This Mama to be stuns a tight light burgundy fitted dress that complements her figure and the surrounding area at Black Hawk State Park. This is a great example of jewel tones and a dress that can look elegant out in nature.

What to Wear to Your Maternity Session: Embracing Boho Style, Jewel Tones, and Earthy Hues

Your maternity session is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate your pregnancy and capture this special moment in time. Choosing the right outfit and location can elevate your photos, creating a timeless, ethereal look that highlights your glow. Boho-inspired styles, flowy maternity dresses, and a palette of jewel tones and earthy colors are perfect choices for a stunning maternity photoshoot. For those in the Quad Cities area (Davenport, Bettendorf, Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline), this guide includes local nature spots, city settings, unique ideas, and how Jessica Smith Visual Arts, a professional Quad Cities photographer, can bring your vision to life. Here’s what to wear, where to shoot, why it works, and what to avoid for a picture-perfect session.

Why Boho Style or Elegant, Tight-Fitted Dresses Shine in Maternity Photography

When it comes to maternity photos, boho styles and elegant, tight-fitted dresses photograph beautifully for two very different but equally stunning reasons.

Boho style is a favorite because it feels effortless and natural. Flowy fabrics, soft textures, and relaxed silhouettes move with your body and add that dreamy, romantic vibe so many moms love. Details like lace, embroidery, or subtle ruffles add interest without taking away from you or your bump. Boho dresses also keep things comfortable, which helps you relax and feel confident during your session, whether we’re shooting in nature around the Quad Cities or somewhere more urban.

On the other hand, tight-fitted, elegant dresses are perfect if you want to really show off your baby bump. These dresses hug your belly and highlight your shape in a way that feels strong, feminine, and timeless. Solid colors like black, cream, navy, or jewel tones photograph especially well and give your images a clean, elevated look. They’re amazing for city settings, historic downtowns, or studio sessions where you want something bold and polished.

No matter which direction you choose, I help guide you on what works best for your body, your location, and your vision. Maternity photos should feel like you, not forced or trendy, and together we’ll choose a look that makes you feel confident and beautiful the entire session.

Choosing the Perfect Colors: Jewel Tones and Earthy Hues

Color plays a huge role in how your maternity photos turn out. For a boho-inspired look, lean into jewel tones (think emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red, or amethyst purple) and earthy hues (like terracotta, olive, mustard, or soft taupe). These colors are rich yet grounded, creating a harmonious backdrop that complements natural settings like the Mississippi River banks or urban backdrops like downtown Davenport. They also photograph beautifully, adding depth and warmth to your images without clashing with your surroundings.

Jewel Tones: These vibrant, saturated colors add a touch of luxury and sophistication. They pop against neutral backgrounds, drawing attention to your bump and creating a regal, timeless feel—perfect for a session at Credit Island Park.
Earthy Hues: These softer, nature-inspired tones blend seamlessly with outdoor settings, giving your photos a cohesive, organic look. They’re especially flattering in golden-hour light, enhancing your natural glow at places like Vander Veer Botanical Park.

Maternity Session at Augustana in Rock Island at the end of October Early November. Fall is the perfect time for any maternity session, especially with the change of color in the leaves! This mama to-be chose the perfect Ivory dress for this spot.

When selecting your dress, opt for solid colors or subtle patterns (like small florals or delicate textures) to keep the focus on you. Flowy maternity dresses in these palettes are designed to drape elegantly over your bump, accentuating your curves in a flattering way. Jessica Smith Visual Arts can guide you in choosing outfits that enhance your vision, ensuring your photos are uniquely yours.

