What to Wear for Studio Maternity Photos
By a maternity photographer in Birmingham who makes styling effortless
When planning your studio maternity session, one of the most common questions is what to wear — and as a maternity photographer in Birmingham, I want you to feel completely confident walking into your session. The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. With a thoughtfully curated Client Closet and styling guidance, your portrait experience is designed to be both easy and elegant.
Whether you’re drawn to soft neutrals or rich jewel tones, I’ll help you find a look that flatters your bump and fits your personality. Below, I’ll walk you through some of the most popular styling options for maternity photos, plus a few of the studio-exclusive gowns available to all clients.
Client Closet Favorites for Studio Maternity Photos
From romantic draped tulle to sophisticated silhouettes, our Client Closet is stocked with flattering, photo-ready options. These gowns are designed to photograph beautifully in natural studio light and complement a wide range of body types and skin tones.
Some client favorites include:
- The Wisteria Emerald Dream– A deep green with dramatic elegance
- The Barbara Ruffle Duo – Sweet and feminine with layered tulle for soft movement, in pink & blue.
- The Coco Ruffled Dream – Ethereal and perfect for an editorial feel
- The Desert Midnight Drape – Classic and moody, ideal for fine art maternity portraits
- The Run Away With Me Gown – Bold, vibrant, and perfect for confident pops of color. With a basic color like Red, we can achieve so many different shades and hues with post processing such as fuchsia.
Want to see more options? Explore the full Client Closet here »
Seasonal Style Ideas from Your Maternity Photographer
Here are a few style directions to inspire your look based on the season of your session:
Spring
- Soft florals, sheer layers, or pale pinks and creams. The Barbara dress comes in blue and pink but this one started as blue and was edited to be purple(my fave).
Summer
- Light textures, clean whites, or golden tones
- For a fresh, airy summer look, soft fabric wraps are a beautiful alternative to traditional gowns. These flowing layers photograph like a dream against a white backdrop, creating a light and ethereal feel while still highlighting your natural shape.
Fall
- Moody tones like warm mocha, peach, emerald or plum, or boho-inspired lace
- Fabric styling offers both elegance and flexibility—whether you want a barely-there look or a more modest drape. It’s a timeless option we often recommend for studio portraits.
Winter
- Rich tones like deep red, burgundy, and emerald make striking choices for winter studio maternity photos. This embellished red gown from our Client Closet brings just the right amount of drama and sparkle — perfect for holiday portraits or anyone drawn to bold, elegant style.
Flattering Outfits for Studio Maternity Photography
In general, solid colors and flowing fabrics work best. Avoid busy prints or anything with too much contrast, as it can distract from your natural glow. My studio has a soft, clean aesthetic — and together, we’ll choose pieces that enhance the emotion and artistry of each shot.
Want to see how it all comes together? Here’s a recent session using our Buttercream Tulle Robe and a warm toned backdrop:
👉 Fine Art Maternity Photoshoot in Birmingham, AL
Maternity Photographer Frequently Asked Questions
Nope! The Client Closet is included for all maternity sessions, so you can arrive with no prep needed. We’ll review your favorite styles during planning.
Yes! Most maternity sessions include 2–3 wardrobe changes to give your gallery variety.
Absolutely. Many clients blend Client Closet pieces with a personal favorite — just let me know in advance so we can coordinate colors.
Yes, professional hair and makeup can be added to your session. It’s highly recommended and helps you feel fully pampered and camera-ready.
As a maternity photographer in Birmingham, I’ll guide you through every step — from wardrobe to final styling — so you look and feel amazing.
Birmingham Maternity Photography: Styled with Comfort and Confidence
As a maternity photographer in Birmingham, I know how important it is to feel both confident and comfortable in front of the camera. That’s why every studio session includes thoughtful styling guidance — from dress selection to flattering poses — so you can relax and focus on the joy of this moment. Whether you prefer something soft and romantic or modern and bold, we’ll work together to create a look that feels authentic to you. No worries, professional hair and makeup is complimentary.
Your Birmingham Maternity Photographer — Styling Made Simple
When you book a maternity session with Misty Dawn Photography, styling is just one more thing you don’t have to worry about. With a full wardrobe at your fingertips and expert guidance at every step, your only job is to show up and enjoy the moment.
Ready to start planning your session?
Contact me here to book your maternity photos »
I am married to the love of my life who has recently retired from the Army. We are back “home” after being away for 21 years. We have 3 young boys and 1 daughter who is pursuing her college career. As a photographer, I specialize in the newborns and maternity portraits. I just love the amazing process of pregnancy and then having that sweet, new bundle of joy to love. Capturing all that is so important and I feel so blessed to be a part of this special time in my client’s lives.
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