Newborn Photography Oatley
September 10, 2026
Looking for newborn photography in Oatley? Hello Baby Photography creates calm, natural newborn portraits for
- 0400 918 565
- contact@hellobaby.com.au
- 42 Douglas Haig Street, Oatley NSW
Your complete guide to looking and feeling stunning and what to wear for a maternity photoshoot — plus a peek inside our curated client wardrobe, included with every session.
One of the most common questions I hear from expecting mamas is: “What do I wear to my maternity session?” And honestly? It makes complete sense.
You’re navigating a body that’s changing every week, nothing in your wardrobe fits quite the same way, and you want to look back on these photos in twenty years and feel breathtaking.
The good news: you don’t need to go shopping. Unless of course you want to! Any excuse to hit the shops for some pampering in my opinion :)
However, when you book a maternity session at HelloBABY Photography, you have full access to our carefully curated client wardrobe — a collection of gowns, dresses, and sets that have been hand-selected (tried and tested!) for one purpose: making you look absolutely radiant in your pregnancy photos.
This guide walks you through everything — the styles, the colours, the tips — so you walk into your session feeling prepared, relaxed, and ready to be celebrated.
While the following article is full of useful tips and ideas, if you wish to skip ahead to see what’s available in our client wardrobe, please go ahead.
TIMING
The sweet spot for maternity photography in Sydney is between 26 and 32 weeks. At this stage your bump is beautifully full and round, your energy is still relatively high, and you have a lovely buffer before baby arrives. I find that expectant mums have a stunning pregnancy glow and energy in the 2nd trimester. It’s the best time to capture your bump, beacuse not only you look stunning, but you have the energy to show it off too. Book your session after your first trimester so you have your date locked in and we can spend time planning your look together.
That said — every pregnancy is different. Some mamas pop earlier, some carry later. If you’re unsure, just reach out. We’ll chat through the timing that makes sense for your body and your due date.
OUR STUDIO WARDROBE
At HelloBABY Photography, we’ve spent years building a wardrobe of maternity gowns that photograph beautifully in our bright, airy Sydney studio. Every dress has been chosen with the same things in mind: flattering silhouettes, beautiful fabrics that catch light, and a colour palette that works with our studio tones and backgrounds.
Most of our clients wear two or three looks during their session, which gives your gallery a beautiful variety — from romantic and flowing to sleek and elegant. You can mix pieces from our wardrobe with something you love from home, or use our collection entirely. The choice is completely yours.
STYLE GUIDE
Not all dresses are created equal when it comes to maternity photography. Here’s a breakdown of the styles in our wardrobe, what they do for different body types, and when each shines.
Sheer, layered, and utterly romantic — a flowing boho gown is the signature look of a maternity photoshoot. The open front showcases the bump beautifully while the dramatic skirt creates movement and shape in every pose. These gowns tend to look incredible photographed against light and window backdrops, and the soft ruffle details add gorgeous texture. They’re also forgiving and incredibly comfortable to wear.
Best for: mamas who love a dreamy, editorial feel. Also beautiful for silhouette shots.
For a sleek, elegant look that really shows off the shape of your bump, a fitted off-shoulder gown is incredible. The stretch fabric hugs every curve and the off-shoulder neckline is universally flattering. These gowns create a very clean silhouette — perfect for those looking for something more timeless and less bohemian.
Best for: mamas who want something polished, minimal, and striking. The side profile in a fitted gown is one of the most impactful shots in the whole session.
Ethereal and artistic, draped or sheer gowns are designed for silhouette work. When shot against the window light in our studio, the fabric catches the light in the most beautiful way — creating soft, hazy images that feel almost painterly. These are genuinely some of the most artistic shots from any session, and mamas consistently say they’re among their favourites from the gallery.
Two-piece sets — a crop top or off-shoulder top paired with a flowing skirt — are a favourite for showcasing the bare bump. They’re incredibly versatile and give a slightly more relaxed, intimate feel to the photos.
Can be worn as two-piece, showing off the bump, or with the skirt pulled over the bump creating a one-piece gown, allowing you to wear it for your newborn session also.
They’re also beautiful for couple shots where both partners’ hands rest on the bump together.
Best for: mamas who want to show off their bump directly, and for sessions that include a partner or older siblings.
Full-bodied dresses with dramatic puffed or bishop sleeves are having a beautiful moment in maternity photography right now — and for good reason. They add elegance and visual interest to images, and the volume of the skirt frames the bump perfectly. These look especially stunning in our studio with the soft natural light flooding through the curtains.
