One of the most common questions I hear before a maternity session is, “How should I pose?” And it’s a fair question. Pregnancy changes how you move, how you stand, how you feel in your own skin. The good news is this: the most beautiful maternity photos never come from stiff posing or forcing something that doesn’t feel natural.

The maternity picture poses I return to again and again are simple, intentional, and rooted in comfort. They highlight the shape of your belly, soften the rest of the body, and allow your personality and connection to shine through. Below are some of my favorite maternity poses I use consistently in studio sessions, whether we’re photographing just you, maternity pictures for couples, or maternity pictures with family.

The Classic Side Profile

If there’s one pose that belongs in every maternity session, it’s the side profile. Turning your body slightly sideways naturally highlights your belly while creating long, clean lines through the legs and torso.

This pose works beautifully standing, seated, or reclining. A gentle bend in the knee, one hand supporting your lower back and the other resting on your belly, creates a shape that feels both strong and feminine. It’s simple, timeless, and incredibly flattering at every stage of pregnancy.

This is often the pose clients love most when wearing a fitted maternity dress, because it shows off the belly without feeling overdone.

Seated Poses That Feel Effortless

Seated maternity poses are incredibly underrated. Sitting on a stool, bench, or sofa allows your body to relax while still creating beautiful structure in the image.

I often guide clients to sit slightly sideways, lean back just a touch, and let one hand rest on their belly while the other supports them behind. This takes pressure off the lower back and creates a natural curve through the spine. It’s comfortable, elegant, and perfect for studio maternity sessions.

These poses are especially helpful for longer sessions, and they transition easily between wardrobe changes without losing momentum.

Reclining and Lying Down Poses

Some of the most striking maternity photos happen when you slow things down. Reclining poses, whether on a bench or lying gently on your side, create soft lines and a sense of calm.

Lying slightly on your side with your head tilted back or resting to one side allows the belly to remain the focal point while everything else softens around it. These poses feel intimate without being posed, and they photograph beautifully in both color and black and white.

This is also where hands matter most. A relaxed hand on the belly or resting along the thigh keeps the pose natural and connected.

Standing Poses With Subtle Movement

Standing poses work best when they feel easy and unforced. Shifting weight onto one leg, bending the opposite knee, or gently leaning into a wall adds movement without distraction.

One of my favorite variations is having a client place one hand behind their head or through their hair while the other supports their belly. It elongates the body and adds an effortless, confident feel to the image.

These poses work particularly well for studio maternity sessions with clean backdrops, where the focus stays entirely on shape and expression.

Maternity Photos for Couples

When your partner joins the session, the goal shifts slightly. Maternity photos as a couple are less about posing and more about connection.

Standing close together, having your partner place their hands gently around your belly, or leaning into each other creates natural intimacy. Side-by-side poses or your partner standing just behind you help frame the belly without pulling focus away from you.

The best maternity pictures for couples come from small moments: a shared laugh, a quiet glance, a hand squeeze. I guide lightly, then let those moments unfold.

Maternity Pictures With Family

When siblings are part of the session, simplicity matters even more. Standing or seated poses where everyone can naturally gather around your belly tend to work best.

Children resting a hand on your belly, leaning into your side, or standing close while looking up at you creates connection without forcing interaction. These maternity pictures with family don’t need perfection. They need presence.

Short prompts, gentle movement, and letting kids be kids always leads to the most meaningful images.

Let the Wardrobe Do Some of the Work

The right outfit can elevate every pose. A fitted maternity dress highlights the belly and makes posing feel intuitive, while soft fabrics that stretch and move allow your body to relax into each position.

For studio sessions, I often recommend simple silhouettes in neutral tones. They photograph beautifully, keep the focus on you, and allow these poses to feel timeless rather than trendy. I also offer a curated maternity wardrobe for my clients, thoughtfully designed to flatter and photograph effortlessly. You can explore the full motherhood wardrobe available for Seattle maternity sessions here.

A Final Thought on Posing

The best maternity picture poses aren’t about memorizing what to do. They’re about feeling supported, guided, and comfortable enough to settle into the moment. My job as a Seattle maternity photographer is to read your body, adjust as needed, and create space for images that feel honest and beautiful.

Whether you’re planning maternity photos as a couple, including your family, or simply honoring this season on your own, the most meaningful images come from simplicity and connection.

If you’re dreaming of maternity photos that feel natural, refined, and deeply personal, I’d love to help you plan a session that reflects exactly where you are in this season.