The best lens for maternity photography
THE BEST LENS FOR MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY (AND WHY IT’S NOT REALLY ABOUT THE LENS)
People always ask, “What’s the best lens for maternity photography?”
And honestly? There isn’t a single right answer — but there are lenses I reach for again and again.
I’ve taken some of my favourite portraits on simple, entry-level cameras. I’ve shot maternity sessions using everything from 35mm to 135mm. Each focal length has its own sweet spot — but what matters most isn’t the gear. It’s the feeling you create.
Still, if you want to know what I actually use (and why), here’s the truth — with a little context first.
1. Before the lens… let’s talk about the mother
By the time she’s around 31–35 weeks, most women feel a mix of excitement, heaviness, tenderness, and… let’s be honest, tiredness. What she wears, how supported she feels, and how gently you guide her affect everything.
Clothing is something we choose together — soft fabrics, tones that feel like her, shapes that honour her changing body.
Because the right outfit doesn’t just photograph well.
It grounds her.
And when she feels grounded, the images deepen.
Preparation is the quiet magic:
the location, the mood, the styling, the intention.
2. How you guide her matters more than your gear
Before we begin, I walk her through the plan — gently, not rigidly.
I’ll suggest poses. I’ll adjust her angles. I’ll tell her when something looks beautiful.
And when I go quiet, it’s because I’m building the shot — reading the light, waiting for a breath, a softness, a moment.
If something isn’t working, I don’t wait. I move.
Shift the angle.
Change the light.
Adapt the mood.
A maternity session is part portraiture, part emotional holding. You’re not just photographing a bump — you’re photographing a becoming.
3. A quick note on angles (they matter more than people think)
Angles can make or break a maternity image.
A slightly higher perspective often works beautifully — elongating the silhouette, softening the face, and highlighting the curve of the bump.
But you don’t only have to shoot high.
Sometimes shooting from below brings strength.
Sometimes eye level feels intimate and cinematic.
What matters is how she feels in the angle — confident, held, comfortable.
Yes, I go deep. I like to get a feel for how she feels. With this information, I can change, adapt and move my feet...my angle. It's a portrait; treat it as such and work hard to get the right angles.
But you don't always have to shoot high.
4. So… what is the best lens for maternity photography?
Here’s where I sit with gear
• Canon 24–70mm f/2.8 L
My workhorse. Versatile. Sharp. Perfect for moving between wide storytelling frames and quieter, close moments.
• Sigma Art 50mm f/1.4 OR Sigma 35mm f/1.4
A 50mm is great for portraits — honest, flattering, natural. If you only had one lens, the 50mm would carry you beautifully. A 35mm is another level of beauty, not typical for portraits, I know, but I love this lens.
Most of my images sit between 35–50mm. Sometimes I move up to 70mm for closer, intimate work. And yes, if I want a background that melts into softness, I’ll open up the 50mm and get intentional about my light.
But here’s the real truth:
It’s 20–30% gear and light.
And 70–80% emotion, connection, and instinct.
A lens can sharpen an image.
But you sharpen the story.
And honestly? That’s what people feel when they look back on these photos years from now.
If you’re exploring maternity photography — whether you’re a photographer or a parent — you’re always welcome to read more, browse my maternity portfolio, or just reach out.
No pressure. Just conversation.
I’m Samantha — a London-based newborn, maternity, and family photographer creating natural, emotionally honest, in-home sessions. I’ve been photographing babies and families since 2012, blending intuition, storytelling, and a quiet cinematic sensibility into work that feels warm, real, and deeply personal.
My art is an extension of who I am — thoughtful, soulful, and rooted in connection. And yes, I’ll happily travel wherever your story takes me.