Why Flowy Maternity Dresses Are a Must

Maternity-specific dresses are crafted to highlight your pregnancy in all the right ways. Flowy designs, in particular, are ideal because they:

Flatter Your Shape: The soft, billowing fabric skims over your body, emphasizing your bump without clinging to areas you might feel self-conscious about.
Create Movement: The lightweight materials catch the breeze, adding a dynamic, whimsical quality to your photos, especially in windy outdoor locations like the riverfront.
Photograph Gorgeously: The way these dresses move and reflect light adds a soft, painterly effect to your images, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

Look for dresses with empire waists, wrap-style fronts, or cinched details under the bust to define your bump while keeping the rest of the silhouette relaxed. Maxi dresses are especially popular for their elongating effect, but midi lengths can work well too for a slightly more casual vibe, ideal for urban shoots in Moline’s downtown. Jessica Smith Visual Arts can offer styling advice to ensure your dress complements the chosen Quad Cities location and the boho aesthetic.

Why elegant tight Maternity Dresses Are a just as beautiful

If flowy dresses just aren’t your thing, tight, fitted dresses are an incredibly elegant choice for maternity photos.

Form-fitting dresses highlight your baby bump in the most intentional, beautiful way. They show the strength and curves of your body and really celebrate what it’s doing. There’s something timeless and powerful about a fitted maternity look. It’s simple, clean, and puts all the focus on you and your bump without any distractions.

Tight dresses also photograph beautifully because they create strong lines and shape, especially in studio or city settings. Solid colors like black, cream, navy, or rich jewel tones keep the look elevated and classic, while still feeling modern. They’re perfect if you want something a little more editorial, bold, or refined without being overly styled.

Not every maternity session has to be soft and flowy. If you’re someone who prefers a more structured, confident look, a tight dress is a stunning way to showcase your pregnancy and feel like yourself while doing it.

Quad Cities Locations for Your Maternity Session

The Quad Cities offer a variety of stunning locations that perfectly complement the boho aesthetic and your flowy maternity dress. Here are some top picks for nature, city, and unique settings to make your maternity photoshoot unforgettable, with Jessica Smith Visual Arts ready to capture every moment:

Nature Locations

Vander Veer Botanical Park (Davenport, IA): This lush park is a gem for nature-inspired maternity shoots. With its vibrant flower gardens, serene fountain, and tree-lined paths, it’s ideal for capturing the boho vibe with earthy tones. The soft greenery and seasonal blooms pair beautifully with jewel-toned dresses, especially during golden hour when the light casts a warm glow. Pose near the rose garden or under a canopy of trees for a romantic, natural look. Note: A photography permit may be required for professional shoots, so check with the park in advance. Jessica Smith Visual Arts can coordinate the timing and location details to maximize the park’s beauty in your photos.
Geneseo Prairie (Geneseo, IL):
Tucked right into Geneseo, the prairie offers long, muted grasses and tall trees that create a soft, earthy backdrop. It’s perfect for a natural, boho-style session where the wind moves through the grass and adds effortless motion to your photos. The open space and warm light at golden hour give everything a calm, timeless feel. A sunset silhouette among the tall grass is especially beautiful and understated. Jessica Smith Visual Arts loves using natural light here to create images that feel organic, emotional, and true to you.
Scott county Park (Davenport, IA): For a more secluded, forest-like setting,Park’s trails and wooded areas provide a tranquil backdrop. The earthy tones of the trees and trails complement mustard or olive dresses, creating a grounded, organic feel. This spot is great for candid shots of you walking hand-in-hand with your partner, embracing the natural surroundings. Jessica Smith Visual Arts can direct you to the best spots for intimate, relaxed poses.

