When to book a maternity shoot: 28 to 34 weeks
Most photographers recommend the third trimester, from about 28 to 34 weeks. Before that the bump can be small; after about 36 weeks long sessions become tiring and the baby may arrive early. Book the date around 20 weeks, especially for twins, when the window moves earlier.
A train on the wind
Side-on on a wooden boardwalk, hands cradling the bump, she wears a fitted white gown and a crown of pink and white roses while the long sheer train sails out behind her. The fitted profile shows the shape of the bump; the flying fabric adds the movement.
Photograph: Lee-Ann AlicksOne maternity session, three frames
Navy against bark
The deeply furrowed bark of an old tree gives a navy dress a textured, neutral backdrop. Leaning back and smiling into the lens, then turning her eyes down to her hands on the bump: one spot, two moods, separated by little more than a glance.
Photograph: Lee-Ann Alicks
The curve in monochrome
Tight on the bump in profile, one hand above and one below. In black and white the frame becomes about shape and gentle tonal gradation, and the bright foliage behind blurs into soft circles of light.
Photograph: Lee-Ann AlicksWhere to have a maternity photoshoot in Cape Town
- Beaches: Llandudno and Noordhoek on the Atlantic side, Strand and Gordon's Bay on False Bay. Flowing dresses and evening light suit the sand and the sea.
- Gardens and fynbos: Kirstenbosch (permission required for professional shoots), the Helderberg Nature Reserve in Somerset West, and Jonkershoek near Stellenbosch.
- Wine farms: vineyard rows and oak avenues in the Winelands; most estates ask for a booking or a shoot fee.
- At home: the nursery, window light in the bedroom, quiet moments with your partner.
Red lace in the veld
Eyes closed, cheek to cheek, his hands meeting hers on the bump: the close frame is all tenderness and warm sun on red lace. Pulled wide, the couple stand in scrubby veld below towering rock faces, and the sweep of her train adds a curve to the composition.
Photograph: Lee-Ann AlicksWhat to wear for maternity photos
- Fitted or flowing dresses that show the shape of the bump; long, light fabrics move well in the wind.
- Soft neutrals and pastels for the light and airy look; one bold colour if you want to stand out from a green backdrop.
- Bring comfortable shoes for walking between spots and a warm wrap for between photos.
- Partners: plain shirts in a colour that sits with the dress.
What to bring to a maternity shoot
- A second outfit, if you want two looks, and something easy to change in.
- Water and a snack: an hour outdoors is longer than it sounds in the third trimester.
- Anything with meaning: the scan photo, baby shoes, a letter or a book you will read to the baby.
- A blanket or towel to sit on, and wipes for sandy feet after a beach session.
- Hair ties, lip balm and a small mirror for touch-ups between spots.
- For older children: a change of clothes and a treat for the walk back.
Poses and props for your maternity session
Most maternity sessions combine a side-on profile that shows the bump, close-ups of hands on the bump and a flowing dress that moves in the breeze. A prop with meaning, such as the scan photo or a pair of baby shoes, adds a detail shot.
Tulle, grass and tiny sneakers
Sunlit shrubs glow behind her as she looks down at the bump, the blush tulle skirt sweeping through long grass. Then a close detail: a pair of tiny sneakers held against the gown, with a partner's hand resting on the bump below.
Photograph: Lee-Ann AlicksYour partner in the photos
The scan, held to the bump
Both of them smile straight at the lens; she holds the scan print flat against her floral dress and his hand cradles the bump beneath it. The dry, golden scrub behind turns to a soft blur in the bright light.
Photograph: Lee-Ann Alicks
Showing off the scan
Arms stretched towards the lens, the couple hold up the ultrasound print between them, his mouth wide open in delight, her smile just as big. Bright, airy light and soft, blurred shrubs behind keep the mood light and playful.
Photograph: Lee-Ann AlicksA family walk before the baby arrives
Balloons on the path
Mum in a long navy dress, dad in a blue suit and their son out in front in a little hat, holding a bunch of pastel balloons. The tree-lined path pulls the eye into the frame, and walking keeps the whole family relaxed.
Photograph: Lee-Ann AlicksIncluding your partner and children
Maternity sessions are often the last photos of the family as it is now. Plan time for you alone, you with your partner, and older siblings with the bump. Small children do best early in the session.
Ear to the bump
Big sister presses her cheek to the bump and laughs, eyes squeezed shut, while mum looks down at her with a smile. In black and white the backlit leaves become a soft, luminous backdrop, and nothing pulls attention from the two faces.
Photograph: Lee-Ann AlicksMaternity and newborn together
Many parents book a maternity session and a newborn photography session in Cape Town together. The newborn date stays flexible until the baby arrives, and the two sets of photos tell one story. Both are part of Lee-Ann's work as a photographer in Cape Town, alongside weddings and family sessions.
Maternity photoshoot prices in Cape Town
A maternity session with Lee-Ann costs R950 for one hour. Other Cape Town photographers' published lists run from about R1,600 to R2,900. One ladder offers R1,900 for 10 edited images, R2,400 for 12 images and R2,900 for a longer session. Hair and make-up are often not included. Set that against every other shoot type on the photoshoot prices in Cape Town list.
Questions people ask
Which month of pregnancy is best for a maternity shoot?
The seventh to eighth month, roughly 28 to 34 weeks. The bump is visible and you are still comfortable moving.
When should a pregnant woman take maternity photos?
Between about 28 and 34 weeks for a single baby, a little earlier for twins. Book the date around 20 weeks.
How much should you pay for maternity photos in Cape Town?
R950 for a one-hour session with Lee-Ann. On current published price lists, other Cape Town photographers charge roughly R1,600 to R2,900, usually for 10 to 12 edited images or more.
Do you shoot maternity photos in a studio?
No. Lee-Ann shoots maternity sessions outdoors or at home, in natural light.