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5 Photo Ideas for an Outdoor Pregnancy Shoot

I know many women are still a bit unsure about maternity photography. They think you need to show the belly, be half-naked and they might not feel comfortable doing that. And this is such a shame because pregnancy is such a lovely time in your life. Definitely worth remembering.

A pregnancy shoot is best done between 28 and 34 weeks, especially if it’s an outdoor pregnancy shoot where you have to walk around and stand longer than in a studio shoot. In the photos you see below, the mum-to-be was already 38 weeks but she was still in great shape and full of energy. The location is the beautiful Retiro park in Madrid and she was wearing a long vintage dress,  perfect for a natural and soft look in nature. By the way, it’s not a maternity dress, it’s a normal dress she had and wanted to use – it was simply left unbuttoned at the back!

The husband couldn’t join the outdoor pregnancy shoot, but she brought her cute beagle.

We used Rufus as a “prop” and it was quite funny to get him in the pictures, he was more interested in playing and running around. Well, there is a reason why they say never work with dogs and children, right? Well, guess what? I work exactly with both!

Pets, like children, are part of our family so how can I say no? Of course, it’s challenging but it is also rewarding.

I thought the shoot was very sweet with him . . .

So what types of photos could you get in an outdoor pregnancy shoot?

1. Walking in the park – Outdoor pregnancy shoot

This is a quite natural and relaxed image. When I’m outdoors I like starting with photos of clients walking. They will feel more at ease, before posing straight away. Especially when there is a partner involved, this type of photo is very cute. In this case, it worked because of the dog. I’m very proud of this photo as it won a gold award from the SWPP – an important photography association.

Mum-to-be walking with her dog in a park

2.  Sitting down – Outdoor pregnancy shoot

This is also a very easy pose and mum can rest a little bit. I like seeing the hand on the belly. There can be variations between looking at the camera and looking at the belly. If there is a partner, it can become quite intimate. They can look at each other, hug, look at the belly, laugh. There are so many photos you can have from just this simple pose.

Pregnant woman sitting on the grass in a park. She is wearing a hat and holding her hand on the belly
Expecting mum dipping her feet in the water in a park
Close up of a pregnant woman sitting by a small lake

3. Simply Standing

Of course, this is a classic one. The maternity portrait as we all know it. You can get a close-up of the belly and a portrait of the body. In an outdoor pregnancy shoot, I like to capture a wider image to showcase the background.

You can stand in front of the camera and crated some chape and dynamics by moving the leg but I like side portraits as they can better showcase the pregnant belly.

pregnant mu holding her baby belly in front of a little lake in a park
Pregnant mum standing holding her belly and looking down at her god looking up at her.

4. Leaning on something

You can create some variety by leaning on a tree, or a bridge. If you are with a partner you can lean on him and that creates some beautiful connection photos.

Pregnant mum standing by a wooden bridge by a lake

5. Laying Down

At the end of the session, I like laying mum down. She can have a rest and some nice photos. There are different angles, eye level or it could be from above. They both have a nice impact and result. Again if there is a partner it can be very intimate and sweet.

Black and white image of pregnant woman laying on the grass during an outdoor pregnancy shoot

The photos you’ve just seen were taken in Spain as I mentioned, as part of my international work.

But remember, I’m a London maternity photographer.

I work with many families in London, mainly in the south-west area, where I live. I offer outdoor maternity shoots as well as studio maternity sessions. London is full of beautiful parks and I shot in Battersea Park, Holland Park, St. James Park, Richmond Park, and Bushy Park to name a few. Especially in spring and summer, parks offer a great variety of backgrounds with different flowers, vegetation, and lakes. And in a short amount of time, you can have a great variety of images.

If you are thinking about maternity photos get in contact ahead and we can plan it together.

The best time to photograph your bump is between 28 and 32 weeks, however, it depends if it’s your first pregnancy if you have twins if you have any health issues… having a chat together will give you a clear idea.

Your pregnancy is such an incredible journey! It’s the experience of a lifetime.

For more inspiration have a look at my Instagram page and feel free to connect!

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    LONDON NEWBORN & MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

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