Styling Tips for Stunning Maternity and Family Photos

What’s the best way to ensure your photos turn out looking gorgeous?

It’s not just the photographer who makes or breaks a maternity photography session. Family styling can have a huge impact as well.

Too bad most families do it all wrong…

They arrive on session day dressed in nothing that matches. They bring clashing colours and wonder why their photos come out looking sloppy. The truth is that with a simple styling plan in place, that maternity or family photoshoot can turn out looking magazine-worthy.

What you will learn:

• The importance of wardrobe for maternity and family photography
• The colour palette photographers wish clients would use
• How to style every member of your family
• Avoid these common styling mistakes

The Importance of Wardrobe

Here’s something most expectant parents don’t realise…

As crucial as great photography is, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t put thought into their outfits. A 2025 survey showed that 72% of maternity clients place more importance on emotional connection and authenticity over perfect posing and props. But that doesn’t mean dressing well isn’t part of the picture.

In fact, it’s the opposite.

Feeling good about how you look breeds confidence. And confidence comes through in natural and relaxed facial expressions. And where do relaxed expressions come from? Authentic moments that are what everyone wants to capture.

This is particularly true for in-studio maternity sessions where all attention is on the expectant mom and her family members. With no distractions from outdoor locations, each wardrobe choice becomes more magnified.

Think about it:

Bad styling distracts. It creates visual chaos. Great styling gives the photo a foundation for the subjects’ connection with each other to really shine through. It becomes about the people in the photos, not what they’re wearing.

Colour Palette

Start with colour first, and every other choice becomes easier.

Photographers all recommend building an outfit around two main colours with a few grounding neutrals. This creates unity without looking too matchy-matchy.

These are the most flattering tones for maternity photography in particular:

• Warm neutrals like cream, beige, caramel
• Soft earth tones including terracotta, olive green
• Muted pastels such as blush pink, dusty blue

BUT here’s how families often get it wrong…

They choose colours that look great under store lighting but are problematic to photograph. Neon colours, busy patterns, and large logos all fight for attention. The photographer wants to highlight faces and baby bumps, not graphic tees.

Location also plays a role. Outdoor shoots during fall when the leaves are changing will look better with warm golds and deep reds. Beach sessions will be better served with soft whites and light blues. Indoor studio portraits work best with neutral palettes that are timeless.

How to Style Every Member of your Family

Now here’s where things get a little tricky.

Coordinating outfits for multiple family members can be a challenge. It’s key to choose complementing, not identical, pieces. Nobody wants photos where every member of the family looks like they’re wearing a uniform. Yikes. That style choice looks forced and dated.

Start with the mother’s outfit first.

Maternity photography sessions tend to feature flowing dresses as a most popular choice. They’re flattering on the body, photograph well, and add movement to an image. Fitted tops that accentuate the bump are also beautiful when paired with comfortable bottoms.

Build everyone else’s wardrobe around it.

Partner pieces should be in the same colour family but a different tone. If the mum is wearing cream, a tan or olive for the partner would work well. Older children can also add a pop of the same colour through accessories and accent pieces.

Little ones are easy. Prioritise comfort above all else for kids and toddlers. Fussy kids make for fussy photos. Choose soft fabrics and shoes they’ve already broken in at home. Nothing kills a photoshoot faster than a toddler having a meltdown because their new clothes are itchy.

Pets also need consideration.

Increasingly families are including their furry children in sessions as well. Help your pet fit in with a simple bandana or collar that matches the colour palette of the session.

Textures And Layers

Solid colours look flat and boring on camera.

The solution? Mix textures and layers throughout each family member’s wardrobe. Knits, linen, lace, and denim all photograph with different textures. The variety creates interest without adding clashing colours.

Here are some texture combos to consider:

• Knit sweater and flowy dress
• Denim jacket over a solid top
• Lace details on a maternity gown
• Textured cardigan for cooler sessions

Accessories help too. Wide-brimmed hats, simple jewellery and scarves bring personality without overpowering an image. Just remember to keep them minimal. Cluttered accessories clutter photos.

Common Styling Mistakes

Families are well-intentioned, but they still make styling blunders all the time.

Matching outfits exactly is not what you want to do.

Matching looks like a costume. Coordinating looks intentional. That’s what you want your photos to say.

New shoes make blisters. And you want your feet to be comfortable during the session, not covered in bandages.

Avoid uncomfortable fabrics. Self-conscious people photograph in photos. If you or anyone in your family feels uncomfortable, they will show it in your photos. Comfortable outfits are way more flattering than following a trend.

Undergarments matter too.

Visible bra straps and underwear lines are distracting in otherwise beautiful images. Nude seamless options work best, especially for maternity photography where form-fitting fabrics are common.

Waiting to the last minute creates panicking purchases.

Wardrobe decisions made at the last minute lead to last-minute shopping. That can create stress and panic purchases. Start thinking about outfits at least two weeks before the session.

Finishing Touches

It’s more than just clothes.

Hair and makeup should be done in a way that enhances everyone’s natural features without looking overdone. Professional hair and makeup artists are great if you want to splurge. Simple fresh manicures and pedicures can also make a difference in close-up images.

Grooming is important for every family member.

Fresh haircuts for partners and older children make your photos look intentional. Just avoid getting salon haircuts the day before your shoot. Haircuts need a few days to settle.

Maternity photography specific tip: don’t forget belly care.

Moisturised skin photographs better than dry skin, particularly for sessions with exposed belly shots.

Pulling It All Together

Family photography takes some preparation, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Here’s how to keep it simple:

• Decide on a colour palette based on location
• Choose the mother’s outfit first
• Build complementary pieces for others
• Mix textures and layers for interest
• Steer clear of the common mistakes
• Add finishing touches: grooming, accessories

The families who take the most time with styling their photos are the ones that are happiest with the end result. Their photos are timeless instead of trendy. And when you look back years from now, those photos still look beautiful.

Maternity and family photography is about capturing fleeting moments that never come again. A growing belly. A toddler at this age. The whole family in one season of life together.

Moments like that deserve photos that do them justice.

And if your family is styled well, the attention will stay right where it belongs. On the love and connection between family members. On the anticipation of a new life joining the family.