The best maternity photos with a partner come from small, real moments: foreheads touching, a hand resting on the bump, a laugh at a bad joke whispered in an ear. A good photographer gives you prompts instead of stiff poses, keeps you close, and lets the moments happen. If you have kids, they get their own short part early in the session. Here is how to plan it.
Prompts that work better than poses
Most couples feel awkward when someone says "now look lovingly at each other." Prompts work better: something to do, while the photographer captures what happens. Ones to ask for:
- "Forehead to forehead, eyes closed, and breathe." Quiet, close and very calm.
- "Whisper something only they will understand." The reaction is always real.
- "Tell the baby one thing about your partner." Partners usually laugh, sometimes tear up.
- "Hands on the bump, and wait for a kick." Even if no kick comes, the anticipation shows on your faces.
- "Slow dance, no music." Swaying side to side, partner behind, arms around the bump.
- "Kiss the top of their head and hold it." A simple, lovely frame.
- "Tell me how you found out." The storytelling gets photographed, not the posing.
- "Partner, kneel and talk to the bump." A tender one, and often a favorite.
One prompt at a time, a few frames, then on to the next. Nobody holds a position long enough to get stiff.
Staying close without feeling awkward
A few simple things make couple photos look natural:
- Closer than you think. In photos, a small gap between two people looks like a big one. Expect to be asked to lean in more than feels normal.
- Partner behind, arms around. One of the most flattering poses for the bump, and it feels natural.
- Hands with a purpose. On the bump, on a cheek, around a waist, holding hands. Hands left hanging look stiff.
- Bodies angled, not square. Turning slightly to the side shows the bump in profile.
- Eyes off the camera. Most of the best frames have you looking at each other or at the bump.
If your partner is not keen on photos, our tips for camera-shy family photos apply here too. A job ("hold her hand and talk to the baby") helps a lot.
What your partner should wear
Your outfit leads, and your partner coordinates around it. A white, cream or chambray button-down works with almost anything. Soft knits and simple tees in neutrals are good too. Skip logos and loud patterns. For an intimate frame, some couples like the partner in a simple open shirt or with sleeves rolled up. Our guide on what to wear for maternity photos covers colors and fabrics for both of you.
Including the kids
Older siblings-to-be often love maternity photos, as long as their part is short and fun. Plan it early in the session, before their patience runs out. Ideas that work:
- Kissing the bump, one kid on each side.
- "Listening" to the baby, ear pressed to the bump, eyes wide.
- Holding the ultrasound printout up to the camera.
- A drawing for the baby, made at home and held up proudly.
- Hands together on the bump, parents' hands and the child's.
- A big sibling sign or shirt, like "Big sister, coming soon."
- The whole family in a hug, kids squeezed in the middle.
Bring a snack for after their part and, if you can, a second adult to take them out during the couple and solo photos. Coordinate their outfits with yours in soft, solid colors.
Pregnancy announcement ideas
A maternity session doubles as a pregnancy announcement shoot for many families. Simple ideas that photograph well:
- Tiny shoes next to both of yours, lined up by size.
- A letter board with the due month: "Coming in March."
- The ultrasound held between your hands, both of you smiling at it.
- Big sibling announcement, a child holding a sign or wearing a shirt.
- A tiny outfit held up against the bump.
- The pet announcement, a dog with a little sign, if your pet is coming along.
Keep it to one or two ideas, so the session doesn't turn into a list of props. For more announcement ideas, including confetti and balloons, see our pregnancy announcement photo ideas. If your announcement is going out around the holidays, our Christmas pregnancy announcement ideas might fit better.
The order of the session
Maternity and milestone sessions are often 60 to 90 minutes, so check the length on the photographer's profile. A typical order:
- Arrival and settling in. Water, a few minutes to get comfortable, a quick plan.
- Kids first. Five to fifteen minutes, then they can go play.
- Family together. Everyone in the frame.
- Couple photos. Prompts, closeness, the slow dance.
- Outfit change and break.
- Solo portraits. Fitted and flowing looks, standing and seated.
- Details and announcement shots. Hands, the ultrasound, tiny shoes.
Take breaks whenever you need them. For more on timing and the best weeks, see our maternity photoshoot guide.
Quick answers
How do we look natural in maternity photos together?
Follow prompts instead of posing. Ask your photographer for something to do, like whispering or slow dancing, and let them photograph the real reaction.
When should the kids be photographed?
Early in the session, before their patience runs out. Five to fifteen minutes is plenty, then a second adult can take them out.
Can we include a pregnancy announcement?
Yes. Bring one or two simple items, like tiny shoes or a letter board with the due month.
Find your photographer
Choose a date between 28 and 34 weeks and browse maternity photographers in NYC and Long Island. Check the profile for session length and whether partners and kids are welcome.