Planning a beach maternity photoshoot? Discover breathtaking ideas and expert advice for unforgettable maternity photos! Updated for 2025!
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So, You Have a Beach Maternity Photoshoot Planned…
I vacationed in Maui during both of my pregnancies. I knew I needed to capture those moments with a photoshoot. I’m incredibly happy I did! (See the photo of my husband and me above!)
Beach sunrises and sunsets offer soft pastel hues. The calming water creates a stunning backdrop. These elements combine to make your maternity photos truly unforgettable.
Here are over 20 breathtaking beach maternity photoshoot ideas, carefully selected to inspire your upcoming session with amazing outfit choices. Plus, we’ve got professional maternity and wedding photographer, Cadence Feeley, sharing her expert tips for a seamless and memorable experience!
Furthermore, if you’re waiting to share your exciting news, maternity photos offer a fantastic way to create a memorable pregnancy announcement post on social media!
Beach Maternity Photoshoot Ideas
Beaches offer diverse backdrops. I’m sharing outfit, photography, and location ideas to inspire you. My goal is to spark the perfect vision for your unique beach photoshoot!
Moody blues.

Achieve the Style:
This marks my inaugural maternity beach photoshoot in Maui, captured during my pregnancy with my daughter. Our vision was a gentle, evocative ambiance with a hint of classic vintage style.
Our photographer, Cadence Feeley, was truly exceptional. She created a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for us. The blue hues in our outfits beautifully enhanced the ocean’s vibrant blues, resulting in breathtaking photos.
Expert Advice: Always face the ocean! During photoshoots, focus can shift from surroundings. Unexpected waves can easily knock you down if you’re not vigilant.
Delicate & feminine lace
Images courtesy of: @carliestatsky, @d_leilani
Achieve the Style:
Both ensembles share a common thread: a breathtaking, long lace gown exuding feminine charm. The intricate lace detailing adds a touch of delicacy. It beautifully complements the tranquil beach backdrop, creating a seamless and stunning visual.
The floral crown on the mother to the right enhances her feminine charm. I also appreciate the simple elegance of the look on the left!
Expert Advice: Top Maui photographer Cadence Feeley advises: “Protect your skin before your beach maternity photos! Increased hormone levels make skin more sun-sensitive. Avoid sunburn by staying in the shade for 48 hours beforehand.”
Hamptons-style beach scene.

Achieve the Style:
Effortlessly capture the Hamptons beach vibe! This relaxed maternity photoshoot look is simple to achieve. Start with a chic striped maternity swimsuit. Add vintage-style beach chairs, a French market basket, and Turkish-style towels. Recreate this stunning sunset beach scene with ease.
Expert Advice: Enhance your photoshoot by bringing props. A stylish beach towel and a chic woven tote bag can add visual appeal and create natural-looking moments. You can then quickly remove them for simpler shots.
Minimal black & white.

Achieve the Style:
This beach maternity shoot has a fantastic minimal, vintage feel. It’s both elegant and relaxed, while still being impactful. If you’re drawn to a more atmospheric style, this is a great option!
Expert Advice: Invest time in selecting a photographer whose style aligns with your vision. Do you prefer a minimalist aesthetic? Perhaps vintage-inspired images? Or maybe light and airy, or dark and moody tones? Ensure your chosen photographer excels in capturing your desired style for optimal results.
Peasant-style dress.
Images courtesy of: @sweettealdiy, @carrieelizabethphoto
Achieve the Style:
Embrace an ethereal aesthetic with a peasant dress. Its flowing design, delicate ruffles, and shirred bodice beautifully accentuate your baby bump, creating a breathtaking and stylish maternity look for 2025.
Expert Advice: Cadence suggests capturing authentic, unposed moments for the best photos. Forget the camera is there and avoid direct eye contact. This helps you appear more relaxed and natural, especially if you’re camera-shy. Check out Cadence’s Instagram for inspiration!
Luxury resort vibes.

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Enjoying a beach getaway? Don’t limit your photos to just the shoreline! If you’re at a high-end resort, leverage its stunning environment. Ask your photographer to use the resort’s beautiful grounds as an ideal photo setting.
Opt for a simple outfit, mirroring the example above. A minimalist white or black swimsuit paired with delicate gold jewelry works wonders. Let your baby bump and the breathtaking scenery be the stars of the show.
Expert Advice: For resort photography, like the scene above, a sunrise shoot is ideal. Fewer people are present compared to midday or sunset. This minimizes unwanted background subjects. Plus, you’ll capture stunning sky colors.
En Vogue.

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Achieve a bold, contemporary, and editorial aesthetic – reminiscent of a Vogue spread – by pairing striking statement sunglasses with a timeless black swimsuit. Enhance the effect by having your photographer edit the images in high-contrast black and white.
Still captivated by this style and searching for the perfect name for your little one? Explore these stunning modern girl names! They are perfect for 2025 and beyond.
2025 Pro Tip: Pack extra accessories! Sunglasses, a sun hat, and diverse jewelry are great. Easily change your look during the shoot for more photo variety.
Casual denim.
Images courtesy of: @sessmariee, @ashabailey_
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Dresses not your thing? Feeling uncomfortable or unlike yourself in one? Then skip it! Opt for vintage denim with a rolled-down top. This creates a super cute and effortlessly casual vibe.
However, warm weather isn’t guaranteed at every beach. Denim paired with a stylish cropped sweater might be a more suitable and flattering choice to showcase your baby bump, depending on the climate.
Expert Advice: Cadence Feeley suggests: “Golden hour (sunrise and sunset) provides stunning light for beach maternity photos. For more seclusion, choose sunrise. Beaches are usually less crowded then.”
Retro inspired.
Images courtesy of: @apinchoflovely, @melissamontoyaphotography
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Embrace retro charm with a pin-up inspired beach maternity shoot! Think adorable outfits and vintage props. The left showcases a simple, chic look: a striped swimsuit paired with retro sunglasses. On the right, imagine a fun beach pier setting, complete with props for a playful vibe.
Comfy casual.

