Nobody hands you a camera and says “document this.” You have to decide to. And if you’ve landed here, mama… you’ve already made that decision. Let’s make it count.
Why Maternity Self-Portraits Are Worth Learning
Here’s something I wish someone had told me earlier: you don’t need a photographer to have beautiful maternity photos. You just need to learn how to use what you already have.
Self-portrait photography during pregnancy is one of the most powerful skills a mama can pick up, because this season is SO short. The bump. The glow. The way your body feels both foreign and familiar at the same time. These are the moments that disappear fast, and the ones you’ll want to look back on forever.
For me, shooting my own maternity photos wasn’t just about saving money or convenience. It was about being in control of my own story. About learning a skill that let me document this chapter on MY terms, in MY light, with MY kids running wild in the background.
And honestly? Some of those chaotic, imperfect shots are my absolute favourites.
When to Take Your Maternity Self-Portraits
The sweet spot for maternity photos is generally between 28 and 34 weeks. Your bump is beautifully round and prominent, but you’re still comfortable enough to move, walk, crouch, and wrangle a toddler if needed.
That said, don’t wait for “perfect.” If you feel ready at 26 weeks or 36 weeks, grab your camera. The best maternity photos are the ones that actually exist.
What Time of Day Works Best?
Two options worth knowing about:
Golden Hour (about an hour before sunset) is the classic choice for good reason. The light is warm, soft, and incredibly flattering. It wraps around your bump beautifully and gives your images that dreamy, nostalgic quality.
Blue Hour (just after sunset) is the underrated option. The light turns cooler and moodier, which creates a completely different feel. If you want something a little more atmospheric and unique, blue hour is worth experimenting with.
Try both and see what speaks to you. Neither is wrong.
What to Wear for Your Maternity Self-Portraits
The goal is simple: wear something that makes you feel BEAUTIFUL. That’s it.
Flowing maxi dresses work wonderfully because they move with you and photograph incredibly well outdoors. Fitted tops and skirts that celebrate your bump are also a gorgeous option. If you’re doing a beach or outdoor shoot, think about fabrics that catch the breeze and layers you can remove if you get too warm.
The most important thing is that when you put it on, you feel like yourself. Confident, comfortable, and ready to be seen.
The Gear You Actually Need
You don’t need a fancy setup. Here’s what makes a real difference:
Camera: A mirrorless or DSLR camera gives you the most control and image quality. I use a Canon R6, but any modern mirrorless or DSLR will serve you well. The key feature you NEED for self-portraits is an interval timer (also called an intervalometer). This lets your camera fire shots continuously so you’re not running back and forth hitting the shutter. Game changer.
Lens: A 50mm lens is a beautiful choice for maternity photos. It’s flattering, versatile, and captures a natural perspective that doesn’t distort your bump.
Phone: Don’t underestimate your phone. Modern smartphones are genuinely capable of stunning results, especially in good light. If your phone is what you have, your phone is what you use. You can learn all the basics of phone photography super affordably HERE
Extras to pack: Spare battery, extra memory cards, and something for your kids to snack on if they’re coming along.
How to Take Maternity Self-Portraits Without an Assistant
This is the part most mamas get stuck on. “But who will press the button?”
You will. Via your interval timer.
Set your camera on a tripod (or a stable surface), frame your shot, set the interval timer to fire every 1 or 2 seconds, hit start, and walk into frame. Take your time. Move. Breathe. Try different angles. You’ll end up with dozens of shots from each setup, and you only need one great one.
A few extra tips:
- Use manual focus or pre-focus on a stand-in (your bag, a stick in the sand, anything at bump height) before you walk in front of the camera
- Shoot in burst/continuous mode if your interval timer allows it, to capture movement
- Review as you go so you can adjust framing, light, or your position before you run out of golden hour
Bringing Your Kids Into the Shoot
Oh mama. This part is my FAVOURITE.