They are also great choices for newborn and family sessions, as well as as when an energetic little toddler is around for the photos too.
COLOURS
Colour is one of the most important decisions for your maternity session — and it’s one we’ll guide you through when you book.
Our studio has a light, neutral palette that works beautifully with a wide range of tones. Here’s what we love and why.
Ivory, cream, off-white and warm beige are the most timeless choices for maternity photography. They don’t compete with the beauty of the moment — they frame it. These tones feel luxurious on camera and age incredibly well. In ten years’ time, neutral tones will never look dated.
Soft pinks and dusty rose tones are endlessly flattering. They’re feminine without being saccharine, and they work beautifully in our studio’s warm natural light. Blush is particularly popular for couple sessions — it complements a wide range of partner outfits and skin tones. It also works wonderfully with siblings dressed in complementary warm neutrals.
Richer neutral tones — camel, mocha, champagne, warm tan — are stunning on camera and photograph particularly well against our light studio backgrounds. These colours have a grounded, organic quality that gives a more editorial feel to images. They’re especially beautiful on deeper skin tones.
Occasionally a mama comes in wanting something with a little more drama — and we’re absolutely here for it. A deep, rich red is one of our personal favourites. Against the soft white studio backdrop, it creates a genuinely striking image. The key is keeping everything else simple so the colour does the talking. If you’re leaning towards something bolder, we’ll chat through how to style the rest of your session around it.
PARTNERS & SIBLINGS
Including your partner — or your little ones from a previous pregnancy — in your maternity session creates some of the most meaningful images in your whole gallery. The key is coordination without matching exactly.
Complimenting shades and mixing textures can work incredibly well.
For partners, we recommend simple, well-fitting clothing in a neutral palette. A white or cream linen shirt with beige, linen, or soft grey pants works beautifully in almost every combination. Avoid overly formal or stiff fabrics — the goal is effortless and connected, not corporate. Bare feet in the studio tend to look far more natural and relaxed than shoes, so we usually go barefoot for indoor sessions.
There is genuinely nothing more joyful than the images we capture of a mama with her existing little one — the curiosity, the hugs, the kisses on the bump, the dancing together in front of the window. For older siblings, we recommend soft, simple outfits that are comfortable to wear and complement Mama’s look. Warm neutrals, dusty tones, and simple textures all work beautifully. Avoid very matchy-matchy looks — a little contrast in tone adds visual interest.
JUST YOU
Some of our most powerful images come from solo sessions — just mama, her bump, and the camera. There’s a confidence and intimacy to a solo maternity session that creates genuinely stunning portraits. And wearing multiple outfits throughout the session means you get a beautiful range — from soft and feminine to sleek and editorial.
We typically recommend planning for 2–3 looks in a solo session. This might be: a fitted gown for elegant profiles, a flowy boho gown for dreamy editorial shots, and something more relaxed or bare-bump for an intimate look. We’ll plan this together once you’ve booked, so you never have to figure it out alone.
PRACTICAL ADVICE
We recommend professional hair and makeup for your maternity session — not because you need it, but because it means you arrive feeling genuinely ready, and that energy comes through in every single photo. The camera is very honest about makeup, so a slightly heavier hand than your everyday look will photograph beautifully. Loose, romantic waves are always stunning for maternity sessions. A neat upstyle or ballerina bun can also look incredibly elegant — particularly against dramatic gowns.
Wearing a stick on bra / or nipple cover for any more daring outfits. Strapless bras work as well, however on some occasions you may wish to have your chest / back uncovered for that sexy look.
For any fitted gowns, a shapewear undergarment might be something you’d like to consider, for that extra comfort and confidence, however not a must.
In the hours before your session, avoid anything with a tight waistband, tight bra straps, or socks that leave marks. Compression marks on skin can take a couple of hours to fade, and they show up in photos. Arrive in your most comfortable, loose clothing.
Simple, delicate jewellery is perfect — think fine chain necklaces, small earrings, your engagement and wedding rings. Keep it minimal so nothing competes with the dress. If the gown is statement enough on its own, skip the jewellery entirely. Less is almost always more.
Your hands will feature heavily in your photos — cradling your bump, resting against fabric. A fresh, neat manicure makes a real difference. Nudes, soft pinks, and classic styles all look beautiful. Avoid very dark or very bright shades unless they tie into your outfit colour story.
THE HELLOBABY EXPERIENCE
At HelloBABY Photography, our Sydney studio was designed specifically for maternity and newborn photography. The flooded natural light, the neutral backdrop, the curated props and furniture — every element has been considered to create images that are timeless, intimate, and genuinely breathtaking.