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Julia Berolzheimer’s adorable style offers a fantastic, relaxed photoshoot choice when you prefer simplicity. The pink romper exudes femininity and ease, ideal for a charming beach picnic setting.
Simply pack some chairs, an umbrella, and your favorite snacks. You’ll be all set for a relaxing time!
2025 Update: Windy beaches are typical. Expect wind during your photoshoot. Bring a brush to manage your hair. Avoid tangles and a messy look. Tousled waves are great, but tangled hair isn’t!
Designer chic.

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Love fashion influencers? This beach maternity photoshoot idea is perfect! Borrow or rent a stylish designer tote bag. Add a sun hat, bold sunglasses, and a cute bikini. Have fun creating memorable photos!
I’m obsessed with the vibrant colors and the effortlessly stylish, playful vibe of this look.
Expert Advice: Keep a close watch on your possessions. While capturing beach photos, you’ll likely shift locations frequently. Remember to take your bag, shoes, sunglasses, and other items with you to prevent loss or theft.
Stylish swimsuit & sun hat.
Images: Uncredited, @emilyanngemma
Achieve the Style:
These chic maternity looks, featuring black swimsuits, oversized sun hats, and stylish cover-ups, are perfect for showcasing your baby bump. They’re effortlessly stylish and require minimal effort.
Expert Advice (2025): Capture sun-hat photos at the photoshoot’s end. If you’re using a hat, start without it. Add it later. This avoids hair issues and photo regrets from constant hat adjustments.
Feminine florals.

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This maternity photoshoot features a radiant mother-to-be. She’s wearing a breezy, light blue floral wrap dress, complemented by a simple sun hat and a white towel. The pastel beach backdrop is breathtaking. It harmonizes beautifully with her delicate blue floral dress.
Expert Advice: Capture stunning beach photos by shooting at sunrise. The soft pastel hues in the sky will enhance your images. Plus, you’ll avoid harsh sunlight, a photographer’s top tip!
Pretty in pink.
Images courtesy of: @toribrookephotography and @caraloren
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These mothers both chose a beautiful pink shade for their outfits, a fantastic color decision. Pink beautifully complements the blue water and mirrors the soft sky colors during a sunrise photoshoot. If you opt for pink, keep your partner’s outfit simple to avoid clashing.
Pro Tip (2025): Forget dedicated maternity wear for your beach photoshoot! Explore beyond the maternity section. Look for flowy dresses and consider sizing up to comfortably fit a fuller bust during pregnancy.
Vintage Hawaiian vibes.

Achieve the Style:
Planning a Hawaiian beach photoshoot? This effortlessly beautiful look is easy to achieve. Order a fresh flower crown from numerous vendors across the Hawaiian Islands, or opt for a realistic faux version beforehand. Seek out a photographer specializing in vintage-inspired aesthetics. Complete the look with a breezy, open cover-up for a simple yet elegant style.
Expert Advice: Planning a beach photoshoot during your vacation? Start your photographer search well in advance, ideally several months before your trip. Popular vacation spots see photographers’ schedules fill up fast. Book early to avoid disappointment!
Greece vacation chic.

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Planning a babymoon to the stunning Mediterranean? Capture this special time with maternity photos amidst the breathtaking turquoise waters. The scenery, vibrant colors, and overall atmosphere create pure perfection!
I adore this effortless style! A breezy white kaftan paired with a sun hat and open-toe sandals creates a chic, beach-ready vibe. It’s sophisticated, comfortable, and perfectly suited for the coast.
Expert Advice: Schedule your photoshoot for the final days of your trip. This allows your tan to develop evenly. Plus, you’ll sidestep sunburns and unwanted tan lines in your pictures.
Beach Maternity Photoshoot FAQ’s:
Feeling inspired for your beach photoshoot? Here are answers to common questions to guide you.
What should I wear for maternity beach pictures?
While there are no set rules for what to wear for maternity beach pictures, I recommend going with light and airy fabrics if you are planning the photoshoot in a hot beach destination. Flowing maxi dresses, kimono robes, kaftans, or ruana wraps are great outfit options.
You can also stick to a one-piece swimsuit or bikini, and add in some cute accessories like a sun hat, sunglasses, and dainty jewelry. If the beach you choose is often windy, or has cooler temperatures (think Pacific Northwest), go with a pair of linen pants or rolled down denim, and a lightweight knit sweater.
Which week is best for maternity photoshoot?
In my opinion planning your maternity photoshoot between weeks 27-32 of your pregnancy is ideal. Your baby bump will be nicely showing but will still be quite “compact”. Other things like the lovely facial swelling that happens in the last weeks of pregnancy won’t be present (as well as swelling in your legs and feet).
If your photoshoot is planned for the later weeks of pregnancy you’ll risk looking more swollen in photos and potentially missing it altogether if baby decides to make their debut early!
I hope you feel even more excited about your upcoming beach maternity photoshoot! And, don’t miss these other pregnancy bucket list items to do while you rock your beautiful baby bump, as well as this list of prayers for a healthy pregnancy.
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