If Maternity Shoots Make You Cringe, Read This

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If Maternity Shoots Make You Cringe, Read This

A quick scroll through social media will show you that not all maternity shoots are made equal (just check #maternityshoot). But here’s the thing—you can have a maternity session that feels like you, whether it’s your first or sixth time around.

The key is to create maternity photos that reflect your style, capture this moment naturally, and leave you feeling confident—not cringey or overly posed.

Why do women choose maternity photos?

Pregnancy is a wild ride—your body is doing things you never thought possible. You’re growing a human, and you’re about to step into a whole new chapter of life. If there was ever a moment worth documenting, it’s this one.

Why do women skip them?

Simple. Being in front of a camera can feel intimidating, especially when you’ve seen those overly staged, awkward maternity photos. If you’re picturing stiff poses and forced smiles, I totally get why you’d hesitate.

And let’s be honest—pregnancy can sometimes leave you feeling less than your best!

The good news?

You get to call the shots. No cookie-cutter setups, no weird outfits that don’t feel like you. It’s all about capturing your story. So how do you make sure you love your maternity photos?

Here are seven things to consider before booking your session:

1. You’re never going to feel ‘ready’.

Let’s be honest, when it comes to booking maternity photos, you’re never going to feel 100% ‘ready’. Life’s busy, you’re tired, and maybe the idea of a camera sounds like the last thing you want. But guess what? This is the moment—right now. If you keep waiting until it feels perfect, you’ll miss the chance to capture this chapter. Book the shoot before you regret it.

2. ‘I don’t know what to wear’ is not a reason to avoid booking.

Stop letting your wardrobe be the excuse. A great photographer doesn’t need you to show up in some Pinterest-worthy outfit. You want to wear your favourite dress? Cool. You want to keep it super simple? Even better. We can figure it out together, but waiting for that ‘perfect’ outfit? That’s just a delay tactic.

This is exactly why I offer styling consults—to make sure whatever you choose feels like you and boosts your confidence. Less is more, and honestly, you don’t need as much as you think.

3. Should I do it alone or with my family?

Some women find it really special and intimate to have a shoot just for themselves, while others feel more relaxed when the whole family’s involved. There’s no right or wrong answer. If you’re unsure, do both—start with your family and wrap up with solo shots. It’s your shoot, your rules.

4. Not all maternity photos are cringey—just the bad ones are.

You’ve seen the cringe. The staged heart hands on the bump. The cheesy props. I get it. But that’s not for you. If you’re worried about cringey photos, the solution is simple: work with a photographer whose photos don’t make you cringe.

5. You’re not ‘posing’, you’re just being you.

Worried you’ll look awkward? That’s because you’ve seen photos that make women look like mannequins, not themselves. A maternity session is about being comfortable in your own skin, not about striking awkward poses. The right photographer will make you feel like yourself—not a doll.

6. Timing matters—don’t leave it too late.

You might think you can wait until the perfect moment, but life gets in the way. Before you know it, you’re too tired or uncomfortable to even think about a photoshoot. The ideal time for maternity photos is between 28 and 34 weeks—don’t let this chapter slip by.

7. Overthinking the location? Don’t.

Choosing the “perfect” spot is less important than you think. Your home, a favourite park, or a place that means something to you is often more meaningful than a perfectly staged backdrop. It’s about capturing your story, not finding the most Instagrammable location.

Wrapping it up:

At the end of the day, maternity photos are all about capturing your experience, your way. Whether it’s a solo session or one with your family, make sure the photos reflect you. Don’t let fear of looking awkward or indecision about what to wear hold you back from capturing one of the most incredible chapters of your life.

Bridget Wood Photography

Bridget Wood Photography is a lifestyle family and maternity photographer servicing Brisbane, The Gold Coast, and Byron Bay. She has been featured in publications like Vogue, Elle, and Condé Nast Traveller and is on a mission to make mothers feel celebrated and seen in images you can feel, not just see.