When you picture maternity photos, you might immediately imagine a dramatic flowing gown, a perfectly posed portrait and a very dressed-up version of yourself.
And while I absolutely love a beautiful maternity gown, your maternity photos don’t have to look that way.
As a Seattle maternity photographer, I’ve found that some expecting moms want something completely different: jeans, a simple top, bare feet, an open button-down, a cozy sweater or an outfit that simply feels like them.
If that’s more your style, a casual maternity session might be exactly what you’re looking for.
What Is a Casual Maternity Session?
A casual maternity session focuses on creating beautiful images without making you feel overly dressed up or unlike yourself.
Think:
- Your favorite pair of jeans with a simple top
- A fitted neutral dress
- An oversized button-down
- Bare feet and a cozy sweater
- A simple tank or bodysuit that shows your bump
- Casual outfits with your partner and children
The goal isn’t for your photos to look ordinary. It’s to take something simple and turn it into something beautiful.
With the right light, posing and connection, even jeans and a white top can create maternity portraits that feel timeless.
You Don’t Need a Maternity Gown for Beautiful Photos
One of the things I wish more expecting moms knew is that there isn’t one “right” way to dress for maternity photos.
You should recognize yourself in your photographs.
If you love getting dressed up and want that glamorous maternity moment, let’s do it.
But if you’re someone who practically lives in jeans and feels most beautiful in something simple, you don’t have to put on an elaborate gown just because you’re having maternity photos taken.
Casual maternity photography can feel just as intentional and beautiful—sometimes even more so because it reflects who you really are during this chapter of your life.
Casual Doesn’t Mean Unplanned
There’s a difference between casual and simply throwing on whatever happens to be clean that day!
For casual maternity photos, I still pay close attention to wardrobe, color, texture, fit and how an outfit photographs.
Neutral and earthy tones tend to photograph beautifully in the Pacific Northwest, and fitted pieces are especially helpful for showing the shape of your growing belly.
The most important thing is choosing something that makes you feel confident.
Casual Maternity Photos With Your Partner
I especially love the casual look when partners are involved.
Instead of feeling like you’re both dressed for a formal event, your maternity photos can feel more like the two of you.
Jeans, neutral shirts, simple layers and bare feet can create photographs that feel relaxed and connected.
We’ll still capture those beautiful portraits where you’re both looking at the camera, but we’ll also focus on interaction—the way your partner holds you, hands resting on your belly, laughing together and those quiet moments in between.
Those are often the photographs that end up meaning the most.
Bring the Kids, Too
If this isn’t your first baby, your maternity session is also about documenting your family exactly as it is before one more little person joins it.
Casual maternity sessions are perfect for including siblings because they allow kids to move, play and interact naturally.
They don’t need to stand perfectly still and smile at the camera the entire time.
We’ll capture the traditional family portrait, of course, but I also want the little moments:
A sibling hugging your belly.
Your family walking together.
Your child making you laugh.
Everyone piled together for a snuggle.
Your maternity session should feel like your family—not a performance.
Casual Outdoor Maternity Photos in Seattle & Tacoma
The Pacific Northwest is the perfect backdrop for a relaxed maternity session.
Outdoor locations around Seattle, Tacoma and the surrounding Puget Sound area give us beautiful natural scenery without needing a lot of extras.
Open fields, tall grasses, waterfront locations, trails and wooded areas all pair beautifully with a simple maternity wardrobe.
I especially love photographing outdoor maternity sessions near sunset, when the light becomes softer and warmer.
A casual outfit combined with beautiful natural light creates photographs that feel effortless while still having that polished, professional look.
Casual Studio Maternity Photos
Casual maternity photography also works beautifully in the studio.
In fact, removing the elaborate wardrobe and outdoor scenery can make the images even more focused on you and your growing belly.
A simple fitted outfit, jeans, a button-down or another neutral look against a clean backdrop can create incredibly timeless maternity portraits.
Studio maternity sessions are also a great option for Seattle and Tacoma moms who are expecting during our colder or rainier months.
Can We Do Casual AND a Maternity Gown?
Absolutely.
You don’t necessarily have to choose one style.
If you love the casual maternity look but still want a few more traditional maternity portraits, we can incorporate both into your session.
Start in jeans and a simple top.
Change into a fitted dress.
Finish with one of the maternity gowns from my client wardrobe.
This gives you variety while still allowing your gallery to feel cohesive.
My maternity clients have access to my collection of 40+ maternity gowns and wardrobe pieces at no additional cost, with options ranging from casual and simple to more fitted and dramatic.
You’re always welcome to bring your own clothing as well.
When Should You Schedule Your Seattle Maternity Session?
I generally recommend planning maternity photos for around 28–34 weeks of pregnancy.
At this stage, your belly is beautifully defined while you’re typically still comfortable enough to move around and enjoy your session.
Because availability can fill in advance, it’s a good idea to reach out earlier in your pregnancy rather than waiting until you’re already in that window.
We’ll choose your session date and then start planning the location, wardrobe and overall look together.
Natural, Relaxed Maternity Photography in Seattle & Tacoma
Your maternity photographs don’t have to be extravagant to be beautiful.
Sometimes the simplest images are the ones that age the best.
If you’re looking for a Seattle maternity photographer because you want images that feel natural, relaxed and true to you, I’d love to help you plan a session that reflects your style.
Christina Mae Photography offers maternity photography throughout Seattle, Tacoma, Puyallup, Kent, Auburn, Bellevue, Kirkland, Sammamish, Gig Harbor, Maple Valley, Olympia and surrounding Western Washington communities.
Whether you envision jeans and a simple top, a beautiful maternity gown—or a little bit of both—we’ll create a session that celebrates this season in a way that feels like you.
Ready to Plan Your Maternity Photos?
If casual, beautiful and relaxed maternity photos sound more like your style, let’s start planning.
View my Seattle maternity photography portfolio or contact me to reserve your maternity session.
