For summer maternity photos, choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like chiffon, linen, or jersey in soft neutrals and muted tones. Flowing, loose silhouettes keep you comfortable while photographing beautifully. Schedule your session during golden hour for cooler temps, bring water, and consider an in-home session as a heat-free alternative.
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You have been pinning maternity photos for months, and almost every image you love was taken in that golden hour light outdoors. But then reality hits: your due date is in August. You are already warm all the time, your ankles are not your friends right now, and the idea of standing in a field at 6 PM in July sounds a lot less dreamy than it did on Pinterest. Here is the thing though: as a Louisville maternity photographer, summer maternity sessions are some of the most beautiful I shoot all year. You just have to approach them a little differently. And, if that idea still doesn’t intrigue you? Consider an in-home maternity session. Honestly, they’re some of my favorites anyway (especially with kids)!
Every summer I book a mix of outdoor and in-home maternity sessions, and my favorites are the ones that feel like you. If it’s your first baby and you want to wear a beautiful, flowy (lightweight) dress and stand in a field of wildflowers awaiting the adventure to come, that’s perfect. We’ll talk about ways to beat the heat with the outfits you might choose. Or if it’s your second, third, fourth… and life is feeling more chaotic? We’ll beat the heat by staying indoors and allowing the kids to be kids, capturing the magic of your family in this moment, before everything changes.
Why Does Summer Change Everything About Maternity Session Style?
I know from experience that being pregnant changes everything about your relationship to the heat even before you factor in the added pressure of a photo session. The same outfit that might work beautifully in October completely falls apart in July if it isn’t flowy and lightweight because truly, heat transforms what “comfortable and beautiful” actually means during pregnancy. Summer light, timing, and location all affect what I recommend clients wear. Luckily if we’re shooting outdoors I typically recommend a 7:00pm start time to get the most beautiful, glowy lighting. This also allows the heat of the day to begin to cool as the sun sets. If we’re indoors you have a bit more freedom with what you might choose to wear as we can utilize the AC! I’ve even had families fill up the kiddie pool and eat popsicles, all while wearing their swimsuits (this includes you mom! A cute bikini top that you feel comfortable in can so beautifully show off your bump, all while helping to keep you cool.) This is why a summer wardrobe consultation sounds different from every other time of year, and the goal shifts slightly from not just “what looks good” but “what lets you stay present, relaxed, and actually enjoying this experience in the heat.” Comfort shows up on camera: a mom who is overheated or uncomfortable will look and feel that way in the final images, regardless of how beautiful the setting is.
What Fabrics Keep You Cool and Look Beautiful in Photos?
Ok, so let’s get practical! Let’s talk about fabrics that actually breathe. Look for dresses or outfits that are made of:
These are some of my favorite go-to options because not only are they practical, but they also photograph beautifully. In my experience heavier fabrics like thick cotton, denim, velvet, or anything with structure tend to trap heat and make moms miserable by the halfway point of a session. Plus, lightweight, flowy fabrics catch the light, create movement, and photograph with a softness that heavier fabrics never match. Moisture-wicking fabrics and cooling base layers can also be a practical undergarment strategy when paired with a lightweight fabric. A breathable layer underneath can extend how long you stay comfortable and present. Cooling shorts or moisture-wicking undergarments are something most moms have not thought about, but are always appreciative of the suggestion.
What Should Mom Wear for an Outdoor Summer Session?
Flowing, loose silhouettes that move with the breeze and do not trap heat against the body are the perfect choice in the summer, and they also tend to be the most flattering for a pregnant belly outdoors! As far as a summer color palette, soft neutrals, warm whites, dusty blues, sage greens, and muted blush tones all work beautifully against summer greenery, golden fields, and bright outdoor light. Sleeve length and necklines are something to keep in mind for both comfort and style as well. Off-shoulder and wide-neck styles keep things cooler, while long sleeves in the right lightweight fabric can still work if the style is one you love. Summer footwear can be bare feet (especially if we opt for an in-home session!), simple sandals, and low wedges. These are all options that work well depending on the terrain – but pro tip, make sure you think about how much walking the location involves before committing to a shoe choice!
