Maternity Photoshoot Ideas for the Couple Who Wants Something Different

Listen, maternity photos don’t have to be boring. If your vibe isn’t quite standing in a field or on a beach with your husband’s hand on your belly, I get it! And, spoiler alert: we’re gonna get along just fine. As a Chicago maternity photographer, I’m here to tell you: you deserve a session that’s unique to you, not one that you’re just doing to fit in. So, these maternity photoshoot ideas will speak to you if you’re a little different and you like things to be a little more artsy and unique than the average person. They’ll take you from saying, “Eh, I don’t really want maternity photos done,” to “let’s do this immediately.” 

Maternity Photoshoot Ideas for Non-Boring Photos

You give me any type of photoshoot, and I’ll find a way to make it funky, TRUST me. Unique maternity photos? Piece of cake. Let’s get into the easiest ways (that you’ll actually feel up to doing at 8 months pregnant) to take your maternity photos from bland to groovy! 

Pick a Unique Chicago Maternity Photos Location

Nope, it doesn’t have to be a park, a beach, or somewhere in front of a lake at sunset. Because I know if you’re here, you want something more than that. 

The setting you choose can be the easiest way to elevate your photos. Because, let’s face it, you probably aren’t feeling up to doing too much. Your location will set the tone for your whole photoshoot, so the key is choosing somewhere that, simply put, isn’t boring. 

For this maternity session, we went to The Lewis in Saint Charles, and it was giving me allll the retro-goodness. A bar for maternity photos isn’t your first thought, but I’m so here for it. I mean, the wallpaper? The couches? The colors? I cannot. 

If that isn’t quite your speed, here are some more ideas I love: 

• At home – because you’ll be at your most comfortable here, and your personality is already all over it 
• A studio – but we’ll spruce it up to make it funky AF, promise 
• A bowling alley – because photoshoots here go crazy every time
• An art museum – for an editorial vibe, and because you are the art

Have a Photoshoot Theme

Vintage-themed maternity photos? Monochrome hot pink maternity photos? A bedazzled belly? You’re speaking my language. 

But seriously, a theme can be a super fun way to bump your maternity photos into something cool and infuse your personality. If there’s something that feels particularly like you (maybe you love music, maybe you spend all your time thrift shopping…), base a shoot around it! 

Maternity Photoshoot Props for the Unique Session

Theme or not, props can add some fun to the setting and create some super fun poses. Think: 

• Vinyl records
• Colorful, fuzzy, vintage jackets
• Disco balls
• Neon signs
• A newspaper announcement

Maternity Photoshoot Outfits (for the Cool Mom)

Obviously, your main priority is being comfortable, but if you want to give cool mom vibes, these maternity photoshoot outfits are going to be right up your alley: 

• Denim on denim – think an unbuttoned denim jacket + a pair of jeans… Love! 
• A sheer lace dress – like this one from Chic Bump Club
• A Calvin Klein bra + unbuttoned jeans – casual and trendy
• A vintage-inspired monochrome look – like this feather set from Urban Barret

Maternity Photoshoot Poses That Aren’t Giving JCPenney

Good posing can bring your photos from a JCPenney session to hot mom status, and as a Chicago maternity photographer, I know how to guide you.

It’s not all, “Okay, now put your hand on her bump” to your husband. Sure, we’ll get some classics, but we’ll also get some unique shots with texture and dimension, like this: 

Why You Should Definitely Take Maternity Photos

I mean… You’re literally growing life. That’s a reason in and of itself to take the maternity photos! 

But seriously, this is a super exciting time that deserves to be celebrated! You’ll want to remember how it felt to waddle around, how your bump looked when you were about to pop, and how you took this time for yourself to document your personalities before your world turned upside down (in the best way). 

Planning Maternity Photos in Chicago? | Chicago Maternity Photographer

If there’s one piece of advice I can leave you with, it’s that becoming a mom does not mean you have to be boring. Don’t abandon your personality; bring it into your new role as a mama. Pregnancy (and honestly, raising a child) is a wild adventure, and you deserve to stay connected to yourself! And maternity photos that actually look and feel like you, not just how they’re “supposed” to look, is a great way to honor that. 

So, if you’re ready to book a Chicago maternity photographer that will capture this season of life with funky, vintage-inspired, groovy pics, let’s do it! You can inquire right here. 

While you’re here, be sure to follow along on Pinterest and check out a few more blog posts: 

Planning Your Chicago Courthouse Wedding: A Chicago City Hall Wedding Guide

Unique Ideas for a Couple’s Photoshoot at a Chicago Dive Bar