How to Plan the Perfect Summer Maternity Photo Shoot: Posing Tips & Location Ideas

Summer is a beautiful time for an outdoor maternity photoshoot! With golden sunsets, blooming landscapes, and warm weather, it’s the perfect season to capture your growing bump in a natural and timeless way. If you’re an expecting mama in Pennsylvania, finding the right photographer and location is key to getting stunning images.

As a Lehigh Valley maternity photographer, I specialize in capturing the beauty of motherhood with natural light maternity photography. In this guide, I’ll share my best tips on posing, outfit ideas, and the best locations in the Lehigh Valley for your summer maternity session.

1. When to Schedule Your Summer Maternity Session

Timing is everything when planning your maternity photos! The best time to book your session is between 28-34 weeks—when your bump is beautifully round, but you’re still comfortable moving around. If you’re looking for an outdoor family photographer in Lehigh Valley PA, I recommend scheduling your session in advance to secure the perfect summer date.

Best Time of Day for Summer Maternity Photos

For that soft, dreamy glow, opt for a golden hour maternity photoshoot in Lehigh Valley. This means scheduling your session about an hour before sunset to capture warm, flattering light.

2. Choosing the Perfect Summer Maternity Photo Location

The Lehigh Valley is full of stunning outdoor locations that create the perfect backdrop for maternity photos. Here are some of my favorite places to capture beautiful, scenic maternity images:

🌿 Trexler Nature Preserve (Schnecksville, PA)

If you love rolling hills, wildflowers, and open fields, this spot is perfect for a dreamy, nature-inspired maternity session. This is my clients all time favorite location in the Lehigh Valley. If you love sunsets this is your go to spot!

🌳 Jacobsburg State Park (Nazareth, PA)

This location offers a mix of wooded trails, creeks, and open fields, making it a favorite for Bethlehem PA family photographers capturing natural and relaxed images.

🏖️ Lake Nockamixin (Quakertown, PA)

For a beachy, coastal vibe without leaving Pennsylvania, Lake Nockamixin offers sandy shores, water reflections, and a serene setting—perfect for Lehigh Valley maternity photography.

3. What to Wear for a Summer Maternity Photoshoot

Your outfit choices can elevate your maternity photos and add to the overall feel of the session. Here are my top tips for picking the perfect look:

✅ Flowy Maxi Dresses – Soft, breathable fabrics like chiffon or cotton create beautiful movement in photos. Earthy tones, pastels, and light neutrals work best for an elegant, natural light maternity photography look.

✅ Light & Earth tone Colors – Avoid heavy, dark colors that absorb heat. Soft tones, ivory, and sage green are perfect for summer maternity sessions.

✅ Barefoot for Beach Sessions – If you opt for a lakeside or sandy location like Lake Nockamixin, ditch the shoes for a relaxed, ethereal vibe.

✅ Coordinating Outfits for Partners & Siblings – If your partner or kids are joining, choose outfits that complement each other without being too matchy-matchy.

4. Posing Tips for a Natural & Flattering Look

Many moms worry about posing for their maternity session, but don’t stress—I’ll guide you through everything! Here are some of my favorite flattering and emotional maternity poses:

🌿 “Hands on the Belly” – A classic pose that emphasizes your growing bump and creates a natural connection.

🌅 “Looking Down at Baby” – A sweet, emotional pose where you gently gaze down at your belly. This works beautifully for golden hour maternity photos in Lehigh Valley.

👩‍❤️‍👨 “Partner Embrace” – If your partner is joining, try a romantic pose where they stand behind you, hands wrapped around your belly.

🚶‍♀️ “Walking Shots” – Movement adds life to your images! A casual walk through a field or along the water makes for stunning, candid maternity shots.

5. Book a Lehigh Valley Maternity Photographer Who Understands Your Vision

Your maternity photos should reflect your style, personality, and the excitement of your growing family. Whether you’re looking for a Lehigh Valley newborn photography expert or a stress-free family photo experience in PA, choosing a photographer who specializes in motherhood photography will make all the difference.

📅 Ready to book your summer maternity session? Spots fill up quickly, so let’s capture this beautiful season before your baby arrives! Contact me here to reserve your date!