The Bay Area offers some of the most breathtaking backdrops for maternity photography — from the golden coastlines of Baker Beach to the rolling hills of Marin, vibrant city streets to serene forest paths. Whether we’re capturing your story against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, among the eucalyptus groves, or with San Francisco’s iconic skyline in the distance, outdoor sessions create timeless images that celebrate both your natural beauty and the stunning landscapes that make this region so special.
Planning Your Outfit: The Heart of Beautiful Photography
Comfort is Key: Dressing for Bay Area Weather. Bay Area beaches are always significantly colder than you expect — regardless of season, weather, or time of day. Your comfort directly impacts the mood and success of our session. If you’re shivering after 10 minutes and can only think about how cold you are, you won’t be able to relax and truly enjoy this special experience — and that tension shows in the photos. Always bring layers, wraps, or jackets that you can easily remove for shots and put back on between poses.
Your outfit choices are an essential, integral part of achieving harmonious and compelling photographs. What you wear isn’t just clothing — it’s how you express your personality, convey the mood of our session, beautifully highlight your pregnancy. The right outfit can make the difference between good photos and truly captivating ones.
What to Avoid: Keeping You as the Star
Before we explore what works beautifully, let’s talk about choices that can distract from the magic we’re creating:
Skip Overly Bright Colours:
While vibrant hues might look stunning in person, they can cast unflattering tones on your skin and make photo editing challenging. Most importantly, extremely bright clothing draws the viewer’s attention to the outfit first, rather than to you — the true star of these images.
Avoid Logos and Large Graphics:
Clothing with logos or bold patterns can be distracting in photographs. However, subtle patterns like small checks on a shirt or delicate florals can work beautifully, adding visual interest without overwhelming the composition.
Think Long, Not Short:
If you’re considering a skirt or dress, always choose longer lengths. While short pieces might look fantastic in everyday life, photography craves movement, dynamics, and that sense of coziness. Longer pieces create the flow and graceful lines that make images feel engaging and beautiful.
Choose Flow Over Fitted:
Trust me on this — photography loves flowing fabrics and interesting textures. Even if skin-tight pieces are part of your personal style, they don’t provide the visual movement and elegance that makes outdoor maternity photos truly captivating.
Dressing for Your Location
It’s crucial that your outfit feels appropriate for our chosen setting. For outdoor shoots, you wouldn’t wear pajamas or a formal evening gown. Think casual elegance — clothing that allows you feel comfortable and confident while still looking intentional and polished.
Classic Choices That Always Work:
- Long dresses that beautifully accentuate your pregnancy curves
- Wide-leg pants or loose jeans and skirts paired with an interesting top
- Flowing pieces in natural fabrics that move gracefully in outdoor breezes
*Some outfit photos are not my own work, but are included here to give you ideas for your session
Adding Character: Beyond the Basics
While classic looks are always beautiful, there are wonderful ways to infuse more personality and visual interest into your outfit:
Layer for Impact
Layers always make photos more interesting. Instead of just a dress, consider a dress with an oversized denim jacket (even a men’s one works beautifully), or a chunky cardigan over the shoulders.
Try pants with a t-shirt and a big plaid shirt worn open over it. These combinations feel simple, but with character.
Embrace Cozy Textures
Chunky knits and oversized sweaters always look cozy and beautiful in photographs. They create warmth and visual interest that translates perfectly in outdoor settings.
Mixing textures can add even more depth to your look — think of pairing soft, flowy silk pants with a chunky knit sweater for a contrast that feels both effortless and stylish.
Consider Statement Pieces
Scarves, wraps, hats, knee-high socks, suspenders, trench coats, and other accessories can add extra interest and depth to your look. These pieces help tell a fuller story in your photos, creating layers and visual richness that make each image more engaging.
*Some outfit photos are not my own work, but are included here to give you ideas for your session
Hair & Makeup Tips
When it comes to hair and makeup, I always encourage keeping things natural. Your makeup should enhance your natural beauty, not become the main focus. Aim for an even skin tone that blends seamlessly with your neck and décolleté. Lightly define your eyes and keep your lips hydrated. If you choose to use highlighters or contouring, apply them with a soft touch so the overall look stays fresh and natural.
For hair, make sure it’s freshly washed. On the beach, I don’t recommend elaborate styles — humidity and wind usually undo them within minutes. Instead, straighten your hair or style your curls the way you normally would, and bring along a clip or pin in case the wind gets too strong. For other locations, simple waves, sleek straight hair, or a tidy bun are all beautiful, timeless choices that photograph perfectly.
Remember: Your Look is Just the Beginning
While choosing the perfect outfit is an important foundation for beautiful maternity photos, what truly makes images unforgettable goes beyond what you’re wearing. The most stunning photographs happen when you allow yourself to fully embrace the experience and let your authentic energy shine through. Your willingness to be present, to laugh, to connect deeply with your partner, and to trust the moment — that’s what transforms a beautiful outfit into an extraordinary photograph that tells your unique story. Discover Why your authentic energy makes all the difference in creating truly captivating maternity photos.
Timing Your Session for Perfect Light
For open outdoor locations like beaches and rolling hills, I exclusively schedule sessions during Golden Hour — starting 1 h15 minutes before sunset and continuing 20 minutes after sunset. This gives us that magical, glowing light you see throughout my portfolio.
For garden locations like the Arizona Cactus Garden or beautiful estates like Filoli, timing varies depending on how light filters through the landscape. Urban sessions and forest parks also require specific timing considerations to capture the most flattering light. During our consultation, I’ll work with you to determine the perfect timing for your chosen location.
Blog
How to Prepare for Your Dream At-Home Maternity Photoshoot
Bay Area Photographer’s Guide: Why Your Authentic Energy Makes All The Difference
