The Best Maternity Dresses For Your Photoshoot | Tips From a Maternity Photographer
THE BEST DRESSES FOR YOUR MATERNITY PHOTOSHOOT
UPDATED MARCH 2024
WHERE TO BUY THE BEST MATERNITY GOWNS FOR YOUR PHOTOSHOOT
So, you’re on the hunt for that perfect maternity dress for your photoshoot, right? If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably lost a few hours (okay, maybe more than a few) scrolling through Pinterest and Instagram, hoping for that wow dress to just jump out at you. And while it’s all kinds of fun to dive into the world of maternity fashion, it can also feel like you’re in a maze of endless options. Been there, done that. So, I figured, why not share a bit of what I’ve picked up along the way to help narrow down the search for you?
The Real Talk on Maternity Gown Shopping
As a maternity photographer, I’ve done my fair share of gown shopping — both online and in-person — for my maternity clients. And it really is one of my favorite parts of the process. We get to be creative together as we coordinate your vision for your maternity photos, considering everything from the location, any loved ones included in the session, and my photography style. All of this to say, I’ve seen a lot of maternity gowns.
Honestly, gown shopping is one of those things I've grown to love in my time as a maternity photographer. It’s like we’re on a creative adventure together, mixing and matching your ideas with the perfect locations and my own style. I’ve rummaged through a ton of dresses in my day, and here’s the scoop:
Etsy: Your Go-To for One-of-a-Kind Finds
Before you even think about hitting up the big-name brands, do yourself a favor and check out Etsy. It’s a goldmine for maternity dresses that are as unique as they are gorgeous. We’re talking hand-sewn gems by incredibly talented folks who really put their heart into their work. Plus, you often end up spending less for something way more special than anything off the rack at a big store. These dresses are made to stand out in photoshoots, and trust me, they do.
Here’s my biggest takeaway about choosing a maternity dress for your session — before you go out and start your search for a store-name gown, begin your search on Etsy! Not only are the dresses on Etsy sustainably hand-sewn by independent business owners, they’re also often less expensive (although not cheap) than what you’d find at a name-brand store. These gowns are created for the purpose of being worn in a maternity photoshoot, and are often purchased by professional photographers to use in their client closets because they’re just that photogenic. They may not be practical for everyday wear, but that’s the point: in an Etsy maternity gown, it is clear you didn’t go shopping at a fast fashion site or name brand company.
A Few of My Favorite Shops
WEARERECLAMATION
If I can be honest for a moment, if you don’t get anything else from this guide, I hope you at least check out the maternity dresses at We Are Reclamation. By far, these are my favorite maternity dresses to photograph, and the online shop offers the best selection of white maternity dresses, lace maternity dresses, and two piece maternity outfits for your photoshoot. Trista, the woman behind We Are Reclamation who creates, designs, and constructs every single dress, works out of British Colombia, Canada. We Are Reclamation offers a huge selection of breathtaking floor-length boho maternity gowns (as well as two piece sets) in effortless, bohemian, always-flattering silhouettes.
Their dresses are the kind I dream about shooting. The selection of white lace gowns, boho beauties, and two-piece sets is just unreal. Trista, the creative genius behind the brand, crafts each piece in British Columbia, and her work is all about celebrating women in their most natural, beautiful state.
Here’s how We Are Reclamation describes their brand:
“Reclamation is like no other brand of dresses you will ever encounter. Our dresses speak to you and know you because we understand that truly all women are one. We understand the value of establishing a relationship with the women we design for and we care about you as a person. Reclamation begins with you.”
SEILAARTDRESSESSHOP
Seila Art Dresses Shop is a close runner-up for my favorite maternity gown shop. Like We Are Reclamation, the dresses at Seila Art are light, effortless, romantic, and designed with the photograph in mind. The shop is owned and operated by Marta who works out of Poland. If the prices at We Are Reclamation are a bit steep, Seila Art is a great option with similar styles at a lower price point. They always have white maternity gowns designed for photoshoots in stock, as well as plenty of lace and sheer options. Seila Art’s dresses are all about that airy, effortless vibe that just sings in photos. Marta runs this shop out of Poland and offers some seriously stunning pieces that won’t break the bank.
EMMRYCLOTH
Whether you’re looking for a maternity dress for yourself or sweet, boho dresses for your kids, Emmrycloth is an incredible place to start your search. Emmrycloth is a small, independently owned boutique of hand-made dresses for women and girls that are truly heirloom-worthy. If timeless, quality bohemian styles are your thing, I seriously can’t recommend this shop enough.
ZEBUBEYOU
Similar to We Are Reclamation, ZeBuBeYou is a favorite shop for maternity photographers to source from for their client closets. This Etsy boutique has some of the most stunning, eye-catching maternity gowns you’ll find on Etsy, often favoring lace and off-the-shoulder styles.
WHERE TO BUY BOHO MATERNITY DRESSES FOR YOUR PHOTOSHOOT ONLINE
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