The Complete Maternity Photoshoot Guide: What to Wear, When to Book & Everything You're Wondering About

Planning your maternity shoot should feel exciting, not stressful. After four years of photographing expecting mothers across Pune, we've put together this guide to answer the questions we hear most - from what to wear, to when to book, to what actually happens on the day.

When Should You Schedule Your Maternity Shoot?

The sweet spot is 28 to 34 weeks.

By this stage, your bump is beautifully rounded and visible, but you're usually still comfortable enough to hold poses, change outfits, and enjoy a couple of hours on your feet. Book any earlier and the bump may not be prominent enough for the dramatic silhouette shots; book much later and comfort becomes a real concern.

A few things to keep in mind while choosing your date:

• Confirm with your doctor first, especially if you've had any complications or are further along.

• Leave buffer time - booking at 30-32 weeks instead of cutting it close to 36+ weeks gives you breathing room.

• Avoid extremes of exhaustion - late afternoon slots tend to work well, since you're rested from the morning but not yet worn out.

What Should You Wear? (This Is the #1 Question We Get)

Your outfit does most of the storytelling in a maternity photograph, so it's worth planning ahead.

Flowing gowns are your best friend

Soft, flowing maternity gowns that drape rather than cling photograph beautifully and flatter every body type. Our Signature and Heirloom sessions include a professional gown and saree drape option, along with makeup, so you don't need to source or style anything yourself.

Fitted vs. flowing - pick based on the mood

• Flowing gowns (chiffon, tulle) - dreamy, ethereal, soft-focus images

• Fitted dresses - celebrate the bump shape directly, great for an editorial look

• Traditional saree drape - a timeless choice many of our Pune clients love

Colour guidance

• Pastels, blush, sage, dusty blue and cream photograph the most timelessly

• Avoid busy prints or logos - they date the photos and pull focus from you

• For couple portraits, coordinate rather than match exactly

Don't forget

• Comfortable footwear you can slip in and out of easily

• A well-fitted nude or maternity-supportive undergarment as your base layer

• Minimal jewellery - statement earrings or a delicate bracelet, not both

If you're booking a Signature or Heirloom session with us, wardrobe is largely taken care of - we'll guide you through the studio's gown options and pair you with professional makeup on the day, so this is one less thing to plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a maternity session take?

Session length depends on your package - anywhere from 30 minutes for a quick Mini session to closer to 2 hours for a full Signature or Heirloom experience with multiple themes and outfit changes.

Can my partner or other children join the shoot?

Absolutely - couple portraits are part of our Signature and Heirloom packages, and family members are welcome in select frames. Just let us know in advance so we can plan the flow.

What if I want to reveal the baby's gender during the shoot?

We love shooting gender reveals - it's included in our Signature and Heirloom maternity packages. Talk to us beforehand so we can plan the reveal moment into your session.

I'm nervous about how I'll look - will the photos actually be flattering?

This is one of the most common worries we hear, and it's exactly what we specialise in. Posing, lighting and angles are chosen to celebrate the bump and flatter your frame - this is what we do every single day.

What if it's monsoon season or the weather doesn't cooperate?

No problem - our sessions are studio-based indoors, so weather never affects your shoot day.

Do I need to bring my own makeup artist?

Not for Signature or Heirloom sessions - professional makeup is included. For Mini sessions, we're happy to recommend trusted local artists.

How far in advance should I book?

Given the narrow 28-34 week window that works best, we recommend booking 3-4 weeks ahead of your ideal date, especially during peak season.

What should I do the night before / morning of the shoot?

Sleep well, stay hydrated, eat a light meal beforehand, and arrive with your outfits ready to go. Arriving on time means you get the full shoot duration without any time lost.

Ready to Book Your Maternity Session?

Every bump tells a different story, and we'd love to help you tell yours. Reach out on WhatsApp at +91 93703 64910 or explore our maternity packages to find the session that fits you best.