and beautiful.
Capture romantic moments with your partner, like Lisa’s maternity portrait in the golden sunset hour!
Maternity portrait idea #6: Maternity Portraits With Your Partner
Including your partner in your maternity portraits adds another layer of emotion: connection, shared joy, and support. We often capture soft touches, whispered moments, and laughter as you imagine what’s to come. Some couples bring along letters they’ve written to the baby, or special items that represent their journey. The result is not only a memory of your pregnancy, but a celebration of your relationship as it grows into parenthood.
You started a family of two—don’t let that slip away from your memory. Freeze the sweet moment with your partner, just like Sam’s maternity portrait below here.
Maternity portrait idea #7: Maternity Portraits With Your Beloved Pet
Pets are family—and they absolutely belong in your maternity portraits. Whether it’s a dog bounding across the beach, a cat curled on your lap at home, or a horse gently nuzzling your belly in a paddock, these moments are full of heart. Including your pet can also help you feel more relaxed during the shoot. We work with the pace and personality of your furry family member, creating calm, connected images that celebrate the full circle of love in your life.
Follow Ailyn’s maternity portrait by bringing your beloved pet during the photo session!
Maternity portrait idea #8: City Moments: Urban Maternity Sessions
For something a little different, urban maternity sessions bring a modern, stylish edge. Think bold architecture, street textures, or city skylines at dusk. These portraits work beautifully for couples who feel most at home in the rhythm of the city. Outfits can be a little more fashion-forward here—structured coats, boots, or simple monochrome looks that contrast beautifully with the lines of buildings and alleyways. It’s maternity photography with an edge, but still grounded in connection and love.
What to Wear for Maternity Photos
Comfort and confidence are key when choosing outfits for your maternity portraits. We often suggest:
Flowy maxi dresses that move with the breeze and highlight your shape
Soft neutrals or earth tones that work beautifully with natural light
Fitted ribbed dresses if you prefer a sleek, modern look
Texture layering, like knits, lace, or linen, especially for in-home shoots
Bare bump shots (if you’re comfortable)—these can feel incredibly raw and real
Don’t forget to think about your partner or family members, too. Coordinating rather than matching helps everything feel natural and cohesive. We’re always happy to offer styling guidance based on your chosen location and vibe.
Find inspiration from Lisa’s maternity portrait outfit for your next photo session.
When to Schedule Your Maternity Session
The sweet spot for maternity photography is typically between 28 and 34 weeks—when your belly is beautifully round but you’re still feeling relatively comfortable. That said, every pregnancy is different. Some prefer to wait a little longer for a more dramatic bump, while others want to get in early to avoid the final weeks of fatigue. We recommend booking your session at least 6–8 weeks in advance, especially during spring and autumn when outdoor locations are in high demand.
And if your baby is due sooner? Don’t stress. We’ve had beautiful last-minute sessions with radiant mums at 37 or even 38 weeks!
Location Inspiration Around Perth
Perth offers a wealth of stunning backdrops for maternity portraits—whether you’re dreaming of bushland, beach, or something more urban. Some of our favourite session spots include:
Wireless Hill, bursting with native blooms in spring
South Fremantle, with its soft beachscapes and character-filled streets
Hyde Park, especially golden in autumn
John Oldham Park, with its peaceful mix of water, greenery, and city skyline
Your own home, for something quiet, honest, and personal
Each location lends itself to different maternity portrait ideas, and we’re always happy to chat through what will best suit your story.
Let’s Create Your Maternity Portrait Together
Maternity portraits are more than just photos—they’re a chance to honour this moment before everything changes. Whether you're picturing a quiet in-home session or a golden hour adventure, we’d love to help bring your vision to life.
Let’s capture this chapter—tender, fleeting, unforgettable—together.
Explore our portfolio to see the magic we create: Family, In-home, Newborn, Maternity,Family Trips, Celebrations, and Extended Family.
FAQs About Maternity Portrait Photography
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Traditionally, a maternity portrait might have meant a posed studio image—mum-to-be standing tall, hand on belly, looking serenely at the camera. These classic images still hold value for their simplicity and clarity, especially when you're marking such a meaningful milestone.
But today, maternity portraits have evolved into something more intimate, more personal. At The Story of Us, we believe maternity photography should reflect you—not just how you looked during pregnancy, but how it felt.
Modern maternity portraits often include:
Natural, candid moments—quiet reflection, shared laughter, gentle touches
Real emotion and connection, especially with partners or children
In-home or outdoor settings that feel relaxed and authentic
Soft, natural light and gentle direction instead of stiff poses
We often say the best maternity portraits aren’t about being perfectly styled or camera-ready—they’re about honouring the deep beauty of this chapter. Whether it’s your first baby or your fourth, this is your story to tell. And maternity portraits are one of the most powerful ways to remember it.
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Our maternity portrait session is 45 minutes, whether we are shooting outdoors or in-home.
View our maternity photography portfolio for more details and inspiration.
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Absolutely. Including your partner and children in your maternity session adds layers of emotion and connection—it’s not just your story, but your family’s.
If you’re planning to have the whole crew involved, we recommend booking a 75-minute family photo session. The extra time allows for:
Full group portraits
Sweet in-between moments (like cuddles and giggles)
Smaller combinations (just you and your partner, or one-on-one time with each child)
This relaxed pace helps everyone settle in, resulting in warm, natural images that feel true to your family.
The same goes for in-home sessions, which are perfect for capturing the beauty of everyday life—whether it's quiet mornings, storytime snuggles, or shared routines that will soon include one more. You can explore our in-home photo portfolio for more details and inspiration.
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Start with places that feel meaningful or comfortable for you and your family. That could be your home, a favourite park, the beach, or even somewhere you love to visit together. Think about the mood you want—relaxed and cosy, light and playful, or adventurous and wild. The best locations are the ones where your family can simply be yourselves.
We’re always happy to suggest locations that suit your style, kids’ ages, or the kind of story you want to tell. Get in touch to have a chat—we’d love to help you find the perfect spot.
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We recommend booking 1–2 months in advance, especially for weekend spots or seasonal sessions like spring and summer.
