Maternity photos are one of those things people plan later than they should and then wish they’d booked sooner. If you’re pregnant and thinking about it, here’s practical guidance on timing, outfits, and location that actually matters, not generic Pinterest advice.

When to book

Most people land on the seventh or eighth month as the sweet spot. The bump is fully visible and defined by then, but you’re usually still comfortable enough to move around for an hour-long session without it feeling like a chore. Past the eighth month, comfort starts to matter more than photogenic bump size, and some people prefer shooting earlier for exactly that reason.

There’s no wrong answer here. Some of our favorite sessions have been earlier in the third trimester with mothers who wanted to feel more energetic during the shoot rather than pushing it to the very end.

What to wear

Fitted clothing that follows the shape of the bump generally photographs better than loose, flowing fabric, though flowing maxi dresses have their own soft, romantic look that a lot of people specifically want. The honest answer is both work, it depends on the mood you’re going for.

Solid colors tend to photograph more cleanly than busy patterns, especially outdoors where there’s already a lot going on in the background. If you’re including a partner or other children in some shots, coordinating colors loosely, not matching exactly, usually looks better than everyone in identical outfits.

Indoor or outdoor

Outdoor sessions give you natural light and more varied backdrops, gardens, open fields, and scenic spots around the valley. The tradeoff is weather dependence and less control over the setting.

Indoor or studio sessions give consistent lighting regardless of weather and a cleaner, more controlled backdrop, which some people prefer for a more classic, portrait-style result. Home sessions, specifically those shot in the actual nursery or a meaningful room, have become more popular too, since they carry a personal context outdoor locations don’t.

There isn’t a universally better choice. It depends on whether you want the softer, editorial feel of an outdoor location or the more intimate, controlled feel of shooting somewhere familiar.

Including partners and other children

A lot of maternity sessions default to solo shots of the mother, but some of the most emotionally resonant photos we’ve taken include the partner, hands on the bump, a quiet embrace, or older siblings interacting with the belly, curious or excited depending on their age. Worth planning for even a short portion of the session dedicated to this if it matters to you.

Frequently Asked Questions | Maternity Photoshoot Ideas

Q1. What is the best month for a maternity photoshoot?

The seventh or eighth month is most common, though sessions can be scheduled at any stage of pregnancy depending on your comfort and preference.

Q2. Should we shoot indoors or outdoors?

Both work well. Outdoor sessions offer natural light and varied scenery, while indoor or studio sessions give more consistent control over lighting and background.

Q3. Can other family members be part of the maternity session?

Yes, including a partner or other children is common and often adds meaningful, emotional moments to the gallery beyond solo portraits.

Where to Get Started

Aakriti Studio Nepal shoots maternity sessions across Kathmandu and Lalitpur, in-studio, at home, or on location, starting from NPR 15,000. Book a maternity session.

You can reach us by phone at +977 985-1198961 or 984-9658343. We will respond to your request as soon as possible.

We also invite you to follow us on social media for updates, special offers, and before and after pictures. You can find us on Facebook and Instagram.