There’s truly nothing quite like maternity photos. This is such a unique and beautiful season in your life. You are growing a whole new little person, and your heart is already expanding in ways you never imagined. Maternity photos are about more than just documenting a baby bump. They are a way to freeze this time in your family’s story before everything changes wonderfully.

Hi friend, I’m Ashley, a Minneapolis motherhood and newborn photographer who believes every chapter of your story is worth remembering. Maternity photos are one of my favorite ways to celebrate this season, and I’m so excited to share everything you need to know so you can feel prepared, comfortable, and completely yourself during your session. Reach out here, I’d love to help you capture this beautiful chapter. Want to see more maternity stories? Take a peek at my portfolio and feel the magic.

Why Maternity Photos Matter

Pregnancy is full of changes. Some days you may feel tired, some days you feel glowing, and some days you feel both at the same time. It is a whirlwind. But when you pause to take maternity photos, you give yourself the gift of seeing how truly beautiful you are in this season.

These photos tell your child, “This is how much we loved you before we even met you.” They are a way to share your joy, your hope, and your anticipation. They also let you look back one day and remember the little things, how you cradled your belly, the way your partner looked at you, and the excitement that filled the air. Maternity photos are not just for you today; they are a keepsake for your future.

When to Schedule Your Maternity Session

The sweet spot for maternity photos is usually between 28 and 34 weeks. At this stage:

• Your belly has that beautiful, round shape that photographs so well.
• You still have enough energy and comfort to move around during your session.
• Your pregnancy glow is in full swing!

Every pregnancy is unique, so it’s always a good idea to check in early with your photographer. Booking ahead means you can:

• Avoid feeling rushed in the weeks leading up to your baby’s arrival.
• Save your ideal date on the calendar.
• Plan around Minnesota’s best light and weather.

If you’re loving the idea of maternity photos, you’ll enjoy this motherhood session filled with tender, love-soaked moments that beautifully celebrate the connection between mama and child.

What to Wear for Your Maternity Session

What you wear can make such a difference in how your maternity photos feel. Flowy maternity dresses, soft fabrics, and neutral tones often photograph beautifully. They let the focus be on you, your bump, and the connection you share with your family. Soft, natural colors also create a timeless look, so your photos will feel just as lovely years from now as they do today.

I always encourage mamas to choose pieces that move with them, dresses that sway in the breeze or fabrics that drape gently when you sit. These little details add movement and depth to your images. Layers, textures, and subtle patterns can also bring dimension without feeling distracting.

And most importantly, wear something that makes you feel beautiful and at ease. If you’re tugging at straps or adjusting your dress every few minutes, it will be harder to relax. Comfort and confidence shine through in every image, and when you feel good, your photos will reflect that joy.

For more ideas and inspiration, I’ve shared all my favorite tips for choosing the perfect maternity photoshoot dress in this post here.

Choosing a Location: Natural Light & Natural Beauty

The location you choose sets the tone for your maternity photos. Many of my favorite sessions take place outdoors, where we can soak in that gorgeous Minnesota light. Whether it’s an open field at sunset, a quiet park, or the shores of one of our beautiful lakes, natural light creates a soft, glowing backdrop.

For those who prefer an indoor setting, we can also create beautiful maternity photos in your home. This is especially sweet if you want to capture a cozy, intimate feel. We can use window light, soft textures, and little details from your space to tell your story.

If you’re already dreaming about maternity photos, you’ll love these outdoor family picture ideas, perfect for when your little one arrives and you’re ready for your first family session.

What to Expect During Your Session

If you’ve never had maternity photos taken before, here’s what you can expect:

• A relaxed pace — We’ll move slowly so you can rest and enjoy the moment.
• Gentle direction — I’ll guide you into natural, flattering poses without anything stiff or forced.
• Candid moments — The magic often happens in between poses — a laugh, a quiet touch, or a sweet glance.
• Comfort and connection — My goal is to make you feel beautiful, celebrated, and completely at ease.

Maternity photos are not about perfection. They’re about preserving the love, anticipation, and joy you’re feeling right now, just as it is.

Why You’ll Never Regret Taking Maternity Photos

I’ve never met a family who wished they had skipped maternity photos. But I’ve met so many who say, “I wish I had done it.” This season is fleeting. You won’t be pregnant forever, even though some days it may feel like it. Soon you’ll have your little one in your arms, and this chapter will be behind you.

When you take maternity photos, you are capturing the anticipation, the wonder, and the love that surrounds your baby before birth. These images will remind you how incredible your body is, how deeply you loved your child from the start, and how beautiful this season was, even on the hard days.

If you’re thinking about maternity photos, my advice is simple: do it. Let yourself be celebrated. Let yourself be seen. One day, your child will look at these photos and see the beginning of their story, written in love.

Thinking about newborn photos once your little one arrives? See this sweet in-home session here.

Let’s Celebrate This Beautiful Chapter

Maternity photos are such a precious way to honor the season you’re in right now. You are creating life, your heart is growing, and your family’s story is unfolding most beautifully. These moments are worth remembering, and I would be so honored to help you capture them. When you look back years from now, you’ll see more than a belly; you’ll see the love, the hope, and the joy that surrounded your baby from the very beginning.

If you’re dreaming of light-filled, joy-soaked maternity photos that capture the beauty of this season, I’d be so honored to help you create them. Come say hello on Facebook! Or, together, we’ll plan a session that feels natural and heartfelt.