Last updated October 2026
Choosing what to wear is the part of a maternity photoshoot most people worry about. Your body is changing week to week, your usual wardrobe may not fit, and you want something that looks beautiful in photographs you will keep for decades.
★View the Best Photographers in Pukekohe→The good news is that you rarely need to buy anything new. Here is what photographs well, what to avoid, and the options for finding the right gown.
What makes a dress work for maternity photos
A maternity photoshoot dress has one main job: to show off the bump rather than hide it.
Shape
Look for dresses that are fitted over the bust and bump, or that drape and flow from just under the bust. Both shapes show the curve of your pregnancy. Loose, boxy styles tend to hide it, and in photos they can make you look larger all over rather than clearly pregnant.
Length and movement
Floor-length gowns and long trains photograph beautifully, especially when a photographer can let the fabric flow or catch the breeze outdoors. Shorter dresses work too, particularly for relaxed lifestyle sessions, but a long gown is the classic maternity look for a reason.
Fabric
Chiffon, tulle and soft jersey all move well and catch the light. Lace adds texture and detail. Stiff fabrics that crease easily can be harder to work with, especially if you are sitting and standing between poses.
Colours that photograph well
Soft neutrals, cream and white
- Why it works
- Timeless and easy to match to any backdrop
- Worth knowing
- Very bright white can lose detail in strong sunlight
Dusty blues and blush tones
- Why it works
- Gentle and flattering on most skin tones
- Worth knowing
- Lovely against greenery for outdoor sessions
Deep colours like burgundy or emerald
- Why it works
- Dramatic, rich and striking in studio portraits
- Worth knowing
- Bold colours draw the eye, so keep accessories simple
Black
- Why it works
- Elegant and dramatic, especially in black and white photos
- Worth knowing
- Can lose detail against dark backdrops
Busy prints
- Why it works
- Can be fun in a lifestyle session
- Worth knowing
- Large logos and small busy patterns distract from the bump
If you are being photographed outdoors around Franklin, think about the setting. Soft blues, blush and cream sit beautifully against green paddocks and gardens, while a bold red or rust stands out against a winter landscape.
What partners and children should wear
Partners and children do not need to match, but they should look as though they belong in the same photograph.
- Pick a palette, not a uniform. Two or three coordinating colours look more natural than everyone in identical outfits.
- Keep it simple. Plain shirts, knitwear and neutral trousers keep the attention on mum and the bump.
- Avoid logos and slogans. They date quickly and pull the eye.
- Think about comfort for children. A child who is too hot, itchy or uncomfortable will not stay happy for long.
Buy, hire or use your photographer’s wardrobe
There are three main ways to get a gown for a maternity session.
Buy
Buying makes sense if you find a dress you love and will wear again, but statement gowns are often worn once. Order early, as sizing can be unpredictable when you are pregnant and international delivery takes time.
Hire
New Zealand has maternity gown hire services that post dresses out for a set number of days. Hiring gives you access to a statement gown without the cost of owning it. Book well ahead so the dress arrives in good time for your session, and check the sizing guide carefully.
Your photographer’s wardrobe
Many maternity photographers keep a client wardrobe of gowns in a range of sizes and styles, included with the session. It is often the simplest option: you try on dresses at the studio, the photographer helps you choose what suits the setting, and nothing needs to be bought, posted or returned.
A few last styling tips
- Plan hair and makeup for the camera. Slightly more than your everyday look usually reads well in photos.
- Bring comfortable shoes. Long gowns often hide your feet, so comfort beats style for the walk to an outdoor setting.
- Consider a few different looks. A flowing gown, a fitted dress and something relaxed gives you variety across the gallery.
- Leave the decision to the day if you are unsure. A photographer who knows their wardrobe can suggest options once they see your bump and the setting.
Where Racheal Trail Photography fits
Racheal Trail Photography is a maternity, newborn and milestone photographer with a studio in Drury, South Auckland, around 15 to 20 minutes from Pukekohe. Racheal has more than eight years specialising in maternity and newborn photography.
Maternity clients have access to her client wardrobe of over 150 maternity gowns, dresses and flowing fabrics, from statement gowns to fitted dresses and natural lifestyle pieces, along with selected outfits for babies and children. Wardrobe access is included with maternity sessions, and the number of gowns you can wear depends on the collection, from two to three in a Mini session up to six in the Deluxe.
You can see how the gowns photograph in her maternity portfolio, and choose a session on her booking page. Enquiries can also be made by calling or texting 021 144 0023.
