New York City gives you some of the most recognizable backdrops in the world for a maternity photoshoot, from Central Park in fall to the cobblestones of DUMBO and the light-filled studios of Manhattan and Brooklyn. With so many photographers across the five boroughs, we have narrowed it down to five NYC maternity photographers that stood out in our own research. This list is in no particular order and the order does not reflect a ranking or rating, so please do your own research, review full galleries and speak with a photographer before you book.
Maternity Photographers in New York City
1. Glow Portraits - Midtown Manhattan and Central Park
Glow Portraits is a maternity and newborn photography studio in Midtown Manhattan, run by an all-female team with 15 years in business. Maternity sessions take place in their studio, with classic backdrops, artistic lighting and a large wardrobe of flowing gowns, tulle, silks and bodycon dresses, plus styling and makeup available. They also offer Central Park maternity photoshoots, which are especially popular in spring and fall. Learn more at nycnewbornphotography.com.
2. Jacqueline Clair Photography - Upper East Side
Jacqueline Clair is an NYC maternity photographer based on the Upper East Side, known for light, bright and airy images with natural, relaxed posing. Jackie photographs solo, couples and family maternity sessions, with pets welcome, in the studio, outdoors or at home across Manhattan and Brooklyn. She also helps with outfit planning and location scouting, which is handy if you are not sure where to start. See her work at jacquelineclairfamilies.com.
3. Le Studio NYC - Brooklyn and Manhattan
Le Studio NYC runs boutique studios in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, and near Union Square in Manhattan. Their maternity sessions have an editorial, magazine-style feel, with hair and makeup on set and a wardrobe of around 30 gowns, silks and wraps in a wide range of sizes. They serve families across Williamsburg, DUMBO, Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, SoHo, Tribeca and the West Village. Visit lestudionyc.com to see their portfolio.
4. Brilianna Photography - Forest Hills, Queens
Brilianna Photography is run by Irina Babakhanov from her studio in Forest Hills, Queens, and serves families across NYC and Long Island. Maternity sessions include professional hair and makeup and access to a studio wardrobe of maternity gowns, and Irina also photographs newborns and baby milestones if you want one photographer for the first year. Find out more at briliannaphotography.com.
5. Tal's Studio - Chelsea, Manhattan
Tal's Studio is a Chelsea photography studio in Manhattan offering maternity sessions with professional lighting, posing guidance and in-studio gowns and fabrics. As well as classic studio maternity portraits, they offer milk bath maternity sessions, and immediate family members are welcome to join. They publish their session options upfront, which makes it easy to compare. See details at talsstudio.com.
How to Choose a Maternity Photographer in NYC
The right photographer comes down to the look you want, where you want to shoot and how much of the experience you want taken care of. Full galleries tell you more than a highlight reel, so ask to see a complete maternity session before deciding.
Studio or Outdoor in New York
Studio sessions in Manhattan, Brooklyn or Queens keep you comfortable whatever the weather, which matters in humid summers and cold winters. Outdoor sessions make the most of the city itself. Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO waterfront, Brooklyn Heights Promenade and the tree-lined streets of the West Village are all popular with NYC maternity photographers. Ask about permits, crowds and the best time of day for each spot.
Wardrobe, Hair and Makeup
Many New York maternity studios include a client wardrobe of gowns and silks, and some include hair and makeup on the day. If you would rather wear your own outfit, ask what colors and styles suit their backdrops and editing style.
What Is Included in the Package
Check how long the session lasts, how many edited images are included, when your private gallery will be delivered, whether retouching is extra and whether prints or wall art are sold separately. Getting this in writing avoids surprises later.
When Should You Book a Maternity Photoshoot in NYC?
Most NYC maternity photographers recommend shooting around your seventh month, roughly 28 to 34 weeks, when your bump is well defined and you can still move comfortably. If you are expecting twins or feeling unwell, aim earlier. Popular studios can book two to three months ahead, so enquire during your second trimester.
Season matters in New York. Spring blooms and fall foliage in Central Park are the most requested outdoor looks, while winter and peak summer are better suited to studio sessions. Many studios also run holiday mini sessions in November, which book out quickly.
What to Wear to Your New York Maternity Shoot
For fall and winter sessions in the city, fitted maternity knit dresses keep you warm and show off your bump beautifully against brick, brownstones and autumn leaves. For studio portraits or a spring session in the park, our photoshoot and baby shower dresses give you soft, flowing shapes that photograph well. If your shoot falls in the lead-up to December, our guide to Christmas maternity photo outfits has plenty of festive ideas.
Photographers, Models and Influencers: Collaborate With Angel Maternity
Angel Maternity is always open to collaborations with photographers, models and influencers in New York and across the United States. If you shoot maternity, newborn or family sessions, or create content for moms and moms-to-be, we would love to hear from you. Reach out through our contact page to start a conversation.
Shop Your Maternity Photoshoot Look
Whichever photographer you choose, feeling confident in what you wear shows in every frame. Browse our full range of maternity dresses to find a bump-friendly outfit for your New York City maternity photoshoot.
