Utah Maternity Photography Poses: The Ultimate Guide for Solo, Partner & Family Sessions
ESTIMATED READ TIME: 7 MINUTES | LATEST UPDATE: JULY 14, 2026
If you’re searching for a Utah maternity photographer, chances are you’ve also spent some time feeling a little unsure about the whole thing, like what to wear, how to pose, whether you’ll feel comfortable standing in a field with your hands on your belly. As a Salt Lake City maternity photographer, I promise: almost every client feels that way walking in, and almost none of them feel that way walking out.
This guide covers the real questions I get asked about maternity photography, including the ones people are embarrassed to ask, plus outfit tips, Utah location ideas, pricing, and how to decide between a solo, partner, or family-focused maternity session.
It’s Okay to Feel Awkward (Everyone Does)
Here’s something most blogs won’t tell you: posing pregnant in front of a camera feels weird for almost everyone at first. You don’t know what to do with your hands. Your partner definitely doesn’t know what to do with theirs. It’s fine. It’s normal, and it usually only lasts about the first five minutes of a session.
During my sessions, we will try a wide variety of poses. If every photo in your gallery is you holding your belly and smiling at the camera, you’ll end up with 50 pictures that all look basically the same. Mixing in movement, laughter, a few goofy moments, and some quieter, intimate ones gives you a gallery that actually reflects the full range of how pregnancy feels, not just the highlight-reel version of it.
Maternity Session
Starting at $225
- Session typically lasts 60 minutes
- 50+ edited images
- $100 non-refundable retainer to book
- Remainder due the day before the session
- Travel fees applicable if 35+ miles from West Jordan
Poses to Try (Solo, Partner & Family)
You don’t need to memorize any of this. I’ll explain and direct you through everything on the day. But if you like having a mental list going in before your maternity photoshoot, here’s the shortlist.
Solo poses
- Hands cradling the belly (the classic, works anywhere)
- Silhouette against golden-hour light
- Lying down with props like an ultrasound photo, baby shoes, a soft blanket
- Profile shot in a flowing dress
- Quiet close-up gazing down at your bump
- A few playful, exaggerated “vogue the bump” moments for variety
Partner poses
- Partner hugging you from behind
- Forehead-to-forehead
- Walking hand-in-hand
- Partner kissing your belly
- Sitting together, partner’s hand on your bump
Family poses
- Kids kissing the belly
- Full family group hug
- Playful, candid interactions between kids
- Parents holding kids with the bump still in focus
- Kids holding the ultrasound photo
- The family pet included in at least one shot
Why Choose Solo, Partner, or Family Photos (Or All Three)
There’s no single “right” way to do a maternity session. The best mix really depends on what phase of life you’re in and what you want these photos to say about your family’s story.
If you want the focus to be entirely on you, solo poses are the move. Some clients are in a season where this pregnancy is about celebrating their own body, their own strength, or simply feeling their divine femininity before things get chaotic with a new baby. If that’s you, consider booking professional hair and makeup, or even treating yourself to a spa day, before your session. It changes how you carry yourself in front of the camera, and it shows in the final gallery.
If you want to showcase your partnership, this is especially common with a first pregnancy. A lot of couples want the bulk of their gallery to be about the two of you: the anticipation, the teamwork, the quiet “we did this together” feeling. These sessions tend to lean more romantic and intimate, full of the kind of special moments you’ll want to cherish for years.
If you’re growing a family that already exists, with older kids, a well-loved family pet, a home full of noise already, the session naturally becomes less about a maternity portrait and more of a maternity-focused family photography experience. These galleries tend to be the liveliest, full of sibling excitement and a little bit of happy chaos, which almost always makes for the best family photos anyway.
Most clients end up wanting a mix of all three within one session, which is exactly what the pose list above is designed for. My goal with every maternity photographer session is to capture the big moments and the small, quiet ones side by side, so the gallery feels like a true reflection of this chapter of your life.
Best Locations for Maternity Photos in Utah
One of the questions I get most from clients planning a Utah maternity photoshoot is simply: where should we go? The good news is Utah has an unusual amount of variety within a short drive of Salt Lake City.
- Studio session: Fully weatherproof and climate-controlled, I have a list of favorite studios we can rent. My absolute favorite is in West Jordan, but we can choose one throughout the valley wherever works best for your vision.
- Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon: Mountain backdrops that are hard to beat, especially for fall color or fresh snow in the Utah mountains.
- Sugar House Park or Liberty Park: Easy, central Salt Lake City green space if you want a natural but low-effort location.
- Antelope Island: Wide-open skies and lake views for a more dramatic, editorial style.
- Red Butte Garden: A great option in spring and summer when the gardens are in bloom.
- At-home lifestyle session: Increasingly popular for families who want the photos to feel like real life, especially if older kids feel more comfortable in familiar surroundings.
Exploring a few of these Utah locations together during your consultation is part of the process, and I’m always glad to help you pick the one that fits your style and your family best.
What to Wear for Your Utah Maternity Photoshoot
- Choose solids or subtle textures over busy patterns. Bold prints tend to pull attention away from your bump and face, which is the opposite of what you want.
- Flowing maxi dresses are the most popular choice for a reason, because they photograph beautifully in almost any lighting and work for solo, partner, or family photography.
- A fitted dress is a great second option if you want to show off your shape more directly, especially for silhouette or profile poses.
- Coordinate, don’t match. Pick two or three colors in the same family (sage green, cream, soft blush) rather than everyone wearing identical clothes.
- Bring a backup outfit. A flowy dress for outdoor shots and something more fitted for studio or indoor portraits covers your bases.
- Think about your location. Neutral tones work almost everywhere; deep jewel tones complement a fall canyon beautifully.
- Comfort matters more than you’d think. Choose fabrics and shoes you can move in and feel relaxed in.
A Note on Newborn and Birth Photography
Pregnancy is only one chapter. If birth photography or newborn photography are already on your radar, I’d love to talk through what that could look like for your family too. There’s something special about documenting the full journey, from bump to birth to those first sweet days at home, with one photographer who already knows your story and your personality.
Ready to Book Your Utah Maternity Photoshoot?
If you want a session with a Utah maternity photographer that feels less like standing stiffly in a field and more like an hour of genuinely good time with someone who knows how to get you laughing (and yes, occasionally voguing the bump), that’s what booking with Karisa Marie Photography looks like. Whether you want the focus on you, on your partnership, or on the whole family that’s about to get a little bigger, I’m ready to document this beautiful chapter of your life. And if birth photography or a newborn session are already on your radar, ask about bundling them with your maternity session for a discount, no need to worry about coordinating separate photographers.