There is something so completely beautiful about capturing your older children with your bump. The way they press their ear against it. The unprompted kisses. The absolute chaos of trying to wrangle a toddler at the beach while heavily pregnant. All of it is magic.
Here’s how to make it work without the tears (yours or theirs):
Frame it as an adventure, not a task. “We’re going to the beach for some photos” lands very differently to “you need to stand still and smile.” Kids engage when they feel free. Let them play first. Let the photos come second.
Capture the candid moments. The best images rarely come from posed shots. Set your interval timer going during the natural play and you’ll catch things that would never happen if you’d asked for them.
Don’t force participation. If your child is not feeling it, honour that. Keep it light. The goal is genuine connection, not perfect compliance. And if they never step in front of the camera at all, you still walked away with beautiful solo images. Win.
Lower your expectations and raise your gratitude. Some of the most treasured photos I have are technically imperfect. A slightly blurry shot of my daughter kissing my bump is worth a thousand perfectly posed images.
Understanding Your Camera Settings for Low Light
If you’re planning to shoot during golden hour or blue hour, it’s worth understanding how your camera handles changing light.
A few basics:
- ISO: As it gets darker, you’ll need to raise your ISO to let more light in. Just be aware this can introduce grain. Start experimenting at ISO 800-1600 and see how your camera handles it.
- Aperture: A wider aperture (lower f-number, like f/1.8 or f/2) lets in more light and creates that beautiful blurry background (bokeh) that makes bumps pop.
- Shutter speed: Keep it fast enough to avoid motion blur, especially if your kids are moving around. In good light, 1/200 is a safe starting point.
The best way to learn this is simply to experiment BEFORE the shoot. Take your camera out in similar lighting conditions a few days before and play around. By the time your actual session arrives, you’ll feel so much more confident. Learn Photography Here
Editing Your Maternity Self-Portraits
Once you’ve got your images, a little editing can elevate them significantly. You don’t need to be an expert.
Lightroom (desktop or mobile app) is my go-to. It’s intuitive, powerful, and the mobile version is genuinely excellent for beginners. The basics to adjust are:
- Exposure (brightness overall)
- Contrast (depth and dimension)
- Highlights and shadows (recovering detail in bright or dark areas)
- Colour balance / white balance (warming or cooling the tones)
I cover all the basics of editing in our Don’t Say Cheese Beginner Photography Course for Mamas
You Deserve to Be in the Photos, Mama
If you take nothing else from this post, take this.
You deserve to be documented. Not just as the person holding the camera. Not just as the one who organises everyone else for the photo. YOU, with the bump, in the light, in the moment.
Learning how to take your own maternity photos is one of the most empowering things you can do for your future self. Because one day, your baby will want to see what this looked like. And you’ll be so glad you picked up the camera.
Want to learn how to use your camera with confidence? That’s exactly what Mamastalgia is for. Come find us.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to take maternity self-portraits? Between 28 and 34 weeks is generally the sweet spot. Your bump is beautifully prominent and you’re still comfortable enough to move freely. That said, any time you feel ready is the right time.
Can I take good maternity photos with just my phone? Absolutely. Modern smartphones are incredibly capable, especially in good natural light. The skills that matter most, like timing, light, and composition, apply no matter what you’re shooting with. JOIN OUR PHONE PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE HERE.
Do I need a tripod for maternity self-portraits? A tripod is highly recommended because it lets you use your interval timer and keeps your framing consistent. If you don’t have one, get creative with stable surfaces. A camera bag, a ledge, or a pile of rocks can all work in a pinch.
How do I take photos of myself without someone pressing the shutter? Use your camera’s interval timer (intervalometer) or self-timer. Set it to fire every 1-2 seconds, press start, and walk into frame. You’ll end up with lots of options to choose from.
Should I include my other children in my maternity photos? If they want to be involved, absolutely yes. Keep it low pressure, let them play, and let the candid moments happen naturally. Some of the most treasured images come from these unplanned interactions. LEARN TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR KIDS HERE
Tune into the full episode on your preferred Podcast host:
