What to Wear for Your Sydney Maternity Photography Session: Underwater, Coastal & Pool Shoot Ideas
One of the most common questions I receive as a Sydney maternity photographer is, "What should I wear for my maternity photoshoot?"
The best outfit is one that makes you feel beautiful, comfortable, and confident. Whether we're photographing in the ocean along Sydney's coastline or in a heated pool, choosing the right wardrobe can make a huge difference to both your experience and the final images.
As a Manly based maternity photographer, I photograph expecting mothers throughout Sydney, including the Northern Beaches and surrounding suburbs. Whether you're planning a coastal maternity photography session at one of Sydney's beautiful beaches or an underwater maternity shoot in a heated pool, choosing the right outfit will help create timeless images you'll treasure forever.
You Don't Have to Fully Submerge
While underwater images are often the highlight of these sessions, not every mum wants to spend the shoot beneath the surface—and that's completely fine.
Many of my favourite images are created in shallow water, at the waterline, or with only part of the body submerged. Coastal sessions in particular offer plenty of opportunities for beautiful photographs both above and below the surface.
The clothing recommendations in this guide work just as well whether you're fully underwater, floating at the surface, standing in shallow water, or walking along the shoreline. A flowing dress, oversized blouse, bikini, or kimono can create beautiful movement and texture even when only partially wet.
If you're feeling nervous about going underwater, don't worry. We can move at your pace and create stunning images without requiring you to fully submerge. Many mums start above the surface and gradually build confidence throughout the session, while others choose to stay mostly above water and still receive an incredible gallery of images.
The goal is always the same: creating beautiful, natural photographs that celebrate this special chapter of your journey into motherhood.
Choose What Makes You Feel Comfortable
A maternity photography session should be enjoyable, relaxed, and tailored to your comfort level.
Before your shoot, try moving around in your chosen outfit. Raise your arms, bend, twist, and walk around. If it stays in place comfortably on land, it's much more likely to work well in the water.
Remember, confidence always photographs beautifully.
Bikinis Are Perfect for Coastal Sessions
Because many of my underwater maternity shoots take place in the ocean, bikinis are one of the most popular and effective wardrobe choices.
A simple bikini creates a natural, beach-inspired look while allowing your baby bump to remain the focus of the image. They are comfortable, easy to swim in, and work beautifully in both above-water and underwater photographs.
For the best results, I recommend:
White, cream, beige, or neutral tones
Soft pastels
Simple, elegant designs
Secure tops that stay in place underwater
Avoiding large logos and busy patterns
Don't feel that a bikini means revealing. Many mums choose high-waisted maternity bikini bottoms or more modest styles that provide additional coverage while still beautifully showcasing their baby bump.
Many of my favourite maternity photographs have been created with nothing more than a beautifully fitting bikini and the natural colours of the ocean.
Blouses, Kimonos and Cover-Ups
You don't need a full dress to create that dreamy underwater look.
An oversized white blouse, lightweight kimono, sheer robe, or flowing cover-up worn over a bikini can create stunning movement while still feeling relaxed and natural.
A loose white blouse over a bikini is one of my favourite combinations for coastal maternity sessions. The fabric catches the water beautifully and adds softness and elegance without overwhelming the image.
Choose lightweight fabrics such as:
Chiffon
Organza
Tulle
Silk
Lightweight cotton
These materials float gracefully and create beautiful shapes underwater.
Flowy Dresses Create Dreamy Images
Long dresses are often the signature look people associate with underwater maternity photography.
The movement created by a flowing dress can transform a simple portrait into something magical.
Look for dresses with:
Lightweight fabrics
Soft flowing skirts
Minimal embellishments
White dresses are timeless and luminous underwater, while blush, cream, and soft pastel tones create a delicate, romantic feel. For something more dramatic, rich colours like emerald green, burgundy, or deep red can create beautiful contrast against the water.
Avoid heavy fabrics. Once saturated, they become difficult to manage and can create unnecessary safety concerns.
Choosing Colours
Water changes how colours appear, so choosing the right palette can make a big difference.
Colours that work beautifully underwater:
White
Cream
Soft blush
Sage green
Dusty pink
Lavender
Emerald green
Rich reds
Warm neutrals
Colours to be cautious with:
Aqua
Turquoise
Teal
Colours that closely match the water
These shades can blend into the background and reduce separation between you and the water.
Bold colours can create stunning contrast, while soft tones often produce a timeless, ethereal feel.
Keep Patterns Simple
Busy patterns can become distracting underwater.
For the most elegant and timeless results, choose:
Solid colours
Minimal prints
Soft textures
Simple designs
The focus should remain on you, your pregnancy journey, and the connection with your baby.
Sheer Fabrics and Wraps
Sheer fabrics can add another layer of elegance to your session.
A chiffon wrap, floating scarf, or sheer robe can be used to create beautiful movement around your body and accentuate your baby bump.
These pieces can be secured discreetly when needed to ensure they sit exactly where we want them throughout the session.
Don't Forget What's Underneath
One thing many people don't realise is how transparent clothing can become once submerged.
White dresses and light fabrics can become much more revealing underwater.
For comfort and confidence, I recommend:
Wearing a swimsuit underneath dresses
Matching undergarments to the colour of your outfit
Ensuring adequate bust support and coverage
A little preparation goes a long way toward helping you feel relaxed throughout the shoot.
Nude and Semi-Nude Options
Many mums choose to include nude or semi-nude images as part of their maternity session. These photographs can be incredibly elegant, timeless, and focused purely on the beauty of pregnancy and the connection between mother and baby.
If this is something you're considering, we can discuss your comfort level before the shoot. Some mums prefer fully nude underwater images, while others opt for implied nude photographs using strategic posing, flowing fabric, hair, or the natural movement of the water to maintain coverage.
