Available for in-home
 & studio sessions

Serving NYC &
surrounding areas

Whether this is your first pregnancy or you’ve done this before, this moment is special.

Maternity photos shouldn’t feel like just another thing to check off your list. Everything is changing, and this is a time worth documenting in a way that feels natural and true to you.

My goal is to make your session feel easy, comfortable, and relaxed. This guide is here to help you plan your maternity session and feel confident in your choices—especially when it comes to what to wear.

If you have any questions at all, you can always reach out. I’m alaways here happy to help.

Melissa
love,

This is your moment, so your outfit matters most.

Look for clean, simple silhouettes that feel like you—just a little more elevated. Mid-length dresses, soft knits, or structured pieces tend to photograph best. If you prefer something more fitted, that works beautifully too.

Avoid anything overly tight or overly flowy. The goal is movement that feels natural, not distracting.

Soft fabrics like cotton, linen, and light knits always photograph well and add just enough texture without feeling busy.

Brands I love: Sezane, Reformation, Doen, Jenni Kayne, Hill House Home

for mom

maternity session

One of my favorite looks for maternity sessions is something as simple as jeans paired with a white or neutral top (or bra).

You can also bring a button-down to layer over it—we can do some photos with it on and some without, which gives you two different looks without changing outfits.

Jeans can be more relaxed or slightly baggy—they photograph beautifully and feel effortless. Any shade of blue works well, and beige or white denim is also a great option.

This look keeps everything minimal and lets your belly naturally be the focus. It feels timeless, easy, and not overly styled.

jeans & a white top

Dresses and matching sets are always a beautiful option for maternity sessions.

A simple dress—whether more fitted or softly structured—can highlight your shape in a natural, effortless way. Matching sets are another great option if you prefer something a bit more relaxed while still feeling put together.

Keep tones soft and neutral, with minimal patterns, so the focus stays on you. Subtle textures like cotton, linen, or light knits always photograph beautifully.

Brands I love: Sezane, Reformation, Doen, Jenni Kayne, Hill House Home, Tuckernuck

dresses & matching sets

The Relaxed Wide Leg Maternity Jean

The Polished Celeste Set

White Dress

The Scarlett Nap Dress

Original Contour Sweettalk Bralette

The Must-Have Oxford Shirt

The Maternity Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Crop Jean in Vintage Canvas

These are just a few pieces I love as inspiration. Many brands carry similar styles, so you don’t need to find these exact items.

The beauty of keeping things simple and timeless is that it’s easy to recreate with pieces you may already have or can find anywhere.

Feel free to bring a few options to your session—we can always go through everything together and choose what works best in the moment.

Outfit Inspiration

where to shop

Because our style is so simple and timeless, you really don’t need anything complicated. Most brands carry pieces that work beautifully—you can even pull from your own closet.

Brands I love:

Sezane, Reformation, Doen, Jenni Kayne, Hill House Home, Tuckernuck
Madewell, Abercrombie, J.Crew, Free People, Quince
Zara, H&M, Mango, Old Navy

Here are a few things to think about: 

maternity session

Think about where these images will live in your home. Soft, neutral tones tend to blend beautifully into most spaces and keep everything feeling timeless. Simple, solid colors usually photograph best and help keep the focus on you.

Colors

Choose something you feel comfortable in—something you can move in and breathe easily. If a piece feels scratchy, too tight, or something you’ll be adjusting the whole time, it will show. Comfort matters, especially during pregnancy, and it makes a big difference in how relaxed your photos feel.
Note: Avoid wearing baseball caps, neon or bright colors, and apparel with logos or wording.

Comfort

Professional hair and makeup is always a nice option, but not required. A natural, fresh look photographs best for maternity sessions.

If you’re doing your own makeup, keep it soft and simple. I’d avoid anything too shimmery or glittery—matte finishes tend to photograph more beautifully. A little extra blush and a natural lip can go a long way on camera.

If you don’t usually wear makeup, that’s completely fine. You can keep it minimal—just a light powder can help reduce shine if needed.

Also, don’t forget about small details like nails. Neutral or clean nails always look best, especially since hands are often part of the photos. If you have old polish, it’s best to remove it before your session.

Hair & Makeup

Pregnancy can feel unfamiliar, and it’s completely normal to not feel like yourself all the time.

You don’t need to know how to pose or worry about how you’ll look—I’ll guide you through everything during your session. My approach is very natural and minimal, with gentle direction so nothing feels forced or overdone.

We can always focus on what feels most comfortable for you, and adjust throughout the session as needed. The goal is for you to feel at ease, so the photos reflect that.

feeling comfortable in front of the camera

A little bit of preparation can go a long way, especially if your child isn’t used to being photographed.

You can talk to them about the session ahead of time in a simple, positive way—let them know we’ll be spending time together, playing, and keeping things easy. The more relaxed it feels to them, the better.

There’s no need to ask them to smile or “perform.” In fact, that usually does the opposite. I’ll guide everything during the session and create space for natural moments to happen.

If they’re comfortable being close to you—hugging, leaning in, or touching your belly—that’s always helpful, since those are the moments we’ll naturally capture.

And if a little extra motivation helps, small treats are completely fine. Just keep them simple and mess-free.

siblings

Moisturizing your skin beforehand is always a good idea, especially if you’d like a few photos with your belly showing.

If you’re wearing something more fitted, try to choose undergarments that won’t show through—seamless or neutral tones usually work best.

If you’re open to more minimal looks, a simple underwear set, or even layering with a cardigan can feel very natural and timeless.

The studio has a private changing space, and most moms bring a selection of options. We’ll look at everything together and choose what looks best.

important tips

final note


If you’re unsure about anything, feel free to send me options—I’m always happy to help you choose.

The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and like yourself. I’ll take care of the rest.

Melissa
love,