Maternity photoshoot in Poland: when to book, where to shoot and what to wear

Most people choose somewhere around weeks 28 to 34. Earlier than that, the bump can still be quite small, particularly in a first pregnancy or under looser clothes. Later on, many women tire more quickly, their feet swell, and a longer walk or sitting on the ground becomes harder work.

A few situations where it makes sense to move the date:

• Twins, or a bump that is growing quickly: many couples choose an earlier week because the final stretch can be tiring. Talk this through with your doctor or midwife.
• Medical advice to limit exertion: a short session at home will suit you better than an outdoor shoot with a walk to the spot.
• The season: if week 32 falls in January and you have been picturing green fields, consider whether a home session is the better choice.

Book early, during the second trimester, with some margin either side. If you feel unwell on the day, your health comes first. The rules for changing the date are set out in your proposal, so read them before you accept.

Outdoors means a meadow, a park, woodland or a beach. You get light, space and movement: a walk, a dress catching the wind, hands on the bump against the sky. It depends on the weather and involves a drive and a short walk, so choose a spot where you can park close by and there is a bench or low wall to rest on.

At home is the calmest option. The bathroom, water and sofa are all within reach, and the photographs show your everyday life: the nursery you have set up, a pile of tiny folded clothes, morning coffee by the window. One bright room with a large window and a little tidying in the frame is enough. It works well in winter and in the later weeks.

A studio gives full control over light and background, and more minimal, artistic frames, such as a silhouette against a plain backdrop. Some photographers have their own studio; others hire one. If a studio matters to you, say so in your request, and the location and cost will be in your proposal.

You can also combine a short park session with a few frames at home; it usually makes the session longer, so ask about it from the start.

Your due date sets the season, but each one offers something.

Spring (April–May). Magnolias, cherry and apple trees blossom, and in late April and May the rapeseed fields turn bright yellow. Rapeseed grows tall and dense, so the best photographs are taken from the edge of the field or a farm track, without walking into the crop. The weather is changeable, so keep a backup date in mind.

Summer (June–August). In July the grain fields turn gold, poppies and cornflowers line the field margins, and the days are at their longest. It is also hot, which can be hard going in the third trimester. Book early in the morning or the last hour before sunset, in the shade of trees, with water to hand.

By the sea. The beach in Sopot faces east over the Gulf of Gdańsk, so the sun rises over the water. In summer that means a very early start, before 4:30, but you get empty sand and soft light in return. In the evening the sun sets behind the town and the beach is already in shade. The popular stretches are busy in high season, so an early morning or September works best. The beach in Gdańsk, for example at Brzeźno, behaves the same way.

Autumn (September–October). Golden leaves, warm light and a sunset at a sensible hour; parks in Kraków and Wrocław look their best. Bring a coat or blanket, as evenings turn cool quickly.

Winter (November–March). Short days and cold weather favour a home or studio session. If it snows, a few minutes outside in a warm coat left open over the bump can give lovely photographs, but keep it to about a quarter of an hour.

The bump is the subject, so your clothes should show its shape rather than hide it.

What works:

• A long, fitted dress in stretch jersey, or one that ties under the bust. It shows your silhouette and looks good in movement.
• A long, floaty tulle or chiffon dress for outdoors: it moves in the wind and glows slightly when the sun is behind you. On the beach choose a lighter fabric, as heavy tulle soaks up sand and water.
• Your partner’s shirt worn open over a bodysuit or top, unbuttoned over the bump. It suits a home session by the window.
• Colours: beige, cream, white, dusty pink, bottle green, navy. Plain fabrics work better than small patterns.
• Two outfits are plenty for an hour: one dressier, one more everyday.

Avoid loose tunics with no waist, large logos, anything that presses on the bump, and new shoes. Outdoors you will often go barefoot for a few frames, so sandals or flats are enough.

Your partner and children do not need matching outfits; it is enough for their colours to sit well with your dress. For more on coordinating clothes for two or more people, see our guide on what to wear for a photoshoot.

An hour-long session is not an hour of standing still: a good photographer alternates seated and standing frames, and breaks are built into the time.

1. Water and a snack in your bag, even for a short session.
2. Comfortable shoes for the walk, with the nice pair carried in your hand.
3. A warm layer for the breaks: a jumper, coat or blanket. The wind by the sea can be cool even in July.
4. A toilet nearby: ask the photographer where the nearest café or toilet is at your chosen spot.
5. Say how you feel. If something pinches, you feel dizzy or you need to sit down, say so straight away. The photographer will change the plan without fuss.

Lying on your back or sitting on the ground for long does not suit every woman in the third trimester. The photographer will suggest alternatives, and if you are unsure what is comfortable and safe for you, ask your doctor or midwife before the session.

Have your hair and make-up done in advance and leave time for the journey: rushing shows in photographs more than wind-blown hair.

Many of the warmest frames happen when your partner holds the bump from behind or leans in to listen to it.

Your partner. For many partners a photoshoot feels awkward at first. Simple prompts help: hold her, look at the bump, say something funny. It works best when your partner stays for the whole session.

Older children. A big brother or sister waiting for the baby makes a lovely subject: small hands on the bump, a kiss, holding the scan photo together. Plan the session for after a nap, bring snacks, and photograph your older child at the start while they are still in a good mood. Afterwards they can play with the other parent or a grandparent while you finish a few frames on your own.

The dog. If the dog is part of the family, it can be in the photographs too. Let the photographer know in advance, and bring someone who can look after it when needed.

If the family matters more than the bump, see our page on family photography in Poland.

Many families plan maternity in the third trimester and a newborn session in the baby’s first weeks together, for three reasons.

First, after the birth you will have no time to look for a photographer; if it is arranged in advance, a message with the date of birth is enough. Second, the same photographer already knows you and your home, so the two sessions tell one consistent story. Third, the budget is easier to plan: a newborn session at home starts from PLN 1,100 for about 2.5 hours.

How to arrange it:

• In your maternity request, give your due date and mention that you would also like a newborn session.
• The newborn session date is fixed after the birth, as nobody knows the exact day in advance. The rules for booking and moving the date are in your proposal.

How to prepare your home, and what happens during the session, is covered in our guide to a newborn session at home.

The best spot is close to home, with shade, a bench and parking nearby. A few examples:

• Warsaw: Pole Mokotowskie with its wide lawns, Skaryszewski Park with its pond and avenues, and Kabaty Forest (Las Kabacki) if you prefer woodland. Łazienki Park has its own rules on photo sessions, so check the current regulations before you settle on it.
• Kraków: Jordan Park (Park Jordana) with its tree-lined paths, and the Błonia meadow at sunset, with open space all around.
• Wrocław: Szczytnicki Park, with plenty of greenery. The Japanese Garden inside it charges for entry and has its own rules on photography.
• The Tricity: the beach and pier in Sopot, and the beach at Brzeźno in Gdańsk. Entry to the Sopot pier is paid in season; check the current price on the operator’s website.

Most parks need no formalities, but museum parks and botanical gardens often have regulations; your photographer will tell you where to check.

If you would feel more comfortable with an English-speaking photographer, mention it in your request. Each photographer’s languages are listed on their profile and we take this into account when matching, though who is available depends on your date. Once you have a date and a place in mind, send an availability request.