By Pei Aui – Melbourne Newborn, Maternity, Family and Couples Photographer


If the thought of stepping in front of a camera while pregnant makes you want to run for the hills (or hide under a doona), you're not alone.

So many Melbourne mums-to-be tell me the same thing before our shoot:

"I'm awkward in front of the camera."

"I'm not sure what to wear."

"I feel like a whale at the moment"

Here’s the truth: you don’t need to be a model to have stunning maternity photos. You just need to feel safe, seen, and celebrated in this season of life—and that’s where the right photographer (hi, it’s me 👋) and a few easy tips come in.

Let’s talk about how to feel beautiful and confident during your maternity shoot, even if you’re a little camera shy.


1. Choose a Photographer Who Gets You

This might sound obvious, but it’s the most important thing. You’re not just hiring someone to take pretty pictures—you’re trusting someone to capture an incredibly personal chapter of your story. Look for a Melbourne maternity photographer who speaks your language. Someone whose work feels warm, natural, and relaxed. Someone who won’t make you do awkward poses or force you into gowns that aren’t “you”. If you’re here, you’ve already found someone who’s deeply passionate about helping women feel their most confident selves in front of the lens (that’s me, again 🫶). I specialise in relaxed, connection-focused maternity sessions where you don’t have to “perform”—you just get to be.

Pregnant mother playing bubbles with daughter in an open field taken by Melbourne maternity and family photographer.
Family in coordinating purple and blue outfits poses together on grassy hilltop during golden hour taken by Melbourne maternity photographer

2. Wear Something That Feels Like You

You don’t need to wear a big flowy dress if that’s not your vibe. You also don’t need to go full glam. Choose outfits that make you feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful. Think soft knits, linen sets, a well-loved dress that hugs your bump just right, or even a classic jeans-and-white-shirt combo. Neutral tones, earthy colours, and soft textures photograph beautifully, especially for natural maternity and family photography in Melbourne settings like home, parks, or coastal spots. And if you do want to wear something dramatic or styled—go for it! But make sure it feels like you, not like someone you’re trying to imitate.


3. Bring Your People (or Don’t!)

Your maternity session can be just you, or include your partner, older kids, or even your fur babies. If being around loved ones helps you feel more relaxed, bring them along. Some camera-shy mamas find that including their partner makes the session feel more like a moment shared than a photoshoot. Others prefer the quiet calm of a solo session to connect deeply with the experience. There’s no wrong choice here—it’s all about what makes you feel safe and at ease. And yes, as your Melbourne newborn, maternity, family and couples photographer, I’ll gently guide you throughout, whether it’s a solo maternity shoot or one with the whole crew.

Maternity photos showing a lady in white against a bright window background taken by Melbourne maternity photographer.

4. Trust the Process (and Your Photographer)

If the idea of posing makes your stomach flip, don’t worry—I’ve got you. There’s no need to practise model poses in the mirror (unless that’s your thing). I’ll guide you with gentle prompts and movements to help you feel natural and in the moment.

Think less: “stand here and smile.”

And more: “snuggle into your partner’s chest,” “breathe in the moment,” “close your eyes and feel your baby kick.”

The result? Timeless, emotive images that feel like you—not a Pinterest version of pregnancy.


5. Remember: You’re Glowing, Whether You Feel It or Not

Let’s be real—pregnancy can feel beautiful one moment and incredibly meh the next. That’s okay. You don’t need to be glowing 24/7 to deserve to be photographed. These photos aren’t just about a bump. They’re about this in-between season, the anticipation, the tenderness, the quiet strength in your eyes. And when you look back at them later—sleep-deprived and holding that tiny human in your arms—you’ll be so glad you said yes to capturing this time.

Person wearing white lace top stands waist-deep in ocean water during sunset photoshoot taken by Melbourne maternity photographer.
Young couple laughing together on sandy beach at sunset wearing matching gray sweaters taken by Melbourne maternity photographer.

Maternity photos aren’t about being perfect.

They’re about being present.

nd that’s something you absolutely deserve.

So if you’re a little camera shy but know you’ll regret not having photos of this fleeting chapter—I see you. I promise to make the experience relaxed, real, and full of heart.

Let’s create something you’ll treasure forever.


Ready to book your maternity session with a Melbourne newborn, maternity, family and couples photographer who gets it?

📸 [Get in touch here]

Or connect with me on Instagram [@peiaphotography] for more tips, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments.

You’ve got this, mama!

And I’ve got you :)


Pssst... we have our parenthood bundle special running at the moment. Book your maternity session now and enjoy 30% off Newborn session!!