You have been pinning maternity photos for months, and almost every image you love was taken in that dreamy golden-hour light outdoors. But then reality hits: your due date is in September. You are already warm all the time, given the day and time your ankles may or may not be exactly be your friends, and the thought of standing in a field at sunset sounds a lot less appealing than it did on Pinterest a few months ago.
Here is the thing though: some of the most beautiful maternity sessions I have photographed happened during the summer.
As a mom of two late summer babies, I completely understand that adding a photo session to the Georgia heat and humidity may not sound like the most exciting item on your to-do list. But I can honestly say I have never regretted documenting those seasons of motherhood. Looking back, I am so grateful to have photographs that remind me of the anticipation, excitement, and quiet moments before each of my babies arrived.
The key is simply approaching summer maternity photos a little differently.
Why Does Summer Change Everything About Maternity Session Style?
The same outfit advice that works beautifully in October can completely fall apart in July.
During cooler months, we often think about layers, texture, and cozy styling. In the middle of a Georgia summer, those same choices can quickly leave you feeling overheated, uncomfortable, and counting down the minutes until the session is over.
Pregnancy already changes your relationship with heat long before you step in front of a camera. Your body is working overtime growing a tiny human, your circulation changes, and many moms find themselves running noticeably warmer than usual. Add Georgia humidity to the mix, and suddenly comfort becomes just as important as style.
That is why summer maternity styling conversations often look very different than they do during any other season.
When we plan your session, we are not simply choosing what photographs beautifully. We are choosing what allows you to stay relaxed, comfortable, and present throughout the experience. The best maternity images happen when you are focused on your growing baby and your family—not on how hot you are or how quickly you can get back to the air conditioning.
Summer light, location choices, and session timing all play a role as well. Bright summer evenings, lush greenery, open fields, and waterfront locations each photograph differently, which affects everything from color recommendations to fabric choices.
And here is something I have learned after photographing many summer mamas: comfort always shows up on camera.
A mom who feels comfortable, confident, and relaxed photographs differently than a mom who is overheated and trying to push through. No matter how beautiful the location is, discomfort has a way of sneaking into expressions, posture, and body language.
That is why choosing the right outfit for your Columbus, GA summer maternity portraits is not a small detail. It is one of the biggest factors in creating images you will truly love.
The Best Fabrics for Summer Maternity Session Outfits
If there is one thing that can make or break your comfort during a summer maternity session, it is fabric.
When moms start thinking about what to wear for summer maternity photos, they often focus on color or style first. While those things absolutely matter, the fabric you choose can have an even bigger impact on how you feel throughout your session.
Summer maternity sessions are unique because your body is already working hard. Between the extra heat that naturally comes with pregnancy and the Georgia humidity, wearing the wrong fabric can leave you feeling uncomfortable much faster than you might expect.
My go-to recommendation is always lightweight, breathable fabrics that allows air to move freely and helps regulate your temperature.
Chiffon: A Photographer Favorite
There is a reason so many dresses in my client closet are made from chiffon.
Chiffon is lightweight, airy, and creates beautiful movement with even the slightest breeze. It catches light in a soft, flattering way and photographs beautifully during both golden hour and indoor sessions.
From a practical standpoint, chiffon does not cling to the body the way heavier fabrics often do, which helps you stay cooler throughout your session. From a photography standpoint, it creates that soft, romantic look so many moms love when planning their summer maternity photos.
LINEN: TIMELESS AND BREATHABLE
Linen is another wonderful option for summer sessions.
Its natural texture adds visual interest without feeling heavy, and it breathes exceptionally well in warm weather. I also love that linen can give your maternity portraits a more relaxed, organic look and photographs wonderfully in both outdoor and in studio settings.
What to Avoid
Just because a dress looks beautiful online does not mean it is the best choice for a July maternity session.
Heavier fabrics such as thick cotton, denim, velvet, or heavily structured materials tend to trap heat and restrict airflow. While they may work beautifully during cooler seasons, they can become uncomfortable very quickly during a summer session. Many moms are surprised by how much warmer they feel after just twenty or thirty minutes outdoors.
Why Lightweight Fabrics Photograph Better
One of the reasons I love flowy dresses for maternity sessions is that they do more than simply keep you cool.
Lightweight fabrics create movement.
They float as you walk, catch the breeze, and add softness to your images. This movement helps create those dreamy, timeless photographs that so many expecting mommas are drawn to.
