Maternity photographer South Wales - What should I wear for a maternity photoshoot?

If you’ve found yourself standing in front of your wardrobe wondering what on earth to wear for your maternity session, you’re really not alone. It’s one of the first questions I get asked as a maternity photographer in South Wales, and I completely understand why. Your body is changing, nothing quite fits the same, and you want to feel like yourself, but also like this moment matters.

I like to think of the answer to this question as a little journey, and at the start of that journey, there’s a fork in the road with three different paths you can take.

And none of them are wrong.

The first path is the most simple, and often the one that feels the most grounding. This is where you choose something that feels completely like you. Something you already own, something you’d wear again without thinking twice.

Think jeans and a t-shirt. A soft knit. An oversized shirt that falls gently over your bump.

If you’re planning a pregnancy photoshoot somewhere like Brecon or wandering through woodland near Crickhowell, this kind of outfit works beautifully. It keeps everything relaxed and natural, and it allows you to just settle into the experience without feeling like you’re dressed up as someone else.

The second path is where things feel a little more elevated. A little more like a moment.

This is where you might choose something more styled, floaty gowns, soft fabrics, pieces that move with you and catch the light. The kind of outfit that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into something a bit more artistic.

These work so beautifully for a pregnancy photoshoot along the coast near The Mumbles, or in open landscapes around Abergavenny where the wind can catch the fabric and add that sense of movement.

And then there’s the third path.

Baring your bump.

This can look however you want it to look. It might be your favourite underwear, something soft and simple. It could be swimwear if we’re heading to the water. Or it could be nothing at all—just you, as you are, held by nature.

There’s something incredibly powerful about this choice. It asks you to be seen in a way we don’t often allow ourselves to be. And I’ll say this gently—you don’t have to feel completely confident to choose it. Sometimes the confidence comes afterwards, when you see yourself and realise just how strong and beautiful you are.

Once you’ve chosen your path, there are a few simple things I always guide my clients through.

First, you need to feel good in what you’re wearing. Not just “it’ll do” good, but genuinely comfortable, able to move, able to breathe. If you feel at ease, it shows in every single image.

Next, try to avoid busy patterns where you can. They can pull attention away and sometimes don’t age as well. That said, I will always make space for a bit of personality, especially if you’re like me and have a soft spot for something like leopard print.

Then we think about location.

If we’re in the woods around South Wales, deeper tones can sometimes get lost in the shadows, so lighter shades tend to work really beautifully.

If we’re near water—whether that’s a river near Abergavenny or the coastline further south—then you might want to think about fabrics that respond to the elements. Satins and chiffon cling gently when wet, long dresses float, and everything takes on this soft, fluid feel.

And if we’re heading somewhere higher up, like the hills around Brecon, then warmth becomes important too. It can get windy and cold quite quickly, so layers are your friend. A chunky knit over a dress, or paired with jeans or a long skirt, can look beautiful while keeping you comfortable.

If you’re including your partner or children, I always suggest building their outfits around yours. Not matching exactly, but choosing colours that complement each other. Soft, harmonious tones always work better than trying to coordinate everything perfectly.

I know this can feel like a lot at first. But you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

As your maternity photographer in South Wales, I’m here for all of it. I can help you choose which path feels right, talk through outfit ideas, help you find something new if that’s what you want, or even lend pieces from my small client wardrobe.

You’re allowed to take up space in this moment.

You’re allowed to feel beautiful, even if your body feels unfamiliar some days.

You’re growing a baby. You’re holding so much, physically and emotionally, and that deserves to be acknowledged.

So when you’re choosing what to wear, try to come back to this,

What feels like you?

What feels comfortable?

What feels like something you’ll look back on and recognise as this version of yourself?

That’s always the right place to start.

Take a look at this maternity session with Rose, I brought her a beautiful flowing and some delicate chiffon to play with during her session, the results were breathtaking.

If you’re ready to talk to me about your own maternity session please reach out today.

Finally, come and see how I work and what I’m all about by following me over on instagram.