5- Must Have Photos from a Gilbert Maternity Photographer

When you’re envisioning your maternity session, you’re probably picturing the classic hands-on belly portrait- and yes, we are absolutely getting that one. But some of my clients’ most-loved images are the ones they didn’t even know they wanted. 

I had a mama reach out to me originally for newborn photos, and almost as an afterthought, she added a maternity session to her Portrait Collective, because she knew she would regret it later. When we met for her portrait reveal, after seeing her gallery, she was stopped in her tracks. “I didn’t know maternity photos could be this beautiful,” she told me. 

That moment reminded me why I’m so intentional about the variety I capture. I’ve refined my process so that you don’t just walk away with a snapshot of your bump, but a collection of art that tells your complete story and becomes heirlooms. The ones that hang on nursery walls, get tucked into albums, and make mamas cry the good kind of tears years later. 

Many mamas walk into their session feeling a little unsure about posing. “I don’t know what to do with my hands” is something I hear quite often. And to be honest, it’s completely valid. That’s why I direct everything. I’ll guide you through each moment yet give you space to feel like your authentic self.

So, if you’ve been scrolling Pinterest trying to figure out what is most flattering, you can stop. As a Gilbert Maternity photographer, after photographing hundreds of bumps, I know exactly which images consistently become the favorites. Here are the 5 must-have portraits I prioritize every session. 

The Iconic Bump Portrait 

Some photos are iconic for a reason…and this is one of them. The bump portrait, the hands-on-belly moment, signifies that this is real and it’s breathtaking. 

Enhance your bump by adding soft, sheer fabrics (think lace, chiffon, tulle), flowers, or simply connecting with the bareness of your bump make for the best maternity photos. A gentle hand placement tells a deeper story of connection.  

Lighting and positioning make a significant difference here, too. The way the light falls across your belly, the angle of your body, and the softness in your expression are all details that transform your images into wall-worthy artistic portraiture. 

The Connection photo with your partner

Of all the images I capture at a maternity session, this one gets all the feels. There’s something so powerful about two people awaiting the arrival of the biggest change of their lives. They’re looking at each other or at the belly that’s growing a tiny human they have yet to meet

I work with a lot of partners who are a little hesitant in front of the camera, and honestly, that’s more common than you’d think. My approach isn’t to pose them into something that feels unnatural. It’s to create an ambience where real moments can happen. 

Sometimes I direct very intentionally. Other times, I step back and simply let two people be together for a moment while I stay quiet with my camera. Both approaches have their place, and knowing when to use each one is part of the art. 

The Mermaid 

I have a pose I call “the mermaid,” and it’s one of my absolute favorites to capture. I always demonstrate it myself first, because some things are easier to show than explain. Once a mama settles into it, something about the images shifts entirely.

What I love about this pose is that it elongates the body beautifully, creates a sense of softness and ease, and lets the bump take center stage in a way that feels intimate rather than staged. The mood is quieter, more luminous, and can be done on a bed, a couch, the floor, or ground if outdoors, while supported with a pillow. 

The Ethereal movement photo: softness, motion, and presence

This is when what you wear for your maternity session truly matters. Lightweight chiffon, soft silk, and flowy linen are all fabrics that move beautifully and photograph with that dreamy, effortless quality we’re going for. 

When you’re in a flowy dress or draping fabric, I like to channel your inner child to get movement. Think back to the 5-year-old you who just put on a gorgeous gown while twirling around in pretty light. Movement photos add depth and create visual interest. They draw in the eye and add a level of energy to an image that a still portrait could never imply. A dress toss, slowly tiptoeing down a path, or letting the fabric catch a breeze are all ways that help your photographs feel alive. 

But it is also more than that. When you let go and allow yourself to be guided, it breaks through self-consciousness. In that moment, you’re focused on the movement itself rather than monitoring yourself. 

In the moment, it may feel silly, but I direct you intentionally. I’m watching the light, how the fabric moves, and your expression all at once. It opens you up to feeling free and having a little fun during your maternity photoshoot.

Trust the process. 

The in-between moments are where the magic happens. 

The natural, unposed moment 

This is the image that catches you by surprise. You won’t be thinking about it while it’s happening, and that’s exactly the point. Laughing at something your partner said, gazing down towards your belly in a moment of wonderment, or just not realizing the camera is on you, leads to the image in the gallery that makes you stop completely. 

Candid, unposed moments are often the unexpected favorites, because they make you pause and feel something. In this moment, you’re not performing or thinking about angles. Instead, you’re fully present with yourself…your true, authentic self. 

The foundation of my approach to the best maternity photos is slowing down to capture these moments. It’s intentional, involves patience, and is designed to allow genuine emotion to surface, often during a moment of silence. 

The balance I’m always working toward in your gallery is a thoughtful, varied session, while also leaving room for connection to unfold naturally. Because a gallery full of only directed portraits, while beautiful, is missing something essential– the essence of you. 

Your session, your story, all the photos you’ll love from a Gilbert maternity photographer

These five images create a cohesive and complete gallery. This is what I’m building every time I show up to a maternity session. Not just a handful of pretty portraits, but a full story of your journey into motherhood and who you are becoming.  

• The classic bump portrait. 
• The partner connection. 
• The movement in ethereal light.
• The mermaid.
• The unposed moment.

Together, these images give you options for a stunning wall gallery, statement art, and pages in your album, reliving nostalgia at each turn. 

You don’t need to arrive with a pose list or a plan. You don’t need to know what to do with your hands or worry about your angles. That’s entirely my job. What I want you to focus on is being present in your body, in this season, in this experience. 

You deserve images as layered and meaningful as this season of your life. 

Which of these five photos are you most excited about? Tell me in the comments — or if you’re ready to start planning your own session, I’d love to hear from you.

F.A.Q.s

When to take maternity photos | Jasmyn Sambac Photography