City Areas

Downtown Davenport (Davenport, IA): The urban charm of downtown Davenport, with its historic brick buildings, colorful murals, and riverfront views, offers a modern contrast to the boho aesthetic. Pose in front of the vibrant street art on 2nd Street or near the Skybridge for a unique, edgy vibe. A sapphire or ruby dress will pop against the neutral tones of the cityscape, creating striking images that blend urban and elegant. Jessica Smith Visual Arts can help you navigate the bustling streets to find the perfect backdrop for your vision.
The District in Downtown Rock Island (Rock Island, IL): This lively area features trendy cafes, boutique storefronts, and cobblestone streets that add character to your photos. The mix of industrial and artistic elements makes it a great spot for a boho-chic shoot. Try posing in front of a textured brick wall or near the riverfront plaza, where your flowy dress can catch the breeze off the Mississippi. Jessica Smith Visual Arts’ creative approach ensures your photos stand out with a personalized touch.
Moline’s Riverfront (Moline, IL): The John Deere Commons and surrounding riverfront area offer a blend of urban and natural elements. The modern architecture and open spaces provide a clean, sophisticated backdrop, while the nearby river adds a touch of serenity. A terracotta or amethyst dress will stand out against the steel and glass, creating a balanced, contemporary look. Jessica Smith Visual Arts can capture the interplay of urban and natural elements to create dynamic, memorable images.

Unique Ideas

Butterfly Garden at Niabi Zoo (Coal Valley, IL): For a whimsical, one-of-a-kind maternity session, the butterfly garden at Niabi Zoo offers a magical setting. Surrounded by fluttering butterflies and lush greenery, you can channel the boho spirit with a floral crown and a flowing dress in a soft taupe or emerald hue. This intimate, nature-inspired spot creates dreamy, fairy-tale-like photos. Contact the zoo for photography permissions and availability. Jessica Smith Visual Arts can craft a creative session that highlights the enchanting atmosphere of this unique location.
Downtown Geneseo (Geneseo, IL):
Downtown Geneseo has the most charming Victorian feel with its historic buildings, brick streets, and classic storefronts. It’s perfect if you love something timeless, romantic, and a little editorial. The architecture adds so much character, and the softer tones of the buildings pair beautifully with classic, elevated looks.
A tight black dress that really shows off your baby bump is perfect for this setting, or a rich navy or burgundy dress if you want a little color while keeping it elegant. Whether we’re walking hand in hand down the sidewalks or capturing quiet moments against the historic facades, Jessica Smith Visual Arts uses the textures and natural light of downtown Geneseo to create images that feel refined, nostalgic, and full of emotion.
Milk Bath Session at Home (Any Quad Cities Location): For a cozy, intimate option, consider a milk bath photoshoot in the comfort of your own home. Fill a tub with milk and water, add floating flowers in jewel tones (like deep red roses or purple lavender), and wear a delicate lace robe or nothing at all to highlight your bump. This setup creates a soft, ethereal aesthetic that’s both personal and timeless, perfect for capturing the nurturing essence of pregnancy. Jessica Smith Visual Arts specializes in unique maternity sessions like milk bath shoots, bringing her creative flair to your home for a truly bespoke experience.

How Jessica Smith Visual Arts Can Help

Jessica Smith Visual Arts, a premier Quad Cities photographer based in the Quad Cities/Geneseo area, specializes in maternity, boudoir, portraits, weddings, and creative photoshoots, making her the perfect partner for your maternity session. With a passion for capturing your unique story, Jessica ensures that every photo reflects your individuality, aligning perfectly with the boho aesthetic and your chosen jewel tones or earthy hues. Here’s how she can elevate your maternity photoshoot:

Personalized Experience: Jessica believes every client deserves a unique session tailored to their vision. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic shoot at Vander Veer Botanical Park or a bold urban session in downtown Rock Island, she takes your ideas and crafts a photoshoot that feels authentic to you. Her approach ensures your photos are distinct, never mimicking another session.
Expert Guidance: Jessica offers expert advice on posing, location selection, and styling to bring out your best. While her client closet with dresses is not currently available (stay tuned for future updates), she can recommend flowy maternity dresses and accessories that complement the Quad Cities settings and boho style. For an extra fee, she can arrange professional hair and makeup to enhance your glow.
Creative Flair: Known for her unorthodox, creative approach, Jessica excels at turning your maternity session into a work of art. Whether it’s capturing the breeze in your dress at Credit Island or creating a dreamy milk bath shoot at home, her innovative techniques ensure stunning, memorable images.
Comfort and Confidence: Jessica has a knack for making clients feel comfortable, even if you’re new to being photographed. Her supportive and responsive nature, as praised by clients, ensures a relaxed session where you can shine, whether posing solo or with your partner.
Optimal Timing: Jessica recommends booking your maternity session between 25-35 weeks to capture your bump at its best. She works with you to plan the perfect time of day, such as golden hour for nature shoots or midday for urban settings, to maximize the beauty of your photos.

