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By Worth Collective
The Setting Dilemma Every Expecting Mom Faces You've scheduled your maternity photo shoot, and now comes the tricky part: choosing where to take those p...
You've scheduled your maternity photo shoot, and now comes the tricky part: choosing where to take those photos and what to wear. The two most popular options—your own backyard or a scenic beach—each come with their own dress code challenges. A flowy maxi that photographs beautifully on sand might drag through grass and pick up dirt, while that fitted midi perfect for your garden might feel too structured against ocean waves.
The terrain you choose completely changes which dress will help you feel beautiful and look effortless. Let's break down exactly how to match your dress to your location, so you can stop second-guessing and start planning those picture-perfect moments.
The ground beneath your feet dictates more than just your footwear. It influences fabric movement, hemline practicality, color selection, and even how comfortable you'll feel during a 60-90 minute shoot.
Beach photography offers stunning natural backdrops, but the environment makes specific demands on your outfit.
Fabric considerations: Sand and wind are your main factors here. Lightweight fabrics like chiffon, jersey knit, or rayon create that ethereal, windswept look that photographs so well. The breeze will naturally lift and move your dress, adding dimension to shots without you needing to pose awkwardly. Avoid anything too structured or heavy—you'll feel weighed down and the photos will look stiff.
Length matters: For beach shoots, you actually want some length. A maxi dress or anything that hits mid-calf works beautifully because you can walk through shallow water or along the shoreline without constantly hiking up your hem. The wet sand provides natural texture contrast against flowing fabric. If you prefer shorter styles, a knee-length dress works, but anything between knee and ankle tends to hit that awkward spot where it gets wet but doesn't photograph as intentionally.
Color strategy: Beach environments have lots of natural neutrals—sand, driftwood, sea grass. Your dress can either complement this palette with soft creams, taupes, and pale blues, or provide dramatic contrast with deeper jewel tones like emerald or burgundy. What to avoid: stark white often photographs too bright against sand and can create harsh contrasts in your images.
Practical details: Look for dresses without trains or excessive ruffles at the hem. Sand gets everywhere, and dragging fabric will collect it quickly. If your dress has a slit, that's actually ideal—it allows for easier movement and prevents the clingy, stuck-to-your-legs look when fabric gets damp.
Your backyard offers control and comfort, but requires different dress considerations to photograph well in a more intimate space.
Fabric flexibility: You have more options here. Cotton blends, knits, and even slightly structured fabrics work because you're not fighting wind or water. This is where textured fabrics really shine—lace overlays, eyelet details, or subtle patterns add visual interest when you don't have dramatic natural elements in the background.
Length versatility: Backyards give you freedom to experiment with length. A midi dress (hitting anywhere from below knee to mid-calf) often photographs beautifully because it won't get caught in grass or garden elements. Tea-length dresses work particularly well if you have garden features like flower beds or a patio—they show off your bump without overwhelming smaller spaces. Maxi dresses still work, but choose ones that just graze the ground rather than puddle around your feet.
Color coordination: Look at what's already in your yard. If you have lush greenery, dusty rose, cream, or rust tones create beautiful contrast. If your space is more minimal or architectural, bolder colors like navy, forest green, or even black can create striking images. Consider the time of day you're shooting—golden hour (late afternoon) makes warm tones glow, while morning light favors cooler shades.
Print possibilities: This is where you can take more risks. Small florals, subtle stripes, or delicate patterns photograph well in backyard settings because they add interest without competing with the background. Beach shoots typically call for solids, but your controlled home environment allows for more pattern play.
Before committing to a dress, do a quick test run in your chosen location if possible. Put on the dress, walk around where you'll be photographing, and notice:
Take a few phone photos during your test. You'll immediately see what works and what doesn't.
Most professional maternity shoots last long enough for two outfit changes. Here's how to plan combinations based on your terrain:
Beach shoot progression: Start with a flowy maxi in a neutral tone for those classic sunset shots. Change into something shorter and more playful—maybe a fitted dress in a bolder color—for shots closer to golden hour when the light is softer and you want variety in your gallery.
Backyard shoot progression: Begin with your more formal option—perhaps a lace midi or elegant fitted dress—while you're fresh and the light is even. Transition to something more relaxed like a casual maxi or a coordinated set for the final portion when you want those candid, comfortable moments.
Right now in late December, you're likely dealing with cooler temperatures, which affects both locations differently.
Winter beach considerations: Layer a denim jacket, cozy cardigan, or blanket scarf over your dress for warmth between shots. Choose long sleeves or three-quarter sleeves, and don't rule out richer, deeper colors that feel seasonally appropriate—burgundy, forest green, or navy photograph beautifully against winter beach landscapes.
Winter backyard solutions: Your controlled environment means you can run inside to warm up. Consider bringing two dress options—one that embraces the season with sleeves and deeper tones, and one that's more bare if you want that timeless, season-less look. Your backyard likely has architectural elements or evergreen plants that provide visual interest even in winter months.
For beach shoots: Bring a spray bottle with water and a towel. A quick spritz can help fabric flow better in photos, and the towel is essential for sandy feet between shots. Avoid anything with intricate closures or laces that could get damaged by sand and salt.
For backyard shoots: Scout your space beforehand for tripping hazards like hoses, uneven pavers, or low branches. Wear your dress around the yard briefly to make sure you can navigate comfortably. Consider how your dress photographs against your house exterior or fencing—some patterns or colors may blend in too much.
The right dress for your maternity photos isn't about following trends—it's about matching your outfit to your environment so you can move naturally and feel confident. Whether you're on sand or grass, choose terrain-appropriate fabrics, lengths, and colors that let you focus on the moment rather than wardrobe management. When your dress works with your location instead of against it, those camera-ready moments happen effortlessly.