Can an Indoor Session Help You Beat the Summer Heat?
Short answer? YES! If you haven’t figured it out by now, in-home sessions are where my heart truly lies, and they can become an especially smart option for summer due dates. I have had some moms who were set on an outdoor shoot completely change direction once they realize what is possible indoors. Most notably this includes air conditioning, no time pressure around golden hour (morning sessions indoors are perfect for littles with early bedtimes), no parking in a hot lot, no walking across a field, and a bathroom that is always nearby. In-home sessions create a soft, intimate, and unhurried aesthetic in a way that is actually a beautiful contrast to the idea of a hot outdoor summer session. And honestly? The comfort factor of an in-home maternity session is hard to beat. Especially for moms who are further along, running hot, or simply not excited about being outside in the heat. An indoor session is not a backup plan. It is often the right plan.
Some of my most beautiful summer maternity images have come from in-home sessions, not outdoor ones, because a relaxed and comfortable mom photographs completely differently than one who is trying to hold it together in the heat.
Already know you’d like to book an in-home maternity session?
How to Stay Cool During a Summer Maternity Session
To try and keep us as cool as possible, timing is one of the most important comfort decisions: early morning and golden hour are the two best windows in summer. Booking midday in July is something I steer clients away from entirely. Making sure you stay hydrated is something to consider as you prepare for your session as well. Keeping cold water and electrolyte drinks on hand throughout the session, and maybe even something light to eat nearby, can be a great way to stay comfortable. Especially for moms further along who are dealing with the extra physical demands of late pregnancy in the heat. A cooling towel or handheld fan can also completely reset the session when the heat is creeping in (and in my experience dads love these too!) I never charge for sessions by the hour, and I build in more breathing room I you do in cooler months to help make sure you stay comfortable and fully present in the final frames. However, it is always okay to slow down or call it early, because the images from a relaxed shorter session beat the ones from a mom who pushed through when she should not have.
What Should Partners and Kids Wear for Summer Photos?
The same comfort-first approach applies to everyone in the frame! A partner who is overheating is going to look stiff and uncomfortable on camera, and a toddler who is melting down because they are too warm is nobody’s idea of a good time. Lightweight, simple options for partners include a linen button-down, a soft cotton shirt in a neutral tone, or a simple dress that breathes well. All of these options coordinate beautifully with mom’s look without competing for attention. Soft, muted tones in breathable fabrics create a cohesive look that photographs well without anyone baking in the heat. Pro tip: you want to go for coordinating colors instead of matching. I.e., different shades of blues and pinks spread throughout the family, instead of everyone wearing the same shade of blue. For siblings, think fewer layers, no stiff fabrics, shoes they can move in, and an outfit they actually feel comfortable in rather than one they feel dressed up in. (My goal is always for you to feel like you! I don’t want anyone to wear something that they don’t feel comfortable in.) Bringing cold water and snacks for the kids is also always a win. For family members who run especially warm, a backup outfit is not a bad idea. Sweat shows up on camera and having a fresh option on hand is easy to plan for.
What to Skip When Dressing for Summer Maternity Photos
This opinion might surprise you, but the outfits that look the most effortless in summer maternity photos are almost never the most elaborate ones. The mom who arrives in a simple flowing dress in the right fabric with minimal accessories almost always walks away with more usable images than the one who planned every detail but did not think about the heat. As we talked about earlier, heavy fabrics like thick cotton, structured linen blends, velvet, and anything with boning or built-in structure makes the session harder on mom physically. Dark colors in direct sunlight, such as black and deep navy, absorb heat in a way that lighter tones simply do not, and this matters more on session day than it might seem in advance. Brand new outfits that have never been worn before can also be tricky. Stiff fabric, an untested fit, and no sense of how something breathes until you are standing in a field is a risk that is very easy to avoid. I totally understand wanting to order something new for your photos (I certainly have!) Just make sure you try it on before your session day arrives. Heels for a maternity session also make me nervous. Uneven terrain plus heat plus pregnancy makes heels more trouble than they are worth, even when they look beautiful in photos. My last tip of what to avoid is over-styling. Again, my goal is always for you to feel like you! Heavy makeup, complex hair, and accessories that need constant adjusting all become a bigger problem in summer heat, and simpler just tends to photograph better and last longer.