To book your session or discuss your vision, contact Jessica Smith Visual Arts through her website (www.jessicasmithvisualarts.com) or her Facebook Business page. She keeps her phone number private, so use the provided online channels for inquiries. With Jessica’s expertise, your maternity photoshoot will be a cherished memory, capturing the magic of this special time.

What to Avoid: Bright Neons, Stripes, and More

While you want your maternity photos to reflect your personality, some choices can distract from the beauty of the moment, especially in the Quad Cities’ diverse settings. Here’s what to steer clear of:

Bright and Neon Colors: Neon pink, lime green, or electric orange can overpower the frame and clash with natural settings like Vander Veer Park or urban backdrops like downtown Rock Island. They also tend to reflect light in unflattering ways, casting odd tones on your skin.
Stripes and Bold Patterns: Horizontal or vertical stripes, as well as loud geometric prints, can distort your shape and draw attention away from your bump. Stick to solids or subtle, organic patterns instead, especially in busy urban environments like Moline’s riverfront.
Overly Tight Clothing: While you might love your stretchy leggings, tight outfits can create harsh lines and shadows in photos, detracting from the soft, glowing look you’re aiming for in nature settings like Credit Island.
Heavy Logos or Text: Clothing with prominent logos or words can date your photos and pull focus from you, particularly in artistic settings like the Figge’s sculpture garden. Keep it simple and timeless.

Jessica Smith Visual Arts can provide additional styling tips to avoid these pitfalls, ensuring your outfit enhances the overall aesthetic of your photos.

Styling Tips for a Cohesive Look

To complete your boho maternity look in the Quad Cities, consider these styling touches, with Jessica Smith Visual Arts guidance:

Accessories: Add delicate, nature-inspired pieces like layered necklaces, dangle earrings, or a flower crown for a true boho vibe, perfect for a butterfly garden shoot. Avoid chunky or overly shiny jewelry that might compete with your outfit. Jessica can suggest accessories that complement your dress and the location.
Footwear: Barefoot looks are ideal for nature sessions at Sunderbruch Park or Credit Island, but if you prefer shoes, opt for strappy sandals or ankle boots in neutral tones for urban shoots in Davenport. Jessica can advise on footwear that ties your look together.
Layers: A lightweight cardigan, kimono, or shawl in a complementary color can add texture and depth, especially for cooler weather shoots at Vander Veer Park. Jessica can help coordinate layers for visual harmony.
Hair and Makeup: Soft, loose waves or braids pair beautifully with boho style, ideal for riverfront or garden settings. For makeup, go for a natural, dewy look with warm tones to harmonize with your earthy or jewel-toned dress. Jessica can arrange professional hair and makeup services for a polished finish.

Final Thoughts

Your maternity session is all about celebrating you and this incredible chapter of your life. By choosing a boho-inspired, flowy maternity dress in jewel tones or earthy hues, selecting a picturesque Quad Cities location like Vander Veer Botanical Park, downtown Davenport, or the butterfly garden at Niabi Zoo, and partnering with Jessica Smith Visual Arts, you’ll create a look and experience that’s both flattering and photogenic. Avoid bright neons, stripes, and overly tight clothing to keep the focus on your beautiful bump. With Jessica’s creative expertise and personalized approach, you’ll feel confident and radiant, ready to capture memories you’ll cherish forever. Contact Jessica Smith Visual Arts today to bring your maternity photoshoot dreams to life!

What to Wear to Your Maternity Session