Backyard Maternity Photoshoot

Backyard Maternity Photos During My Baby Shower

When I was pregnant with my first baby, my best friend (who’s a photographer) pulled me aside during my baby shower and suggested we use the backdrop I made to take pictures with family for maternity photos. We literally stepped into the backyard, no extra setup, no planning, nothing fancy… and somehow those ended up being some of my favorite maternity photos.

I think that’s why I love backyard shoots so much. They’re easy, budget-friendly, and you don’t have to perform for the camera or pretend you feel glamorous when you don’t. It’s just whatever season you’re in… documented.

The light that evening was soft and warm, and honestly the backyard did more for these photos than anything I could’ve planned. I didn’t change clothes, I didn’t fix my hair, and we probably spent 10 minutes shooting before I went back to the party. It felt casual and real — which is exactly how I want to remember that time.

A Few Prompts That Worked Well

If you ever want to recreate this kind of shoot at home, here are the simple little prompts my friend gave me:

  • Turn slightly to the side and rest your hands on your belly

  • Look down toward your bump (always an easy, natural shot)

  • Walk slowly toward the camera

  • Sit on a blanket and angle your body toward the light

  • Get a close-up of hands + belly (these always end up being everyone’s favorite)

None of it felt posed or forced — which is probably why the photos feel so true to that moment.

Recreating the Pinterest-Style Shots

I know so many of the maternity photos on Pinterest look impossibly dreamy, but most of them actually come down to really simple techniques:

The glow shot
Stand with the sun behind you during golden hour. That’s it. Instant halo effect.

The soft profile
Angle your body, drop your shoulders, look down. This one is always flattering.

Blanket shot
Sit however feels comfortable and let your dress fall naturally. You don’t need props.

Walking shot
Small steps, relaxed hands, don’t overthink it.

The movement shot
Adjust your shutter speed (1/30 ish or slower) to create that dreamy blur and capture movement

Everything on your Pinterest board can be recreated in a backyard with good light and a patient partner or friend.

Golden Hour Is the Secret

We shot these during the last bit of sunlight, and it made everything look soft and warm without me having to do anything. If you take photos at home, that’s the one thing I’d try to time—those last 20–30 minutes before sunset make a huge difference.

Looking Back

I’m really glad we took these. They weren’t planned, they weren’t styled, and they definitely weren’t perfect, but they captured exactly what that season felt like. If you’re pregnant and don’t want the stress of booking a whole photoshoot, a simple walk into the backyard might be all you need.

Taylor Park