100 Creative Maternity Photo Ideas

A new baby is on the way! To document your the tiny bundle of joy’s life from the very beginning, many expecting mothers will choose to do a maternity photography session. Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, maternity photography is a great way to capture this special time in life. Not only is it a chance to take snapshots of the glowing mother-to-be, it can also be an opportunity for couples or family photography.

But once you’re in front of the photographer, what do you do besides smile? We’ve combined a variety of maternity photo ideas for any mood. You’re sure to find plenty of inspiration from humorous to serious, and artsy to classic. In anticipation of your little one, don’t forget to share the great news of their arrival with an equally sweet birth announcement.

Instructions: Click through the buttons below to sort by category. Click the photo for a larger view.

This clever photo idea uses a chalkboard wall on which you can get creative with drawings.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Alyssa Rosenheck

Boudoir photos aren't just for newlyweds. Put on your lace and take a few sexy photos for your husband.

Photo Credit: Andria Lindquist

Send a special message to baby by holding a custom sign in your photo shoot.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Ashley Largesse Photography

Hello, baby? This nostalgic tin can phone is a great way to draw a connection between your child and the new baby.

Photo Credit: Ashley Nicole Johnson Photography

The mom-to-be is about to pop and this playful photo symbolizes that with a bubblegum bubble.

Photo Credit: Ashley Nicole Johnson Photography

Giftwrap your belly with ribbon and a "do not open" tag to display the baby's due date.

Photo Credit: Ashley Nicole Johnson Photography

Capture a playful moment between an expecting mother and her toddler as they compare their bellies.

Photo Credit: Ashley Nicole Johnson Photography

Provide a few chuckles with a humorous photo that shows the reality of preparing for parenthood with baby books.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Besa Photography

Visit an art museum or public location with beautiful street art for unique and colorful backdrops.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Besa Photography

Create a romantic afternoon of your maternity photo session and enjoy each other's company in an open meadow.

Source: The Little Umbrella

Photo Credit: Brittany Rae Photography

Stumped for maternity photo ideas? Bring a prop that represents your favorite hobby to capture your personality.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Carissa Woo

Have everyone dress up in their Sunday best to combine maternity photos with a family photo session.

Photo Credit: Carolyn Kipper

Surrounded by all white, the single blue balloon shared by this joyous couple represents the baby's gender.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Carrie Wildes

Take advantage of a beautiful day, a lovely location and a gorgeous mama by focusing all the attention on her.

Photo Credit: Christine Choi

Balloons are a fun maternity photo shoot prop because they represent the mother's round belly as well as the whimsy of childhood.

Photo Credit: Christine Choi

Surround the mom-to-be with baby books and baby shoes for an easy and special maternity photo moment.

Photo Credit: Christine Choi

Use props that represent the backgrounds of both mom and dad who are creating this unique family.

Source: The Little Umbrella

Photo Credit: Christine Choi

Surround the growing baby with loving hands for a sweet photo that includes all family members.

Source: The Little Umbrella

Photo Credit: Chrystal Cienfuegos Photography

In anticipation of the bundle of joy, take a photo that represents a shared hobby between mom and dad.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Claire Dam Photography

Incorporate abstract or artistic shots like this black and white pregnant belly silhouette in the nursery.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Custock Photography

Adorn the glowing mother with a floral crown to celebrate her natural beauty in the great outdoors.

Photo Credit: Dave Richards Photography

This maternity photo of dad and mom-to-be focuses on a tiny pair of baby shoes.

Photo Credit: Dave Richards Photography

Create candid-style photos of the expectant mother as she relaxes in the comfort of her home.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Gloucestershire wedding photographer

Experiment with different angles to capture the special bond between mother, children, and future baby.

Photo Credit: Elena S Blair Photography

This artsy silhouette takes advantage of the pregnant mother's beautiful profile in front of breathtaking scenery.

Photo Credit: Elena S Blair Photography

Wear bright colors that really pop against the neutral colors of a natural background.

Photo Credit: Elena S Blair Photography

Get real with your photo shoot by including your favorite pregnancy cravings and indulgences.

Source: Casey's Chaos

Photo Credit: Elisabeth McKnight

Provide a few chuckles with your maternity photos by playing on popular pregnancy-related idioms.

Source: Casey's Chaos

Photo Credit: Elisabeth McKnight

Have your photographer return after the baby's birth to recreate this beautiful before and after photo.

Photo Credit: Emily Hall Photography

Capture a close-up of mom and dad's hands protectively cradling the baby bump.

Photo Credit: Emily Weaver Brown Photography

Take advantage of the natural beauty of the outdoors for stunning maternity photos shot from a distance.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Gideon Photography

Play peekaboo with your toddler hiding behind the baby bump to capture a playful pregnancy photo.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Haley Sheffield

This happy mother-to-be coordinated her clothing to create a stunning pop of color against the blue painted wall.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Heather Sanderson Photography

Capturing each family member's feet, this photo announces the new baby with a pair of baby shoes and blocks.

