Guide to Maternity Photography
Embracing Renewal, Growth, and Anticipation
As the seasons change and nature comes alive with color and vitality, there’s something magical in the air—a sense of renewal, growth, and anticipation. What better time to capture the beauty of pregnancy than with a maternity session set against a breathtaking seasonal backdrop?
At Summer Brader Photography, I specialize in natural and lifestyle maternity photography in Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Naperville, and across the Chicago suburbs, capturing this transformative season of motherhood in a way that feels authentic, beautiful, and timeless.
In this guide to maternity photography, I’ll share tips, inspiration, and real-life maternity session stories to help you plan your perfect photoshoot!
🌿 Capturing the Spirit of Renewal & Growth
Maternity photography symbolizes new beginnings—a time of transformation as you prepare to welcome your baby. Whether it’s your first pregnancy or your fifth, documenting this journey is a powerful way to celebrate motherhood and create keepsakes to cherish forever.
Best Seasons for Outdoor Maternity Photography
🌸 Spring: Blooming flowers and lush gardens provide a dreamy, romantic setting. Perfect for capturing soft, glowing light and fresh floral scenery in places like The Morton Arboretum (Lisle) or Cantigny Park (Wheaton).
☀️ Summer: Golden sunsets and flowing dresses in an open field or by a lake create warm, ethereal images. A sunset session in Naperville Riverwalk or a serene park in Western Springs is a beautiful choice.
🍂 Fall: Crisp air, colorful leaves, and cozy textures make for stunning maternity portraits. The Oak Brook Forest Preserve or a rustic Hinsdale farm provides a timeless autumn backdrop.
📍 Chicago’s western suburbs offer so many scenic locations to match your vision—whether you want an urban, nature-inspired, or intimate in-home maternity session!
👗 What to Wear for a Maternity Photoshoot
Your outfit plays a huge role in how your maternity photos look and feel! Here are my top wardrobe recommendations:
✔ Flowing dresses in earthy, organic tones for a soft and natural look.
✔ Light, breathable fabrics that catch the breeze and create movement.
✔ Off-the-shoulder or form-fitting dresses to accentuate your baby bump.
✔ Soft pastels, neutrals, or jewel tones that complement the season.
💡 Pro Tip: I will pose you to beautifully showcase your baby bump, so don’t be afraid to choose a dress with a little extra flow!
📸 Posing Techniques for Natural & Timeless Maternity Photos
Maternity photography isn’t just about capturing your baby bump—it’s about documenting the emotion, love, and anticipation of welcoming a new life. Here’s how we make that happen:
✨ Solo Poses: Gentle hand placements on the belly, soft smiles, and looking down at your bump create emotional, intimate images.
✨ With Your Partner: Snuggling close, forehead touches, or walking hand-in-hand add a romantic touch.
✨ With Siblings: Holding hands, hugging mom’s belly, or playful moments create heartwarming images that tell a family story.
✨ Candid Movements: Twirling your dress, walking through a field, or laughing naturally brings out the magic of real-life moments.
💡 Remember: You don’t need to know how to pose—I will guide you through everything to make sure you feel comfortable and confident!
💖 Real-Life Maternity Session Stories
Nothing brings the magic of maternity photography to life more than hearing from real moms who have experienced it firsthand.
🌸 "Having my maternity photos taken amidst the blooming blossoms was a dream come true. The photos captured the essence of spring and the excitement of awaiting our little one."
🍂 "I’ll never forget the laughter and joy shared during our maternity session. The photos are a beautiful reminder of the love and anticipation we felt as we prepared to welcome our baby into the world."
These are the moments that tell your unique motherhood story—and I feel honored to capture them!
📅 Let’s Plan Your Perfect Maternity Session!
Maternity photography is a celebration of life, love, and new beginnings. Every detail—from selecting the perfect outdoor location to choosing the right wardrobe and poses—plays a role in creating images that you’ll treasure forever.
✨ Expecting a baby in 2024? Whether you’re looking for a sunset maternity session in Naperville, a cozy in-home session in Hinsdale, or a scenic outdoor photoshoot in Glen Ellyn, I’d love to capture this special time for you!
📍 I offer maternity photography across Downers Grove, Western Springs, Oak Brook, River Forest, Evanston, and beyond!
📅 Let’s book your maternity session today! [Insert Contact Link]
🌸 Celebrate the beauty of your growing family and the miracle of new life together!
💛 XO, Summer
