What does maternity photography cost?
Maternity photography is a pregnancy photoshoot, usually between about 28 and 34 weeks, outdoors in a park, dunes or tulip field, or at home in window light. On TulipFrame it starts from €250. The final quote depends on the photographer, the length of the session, location, date and whether your partner or children join, so it may be higher than the starting price.
A maternity session records a short stretch of time: the weeks when the bump is clearly there and you can still walk a park path comfortably. It can be just you, you and a partner, or the whole family including the older sibling who is about to be promoted.
We match your request with a photographer in your city who does pregnancy portraits. Many families later book the same photographer for newborn photography, which gives the two sets a consistent look.
When to book the session
Most people shoot between 28 and 34 weeks. Before that, the bump may not show much; after 36 weeks, standing and walking for an hour gets harder, and a baby may decide to arrive early.
Book the date around 20–24 weeks, particularly for spring and summer weekends. If you are expecting twins or have been told the baby may come early, aim for the earlier end, around 26–30 weeks. Tell the photographer how you feel on the day — a good one will adjust or reschedule without fuss.
Outdoor or at home
Both work, and they give quite different pictures.
| Outdoor | At home | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Airy, flowing dresses, landscape | Intimate, soft window light, personal |
| Good spots | Dunes near Haarlem or The Hague, city parks, tulip fields in April | A bedroom or living room with a big window |
| Weather risk | Wind and rain; needs a backup date | None |
| Comfort | Needs walking and standing | Sofa within reach |
Outdoors, the Dutch coast is a favourite: the dunes at Kennemerduinen or Meijendel give soft golden light before sunset, but the wind is almost always stronger than in town. In Amsterdam, the Amsterdam maternity photographer page lists sheltered options.
What to wear
Clothes that show the shape of the bump photograph best: a fitted knit dress, a long flowing dress for outdoor frames, or a partner's oversized shirt at home. Solid colours and soft neutrals are easier to work with than busy prints.
Some photographers bring a small wardrobe of maternity dresses; ask when you request a quote. Bring flat shoes for walking between spots, water and something to sit on.
Comfort and pacing
A maternity session is paced for you. Expect breaks, a chair or blanket to sit on, and poses that do not strain your back. You should never be asked to lie on your back for long, walk far over uneven ground or stand in the cold wind without a coat between frames.
If you would like a session with a more artistic or partially nude look, say so when you request a quote so we can match you with a photographer who works that way. Nothing is published without your written consent.
Seasons and settings
Each Dutch season gives a maternity session a different feel:
- April: tulip fields in the bulb region between Haarlem and Leiden. Stay on the verges or pick a farm that welcomes visitors; see the tulip field photoshoot page for the etiquette.
- May–June: long evenings and flowering meadows. Sunset is late (after 21:30 in June), so a session at 20:00 still has soft light and warm air.
- September–October: golden trees in city parks and the dunes, and milder light than high summer.
- Winter: short days and cold wind make outdoor sessions tougher at 30+ weeks. A home or studio session in window light is the comfortable choice, and it photographs beautifully.
If you are an expat without family nearby, the session can double as the photos you send home. Mention it, and the photographer can include a few simple, classic portraits alongside the more atmospheric ones.
Price
Maternity photography starts from €250 for a session of about an hour. A combined maternity-and-newborn arrangement with one photographer is common; ask about it in your request. The pricing page explains how quotes are built.
What’s included
- Advice on timing and a flexible booking around your due date
- Planning message about outfits and location
- Photographer time for the booked duration, with breaks
- Gentle posing guidance that suits your body and comfort
- Editing with natural skin tones
- Online gallery with high-resolution downloads
Optional extras
Maternity + newborn arrangement
Same photographer for both sessions; consistent style and one conversation.
Dress loan
Some photographers lend maternity gowns; saves buying a dress you will wear once.
Partner and siblings
Adds family frames to a solo session; allow extra time.
Coastal location
Travel to the dunes for golden-hour light; worth it on a calm evening.
Durations and what you receive
| Session | Edited photos |
|---|---|
| 45 minutes | 20–35 edited photos |
| 1 hour | 30–45 edited photos |
| 1.5 hours (with family) | 40–60 edited photos |
Starting prices are indicative. Your final quote depends on the photographer, duration, location, number of people, date and specific requirements.
Who books this
- Expecting parents between roughly 28 and 34 weeks
- Couples who want pictures of the pregnancy together
- Families with an older child about to become a sibling
- Expats who want to send pregnancy photos to family abroad
Maternity Photography by city
Maternity Photography: questions
When is the best time for maternity photos?
Usually between 28 and 34 weeks. With twins, or if you have been advised the baby may come early, aim for 26–30 weeks.
Can my partner and children be in the photos?
Yes. Many sessions start with solo portraits and finish with family frames. Tell us who is coming so the photographer can plan the time.
What if I feel unwell on the day?
Tell the photographer as early as you can. Rescheduling for health reasons is normal in maternity photography; confirm the exact policy when you book.
Can we do the photos at home?
Yes. A room with a large window and a little clear floor space is enough.
Will my photos be used online?
Only with your permission. Discuss it with the photographer before the session if you prefer that none are shared.