Maternity photoshoots are taking a noticeably low-key turn. While social media feeds were once dominated by elaborate productions and dramatic gowns, expecting mothers are now trading over-the-top glam for a softer, more minimalist aesthetic.
From bedazzled bumps and baking-themed mid-pregnancy reveals to cosy in-home sessions, today's pregnancy portraits are all about celebrating the milestone with understated style, ease, and authenticity.
If you’re expecting and looking for inspiration, here are five pregnancy photoshoot ideas to try:
The bedazzled baby bump maternity shoot
This type of photoshoot mainly puts the spotlight on the baby bump, where moms add rhinestones or gems to their bellies.
Sometimes, an expecting mom chooses blue or pink rhinestones as a way to also announce the baby’s gender.
They also add a touch of glamour since the entire photoshoot itself is minimalist and chic.
Since the bump acts as an accessory in this case, a simple and casual outfit such as a white cropped t-shirt or a denim jacket is usually the go-to clothing piece for this type of maternity photoshoot.
The half-bloomed photoshoot
The half-bloomed photoshoot is usually for expecting moms celebrating that they have reached the halfway point of pregnancy.
To represent the shared growth and flourishing of mother and baby, expecting moms often choose the "half-bloomed" theme, using flowers as a unique way to celebrate reaching the halfway mark of pregnancy.
For this theme, expecting moms typically arrange flowers surrounding their baby bump or hold a bouquet to elegantly drape over their breasts.
The laundry theme photoshoot
This shoot is typically used for an announcement, and the concept behind it is using a clothing line to hang baby clothes or posing with a basket full of baby clothes.
The theme of this type of photoshoot is to symbolise looking forward to the arrival of your newborn baby and embracing the preparation that comes with welcoming a baby.
Depending on one’s preference, you can shoot at a studio or outdoors in a garden or park during the golden hour.
The editorial photoshoot
This photoshoot leans more into a high-profile magazine cover with a touch of glamour and modesty.
Instead of simply posing with the baby bump, the expecting mom is photographed in a fashion-forward setup where the word “MOM” is used in bold and the baby bump replaces the O letter.
The photoshoot symbolises that she is not only expecting a baby, but she is also stepping into a new chapter of motherhood in a glamorous way.
The half-baked photoshoot
The concept behind this type of photoshoot is similar to the half-bloomed because it is used to celebrate reaching the halfway point of pregnancy.
Expecting moms use baking-inspired props such as a mixing bowl, flour or a baking tray to reveal a baby that is still “baking” in the womb.
2026 most highly requested maternity photoshoots:
Tokollo Kgotho of Artwork Photography shared that expecting moms usually request an indoor photoshoot.
The most trending theme among his clients was the half-baked photoshoot.
He explains: “This year, the highly requested photoshoot was mainly the half-baked one. Expecting moms told me that they prefer the half-baked photoshoot because of its simplicity.
“Not forgetting that they don’t really have to travel because we do it in the comfort of their own homes."
kamogelo.makhura@nationalmg.co.za