Heavier fabrics often appear more rigid on camera, while lighter fabrics bring a sense of motion and life to your portraits.
A Small Tip Most Moms Thank Me For
There is one recommendation that I rarely see up on Pinterest boards but almost always gets a thank-you text after the session.
Consider moisture-wicking undergarments or cooling shorts underneath your dress.
Most moms think about the dress itself but forget about what they are wearing underneath. A breathable base layer can make a huge difference in helping you stay comfortable during an outdoor summer maternity session.
Cooling shorts, moisture-wicking bike shorts, or lightweight maternity undergarments help prevent chafing, reduce discomfort, and allow you to focus on enjoying the experience rather than constantly adjusting your outfit.
It may not be the glamorous part of planning your maternity session, but it is one of the most practical summer maternity session tips I can give.
The most beautiful maternity photos happen when you feel comfortable enough to forget about your outfit entirely and simply enjoy this special season of life.
What Should Mom Wear for an Outdoor Summer Session?
I think when most moms picture their maternity photos, they are imagining an outdoor session.
Maybe it is a golden field glowing in the evening light, a quiet nature trail lined with summer greenery, or a soft sunset overlooking the water. There is a reason these locations are so popular. They create beautiful, timeless images and allow plenty of room for movement and connection.
The key to dressing for an outdoor Columbus, GA summer maternity session is finding pieces that work with the environment rather than against it.
Choose Flowy Silhouettes That Move With You
One of the biggest mistakes I see during summer sessions is moms choosing outfits that are too fitted or structured because they think it will better highlight their bump.
In reality, loose and flowing silhouettes often do both.
A dress that gently skims your body allows air to circulate, moves beautifully when you walk, and creates gorgeous movement in your photographs. It also tends to be more comfortable when temperatures are high, especially during the third trimester.
Empire-waist dresses, wrap dresses, and flowy maxi dresses are some of my favorite maternity photo outfit ideas for summer because they highlight your growing belly while still allowing you to move comfortably.
The best outfit is one that lets you focus on your family and your baby rather than constantly adjusting straps, pulling at fabric, or wishing you had worn something else.
The Best Colors for Summer Maternity Photos
Summer landscapes tend to be vibrant on their own, which is why I often recommend softer color palettes that complement the scenery rather than compete with it.
Some of my favorite colors for summer maternity session outfits include:
Warm whites
Soft creams
Dusty blues
Sage greens
Muted blush tones
Light taupes
Soft beige neutrals
These colors photograph beautifully against summer greenery, golden fields, sandy paths, and soft evening skies. They also reflect heat better than darker colors, which can make a noticeable difference in how comfortable you feel during the session.
While there is certainly nothing wrong with darker tones, black and deep navy can feel significantly warmer during a Georgia summer and tend to absorb more sunlight throughout the session.
What About Sleeves?
Sleeves are one of those details that many moms overthink.
The truth is there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Off-the-shoulder styles, flutter sleeves, and wide necklines tend to be naturally cooler because they allow more airflow and expose areas where your body can release heat.
However, if you love the look of long sleeves, do not automatically rule them out.
A lightweight chiffon or gauze fabric can still feel surprisingly comfortable, even in summer.
The fabric matters far more than the sleeve length itself.
I always encourage moms to choose the style that makes them feel most confident because confidence photographs beautifully.
Choosing Shoes for Summer Sessions
If your feet look different these days than they did a few months ago, you are definitely not alone. Pregnancy swelling is incredibly common, especially during summer, which is why footwear deserves a little extra thought when planning your session.
For many outdoor locations, some of the best options are:
Bare feet
Simple flat sandals
Low wedges
Comfortable neutral-toned sandals
Before choosing shoes, think about the location itself.
Will you be walking through a grassy field? Along a dirt trail? Across a sandy riverbank?
The prettiest shoes are not always the most practical choice, and the last thing you want is to spend the entire session worrying about uneven ground or uncomfortable feet. I always recommend that if you are wanting to wear a pair of shoes that might have your feet screaming by the end of the session, to bring a pair of walking shoes or nice flats you can change into when just moving around your location.
Hair and Makeup Matter More Than You Think
When moms ask me about staying comfortable during summer sessions, hair and makeup often become part of that conversation. Professional hair and makeup is something I highly recommend whenever possible, especially during the summer months. Not only does it help you feel pampered and confident, but professional products are designed to withstand heat and humidity much better than most everyday products.
