Planning family maternity photos? This guide explains how to include your partner, toddlers, older children and teenagers in a relaxed, meaningful maternity session.
Family maternity photos are a beautiful way to document not only your pregnancy, but the people waiting to welcome your baby.
Your partner does not need to enjoy posing. Your toddler does not need to sit still. Older children do not need to force a smile. The best maternity photographs with family usually come from simple interaction: a cuddle, a walk, a hand on the bump, a quiet conversation or a child laughing with their parents.
As an award-winning maternity and family photographer based in Sutton, I have photographed families from Surrey and South London with toddlers, teenagers, shy partners and energetic siblings. From experience, I know that successful family maternity photography is not about making everyone behave perfectly. It is about creating enough guidance and freedom for real connection to appear.
This guide will help you prepare your partner and children, choose coordinated outfits and create a maternity photography family session that feels natural rather than forced.
Why Include Your Family in Your Maternity Photoshoot?
Pregnancy may be happening within your body, but the emotional experience often belongs to the whole family.
Your partner may be preparing to become a parent for the first time.
Your child may be imagining life as an older sibling.
Your teenager may have a quieter but equally meaningful connection to the baby.
Including them helps tell the full story.
Family maternity photos can capture:
- The relationship between you and your partner
- A child’s excitement about becoming a sibling
- The shape and personality of your family before it changes
- Natural affection and connection
- Individual maternity portraits alongside family images
I always recommend creating a mixture.
The session should still include portraits focused entirely on you, but family photographs add another emotional layer to the gallery.
What If My Partner Does Not Like Having Photos Taken?
This is incredibly common.
Many women tell me:
“My husband really does not like photos.”
Usually, this does not mean he dislikes meaningful family images. It often means he dislikes feeling awkward, overly posed or unsure of what to do.
Keep Partner Photos Simple
A reluctant partner rarely needs a long series of formal poses.
Simple ideas work beautifully:
- Standing close with one hand on the bump
- Looking at you instead of the camera
- Walking together
- Sharing a quiet laugh
- Holding hands
- Giving you a gentle hug from behind
- Talking naturally between photographs
When your partner has something to do, the session feels much less uncomfortable.
Avoid Making It Feel Like a Performance
Some partners become tense when they hear instructions such as:
- Smile more
- Look romantic
- Act natural
These instructions can create more pressure.
Instead, I use small, practical prompts that give direction without making the moment feel artificial.
For example:
- Stand a little closer
- Look at each other
- Tell her what you are most excited about
- Place your hand gently on the bump
- Walk slowly towards me
These simple actions usually produce much more genuine expressions.
Reassure Them That They Are Not Needed for the Whole Session
Your partner does not need to be involved in every photograph.
We can create a focused set of couple and family images, then allow them to relax while individual maternity portraits continue.
This often makes the experience feel more manageable.
How to Include Toddlers in Maternity Photos
Toddlers bring unpredictability, energy and personality.
That is not a problem.
It is often what makes the photographs special.
Do Not Expect Toddlers to Pose for Long
A toddler may cooperate beautifully for two minutes and then decide they are finished.
That is completely normal.
The best approach is to work quickly when they are engaged and allow movement when they are not.
Use Interaction Instead of Instructions
Instead of asking a toddler to stand still and smile, try:
- Hugging Mum
- Kissing the bump
- Listening to the baby
- Sitting on a parent’s lap
- Holding hands while walking
- Playing a simple game
- Whispering something to the baby
- Giving Mum a flower or small object
These ideas create a purpose and make the child feel involved.
Let Them Take Breaks
Young children often need time to explore, snack or reset.
During outdoor sessions in places such as Nonsuch Park, Beddington Park or open areas around Epsom, children can move naturally between photographs.
In the studio, we can change the pace, introduce a new activity or photograph Mum individually while the child has a break.
Bring Familiar Comforts
Depending on your child’s age, it may help to bring:
- Water
- A small snack
- A favourite comfort item
- A simple toy
- Spare clothing
- Comfortable shoes
Avoid bringing too many distracting items, but one familiar object can help a child settle.
How to Include Older Children
Older children often understand the significance of the session more clearly, but they may still feel shy or self-conscious.
Give Them a Role
Older children often respond well when they feel included rather than positioned.
You might ask them to:
- Place a hand on the bump
- Stand close to Mum
- Hug both parents
- Walk alongside the family
- Look towards the baby bump
- Talk about what they are most excited about
- Hold an ultrasound image
This gives them something natural to focus on.
