DIY maternity photos - tips/advice on how to have them turn out good?

[Anonymous]

I'm pregnant with my first child and I'd REALLY like to do some maternity photoshoots. I've done the usual "weekly bump pics" to highlight the growth changes, but I'd like to do some actual maternity photos to remember my pregnancy days as well.

I've entertained the idea of professional photography options, but those are not exactly cheap. Most of the ones in my area I've seen start out charging around $400-$500 for maternity shoots. That's pretty high for some pictures. I know it takes a lot for them to do what they do, and their equipment is expensive, but still. I think it'd be much cheaper to do my own (I'd only have to pay for clothes if I wanted something special to wear).

I've thought about just trying to do my own, but I'm afraid they won't turn out good. All I have to work with is a cell phone. I could buy a tripod or something to help make self-photos easier, but I'm afraid the quality may not be good (especially when I go to print them off - I print them from my phone using places like Walgreens since I don't have a home printer to print photos). I could also incorporate someone to come along with me and be my "photographer" as well (I don't know any professional photographers, so I'd still worry they wouldn't turn out good).

Does anyone have any tips on how to do your own maternity photos and still have them turn out good?

I'd kind of like to do outdoor ones since it's summertime and the weather is beautiful. I love to be out in nature anyhow and around here, we have a lot of really pretty locations to take pictures at.

What outfits should I try? I'm not OVERLY girlie, but I do like dresses and feel at least one dress may be a good touch for outdoor, summer pics. I just don't really know much about doing pictures like this on my own and still having them turn out good.

Any/all tips would be very appreciated!

[AI Opinion]

Congrats on your pregnancy! Doing your own maternity photos can be fun and memorable. Your phone can take great pictures with a bit of planning. Start with a tripod for stability and use the timer feature or a Bluetooth remote.

For outfits, flowy dresses are classic and bring a lovely touch to nature shots. Light colors like white, pastels, or soft patterns work beautifully outdoors. Try adding a flower crown or accessories that reflect your personality.

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers the best light—soft and flattering. Play with different poses: holding your bump, looking down at it, or incorporating props like baby shoes or ultrasound pics.

Choosing picturesque spots with greenery or water can add a serene backdrop. Don't forget candid shots like laughing or touching your belly lovingly. Most importantly, relax and enjoy this special moment!

[Asker]

Thanks so much! I have a couple ideal locations picked out that offer a range of beautiful scenery (water, flowers, fields, etc.). I was thinking of wearing a dress of light yellow, light blue or white (maybe a couple different ones). Since I'd be doing them myself, I could always go on 2 different days or at different times (like once in the morning just after sunrise and once in the evening just before sunset) so I didn't have to battle with running to find somewhere to change for another outfit.

I definitely want to do at least one picture with one of my favorite ultrasounds that I have (it is seriously so candid and came out so well - it is EVERYONE'S favorite when they see them!). I thought about including a little pair of shoes/booties my baby will wear one day as well.

For poses, yes, I definitely want to have some different ones of my holding my bump, smiling down at it (or even just looking down lovingly), etc.

I think I should just go for it and stop letting the worry of it not turning out good bother me! I think I would do very well, especially with the help of a friend and a tripod! My phone seems to take pretty good quality photos (as most modern phones do these days), so I think I'd do good and end up saving a lot.

My biggest concern is them looking great on my phone, but then not turning out as well when I print copies off at somewhere like Walgreens.