Professional photoshoot celebrating pregnancy, typically third trimester. Evolved from simple family photos to elaborate productions: flowing gowns, flower crowns, dramatic lighting, partner involvement. Pinterest and Instagram made it aspirational millennial ritual 2011-present. Industry worth hundreds of millions annually.
The Pinterest Effect
2011-2015 saw explosion of styled maternity photography: sunset beach shoots, fields of wildflowers, studio silhouettes, milk bath photos. Every pregnant woman felt pressure for “bump photos.” Photographers specialized in maternity - booked months in advance. Dresses, props, locations became increasingly elaborate. Gender reveal incorporated into some shoots.
Body Celebration vs Commodification
Movement empowered women to celebrate pregnant bodies after decades of hiding “baby bumps.” Nude and semi-nude photos normalized pregnancy curves. Critics argued it commercialized pregnancy, created pressure for Instagram-worthy documentation. Pandemic shifted to DIY home shoots and partner-taken photos. Trend endures but less elaborate post-2020.