Avoid Treating Them Like Small Children
Older children and pre-teens may dislike playful prompts designed for toddlers.
A calmer approach usually works better.
Simple standing, walking and conversational photographs can feel much more comfortable.
How to Include Teenagers in Maternity Photos
Teenagers may be excited, indifferent, embarrassed or somewhere in between.
The best approach is respect.
Do Not Force Big Emotion
A teenager does not need to kiss the bump or perform excitement for the camera.
Their connection may be quieter.
Natural ideas include:
- Standing beside Mum
- A simple family embrace
- Walking together
- Looking at each other
- Resting a hand on Mum’s shoulder
- Sharing a gentle laugh
- One relaxed full-family portrait
Ask What They Feel Comfortable With
Teenagers often relax when they feel they have some control.
I may ask whether they prefer:
- Standing or sitting
- Looking at the camera or towards the family
- A formal portrait or a more relaxed image
Giving small choices helps avoid resistance.
Keep Their Part Efficient
A teenager may not want to spend a long time being photographed.
That is fine.
A short, well-planned section can still create meaningful images.
Natural Interaction Ideas for Family Maternity Photos
The strongest family maternity photos usually come from interaction rather than everyone staring at the camera.
Here are some of my favourite ideas.
Walking Together
Walking naturally helps everyone relax.
This works especially well during outdoor sessions in Surrey parks or open countryside.
A Family Group Hug
A simple group hug can create warmth and connection without requiring complicated posing.
Children Connecting With the Bump
Children can:
- Place a hand on the bump
- Kiss the bump
- Listen to the baby
- Talk to the baby
- Rest their head gently against Mum
These ideas should always feel natural and age-appropriate.
Parents Looking at Their Child
Instead of asking everyone to look at the camera, parents can focus on the child.
This often creates genuine expressions.
Quiet Couple Moments
A partner can stand behind Mum, hold her gently or place a hand on the bump.
The result feels intimate without being overly posed.
Seated Family Portraits
Seated images can work well for:
- Toddlers
- Larger families
- Tired expectant mothers
- Studio sessions
- Calm family compositions
Playful Movement
For energetic children, small movement can help:
- Walking
- Turning
- Holding hands
- Gentle spinning
- Running towards parents
- Cuddling between movements
How to Coordinate Family Outfits
Coordinating clothing is important, but everyone does not need to wear the same colour.
The goal is harmony, not matching uniforms.
Choose a Small Colour Palette
Start with two or three complementary tones.
For example:
- Cream, beige and soft brown
- Sage, ivory and warm grey
- Burgundy, cream and camel
- Dusty rose, beige and soft blue
- Olive, rust and neutral tones
Style Mum First
Because the maternity dress is often the visual focus, choose Mum’s outfit first.
Then build the rest of the family’s clothing around it.
At San Vid Photography, maternity dresses are provided, which makes this process much easier.
Once we know the gown colour and style, I can help suggest suitable clothing for partners and children.
What Should Your Partner Wear?
Good options include:
- Plain shirts
- Soft knitwear
- Simple T-shirts
- Neutral trousers
- Muted colours
- Subtle textures
Avoid:
- Large logos
- Sportswear branding
- Very bright colours
- Busy checks
- Strong contrasting patterns
What Should Children Wear?
Children should be comfortable enough to move.
Good choices include:
- Linen
- Knitwear
- Simple dresses
- Neutral shirts
- Dungarees
- Soft cardigans
- Comfortable footwear
Avoid Over-Matching
Everyone in white shirts and blue jeans can feel dated and overly arranged.
A coordinated palette looks more natural.
Studio or Outdoor Family Maternity Session?
Both can work beautifully.
Studio Family Maternity Photos
A studio session may be ideal if you prefer:
- Privacy
- Controlled lighting
- Elegant portraits
- Easier outfit changes
- A weather-proof plan
- A quieter setting for shy family members
My Sutton studio is convenient for families travelling from Cheam, Carshalton, Wallington, Croydon, Ewell and nearby areas.
Outdoor Family Maternity Photos
Outdoor sessions are especially good for families with active children.
They allow:
- Walking
- Exploring
- Natural movement
- More relaxed interaction
- Seasonal colour
- Scenic backgrounds
Locations such as Nonsuch Park near Cheam, Beddington Park near Wallington and open spaces around Epsom can offer beautiful settings for family maternity photography.
Which Option Is Better for Toddlers?
It depends on the child.
Some toddlers relax more outdoors because they can move.
Others feel safer and less distracted in a private studio.
A photographer who knows both environments can help you choose.
How to Prepare Your Family Before the Session
Preparation should be simple.
