Are you planning to capture some sweet moments of your pregnancy with a sunrise or sunset maternity shoot? Believe it or not, the look and feel of your photos can vary quite significantly depending on which time of day you schedule your session. This is especially true in Maui where the overall aesthetic varies if the sun is rising or setting across the horizon. 

Joana did two photoshoots with us: a sunset session and a sunrise session, to celebrate her babymoon on Maui. We love that we were able to photograph two sessions that give off two completely different vibes, and we’re excited to share her incredible maternity photos as examples for you.

Besides the amazing bump shots in this blog, we’ll break down the differences between scheduling your maternity shoot at sunrise versus sunset so you can make the best decision for yourself. 

Sunrise Maternity Photos Are Stunning

The sunrise in Maui makes for perfectly pastel pregnancy photos—the kind that are full of color, light, and emotion. The way the sun dances on the water as it rises provides an almost ethereal feel. 

Sunrise pregnancy photos have a peaceful feel. They tend to make an ultra-relaxed, graceful impression. The color palette is light and bright. If this speaks to you, sunrise pregnancy photos might be the perfect option for you.

What to Wear for a Sunrise Maternity Session

If you love the idea of a maternity photoshoot on the beach and at sunrise, your next thought will probably be “what should I wear?”. Here are some outfit ideas that work perfectly for this type of session:

1. Flowy maxi dress: Opt for a soft, flowing maxi dress that allows you to move comfortably and creates a beautiful silhouette. Choose light and breathable fabrics like chiffon or cotton to keep you cool and comfortable. 
2. Pastel tones: Consider choosing colors that complement the beach setting and the soft morning light. Pastel shades like mint green, lavender, or pale pink can create a gentle and ethereal look. Pastel bathing suits look absolutely beautiful, too!
3. Empire waist or wrap dress: These styles can accentuate your baby bump while providing a flattering and comfortable fit. The empire waistline is higher, just below the bust, which allows the fabric to flow over your belly. A wrap dress can be adjusted to accommodate your changing shape.
4. Off-the-shoulder or flowy sleeves: If you want to add a touch of elegance or romance to your look, consider an off-the-shoulder dress or one with flowy sleeves. These styles can add visual interest and create a soft and feminine vibe.
5. Maternity photoshoot accessories: Keep your accessories simple and natural. You might want to consider delicate jewelry like a pendant necklace. A floral crown or a flower hair clip can also add a whimsical touch to your beach maternity shoot.
6. Footwear: Given that you’ll be on the beach, it’s best to go barefoot or wear sandals. You can choose flat sandals, flip-flops, or even delicate lace-up sandals for a bohemian touch.

The most important thing is for you to feel comfortable and confident during the photoshoot. Choose an outfit that reflects your personal style and makes you feel beautiful. 

Striking Sunset Maternity Photos 

If you love bold colors, just wait until you see the backdrop Maui provides during your sunset maternity session in Maui. As the sun drops across the Maui horizon, the atmosphere turns positively vibrant. 

Sunset photos bring out a more contrast-rich, dramatic vibe. Compared to sunrise photos, they are more moody and slightly less strikingly feminine. 

What to Wear for a Sunset Maternity Session

If the look and feel of sunset maternity photos resonates with you, you’ll want to make sure you have the perfect outfit picked out for your shoot. Here are some outfit ideas that work perfectly for sunset pregnancy photos at the beach:

1. Maxi dress with warm tones: Select a maxi dress in warm tones like deep red, burnt orange, mustard yellow, or rich burgundy. These colors will harmonize with the sunset hues and create a striking contrast against the beach backdrop.
2. Your favorite swimsuit: You’re at a beach, so wearing your favorite swimsuit makes perfect sense for the occasion. Plus, there are so many different styles you can choose from to perfectly accentuate your bump. Like the maxi dress color options, sticking with warm tones will look perfectly stunning on you.
3. Flowy and lightweight fabrics: Choose fabrics like chiffon or silk that flow gracefully with the ocean breeze. These materials create a dreamy and ethereal look while allowing you to move freely during the photoshoot.
4. Go elegant and off-shoulder: Consider tops and dresses with off-the-shoulder or lace detailing to add a touch of elegance to your outfit. Don’t shy away from details that will enhance the romantic atmosphere of the sunset beach setting.
5. Maternity gown: If you want to create a truly glamorous look, consider wearing a maternity gown. These gowns are designed specifically for maternity photoshoots and often feature flowing skirts, lace accents, or sweetheart necklines. They can create a stunning silhouette and add a touch of drama to your photos.
6. Barefoot or sandals: Similar to the sunrise photoshoot, it’s best to go barefoot or wear sandals on the beach during a sunset photoshoot. You can choose flat sandals, delicate lace-up sandals, or opt for bare feet to feel more connected to the natural surroundings.

Remember, these are just guidelines. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in whatever you decide to wear.

Why not both? You deserve it.

You can’t go wrong choosing a sunrise or sunset maternity shoot. At the end of the day, it all depends on which look resonates most with you. 

But if it were up to us, we’d say: Why choose? We suggest you book a sunrise and sunset session and have fun with two completely different looks on each photoshoot. 

You can get the best of both worlds—soft sunrise and sultry sunset—when you book both types of beach maternity sessions with us!

Book Your Maternity Session Today

Whether you book in for sunset or sunrise, you can trust you’re in good hands with us. We promise to make you feel like the goddess you are—no matter the time of day we shoot. Reach out today and secure your spot. We can’t wait to meet you!