What to Wear for Summer Maternity Photos

If you are pregnant in the summer and trying to think of what to wear for your summer maternity photos, I get it! As not only a Virginia Beach maternity photographer but also a mama of four girls (one who was born at the beginning of September), I know that when you are expecting — everything feels hotter than it normally would. Add a photo session to the mix and suddenly ‘what to wear’ becomes a question about a lot more than just style.

This post breaks down exactly what fabrics, silhouettes, and outfit choices keep summer mamas cool and camera-ready, plus the practical tips I share with every client who books a summer session with me.

Looking for tips on what to wear to your summer maternity photos and how to stay cool during them?

Sharing below:

Why does summer change so much about summer maternity style?

I tell my clients to think about the weather, timing of the session, and the photo location year round when choosing outfits — this is especially important with summer maternity photos because of the heat and the later sunset (which means later start times for sessions!). Add on all the side effects of pregnancy, and this becomes extra important! 🙂 The goal of outfit planning shifts slightly: it’s not just about what “looks good” but also what makes mama stay present, relaxed, and enjoying the photo session even in the heat.

No matter how beautiful the location or outfits are, comfort shows up on camera. An expecting mom who is overheated or uncomfortable will look that way in the final images. It’s my hope that with this blog post, you will know what outfits will help you feel (and then look!) as beautiful as you are.

What should mama wear to an outdoor maternity session?

I am sharing some specific tips on styles for summer maternity photos below:

• Flowing, loose silhouettes that move with the breeze and do not trap heat against the body are ideal – not only because they are very flattering for the pregnant belly, but also because they will keep you cool.
• In most cases, I recommend a soft, neutral color palette year round for my photos, and especially during the summer: soft neutrals, warm whites, dusty blues, sage greens, and muted blush tones all work beautifully against summer greenery, golden fields, and bright outdoor light.
• When it comes to sleeve length and necklines, think about both style and comfort. Strapless, short sleeve, off the shoulder and wide-neck styles keep things cooler, and are usually flattering and photograph beautifully.
• Keep footwear simple. Basic sandals and low wedges tend to work well and in many of my go-to locations (especially the beach!) – bare feet work perfectly and keep you comfortable with one less thing to think about.
• Remember the heat when thinking about hair and makeup. I always provide information on a makeup artist that I recommend with my clients and love the idea of a little extra pampering on a photo session day – this will also help with the makeup staying on! Classic, no fuss hairstyles usually work best and will typically withstand the heat.

How to Stay Cool During Summer Maternity Photos

There are several ways to help mama (and her family!) stay cool and as comfortable as possible during summer maternity photos. To get the best light and outcome, I time all my sessions around “golden hour”, the hour before sunset, and this obviously helps keep things cooler than if we were to do the session mid-day. I also offer one location as a morning option which is also a cooler time of the day.

I recommend thinking ahead in summer sessions (especially when pregnant moms are involved!) by bringing cold water and light snacks. In some cases, even a cooling towel or handheld fan can be beneficial. I also always tell my clients that it’s always ok to slow the session down or call it early if needed. The images from a relaxed, shorter session will beat the ones from a mom who pushed through when she should not have.

Is an indoor session a good option for you?

Any client who books a full maternity session with me has the option to use my natural lit studio in the Great Neck area of Virginia Beach for their photos. This location provides a comfortable and timeless setting year round for photos, and can be an ideal option for mamas with summer due dates who don’t want to think about the hear outdoors.

Benefits of a studio session include: air conditioning (!!!), more flexibility with timing (studio sessions can be timed earlier in the day rather than golden hour), easy parking and less walking, and of course a bathroom that is always nearby. The studio provides consistent natural light and a soft, pretty setting for your photos. Expecting mamas often choose this location because they can be more relaxed and comfortable, and some of my most beautiful summer maternity images have come from in-home sessions.

What Should your Partner and Kids wear in Summer Maternity Photos?

The same comfort-first approach applies to everyone in the frame: a partner who is overheating is going to look stiff and uncomfortable on camera, and a toddler who is melting down because they are too warm is nobody’s idea of a good time.

Instead, choose lightweight, simple options. For your partner, a a linen button-down or a soft cotton shirt in a neutral tone will coordinate beautifully with mom’s look without competing for attention. For the siblings, think few layers, no stiff fabrics, shoes they can move in (or bare feet!), and an outfit that they actually feel comfortable in rather than one they feel dressed up in.

Stick with the same color palettes mentioned above, the soft, muted tones in breathable fabrics will create a cohesive look that will photograph well and stay classic for years to come.

What does booking a summer session with me look like?

Booking summer maternity photos with me starts with an inquiry (which you can find here!). I recommend that maternity clients book their session for the time that they are between 30 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, in most cases, and will provide you with that information along with open dates and the timing recommendation for your session based on the sunset and golden hour for your session day.

Upon booking your session, you will receive a Session Prep Guide and other planning resources (including a Style and Location Guide) and you will also have the option to book a Prep + Planning call so that I can learn more about you and what you are hoping for in your session.

I am always watching the weather and will absolutely reach out if it looks like the weather will not be ideal on the date of your session. I do leave days open each week in the case of reschedules and will work with you on this!

My gallery turnaround time is typically about two weeks, in which you will receive a gallery of high-resolution photos that you can save, print and share as you would like. For more information on the overall session process with me, you can see this post here or email me at ashleybricknerphoto@gmail.com.

In conclusion, getting dressed for a summer maternity session is not about sacrificing comfort for beautiful photos. The right outfit choices, the right timing, and a few simple prep strategies make it possible to have both. The most beautiful summer maternity images come from moms who feel good, not just moms who look good, and that those two things are far more connected than most people realize.

If you are thinking or hoping for maternity photos, I would love to chat! You can inquire here or email me at ashleybricknerphoto@gmail.com. I would love the opportunity to work with you!

And if you liked this post, you might enjoy this Guide to Booking A New Orleans Photographer from Jen! Happy reading! 🙂

FAQs

When is the best time of day for a summer maternity session?

I time all of my photo sessions for “golden hour”, the last hour of the day before sunset. I also provide one location option for morning sessions, which is typically timed about two hours past sunrise. These windows of the day provide the most ideal light and outcomes for your photos, and also are a “cooler” time of the day for the most comfortable photos.

What should I do if it is extremely hot on session day?

As your Virginia Beach maternity photographer, I am always watching the weather. If your session is scheduled for an extremely hot day, I may suggest another day or my indoor location. I will always reach out to you in advance so you are clear on the plan and feel prepared.

How far in advance should I book a summer maternity session?

I book sessions year round and it is never too early to reach out. I recommend that expecting mamas inquire in their second trimester for both maternity and newborn sessions. Summer is an extremely busy season of the year for me (both personally and professionally!) and early inquiries give moms the best chance at your preferred session style and timing.

How long does a summer maternity session usually take?

I offer both simple sessions (up to 30 minutes) and full sessions (up to 60 minutes). This does not mean 60 minutes of posing. We can take breaks if needed and you also are able to bring an outfit change if you would like.