Tell Children What Will Happen
Explain the session in positive, relaxed language.
You might say:
- We are going to take some family photos
- We will have cuddles and play together
- You can help us take pictures of the baby bump
Avoid building it up as something where they must behave perfectly.
Do Not Practise Smiles
Practised smiles often look less natural than real expressions.
Instead, focus on connection.
Keep the Day Calm
Try not to schedule too many activities before the session.
Children and pregnant mothers both benefit from a calmer pace.
Bring Essentials
Consider bringing:
- Water
- Small snacks
- Wipes
- Spare clothing for young children
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate layers
Tell Your Photographer About Any Concerns
Share information about:
- Shy children
- Additional needs
- Mobility concerns
- Family dynamics
- Children who may need extra time
- Partners who feel uncomfortable
This allows the session to be planned more thoughtfully.
What If My Children Does Not Cooperate For Family Maternity Photos?
This is one of the biggest fears parents have.
The honest answer is that family sessions are rarely perfect from beginning to end.
A toddler may cry.
A partner may feel awkward.
A teenager may look unimpressed.
Someone may need a break.
That does not mean the session has failed.
Experienced family photographers know how to adapt.
Sometimes the best photographs happen between the planned moments.
A child may suddenly hug Mum.
A partner may laugh after making a mistake.
A family may relax when they think the photograph is over.
These moments often feel more meaningful than a perfectly arranged pose.
From My Experience as a Maternity and Family Photographer
After photographing families from Sutton, Cheam, Carshalton, Wallington, Purley, Croydon, Epsom, Ewell, Surrey and South London, I have learned that every family brings a different energy.
Some children arrive excited.
Some need time.
Some partners settle immediately.
Others prefer to stay out of the spotlight.
My job is not to force every family into the same structure.
It is to observe, guide and adapt.
I was honored to receive the Maternity Photographer of the Year 2025 award from The Society of Photographers. But the experience that matters most in family maternity sessions comes from working with real families: unpredictable toddlers, camera-shy partners, thoughtful teenagers and expectant mothers who simply want everyone to feel comfortable.
The strongest family maternity photographs do not always look perfect.
They feel honest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should my partner join my maternity photoshoot?
Yes, especially if couple photographs are meaningful to you. Your partner does not need to be included in every image.
Can children be included in family maternity photos?
Absolutely. Children can create some of the most emotional and meaningful family maternity photos.
What age is best for including siblings?
Any age can be included. The approach simply changes for babies, toddlers, older children and teenagers.
What if my toddler will not sit still?
They do not need to. Walking, cuddling and playful interaction often work much better than sitting still.
What if my husband hates having his photo taken?
Keep his part simple and natural. Walking, looking at you and interacting usually feel easier than formal posing.
How should we coordinate outfits?
Choose two or three complementary colours and style the rest of the family around Mum’s maternity outfit.
Should everyone wear matching clothes?
No. Coordinated colours usually look more natural than identical outfits.
Can teenagers join family maternity photos?
Yes. Teenagers can be included in a relaxed and respectful way without forcing overly emotional poses.
Are studio or outdoor sessions better for families?
Both work well. Studio sessions offer privacy and control, while outdoor sessions allow more movement and natural interaction. I often shoot at local parks like Beddington Park, Cheam Park or open wild spaces like Headley Heath for kids to feel more flexible and relaxed.
What if my child becomes upset?
We pause, adapt or change the activity. Children do not need to be happy every second for the session to be successful.
Can grandparents join a maternity photoshoot?
Depending on the session package and photographer, grandparents may be included. Ask in advance so the session can be planned properly.
How long should children be involved in the session?
Usually, it is best to photograph family combinations early while children are fresh, then continue with individual maternity portraits.
Ready to Plan Your Family Maternity Photos?
Including your partner and children in your maternity session should not feel stressful.
They do not need to pose perfectly.
They do not need to enjoy being photographed.
They simply need space to connect with you.
At San Vid Photography, I create elegant, emotive and natural family maternity photos from my Sutton studio and at outdoor locations across Surrey and South London.
Maternity dresses are provided. Styling and preparation guidance are included. Partners and children are welcome, depending on the chosen session, and every family is guided in a calm, supportive way.
I welcome families from Sutton, Cheam, Carshalton, Wallington, Purley, Croydon, Epsom, Ewell and Surrey.
If you would love to include your partner and children in your maternity photoshoot, get in touch to discuss your family, your preferred style and the kind of images you would love to create together.
Please check my Maternity Photo Packages HERE.