Your makeup artist can also help create a look that feels natural while ensuring it photographs beautifully throughout the entire session. One less thing to worry about means one more opportunity to simply enjoy the experience.
Add a Light Layer for Variety
One of my favorite styling tricks for summer maternity sessions is incorporating a lightweight cover-up, kimono, or open layering piece. Not only does it create additional visual interest, but it can also give you what feels like a second outfit without needing a complete wardrobe change.
These pieces photograph beautifully during seated poses, shaded setups, or moments where you are cuddled close with your partner or children. They also add movement and texture while remaining lightweight enough to keep you comfortable.
The goal with summer maternity styling is never to wear more. It is to wear smarter.
Simple, breathable pieces that move beautifully and allow you to stay comfortable will almost always create more timeless images than complicated outfits that leave you counting down the minutes until the session ends.
Can an Indoor Maternity Session Help You Beat the Summer Heat?
If you are reading this while sitting in front of a fan, sipping ice water, and wondering how on earth you're supposed to survive an outdoor maternity session in July, I have good news.
You do not have to.
While many moms automatically picture golden-hour fields and dreamy sunset skies when planning their maternity photos, a studio maternity session in summer can be every bit as beautiful—sometimes even more so.
In fact, every year I work with moms who begin the planning process completely set on outdoor photos and then as the warm days of summer begin change their mind, deciding an indoor maternity session is the better fit once they realize how much more comfortable the experience can be.
The Beauty of a Studio Maternity Session During Summer
If you love a clean, timeless look, a studio maternity session in summer can be an incredible option.
One of the biggest advantages is consistency.
Inside the studio, we do not have to worry about thunderstorms rolling through, unexpected humidity, harsh sunlight, or temperatures climbing higher than expected. The lighting remains soft and beautiful throughout the session, allowing us to focus entirely on creating meaningful images.
Studio sessions also work beautifully with flowing maternity gowns and more editorial-inspired looks. The simplicity of the space keeps the focus exactly where it belongs—on you, your growing baby, and the excitement of this season.
Many moms are surprised to discover that they can achieve the same soft, light-filled aesthetic they love from outdoor maternity galleries without ever stepping into the summer heat.
When an Indoor maternity session is actually the better Choice
If you are running hot, dealing with swelling, experiencing discomfort, or simply dreading the thought of standing outside in July, I want you to hear this:
Choosing an indoor session does not mean you are settling.
In many cases, it is actually the best decision you can make.
As photographers, we often talk about beautiful light, beautiful locations, and beautiful styling. But one of the biggest factors that impacts your final gallery is something much simpler.
How you felt during the session.
A relaxed mom photographs differently than an uncomfortable one.
A mom who feels cool, comfortable, and cared for naturally settles into the experience. Her expressions soften. Her shoulders relax. She connects more easily with her partner and children.
And those little things matter far more than whether the session took place in a field or a studio.
A Little Photographer Confession
Some of my favorite summer maternity images have actually come from studio sessions.
Not because the space were extraordinary.
Not because the styling was more elaborate.
But because the moms were comfortable.
They were not worried about the temperature. They were not counting down the minutes until they could get back to the air conditioning. They were not worried wondering if their hair was starting to frizz. They were simply present.
And when a mom feels present, relaxed, and connected, it shows in every single image.
At the end of the day, that is what maternity photography is really about.
Not the location.
Not the weather.
Not even the outfit.
It is about documenting this fleeting season before your baby arrives and creating photographs that bring you right back to how it felt to be waiting for them.
How to Stay Cool During a Summer Maternity Session
One of the biggest misconceptions about summer maternity photos is that being uncomfortable is simply part of the experience.
I promise it is not.
A little planning goes a long way toward helping you stay comfortable, enjoy your session, and focus on what really matters—celebrating this incredible season before your baby arrives.
As a photographer, I spend a lot of time thinking about light, locations, and posing, but during the summer months I am also thinking about temperature, shade, hydration, and how to make the experience as enjoyable as possible for my clients.
Stay Hydrated and Keep Snacks Nearby
Pregnancy already places extra demands on your body, and summer heat only adds to that.
I always encourage moms to start hydrating well before session day rather than trying to catch up once they arrive.
Bring plenty of cold water and consider adding an electrolyte drink as well, especially if you are further along in your pregnancy.
A small snack can also make a huge difference.
Something light and easy to eat between locations or during a quick break can help keep your energy up and prevent that sudden feeling of fatigue that sometimes sneaks up during late pregnancy.