Source: The Little Umbrella

Photo Credit: Ilene Squires Photography

Wear a flowing gown against a stunning natural backdrop to create a majestic maternity photo.

Photo Credit: J. Amado

Hold a tiny pair of baby shoes to announce the gender of your bundle of joy.

Photo Credit: J. Amado

Color coordinate clothing with the whole family to create cohesive family and maternity photos.

Photo Credit: J. Amado

Weave in a story that is unique to the parents-to-be, like this vintage military maternity photo shoot.

Source: The Little Umbrella

Photo Credit: Janelle Marina Photography

Capture relaxed and natural angles of the mother-to-be lying down in a grassy field.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Jen J Photo

Take advantage of the nearest seasons or holidays by incorporating them into your photo shoot.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Jenna Bechtholt

This maternity photo portrays the natural joy shared between an expectant mother and her toddler.

Photo Credit: Kate Elizabeth Photography

Candid-style photos are great for maternity sessions that include young children who may not always pose for the camera.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Kate Whitmore

Make a handmade pennant or sign that displays the baby's name to include as a prop in your maternity photos.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Keira Lemonis

Relax and have a picnic in the apple orchard or any other naturally beautiful nearby locations.

Source: The Little Umbrella

Photo Credit: Kellie Mueller

The baby's nursery is his or her very first room and it makes a great backdrop for maternity photos.

Photo Credit: Kelly Bik Photography

Be sure to include a shot of daddy sharing a special moment with the baby bump in your maternity photo session.

Photo Credit: Kelly Bik Photography

Include one of the baby's ultrasound photos as a unique way to show multiple angles of the wee one.

Photo Credit: Kelly Hicks Design

This easy maternity photo idea involves the pregnant mother simply standing in her bedroom to capture her silhouette.

Photo Credit: Kelly Hicks Design

During a winter maternity photo session, visit your nearest Christmas tree farm for a festive backdrop.

Photo Credit: Kelly Klatt

For maternity photos with toddlers, ask your little one to hug your pregnant belly.

Photo Credit: Kristin LaRue

Brought some snacks to the photo shoot? Capture candid photos of real-life pregnancy moments.

Photo Credit: Kristin LaRue

Visit a pumpkin patch during a fall maternity photo session with blankets and coffee in tow.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Leah Mullet

Drive around your city to find local landmarks and public art that would make great backgrounds for maternity photos.

Source: The Little Umbrella

Photo Credit: Lee Brown Photography

The bright colored clothing on mother and child in this photo make them stand out against a neutral-colored background.

Photo Credit: Lightly Photography

This couple cleverly used the baby bump to be the letter O in the spelling of "love".

Photo Credit: Lin and Jirsa

Invite some humor into your maternity photos by comparing the baby bump to daddy's sympathy weight.

Photo Credit: Lin and Jirsa

There are many stunning views in Sequoia National Park and this couple used them to their advantage.

Photo Credit: Lin and Jirsa

The matching red and white swimsuits and umbrella tie everything together in this playful beach photo.

Photo Credit: Lizelle Lotter Photography

This timeless maternity photo features a white picket fence with the focus on the baby bump.

Photo Credit: Loriana Marie Photography

Include photos of bonding moments between expectant mother and child as they enjoy each other's company.

Photo Credit: Loriana Marie Photography

Bring a pair of baby shoes to the maternity photo shoot to represent the feet that are soon to fill them.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Love Light Jules

Taking the perspective of the mother, this maternity photo is simply artistic and easy to recreate.

Photo Credit: Lucky Friday Studios

Playing with lighting and shadows in your maternity pictures is as easy as using an umbrella at sunset.

Photo Credit: Maggie McKenney Photography

This simple maternity photo cleverly uses the shape of the expectant mother's body to spell out the baby's gender.

Photo Credit: Mary Kizina Photography

Be sure to include photos of your four-legged baby who will always be your first.

Photo Credit: Mary Kizina Photography

A framed chalkboard is an easy way to announce the baby's gender, name, or any other fun message.

Photo Credit: Mary Kizina Photography

There are many ways to include the future baby's name in your maternity photos, like this chalkboard heart.

Photo Credit: Mary Kizina Photography

This intimate photo captures the mother in the comfort of her home sharing a special moment with the baby-to-be.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Megan Saul Photography

Add to the mother's pregnancy glow by catching sunlight at just the right angle.

Photo Credit: Melissa Gomez Photography

Tie a ribbon around your pregnant belly to neatly wrap up your special little gift for the photography session.

Photo Credit: Melissa Gomez Photography

The clothesline of baby clothes in the background of this photo is a fun way to announce the baby's gender.

Photo Credit: Melissa Gomez Photography

Use baby blocks to spell the baby's name. In this photo, the colors really pop against the parents' white clothing.

