Motherhood begins long before your baby arrives, in the tender moments of carrying and nurturing life within you. Your maternity session is a beautiful opportunity to embrace the quiet strength and tender femininity that comes with motherhood. As you carry your little one, this session allows us to capture these early moments of connection between you and your baby. We’ll style your session in a way that highlights your natural beauty and grace, creating timeless images that celebrate this precious chapter of your journey
As you prepare for your session, here are a few tips to help you style your look with confidence and ease:
Prioritize Comfort and Confidence
Your maternity session is all about celebrating the beauty of this fleeting time, and that starts with how you feel. I would LOVE for you to choose one of the dresses that I have purchased for you to borrow from in my curated client closet, but only if that will make you feel beautiful!
The important thing is that you choose an outfit that make you feel both comfortable and confident. Flowy fabrics and lots of material (like many of my client closet options) are perfect for creating gentle movement and grace that works so well for lifestyle photography. Remember, your comfort comes first—when you feel good, your natural radiance and connection with your baby will shine through in every photo.
Maybe you aren't a long-flowy-dress type of woman, that is totally okay! Consider adding layers (like a lacy cardigan, or a flowy kimono) to add some movement to your outfit. I know black can be a go-to for some ladies, but it can tend to hide your baby bump, so I would avoid black for maternity photos (since displaying the bump is the whole point!) I would also avoid stripes and distracting patterns.
Embrace Rich, Warm Tones or Muted Colors
The colors you wear during your session can evoke warmth and a sense of calm. I adore photographing rich, earthy tones like caramel, rust, maroon, mustard, and lots of neutrals like creams and browns —these colors not only enhance the natural landscape but also complement your pregnancy glow. Jewel tones, such as ruby or sapphire, bring a luxurious feel that adds depth to your images.
I would avoid bright or neon colors, as these tend to actually reflect their color onto your skin tone which isn't flattering, and it can look very out of place in a natural outdoor setting. I would also choose cream instead of stark white, white can tend to photograph with a blue tint.
Choose Flattering Silhouettes
Your body has undergone a huge change as you are growing you sweet baby. This is something to be celebrated - Choose an outfit that highlights your baby bump. Oftentimes, a top that is cinched in above the waist (as shown in these photos) is really great for that!
Some specific styles that are generally great options for accentuating your bump in a flattering way are:
Empire Waist Dresses: This style cinches just below the bust, allowing the fabric to flow gently over the bump. It’s universally flattering and adds an elegant, timeless look to the session.
Maxi Dresses: Long, flowing maxi dresses elongate the body and provide a soft, graceful appearance. Whether fitted or loose, they’re perfect for outdoor maternity sessions as they create a sense of movement and drama, especially in the wind.
Off-the-Shoulder or V-Neck Dresses: These styles draw attention to the neckline and shoulders, creating a more feminine silhouette while emphasizing the curves of the bump. Off-the-shoulder designs can also be paired with flowing sleeves for a soft, romantic look.
Bodycon Dresses: For those who want to fully embrace their bump and show off every curve, a bodycon dress in a stretchy fabric is an excellent choice. It’s form-fitting but can be incredibly flattering when paired with the right accessories and tones. (I don't recommend this style for lifestyle maternity sessions though, it is much better suited for a studio session.)
Many of my client closet options have plunging v-necklines, everyone's preference for modesty is a bit different. For additional coverage, I typically recommend wearing a brown or cream colored camisole underneath or something like one of these inserts that don't add any bulk but still provide some coverage for any unwanted cleavage.
Nails, Hair, and Make Up
I wouldn't do anything new that you've never done before (fake lashes, for example, can cause your eyelids to droop if you've never worn them before!) Your photo session isn't the time to break out a new color of eyeshadow. However, you do want to take your time to take extra care to make sure you like how your make up is. Maybe it is even something that you decide to hire a local professional to help you with.
For your hair, I would recommend leaving it long and flowy - It is so beautiful to have the movement of flowy hair, especially in wind. You could curl your hair (if that is something that you like) or do a partial up do so that some is still long and flowy, while a bit is pulled up or back. Again, I wouldn't try and do something radically different than you normally do, I want you to feel confident and sometimes trying something new can hamper confidence.
As for nails, a natural looking manicure and clean nails is best - Maybe French tips. These will photograph in a timeless and beautiful way and will look good no matter if the photos are in black and white or in color. Dirt or paint will definitely show up in photos!
If they will have color, I would avoid bright or neon colors, or anything that clashes with your chosen outfit. Most importantly, make sure that they are not chipped.
Highlighting Your Unique Journey
Every pregnancy is different, and your maternity session should reflect your unique experience. Whether this is your first baby or a new chapter in a growing family, we’ll tailor the session to capture your story. Your session will feel intimate and personal, with poses and moments that highlight the quiet anticipation, joy, and love that only you can feel at this moment.
Involve Your Husband or Children for Added Connection
Styling is important, but I am a firm believer that it is connection that makes for the most beautiful photos. Your loved ones can be incorporated so naturally into your maternity photos. Holding hands, soft embraces, little ones snuggled close, these all weave together so beautifully and capture the joy of this growing life that is about to join your family. There are so many bonds within your family to celebrate, let your maternity session be a time to do that as you eagerly await your baby's arrival!
Looking for a Maternity Photographer in West Knox?
If you are looking for a maternity photographer, I am based out of the Knoxville area and serve West Knox, Maryville, Farragut, and beyond - If you resonate with the things I have shared, I would love to talk with you more and work together to document this part of your motherhood journey! You can click below to learn more about maternity sessions with me.
work with me
A meaningful and fun photo experience with your spouse and kiddos in one of the beautiful outdoor locations in the Knoxville area, West Knox, Maryville, and beyond: Field, mountain views, pleasant park, or historical architecture, I am always on the search for more beautiful places to recommend for my clients.
work with me
Intentional photos of the expectant mother in a beautiful outdoor location. Her significant other and other children are included in the session as well. Flowy dresses to highlight your beautiful bump and make you feel as stunning as you are highly recommended!
work with me
Intentional and stress-free photos of your beautiful newborn (and his or her immediate family) in the comfort of your own home where baby's memories begin, or in a beautiful outdoor location near Knoxville, Tennessee.
Maryville Maternity Photographer
Hi, my name is
Susannah!
There are too many beautiful little moments to family life and motherhood to let them pass by undocumented.
Welcome, my name is Susannah! I'm a follower of Christ, wife, fellow mama, and your Knoxville family photographer
Being a mother is my greatest joy, I love helping moms create beautiful family pictures with their husband and children. I help you relax and feel comfortable in front of my camera so that your true personalities can really shine through, creating timeless treasured pieces of art that you'll cherish.
Photos are about telling the story of your child's boisterous laughter, your newborn's curled fingers around your own, your daughter's special snuggle against her daddy's chest, the sun catching the curls bouncing as your toddler tumbles into your arms, & the tender warmth of being wrapped in your husband's embrace. These are the moments you'll want to remember!
I love to get to know you, the things that are special to you, the things that you want to remember, and tailoring sessions to each family to tell your story in an intentional and meaningful way.
