What to Wear for Your Maternity Photoshoot in Ottawa

Outfit choice is one of the biggest stress points for expecting parents booking a maternity session — so here's exactly how I'd think about it.

Start with flowing fabrics

Soft, flowing dresses (jersey, chiffon, or similar stretchy fabric) tend to photograph the most beautifully for maternity sessions — they move naturally in the wind, drape over the bump instead of clinging awkwardly, and photograph well from every angle. Fitted dresses can work too, especially for close-up detail shots, but flowing pieces are the more forgiving choice if you're unsure.

Keep the colour palette simple

Muted, warm tones — sage, terracotta, cream, dusty blue — tend to photograph better than bright primary colours or busy patterns, especially for outdoor sessions. If your partner or other children are joining, coordinate around one or two shared colours rather than matching outfits exactly — it reads as more natural in photos.

Think about where we're shooting

An outdoor, golden-hour session by a riverside path calls for a different outfit than an indoor studio session or a cozy at-home shoot. Let me know your location preference when we chat, and I'll tailor outfit suggestions to match.

Bring a backup outfit

I always suggest bringing a second outfit option — something more casual or a different colour — so we can vary the look partway through the session without it feeling rushed.

A few small things to pack

Comfortable shoes you can slip on and off, a touch-up kit (lip balm, powder), and something warm to throw on between shots if we're outdoors — pregnancy makes you feel temperature swings more than usual.

Booking your session

Maternity sessions start at $350, with custom packages available. Browse examples in the maternity portfolio, or reach out to check availability — ideally book between 28–34 weeks, when the bump is full but you're still comfortable moving around for an hour.