As a father myself, I understand that these images are deeply personal and often become cherished keepsakes for your family. My approach is always professional, respectful, and focused on creating tasteful artwork that celebrates this unique chapter of your life.
Many women who initially feel nervous about nude maternity photography are surprised by how natural and empowering the experience feels once they see the final images.
Partners are always welcome to attend the session and many choose to be present throughout the shoot. Having your partner there can help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, particularly if you're considering nude or semi-nude images. Some couples also choose to participate in a few photographs together, creating beautiful images that celebrate both your pregnancy journey and your growing family.
If you'd like to explore nude or semi-nude options, we'll work together to create images that align with your comfort level and vision. There is never any pressure, and many beautiful maternity galleries are created without any nude images at all.
Hair and Makeup Tips
One of the questions I often get asked is whether professional hair and makeup is necessary for an underwater maternity session.
The short answer is: not necessarily.
For most coastal ocean sessions, many mums choose to wear little or no makeup at all. The natural environment, ocean light, and relaxed feel of the session often suit a more natural look. A light touch of mascara, tinted moisturiser, or your usual everyday makeup is often more than enough.
The same applies to many heated pool sessions. If you're aiming for a natural, timeless style, there is absolutely no requirement to have professional makeup done.
However, if you're planning a more styled fine art maternity session—perhaps wearing a flowing dress, dramatic fabrics, or creating a more editorial look—professional hair and makeup can help elevate the final images. In these situations, slightly stronger makeup tends to photograph beautifully and complements the more artistic styling.
If you do choose to wear makeup, keep in mind that water naturally softens colour and contrast. What feels slightly more pronounced on land can appear very natural in the final photographs.
A few simple recommendations:
Waterproof mascara if you normally wear it
Long-wearing foundation if desired
Defined brows
A touch more lip colour than usual for fine art sessions
Avoid hairspray before your session. Water and hairspray rarely mix well and can leave hair looking stiff or tangled. Natural, flowing hair generally produces the best results underwater.
Ultimately, there is no right or wrong choice. Some of my favourite maternity images have been photographed with professional hair and makeup, while others have been captured with mums completely makeup-free after a morning swim at the beach. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and like yourself.
Props and Styling Ideas
Simple props can add an extra layer of creativity and personality to your images.
Some beautiful options include:
Large decorative seashells
Conch shells
Flower crowns
Fresh tropical flowers
Flowing fabric wraps
Ultrasound photos (for above-water images)
Baby shoes or baby clothing (typically photographed on shore)
Large shells work particularly well for coastal maternity shoots, helping tie the images back to the ocean environment while creating a beautiful styling element. They can be used while sitting in shallow water, floating at the surface, or incorporated into shoreline portraits before entering the water.
As with wardrobe, less is often more. The best props complement the image rather than becoming the focus.
If Your Partner Is Joining
Partner photographs can be a beautiful addition to your maternity gallery.
Simple coordinated outfits work best.
For partners, I recommend:
White linen or cotton shirts
Board shorts if underwater
Neutral tones
Light-coloured shorts or pants
Minimal patterns
Avoid heavy fabrics such as denim, which become uncomfortable and cumbersome in the water.
Rather than matching exactly, aim for complementary colours and a similar style. This creates a more natural and timeless look.
Ocean or Heated Pool?
I offer both coastal ocean sessions and heated pool underwater maternity sessions.
Coastal Ocean Sessions
Perfect for mums who love nature and want a connection to the ocean. Many of my Sydney maternity photography sessions take place around Manly and the Northern Beaches, where the combination of clear water, coastal scenery, and natural light creates beautiful maternity portraits both above and below the surface.
These sessions combine stunning underwater images with shoreline portraits and often have a more adventurous, natural feel.
Heated Pool Sessions
Ideal for those who prefer warmer water, greater comfort, and controlled conditions. Pool sessions provide exceptional water clarity and can be particularly appealing during cooler months or for mums who are less confident in the ocean.
Both options create beautiful underwater maternity portraits, and the best choice simply comes down to your personal preference.
Planning Your Sydney Maternity Photography Session
Whether you're looking for underwater maternity photography in Sydney, a coastal maternity shoot in Manly, or a more traditional maternity photography session on the Northern Beaches, choosing outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident is one of the best ways to ensure beautiful results.
Every session is tailored to you, your style, and your comfort level. The best images happen when you feel relaxed, confident, and able to enjoy the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to go underwater?
No. Many of my maternity photography sessions in Sydney include a combination of shoreline, waterline, and underwater images. Some mums choose to stay mostly above the surface and still receive a beautiful gallery.
When should I book a maternity photography session?
Most maternity photography sessions are photographed between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. During this period your bump is beautifully visible, while you're usually still comfortable enough to move freely.
Where are your maternity photography sessions held?
I'm based in Manly and photograph maternity sessions throughout Sydney, including the Northern Beaches and surrounding suburbs. Sessions can take place in the ocean, at the beach, or in a heated pool depending on your preference.
Can my partner be involved?
Absolutely. Partners are always welcome and many couples choose to include a selection of photographs together. These often become some of the most meaningful images from the session.
My Final Recommendation
Bring two outfit options.
A simple bikini paired with either a flowing blouse, kimono, wrap, or lightweight dress gives us incredible flexibility and variety throughout the session.
Whether you choose a bikini, flowing dress, oversized blouse, tasteful nude portraits, or a combination of several looks, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable, confident, and authentically yourself.
When you're relaxed and enjoying the experience, that's when the magic happens—and those are always the images you'll treasure most.
Whether we're creating images in the ocean, a heated pool, at the waterline, or beneath the surface, the goal is simple: to capture this incredible chapter of your life in a way that feels authentic, beautiful, and uniquely yours.
