WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR NYC MATERNITY PHOTOSHOOT: 5 ESSENTIAL ITEMS
- Alice Prenat
- Mar 1
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 11
✔️ You have chosen your maternity photographer
✔️ You are about to head to the photography studio
For many expecting mothers in New York City, preparing for your maternity photoshoot can feel exciting but also a little overwhelming — especially when you’re not sure what you should bring to your session.
Here is a full guide on what to bring to your studio maternity photography in NYC
KEY TAKE AWAY
✔️ Bring 2–3 outfit options that highlight your pregnancy silhouette.
✔️ Consider meaningful items such as your partner button down shirt, jewelry or bola, etc.
✔️ Neutral colors and simple fabrics photograph beautifully in maternity portraits.
✔️ A luxury NYC maternity photography studio usually offer access to a maternity wardrobe for you not to have to hunt for maternity outfits prior to your portrait session
INTERACTIVE TABLE OF CONTENT
1 - BRING SEVERAL MATERNITY OUTFITS
As mentioned in this article about all the details on what to wear for a NYC studio maternity photoshoot, depending on the type of maternity photographer you are booking, a maternity wardrobe access might be available directly at the nyc studio.
This is usually the best option as you don't want to have to hunt for photoshoot maternity outfits: #1 your have so many other things to prepare and #2 you might purchase pregnancy dresses that you will never wear again.
Be kind with yourself: prioritise book a nyc maternity photographer that provides options directly on site at the photography studio.
Now. Even if different dresses and fabrics are provided, bring also your favorite pieces that you have been wearing during your pregnancy. They always hold specific emotions and being captured in those will feel amazing.
Professional maternity photos don’t all have to be over sophisticated and super dressed. Simplicity and casual can also create the most gorgeous pregnancy photos.
2 - OPTIONS OF UNDERWEAR ARE WHAT YOU DON'T WANT TO FORGET
Depending on the different outfits and dresses you will wear, the best underwear color is nude color. It will allow you to wear dark, white, and even see-through options.
If you really don’t have nude underwear, bring a set of white and a set of black ones.
Don’t feel obliged to bring strapless bra because first of all, most maternity bras are not strapless, and also, straps can be gently pulled on the side or edited after your maternity photography session.
3 - PERSONAL ITEMS OR ACCESSORIES AS MEANINGFUL DETAIL
Here are different personal items or accessories that can bring even more meaning to your maternity photos.
ONE OF YOUR PARTNER PIECE OF CLOTHING OR ONE OF HIS/HER BUTTON DOWN SHIRT
Something that can bring a sense of union with your partner is wearing one of his/her button down shirt, keeping it open and casually worn solo or with some jeans.
A PIECE OF HEIRLOOM JEWELRY OR A BOLA NECKLACE
If you are wearing a bola pregnancy necklace, don’t hesitate to be photographed with it as it will make that portrait even more unique.
4 - OPTIONAL BUT MAGICAL: BRING YOUR FAVORITE BODY OIL
Any experienced maternity photographers will have body lotion or body oil at her/his nyc maternity portrait studio but if you have a favorite one, bring it
It creates such a beautiful skin texture with the studio lighting. ]
5 - HOW TO PREPARE FOR A STUDIO MATERNITY PHOTOSHOOT IN NYC
TO PREPARE: HANDS AND FEET
Most of the time, hands and feet end up being seen on your maternity photos, so feel free to go all the way in the pampering & self-love: treat yourself with a mani-pedi before getting your motherhood portraits taken!
TO PREPARE: WAXING
In the same kind of topic, depending on the outfits you will wear, your legs might show so have them prepared the way you love them! All-natural or waxed, either way will work as long as you love them !!
TO BOOK: HAIR AND MAKEUP
You have already SO MANY different things on your mind to prepare for what’s coming, so prioritise choosing a photographer that provides professional hair and makeup directly at the studio.
It will add a huge amount of self-love to the experience to make you feel your absolute best and it will avoid you from having to search and go around getting your hair and make up done.
6 - YOUR FINAL NYC MATERNITY PHOTOSHOOT CHECK LIST ✅
✔️ Nude underwear (or a set of black ones and a set of white ones)
✔️ Your favorite Body lotion or body oil
✔️ Bola necklace, heirloom jewelry
✔️ Your favorite maternity outfits you have been wearing during your pregnancy
✔️ Your favorite shirt of your partner ;-)
✔️ Your favorite robe or nightingale if you have one
✔️ Get your legs waxed if you want to
✔️ Get a mani-pedi
FAQ
Do I need to bring props to my maternity photoshoot?
No, you don't necessarily have to, unless you really want to. Most maternity portraits focus primarily on the mother and the pregnancy itself. Simplicity often create the most timeless images.
How many maternity outfits should I bring?
There is not a set limit but 3, 4 outfit options are usually ideal. This allows for variety while keeping the session relaxed and efficient.
Remember that if you book a nyc maternity studio which give you access to a Maternity Wardrobe, you won't really have to bring too many options as a lot of them will already be available on site.
Can my partner be included in maternity photos?
Yes, absolutely. Many couples choose to include partners in a portraits series during the session to capture the shared excitement of welcoming their baby.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: ALICE PRENAT, TOP MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER IN NYC
Alice Prenat is the sought-after NYC photographer you want to get photographed by: the excellence of her craft mixed with her big warm personality & french accent gets her to create the type of portraits of yourself or executive headshots that you most probably haven't seen before.
You won't walk out of a portrait session with her feeling the same way than you came in:
she curates a safe & very empowering portrait experience
that will truly impact the way you feel about yourself.
You want experience a Maternity photoshoot with Alice?
Portrait Madame is a New York City maternity portrait studio specializing in elegant studio maternity photography and at-home maternity portraits.
The studio’s Portrait Madame Chic Maternity Experience is designed to create timeless editorial-style maternity portraits that celebrates pregnancy with simplicity and sophistication.
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