Bring a Few Cooling Essentials
There are a few simple items that can completely change how a summer session feels:
A handheld fan
A cooling towel
A small cooler with extra water bottles
A small umbrella for shade between locations
Lip balm
Blotting papers for humidity
Most of these take up almost no space in your bag, but they can make a surprising difference once temperatures start rising. In fact, a cooling towel or portable fan is one of those things many moms thank me for recommending thinking it would be too much but ended up being a lifesaver keeping them cool throughout their session.
What Should Partners and Kids Wear for Summer Photos?
When planning what to wear for summer maternity photos, I recommend moms focus on her own outfit first. After all, this session is celebrating your pregnancy and the incredible journey of bringing a new baby into the world.
But once mom's outfit is chosen, the next question usually follows quickly:
"What should everyone else wear?"
The good news is that styling the rest of the family for a summer maternity session is often much simpler than people expect.
The same rule that applies to mom applies to everyone else as well: comfort comes first.
Because just like an overheated mom, an overheated partner or uncomfortable toddler will absolutely show it in the final images.
Keeping Partners Comfortable
Partners do not need complicated outfits to look great in maternity photos.
In fact, some of my favorite family images feature dads in simple, breathable pieces that complement the overall color palette without drawing attention away from the connection being captured.
Some great options include:
A linen button-down shirt
A lightweight cotton button-down
A soft neutral henley
A simple polo in a muted tone
Lightweight chinos or casual trousers
The goal is to keep the look timeless and comfortable.
Soft neutrals, light blues, warm grays, creams, and earthy tones all photograph beautifully during summer and coordinate well with the color palettes I typically recommend for maternity sessions.
Coordinating Colors Without Matching
One of the biggest styling myths is that everyone needs to wear the exact same color.
Instead of matching, I encourage families to coordinate.
For summer sessions, this often means choosing a soft, cohesive palette made up of complementary tones rather than identical outfits.
Think:
Sage green with cream
Dusty blue with warm beige
Soft blush with light tan
Ivory with muted gray
Warm neutrals layered together
These combinations create a polished look while still allowing each family member's personality to shine through. The result feels effortless, timeless, and much more natural in photographs.
Summer Styling for Siblings
If older siblings are joining your maternity session, comfort becomes even more important.
Children who are too warm, itchy, or uncomfortable tend to let everyone know very quickly.
And honestly, I don't blame them.
Summer is not the time for stiff fabrics, multiple layers, or outfits that look adorable but make it difficult to move.
Instead, I recommend:
Lightweight cotton dresses
Breathable rompers
Soft shorts and button-down shirts
Comfortable shoes they can run and play in
Simple outfits that feel like an elevated version of what they normally wear
Children photograph best when they are comfortable enough to be themselves.
A happy toddler exploring the field beside his mom almost always creates more meaningful images than a child who is constantly being reminded not to wiggle or tug on their outfit.
Another tip: Don’t change your little one into their photo outfit until you arrive at your location! This helps avoid any spills or sticky hand snacks in the car that might accidentally find their way onto their clothes.
What Does Booking a Summer Maternity Session with Me Look Like?
Planning a maternity session during a Georgia summer can feel overwhelming, but my goal is to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.
From the moment you inquire, I will guide you through every detail—from choosing the best location and session time to coordinating outfits for the entire family.
I typically recommend scheduling maternity sessions between 28 and 32 weeks. This is often the sweet spot where your bump is beautifully visible, but you are still feeling comfortable enough to enjoy your session.
After booking, you will receive access to my client closet featuring over 70 dresses carefully selected for motherhood, along with styling guidance for the entire family. I also provide recommendations for professional hair and makeup artists if you would like a little extra pampering before your session.
Because Georgia summers can be unpredictable, I keep a close eye on the weather leading up to your session and always have a backup plan should summer storms decide to make an appearance.
After your session, we will meet for your ordering and design appointment where you will view your gallery, choose your favorite images, and explore beautiful ways to preserve them through heirloom albums and artwork.
Columbus, GA MAternity Photographer
Pregnancy has a way of feeling both incredibly long and unbelievably short at the same time.
Before long, the kicks, the anticipation, and the excitement of waiting to meet your baby will become memories.
If you're looking for a full-service maternity photography experience designed to help you feel comfortable, confident, and cared for every step of the way, I'd love to help you document this season.
I'd love to connect and begin planning your maternity session.
