You’ve pinned all the maternity photos. You’ve scrolled the dreamy Instagram grids. And now you’re wondering… do I want that look or do I want something that actually feels like me?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the maternity photo inspiration out there, you’re not alone. Between the flowing dresses in lavender fields, the silhouette shots with dramatic backlighting and the perfectly posed bump pics that seem to dominate your feed – how do you figure out what will truly capture this fleeting chapter of your life?
Because let’s be honest: pregnancy is beautiful, but it’s also a lot. Between the heartburn, the waddle and your toddler asking why your belly button “looks funny now,” the last thing you need is photo-planning stress on top of everything else.
I see so many mamas get caught in this trap where they’re torn between what’s currently trending on social media and what actually resonates with them. They end up with gorgeous photos that somehow still don’t feel like their own story.
This season of waiting and growing is deeply personal and the photos you take should reflect that – whether they’re Pinterest-perfect or perfectly imperfect.
So let’s talk about trendy versus timeless maternity photography, and how to figure out which approach will give you images you’ll treasure long after your little one is no longer so little.
What Are Trendy Maternity Photos?
When we talk about “trendy” maternity photography, we’re usually referring to styles that are having their moment in the social media spotlight. Some examples could be:
- Dramatic poses with fabric flowing in the wind
- Bold, editorial-style gowns that make major statements
- High-contrast, moody editing with deep shadows
- Studio setups with elaborate props or backdrops
- Viral TikTok-inspired poses and concepts
- Heavy Photoshop enhancement
- Ultra glam hair and makeup looks
These photos are often striking and really impressive. They make for great social media posts and definitely capture attention.
And let me be clear – there’s absolutely nothing wrong with loving these trends! If you genuinely connect with this aesthetic and feel like it represents your personality and this chapter in your life, that’s wonderful.
But if you find yourself drawn to trendy photos simply because they’re everywhere, or because they feel like what maternity photos are “supposed” to look like in 2025, take a pause. Ask yourself: “Is this really my story, or am I trying to recreate someone else’s?”
What Makes a Maternity Photo Timeless?
The Elements of Timeless Maternity Photography
Timeless maternity photos have a certain quality that allows them to transcend passing trends. They focus on:
- Soft, natural light that wraps around your form
- Neutral color palettes that don’t compete with the emotion in the image
- Genuine expressions and connections between you, your partner and any older children
- Simple compositions that draw attention to the miracle of new life
- Gentle movement and flow rather than stiff posing
- Natural settings that provide context without distraction
- Minimal editing that enhances rather than transforms
These approaches create photos that feel organic and real – kind of like capturing a memory rather than creating a performance. When you look at them years from now, you won’t be able to date them based on a specific photography trend that was popular in 2025.
Instead, you’ll see yourself in that beautiful moment of love.
My approach to maternity photography embraces these timeless elements by focusing on creating images with warm, nostalgic tones that feel like home. Photos that capture the way your partner looks at your growing belly, or how your toddler’s tiny hand rests on the baby brother or sister they haven’t even met yet.
These are the details that matter most when you’re looking back at these photos in a decade or more.
What to Wear for Timeless Maternity Photos
Clothing plays a huge role in whether your photos will stand the test of time. For a classic look that won’t feel dated years from now, here’s what I recommend:
- Soft, flowy fabrics that gently hug your bump
- Neutral tones like cream, soft white, beige or gentle earth tones
- Simple silhouettes without overly trendy cutouts or styles
- Minimal patterns or subtle textures that add interest without distraction
- Pieces that make you feel comfortable and like yourself
Remember: the goal isn’t to look like everyone else’s maternity photos. The goal is to look like you – just a more polished, radiant version of your everyday self.
The Problem With Chasing Trends
I’ve worked with so many moms who come to their session with their phones full of screenshots from influencers’ maternity shoots. They show me elaborate setups with smoke bombs or underwater photography or that one viral pose that’s been making the rounds.
And when I ask them, “What about these photos speaks to you?” so many realize they don’t actually know. They just thought that’s what they should want.
This is the trap of social media inspiration: it creates decision fatigue and makes it hard to hear your own voice among all that noise.
The most heartbreaking thing I see is when a mom gets her gallery back and, despite the photos being technically beautiful, feels disconnected from them. She doesn’t recognize herself in those images – not because she doesn’t look gorgeous, but because she was playing a character instead of being present in her own story.
When you’re pregnant with your second (or third, or fourth) baby, you know how quickly these days slip away. The last thing you want is to look back at your maternity photos and think, “That doesn’t even feel like me.”
How to Make Your Maternity Photos Feel Authentically YOU
So how do you cut through the noise and create maternity photos that truly reflect who you are? Here are some practical steps:
1. Start With How You Want to FEEL, Not How You Want to Look
Before you even think about outfits or locations, ask yourself: How do I want to feel when I look at these photos years from now? Peaceful? Joyful? Strong? Soft? Let that desired feeling guide your decisions.
2. Choose Clothing That Reflects Your Personal Style
If you never wear flowing gowns in real life, don’t feel pressured to wear one for your photos. Maybe you’re more comfortable in a fitted dress that hugs your curves, or perhaps a beautiful sweater with jeans feels more you. My client closet offers options that range from ethereal to simple and classic, but always with comfort in mind.
3. Select a Location That Holds Meaning
The golden field at sunset might be beautiful, but if you and your partner love hiking in the forests around Burlington, wouldn’t those towering trees make a more personal backdrop? Or perhaps your own home – where your baby will grow up – would make the most meaningful setting.
4. Find a Photographer Whose Work Makes You Feel Something
When you look at a photographer’s portfolio, pay attention to your emotional response. Do the images make you feel something? Can you imagine yourself in them? The technical aspects matter, but your connection to their storytelling style matters more.
5. Communicate Your Vision (And Your Concerns)
Be honest with your photographer about what you’re drawn to and what makes you uncomfortable. If you hate having your hands positioned in photos, say so. If you’re worried about your double chin, mention it. A good photographer will work with your comfort level while still creating beautiful images.
6. Let Go of "Perfect" and Embrace "Present"
Some of the most stunning maternity photos capture real moments of connection – the laugh between you and your partner, the way your toddler hugs your leg, the quiet moment of you cradling your belly. These candid moments often become the favorites in your gallery.
7. Trust Your Gut When It Comes to Trends
If there’s a trendy element you genuinely love and that feels like “you,” incorporate it! But if something feels forced or uncomfortable, let it go. The best photos happen when you’re relaxed and being yourself.
There's No Right Answer, But There Is a Right Feeling
Here’s the truth: there’s no objectively “right” way to approach your maternity photos. Whether you go full-on glam with a couture gown or keep it simple in jeans and a white tee, what matters most is that when you look at those photos, you see yourself.
Not a version of yourself trying to fit a mold. Not what you thought you were supposed to look like. Just you – beautiful, expectant you – in this amazing chapter of your story.
The trends will come and go, that viral pose everyone’s doing this year will look dated in five years but photos that capture genuine emotion and connection? Those never go out of style.
There's No Right Answer, But There Is a Right Feeling
Whether you’re leaning toward timeless simplicity or want to incorporate a few trendy elements that speak to your personality, I’m here to help create photos that feel authentic to you.
You deserve images that bring you right back to how it felt to carry this little one – the anticipation, the wonder and the everyday magic of growing a human.
Let’s create photos that feel like you, not just what’s popular right now. If you’re looking for maternity photography in Burlington that blends natural beauty, emotion and intention, I’d love to work with you.
P.S. Still figuring out what to wear? Check out my client closet collection or browse my complete guide to maternity session styling for more inspiration.