What to Wear for a Maternity Photoshoot in Richmond, VA

By Priya Shanu - 2026-06-04

The best maternity outfits fit closely at the bump, are made of soft fabric that moves, and stick to solid colors that suit your location. Plan two or three looks: one flowing dress, one fitted piece, and one relaxed outfit you can wear alongside your partner or kids. Below is the full guide I share with everyone who books a maternity session with me in Richmond, Short Pump and Glen Allen.

When is the best time to take maternity photos?

I usually suggest planning your session for somewhere between 28 and 34 weeks, when your bump is clearly visible but walking, sitting on the ground and standing back up still feel comfortable. If you are expecting twins or your doctor has asked you to take it easy, aim a little earlier. Book a few weeks ahead so you have time to shop for outfits and we have room to move the date if the weather turns.

Start with how you want the photos to feel

Choosing a mood first makes every outfit decision easier. Ask yourself which of these sounds most like you:

Flowy and dreamy: long chiffon or tulle gowns, open fields, wind in the fabric.
Elegant and structured: a fitted, floor-length dress, clean lines, stone steps or architecture.
Cozy and candid: a knit dress or soft sweater, jeans, a picnic blanket, lots of laughing with your partner.

Once you pick the feeling, the colors, fabrics and location all follow from it.

Which colors photograph best for maternity photos?

Solid, mid-tone colors photograph best because they flatter most skin tones and keep the eye on you and your bump. These three families work in almost every setting:

Earthy neutrals: cream, sand, terracotta, rust, sage. Timeless, and they sit beautifully in greenery and golden light.
Jewel tones: emerald, deep burgundy, navy, mustard. Rich and striking, especially against stone, brick and sunset skies.
Soft pastels: blush, dusty blue, lavender, champagne. Gentle and romantic for spring gardens.

Pure white and very pale colors can look beautiful, but they lose detail in bright, direct sun, so I pair them with shade or the last hour before sunset. Neon colors and very saturated reds can bounce color onto your skin, so I steer people toward softer versions of those shades.

Coordinating with your partner and kids

Coordinate rather than match. Choose a palette of two or three colors plus one neutral, and let each person wear a different piece from that palette. If you are in a cream gown, your partner might wear a sage or tan shirt and your toddler a rust sweater. Keep partners in solid colors and avoid graphic tees, so the photos stay focused on the family rather than on clothing.

Fabrics and fit matter more than the outfit itself

The fabric decides how your bump reads on camera. Chiffon, jersey, soft knits, satin and tulle all drape over the bump and move with you, which gives the photos life. A stretchy, fitted dress shows your shape clearly in profile, while a gown with a long, flowing skirt adds movement when we walk or catch a breeze.

When you try outfits on, check these things in a mirror:

Does it hug the top of the bump, or does it hang straight down from your chest? Hanging fabric hides the bump.
Can you sit on the ground and stand back up without help or wardrobe adjustments?
Is the neckline comfortable when you lean, turn and look down at your bump?
Does the hem clear the ground when you walk in the shoes you plan to wear?

Maternity gown rental services and local boutiques are worth a look if you want something dramatic for just one session.

How many outfits should I bring to a maternity session?

Two or three outfits is the right number for a two-hour maternity session. That leaves enough time for each look to get real attention, including walking, close-ups and family shots, without spending half the session changing. A simple plan that works well:

A statement gown or flowing dress for the dramatic, full-length images.
A fitted dress or a fitted top with a skirt to show your silhouette.
A relaxed outfit, such as a knit sweater and jeans or your partner's button-down shirt, for the candid, cuddly frames.

Bring layers that change quickly, like a cardigan or a wrap, so one outfit can become two different looks without a full change.

Dressing for the season in Richmond

Richmond weather changes a lot through the year, so dress for the day as well as the photos.

Summer: it gets hot and humid, so choose breathable fabrics, plan for the last hours before sunset and bring water and blotting papers.
Fall: this is a favorite season for maternity sessions. Rust, mustard, burgundy and cream glow against changing leaves.
Winter: bare trees and low sun suit long knit dresses, wool coats and scarves. You can stay warm between shots and slip the coat off for a few frames.
Spring: blooming gardens pair beautifully with pastels, though windy days call for a dress that behaves well in a breeze.

Matching your outfit to a Richmond location

Your outfit and your location should work together. Flowing pastel and neutral gowns suit garden settings like Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden or Maymont. Jewel tones look striking against stone and water at Belle Isle, or with the skyline views at Libby Hill Park. If you would like to stay close to home in Glen Allen, Deep Run Park and Meadow Farm Museum offer open fields and trees. Many gardens and parks have their own rules or permits for professional photography, so we will check current photography rules for your chosen spot when we plan.

Shoes, hair, makeup and accessories

Keep the small things simple so they support the outfit instead of competing with it.

Shoes: bring comfortable flats or sandals for walking between spots. Many images are full-length or barefoot, so pretty shoes matter less than you think.
Hair: soft waves or a loose updo survive wind and humidity better than a sleek blowout.
Makeup: a little more than your everyday look, with a matte finish to cut shine in warm weather.
Accessories: delicate jewelry, a flower crown, or a hand placed with a ring on the bump work well. Skip big logos and anything that clinks or swings.
Props: an ultrasound print, baby shoes or a sibling's favorite toy can add meaning, but one or two is plenty.

What to avoid wearing for maternity photos

Most wardrobe problems come from a few predictable choices, and they are easy to avoid:

Busy patterns, small stripes and big logos, which pull the eye away from you.
Stiff, boxy fabrics that hide the bump.
Brand-new shoes you have not broken in, since we will walk a little between spots.
Tight waistbands and bra straps that leave marks on your skin before bare-bump shots.
Outfits you have never tried sitting down in.

Your maternity session checklist

Try on every outfit, sit down in it, and take a quick phone photo in daylight.
Steam or iron everything the day before and hang each outfit separately.
Pack shoes, a robe or cover-up, safety pins, a lint roller, water and a snack.
Wear loose clothes on the way to the session to avoid marks on your skin.
Send me your outfit photos on WhatsApp if you would like a second opinion.

Light matters as much as clothing, so read my guide to the best time of day for outdoor photos when you choose your session time.

See it in motion

Watch on Instagram

Booking your maternity session in Richmond

Maternity sessions start from $250 for two hours, and you can browse the maternity portfolio to see how different outfits look in real light. My style is relaxed and candid first, so the outfit is there to support you, not to make you stiff. Every photo is edited by hand and delivered in a private gallery within 7 days, and outdoor sessions can be rescheduled for rain based on availability. When you are ready, message me on WhatsApp or use the contact form to check dates.