The wet look is one of the most breathtaking and high-fashion styles in maternity photography. It adds drama, elegance, and sensuality, instantly elevating your images to look like they belong in a luxury editorial spread.
But here’s the reality—it’s not the most comfortable experience for your client. Wet fabric is cold, heavy, and can quickly become unpleasant if you’re not prepared.
So how do you execute a flawless wet look session while keeping your client comfortable and ensuring stunning, high-end results? Let’s dive in.
Choose the Right Fabric for a Sculpted, Ethereal Look
The fabric you use will completely transform the final image. Not all materials work well when wet, so choosing the right one is key.
Light, flowy fabrics like chiffon or cotton voile work best. Chiffon becomes highly transparent when wet, allowing you to sculpt it creatively around the body for beautiful textures. Cotton voile absorbs water well while still maintaining a soft, delicate appearance. Avoid heavy or synthetic fabrics—they don’t absorb water properly and can look stiff rather than elegant.
💡 Pro Tip: Wet fabric clings to the body, so drape it strategically to create a sculpted, high-fashion effect while ensuring your client still feels comfortable.
Set Up Your Lighting & Posing in Advance
This is not the type of shoot where you can figure things out as you go. Your client will likely feel cold, so the key is to work efficiently and get the shots quickly.
Before wetting the fabric, position your lighting, do test shots, and finalize your posing flow. Make sure your setup highlights the wet texture of the fabric and skin. Walk your client through the poses beforehand so they know exactly what to do once the fabric is wet.
Previewing a few test shots with your client ensures you’re both on the same page—this eliminates the need to re-shoot and makes the experience smoother for everyone.
Keep Your Client Comfortable
While the final images will look luxurious and effortless, your client is standing in cold, wet fabric—which can quickly become uncomfortable.
- Provide a robe for them to wear while you prep the setup. This helps keep them warm and relaxed.
- Use a small space heater positioned close to them (but out of the frame) to prevent discomfort during longer shoots.
- Have a warm bath towel ready for them as soon as the session is over.
💡 Pro Tip: Immerse the fabric in hot water before placing it on your client. I often use boiling water from a teapot(carefully, of course!) to ensure the fabric is warm. Once out of the water, it will cool down within a minute—but at least your client won’t have to experience an icy shock against their skin.
Apply Water Strategically for a Flawless Wet Look
There’s no need to drench your client from head to toe. Strategic wetting can create just as much impact while keeping the session manageable.
A continuous spray bottle is perfect for misting the décolleté, the front of the hairline, and any dry parts of the fabric. If your client has long, thick hair, you don’t have to soak all of it—just wetting the front section often achieves the effect without making the process uncomfortable.
Water application should be intentional—too much, and the fabric becomes heavy and loses its shape; too little, and you don’t get that sleek, sculpted effect.
Prioritize Safety During the Shoot
Wet fabric, water on the floor, and a standing model? This is a potential slipping hazard.
- Limit movement—Have your client step into position carefully and avoid sudden, large movements that could cause slipping.
- Avoid complex, unstable poses—Keep the poses elegant and strong, but be mindful of balance.
- Always have an assistant nearby to help with adjustments and ensure your client’s safety.
Creating stunning images should never come at the risk of discomfort or injury—always prioritize your client’s well-being.
Protect Your Studio Setup
Water will drip everywhere, and depending on your studio setup, you’ll need to take extra precautions to keep your space safe and functional.
If shooting close-up portraits, position your client near—but not on—the backdrop to keep the background dry while still getting the desired framing. Be aware that paper backdrops will be ruined if they come into contact with water, so either use a vinyl floor drop or place a protective layer under your model to prevent damage.
💡 Pro Tip: A small amount of planning and protective setup will ensure your space stays functional and mess-free.
Final Thoughts
A wet look maternity session is one of the most artistic, high-fashion styles you can add to your portfolio—but preparation is everything.
By choosing the right fabrics, controlling the water application, preparing your lighting in advance, keeping your client comfortable, and prioritizing safety, you’ll create luxurious, sculptural, and unforgettable maternity portraits that feel straight out of a magazine.
And if you’re ready to master fabric draping techniques beyond the wet look, my Art of Draping Course will teach you how to use textures, movement, and layering to create breathtaking, editorial-quality images.
📸 Want to learn more? Click here to explore The Art of Draping Course
