Pregnancy has a way of turning ordinary moments into little keepsakes. The hand resting on your belly. The quiet pause before answering, “How are you feeling?” The way your partner looks at you when you’re not paying attention.
As a maternity photographer in Chicago, my favorite sessions don’t feel overly posed or stiff. They feel like a note tucked into a baby book. Soft. Honest. Full of proof that this child was loved before they ever took their first breath.
Start With The Feeling You Want To Remember
Before choosing an outfit or location, think about the emotion you want your photos to carry.
Do you want them to feel calm and cozy? Bold and city-worn, with Chicago moving around you? Warm and playful, like a Sunday morning that somehow wandered outside?
The best maternity photos begin with a mood. Not a Pinterest board. Not a perfect dress. A mood.
Maybe you want your baby to someday see these photos and think, “They were so excited to meet me.” Maybe you want to remember how strong your body felt, even on the days it didn’t feel like your own. Maybe you want images that hold the tenderness between you and your partner before everything changes in the most beautiful way.
That feeling becomes the thread. Everything else follows it.
Choose A Location That Feels Like Part Of Your Story
Chicago gives us so many beautiful backdrops, but the right place isn’t always the most famous one. Sometimes it’s the lakefront at golden hour. Sometimes it’s a quiet neighborhood street, a patch of prairie grass, or a garden path where the light falls softly through the trees.
Location should support the story, not steal the whole show.
For outdoor sessions in public spaces, some areas may require permits. The Chicago Park District photography permit page is a helpful resource if your dream spot falls within a managed park area.
A few location ideas that often work beautifully:
- A lakeside path for airy, open images
- A tree-lined park for softness and movement
- A city street for a modern, editorial feel
- A meaningful neighborhood spot
- A quiet natural area where the focus stays on connection
The goal isn’t to look like everyone else’s maternity photos. It’s to create images that feel like they could only belong to your family.
Wear Something That Lets You Breathe
Your outfit matters, but comfort matters more.
Pregnancy already comes with enough tugging, adjusting, and wondering where your ribs went. Your maternity session shouldn’t add to that. Choose pieces that move with you and make you feel like yourself.
Flowy dresses photograph beautifully, especially in Chicago wind. Fitted dresses can be gorgeous too, especially if you want to show the shape of your belly in a clean, timeless way. Soft knits, open cardigans, textured fabrics, and simple jewelry can all add warmth without making the photos feel busy.
Think about these details:
- Can you sit, stand, and walk comfortably?
- Does the fabric wrinkle easily?
- Do you feel good from every angle?
- Does the outfit match the mood you want?
- Will you still like it years from now?
Your baby won’t care whether the dress was trendy. They’ll see your face, your hands, your smile, the way you held them before they arrived.
That’s the good stuff.
Let Your Hands Tell The Story
Hands are powerful in maternity photos. They say what words can’t quite reach.
Your hand under your belly says, “I’ve got you.” Your partner’s hand over yours says, “We’re waiting together.” A toddler’s tiny palm pressed against your bump says, “Someone already has a best friend.”
During sessions, I give gentle direction so you’re not left wondering what to do with your arms. A little movement helps. Walk slowly. Brush hair away from your face. Hold your belly. Lean into your partner. Laugh when the wind makes everything ridiculous.
The small gestures matter most. They’re the punctuation marks in the love letter.
Include The People Who Already Love This Baby
A maternity session can be just for you, and that can be incredibly powerful. It can also include your partner, your children, or even a beloved dog if that feels true to your family.
There’s no single right version.
With partners, I love quiet closeness. Foreheads touching. Arms wrapped around the belly. A laugh after an awkward prompt. With children, the magic often comes from letting them be kids. They might kiss the belly, run in circles, ask for snacks, or decide they’re done after twelve minutes. That’s real life. Real life photographs beautifully when we stop trying to polish every corner.
Your baby will grow up seeing who was waiting for them. That matters.
Pick A Time That Honors Your Body
Most maternity sessions happen somewhere around 28 to 34 weeks, when the belly has a lovely shape and you’re often still comfortable enough to move around. Every pregnancy is different, so the best timing depends on how you’re feeling and what your provider recommends.
The March of Dimes pregnancy week-by-week guide is a helpful resource for understanding how much changes during each stage. For third trimester development, the Mayo Clinic week-by-week overview also offers clear, medically reviewed information.
For photos, comfort leads. Always.
If you’re tired, we slow down. If your feet hurt, we sit. If the wind picks up, we use it. If your toddler needs a break, we pause. A maternity session should feel cared for, not rushed.
Make Space For The Quiet Moments
The most emotional maternity photos often happen between the “big” shots.
A breath. A glance. The second after a laugh fades. The way your fingers trace the curve of your belly without thinking.
That’s where the love letter lives.
As your maternity photographer, I’m watching for those in-between moments. The ones that don’t announce themselves. The ones you might miss while you’re busy wondering whether your hair looks okay.
Years from now, your child may not know the exact Chicago street, park, or stretch of shoreline where the photo was taken. They’ll know the feeling. They’ll see how wanted they were.
And you’ll remember it too.
Bring A Little Meaning With You
Simple personal details can make your session feel more intimate without turning it into a prop parade.
A tiny pair of shoes. An ultrasound photo. A blanket from a grandparent. A letter you’ve written to your baby. Even one meaningful item can add a layer of tenderness.
No need to overpack. The focus should stay on you, your connection, and this fleeting season.
Pregnancy can feel slow while you’re in it, then suddenly it’s gone. Maternity photos hold the door open for a moment longer. They let you return to the waiting, the wondering, the soft ache of almost meeting someone you already love.
That’s what I want your images to feel like.
A love letter.
Not perfect. Better than perfect.
Yours.