Photo Credit: Melissa Gomez Photography

The baby bump doesn't have to be in every picture. This fun photo portrays baby and parents with shoes.

Photo Credit: Melissa Gomez Photography

This black and white photo captures a cozy and relaxing moment between the parents-to-be.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Melissa Marshall

Include a few of your favorite things in the maternity pictures, like a cupcake for your future little cupcake.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Meredith McKee

Throw on a cozy sweater and relax on the couch for a natural and easy maternity picture.

Photo Credit: Naissance Photography

Get back to your (and the baby's) roots by including items or clothing that represent your cultural background.

Photo Credit: Naissance Photography

Include your city's skyline in the background to represent the home where it all began.

Photo Credit: Naissance Photography

Make your maternity photo shoot fun for the kids to allow their true delight to shine through the pictures.

Photo Credit: Naissance Photography

An easy way to include a toddler in maternity photos is to have him hug the baby bump.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Ostara Photography

This black and white photo uses a dark background to draw the attention to the natural beauty of the pregnant mother.

Photo Credit: Photography by Asiya

Use an empty frame as a prop to outline the beautiful pregnant belly in an abstract photo.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Pierre-oliver Photography

Play with shadows and black and white to take artistic maternity photos that will be perfect for framing.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Ryan Flynn

A before and after photo in the same outfit and pose is a fun way to take baby's first pictures.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Sarah Mavro

Take a maternity photo at sunset to capture a silhouette of the expecting parents and baby bump.

Source: The Little Umbrella

Photo Credit: Sparkfly Photography

Wear a floral dress among wildflowers as a cheery way to represent the tiny soul blossoming in your belly.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Stacee Lianna Photography

Once you've taken the classic maternity poses, seek abstract inspiration like this stained glass window photo.

Source: The Little Umbrella

Photo Credit: Steve Cowell Photography

Stumped for maternity photo ideas? Get an action shot as you take a casual stroll.

Photo Credit: Susanne Ashby Photography

Weave your personality into the maternity photos by incorporating your hobbies and favorite activities.

Photo Credit: Susanne Ashby Photography

A simple side profile of your pregnant belly is a staple shot when it comes to maternity photos.

Photo Credit: Susanne Ashby Photography

Combine your great loves in your maternity photo to encompass all of your favorite things, past, present and future.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Taylor Kinzie

A big floppy hat draws all the focus to the beautiful baby bump during a pleasant day at the beach.

Source: Grey Likes Baby

Photo Credit: Wee Ones Photography

Experiment with different angles, such as this pregnancy photo from the mother's perspective as she looks down.

Photo Credit: Whitney Owen Designs

Take some maternity photos in your bedroom for candid photos of quality family time.

Photo Credit: Yuna Leonard Photography

For this maternity photo shoot, they found an old brick wall which lends itself as an artistic backdrop.

Photo Credit: Yuna Leonard Photography

Make the beautiful transformation of your body stand out by incorporating nature into the backdrop of your shoot.

Photo Credit: Amanda Steinbacher Photography

Capture one of the many moments you feel your little one kicking while in your belly. It will be a cute memory to share in the future.

Photo Credit: Liz Cook

The desert provides a peaceful landscape for a relaxed vibe. This mom-to-be looks calm as she stares out into the horizon.

Photo Credit: Jenny Grimm

If you already have children, get them involved in the photo shoot! They'll love looking back at this moment once their baby sister or brother is born.

Photo Credit: Michael Kormos Photography

Your maternity photo shoot is a time to celebrate and have fun. What better way, than with confetti in the final shot!

Photo Credit: Studio 154 Photography

Let the chalkboard do the talking while you and the father-to-be pose in the background with smiling faces.

Photo Credit: Your Candid Memories Photography

Take closeups that focus on your body to make your shoot all about your growing baby bump.

Photo Credit: Danielle Morhaus Photography

Use your photo shoot as an excuse to get glammed up. A breathtaking dress is sure to make your photos stand out.

Photo Credit: Meredith Klapp Photography

Choose a setting where you feel happiest. When you look back at these photos, you want to feel the same joy you experienced while being photographed.

Photo Credit: What a Day

Source: Silver Lining

A babymoon is a perfect opportunity to capture the love and excitement you feel during your pregnancy.

Photo Credit: Katie Donnelly Photography

If you haven't told family and friends a baby is on the way, use your maternity shoot to announce it with a sonogram photo!

Photo Credit: Truly Phootgraphy Design & Studio

Capture the strong bond you have with your baby before birth, to share with them in the future.

Photo Credit: Chanel G. Photography

Expectant parents are some of the most excited and happy people. Take a photo that highlights these emotions.

Photo Credit: Hello Little

Be adventurous and schedule an outdoor shoot in the snow. This will leave you with plenty of unforgettable images.

Photo Credit: Mandi McDougall Photography

Being pregnant is a beautiful experience. Find a natural setting that adds to the beauty and makes you center stage.

Photo Credit: Saje Photography