What Does Booking a Summer Session with Me Actually Look Like?
To inquire, simply fill out the form here. I’ll get back to you within 24 hours with a custom video based on your vision and any details you include in your inquiry. I’ll also talk you through my process, prints and products, and pricing. If your due date lands in the summer, the summer outfit and comfort conversation starts early. I typically recommend reaching out during your second trimester so we can schedule your maternity session when you’re between 28-32 weeks. This ensures you have a nice baby bump, and typically aren’t too uncomfortable. From there I’ll send over a session prep guide (I have two versions, depending on if we’re shooting outdoors or in home), a questionnaire to get to know you and your family better, and we’ll schedule a brief call to go over all the details (like wardrobe) and make sure we’re on the same page before our session!
To be safe, there is also a heat contingency. If a summer session needs to be adjusted, rescheduled, shortened, or moved indoors on the day, we can certainly do that. I only take on a certain number of clients per month to make sure I can stay flexible.
After our session I’ll get to work editing and making sure each image is perfect for you. You’ll receive your full gallery in three weeks! Once you’ve looked through your full gallery, you’re able to choose the amount/which images you’d like, and I will get to work designing your album if you’ve ordered one (this is my favorite part. Albums make for such beautiful baby books!)
Summer fills quickly. So make sure to reach out as soon as possible to secure your session spot.
Your Summer Maternity Photos Should Feel as Good as They Look
Getting dressed for a summer maternity session is not about sacrificing comfort for beautiful photos. The right outfit choices, the right timing, and a few simple prep strategies make it possible to have both. The most beautiful summer maternity images come from moms who feel good, not just moms who look good.
Pro tip: if you’re unsure you want summer maternity photos, an in-home session is always a beautiful and honest option to document this REAL season of life without the discomfort a hot day can bring.
Have a winter due date? Take a look back at this winter maternity session.
If you’re are pregnant this summer, reach out now (especially with a late summer due date). Summer sessions book earlier than you might expect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Maternity Photos
When is the best time of day for a summer maternity session?
For an in-home session we usually start at 10:00am to get the pretty morning light. Outdoor sessions are typically scheduled during golden hour (around 7:00pm). This gives us the prettiest, glowy lighting and things have started to cool down at this point.
What should I do if it is extremely hot on session day?
With a 7:00pm start time I don’t have to worry about this very often, but if it is too hot on session day we’ll either reschedule to a day that works best for all of us, or move indoors. We’ll be in communication prior to session day so everyone is aware of the plan and there are no last minute surprises.
How far in advance should I book a summer maternity session?
For the best timing, reach out in your second trimester. Summer sessions tend to fill faster than other seasons because the comfortable timing windows are tighter. Early inquiries give moms the best chance at their preferred session style and time slot.
Can I wear a swimsuit or bikini for my summer maternity photos?
Yes! A swimsuit you feel comfortable in is so much fun for an at-home session playing in the pool or splashing in the sprinkler. Plus, it’s such a cute way to show off your baby bump!
Do I need to bring a wardrobe change to my summer maternity session?
I recommend up to two outfits if you feel comfortable with changing. This can be especially fun for an at-home session, but if we are out at a park, keep in mind this can often mean changing in your car. If you do decide to change outfits, I recommend a “formal” outfit and a more casual outfit (A lot of times this can look like a dress, then shirt and pants to show off the bump). If you’d like to bring a backup outfit in case of sweat, this can be a great idea too!
How long does a summer maternity session usually take?
I never charge by the hour, but a typical session will last between 45 – 90 minutes. For an expectant mom and dad, sessions are usually around the 45 minute mark (especially if there is no wardrobe change). For families opting for an at-home session, the sessions can last closer to 90 minutes as kids can take time to warm up, or may need breaks throughout the session.
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