Your maternity photoshoot is a celebration of new life and the beautiful journey of motherhood. Choosing the right colours to wear can make all the difference in capturing timeless, flattering images. From soft neutrals to bold tones, the colour palette you choose sets the mood for your entire maternity photo session.
Whether you're shooting outdoors, in a studio, or at home, this guide covers what to wear, how to style your bump, and which colours truly shine on camera.
What Is the Best Colour for Maternity Photos?
When it comes to maternity photography, white continues to be one of the most popular and timeless choices. A soft white dress flatters every skin tone, highlights your baby bump, and contrasts beautifully with most natural backgrounds.
White maternity dresses, especially those in lace or flowing fabrics, create an ethereal look and work well for both indoor and outdoor maternity sessions. Many expectant mums choose white for its elegance and how well it captures the beauty of pregnancy.
Explore our stunning Marianna Sheer Maternity Photoshoot Dress in White and Chloe Sheer Maternity Photoshoot Dress in White, both designed to create soft, romantic silhouettes on camera.
What Are the Best Colours for Pregnancy Photos?
Beyond white, a range of colours can work beautifully in maternity photography. The key is to choose tones that flatter your skin, complement the location, and reflect your personal style.
Here are some top picks:
1. Neutral Colours
Soft beige, ivory, stone, and light greys help keep the focus on your bump and expression. These tones work well in both indoor and outdoor maternity sessions, and they layer beautifully with textures like lace or chiffon.
2. Soft Pastels
Light blue, blush pink, lavender, and sage green are gentle and flattering on most skin tones. These colours create a soft and dreamy atmosphere, especially in nature-based or springtime shoots.
3. Earthy Tones
Rust, olive, terracotta and mustard offer warmth and richness, especially for autumn or outdoor maternity shoots with greenery or muted landscapes.
4. Dark Colours
Charcoal, navy, burgundy, and forest green can create a flattering silhouette by offering contrast and slimming the body. These work especially well in studio shoots or low-light settings.
5. Avoid Bright Neon Colours
While bold colours can work for certain aesthetics, bright neons often overpower the shot and reflect onto the skin, which may be unflattering.
If you're not sure where to start, consider building your look around the overall colour scheme of your home (if displaying the images there), your chosen location, or your maternity photographer’s advice. You can also refer to our full guide on what to wear for maternity photos for more in-depth styling tips.
How to Take Flattering Maternity Photos
Choosing the right colour is important, but equally essential is how you style your look. Here are some tips to help you feel confident and look stunning in every frame:
- Choose flowing fabrics like chiffon or lace to add movement and softness to your photos.
- Avoid busy patterns that can distract from your bump.
- Wear a fitted dress or a gently ruched style to highlight your belly.
- Mind bra straps or undergarments, opt for seamless, strapless or nude options where possible.
- Coordinate with your setting, a light blue dress might blend beautifully into a beach background, while neutrals or dark tones work well in the forest or studio.
- Pick textures over prints to add depth without cluttering the image.
- Use flattering angles. Most maternity photographers will guide you, but a slight side angle often best showcases the bump.
What to Wear to Your Maternity Photoshoot
Dresses remain the most flattering and popular choice for pregnancy shoots. Styles like maxi dresses, wrap silhouettes, or off-the-shoulder gowns work particularly well to frame your bump and offer elegant movement.
Many mums-to-be opt for white or pastel tones that evoke softness and purity. Our White Baby Shower Dresses and full range of Maternity Photoshoot Dresses offer handpicked styles specifically tailored for photo sessions, combining beautiful textures, comfort, and camera-ready design.
Whether you're going for ethereal, minimalist, or dramatic, our maternity dresses are designed for women, by women, ensuring you feel supported and radiant on your special day.
Final Thoughts
Maternity photos are about more than just a beautiful picture, they're about celebrating you, your body, and the life you're growing. With the right colour, flattering fit, and comfortable fabrics, your outfit can elevate the entire shoot.
Focus on colours that suit your setting, your tone, and your skin. And above all, choose something that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful. Because when you feel good, it shows.
Find your perfect photoshoot look in our Maternity Photoshoot Dresses collection, created with care to capture your beautiful bump in style.