Our approach is always relaxed and guided. You don’t need to know how to pose. You don’t need to have done this before. You just need to show up — and we’ll take care of the rest. We’ll move through poses naturally, suggest the looks that work best for your body and your vision, and create a gallery that you’ll treasure for the rest of your life.
Whether you’re coming in solo, with your partner, with little ones in tow, or all of the above — your session will be completely tailored to you. That’s what makes each gallery unique.
Secure your date now and let’s start planning!
PREFER TO CHAT FIRST? QUESTIONS? GET IN TOUCH ⟶
📞 Call/Text: 0400 918 565
✉️ Email: contact@hellobaby.com.au
🕐 Response time: Within 30 minutes during business hours
Every dress below is available to wear at no extra cost as part of your HelloBABY Photography maternity session.
They are also available for newborn and family portrait sessions.
Scroll through, find your favourites, and we’ll plan your looks together.
Sheer layered lace with an open front and dramatic bell sleeves.
Romantic and ethereal — perfect for bump-forward shots and silhouette work. Can be worn front open or closed.
A flowing, open-back halter gown in the softest ivory chiffon. The high neckline creates an elegant, elongated silhouette while the sheer fabric drapes beautifully around the bump. Particularly striking when shot against the window light — the translucent layers create an ethereal, almost sculptural effect.
For the mama who wants something bold. Deep red with tiered ruffles — absolutely striking against our white studio backdrop.
Can be worn as a two-piece showing your bump or as a one-piece dress.
Flowing from an empire waistline with gathered fabric that beautifully frames the bump. Light, airy, and incredibly elegant.
A luxurious draped silhouette in warm mocha tones. Sophisticated, editorial, and stunning on all skin tones.
Softly draped with a flattering off-shoulder neckline. A versatile classic that works for solo, couples, and sibling sessions.
A body-conscious silhouette in soft blush pink with long sleeves and an off-shoulder neckline. Sleek, modern, and incredibly photogenic from every angle.
Full-length with dramatic puffed sleeves and a softly tiered skirt. Elegant and incredibly feminine — a studio favourite for comfortable and soft family portraits.
Sheer champagne fabric with a dramatic off-shoulder ruffle neckline and long billowing sleeves. Can be worn as a two-piece beautifully showcasing the bump, or as a one-piece dress, both ways it photographs magnificently. One of our most versatile gowns — equally stunning in solo sessions, with a partner, or with an older sibling.
A softly beige crop top with a flared off-shoulder sleeve paired with a flowing smocked maxi skirt. The bare midriff beautifully showcases the bump, and the two-piece silhouette creates a wonderfully intimate feel — especially in couple sessions where both sets of hands naturally come together at the centre. One of our most requested looks for partners-included shoots.
A luxuriously textured bouclé knit gown with a subtle off-shoulder neckline and long sleeves that end in a gentle flare. The fitted silhouette shows off every curve of your bump beautifully, while the soft cream tone keeps the focus entirely on you. Effortlessly elegant — and incredibly comfortable to wear.
A stunning choice for warm family portraits as well.
A sleek, clean silhouette that puts every curve on beautiful display. The off-shoulder neckline is timeless and universally flattering.
Clean, minimal, and quietly stunning. This ribbed off-shoulder knit dress hugs the bump perfectly and photographs beautifully in both standing and floor poses. The crisp white against our studio's soft neutral tones creates a fresh, modern look that pairs particularly well for couple sessions — a simple knit or linen top on your partner is all you need.
Relaxed and feminine, this off-shoulder puff sleeve dress in warm beige linen has a smocked bodice and a softly gathered skirt that sits just above the floor. It's one of our most joyful, approachable looks — perfect for mamas who want something effortless and pretty without being too formal. The shorter length and puff sleeve detail give it a fresh, youthful feel.
A delicate ivory halter-neck crop top paired with a tiered ruffle maxi skirt in the softest sheer fabric. The open design puts the bump front and centre while the cascading skirt adds gorgeous texture and movement. Beautiful for floor poses, seated shots, and couple sessions alike — this set photographs with a dreamy, romantic quality that clients absolutely love.
Secure your date now and let’s start planning!
PREFER TO CHAT FIRST? QUESTIONS? GET IN TOUCH ⟶
📞 Call/Text: 0400 918 565
✉️ Email: contact@hellobaby.com.au
🕐 Response time: Within 30 minutes during business hours
Looking for newborn photography in Oatley? Hello Baby Photography creates calm, natural newborn portraits for
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