Maternity Photo Session
in the High Desert
Celebrating Your Belly
A maternity portrait session is a meaningful investment. Yes, you deserve to pause and celebrate your changing body. You’re growing a tiny human! Or two, or three… This season of life will be over before you know it. Having gorgeous images to look back on allows you to relive the quiet magic of waiting for those tiny toes to arrive. Whether you choose a studio session or a golden hour outdoor setting, maternity portraits are treasured heirlooms that both you and your child will cherish.
Best Time: 30-34 wks
Most photographers say 28-36 weeks, I prefer closer to the 30-34 week period. This gives a smaller window of time, but sometimes 28-week bellies don’t really show. And, 36 weeks can be on the cusp of being uncomfortably pregnant.
The sweet spot for maternity portraits is between 7 and 8 months pregnant. The belly is round and shows, but mom is still comfortable enough to move and pose freely. The session is all about the belly, so you want to be able to see it.
Golden Hour is Delightful
It’s warm and inviting. Outdoor sessions during golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset) create an ethereal, glowing light that's incredibly flattering for maternity portraits. It’s like a little slice of magic.
Bring the Kids Along
Siblings can make for some of the most heart-melting maternity images, especially candid moments of a child kissing or whispering to your baby bump. Plan for a portion of the session with kids, then some without, so you get both.
Studio vs. Outdoor
Both are wonderful options. Studio sessions offer full control over lighting and a timeless, elegant look.
Outdoor sessions bring in natural backdrops like Joshua trees, the forest, or the beach for a more relaxed, natural feel.
This is definitely a style and taste decision, along with seasonal. A portrait session outdoors with a half-nude mama isn’t going to be as fun in January as it would be in May, for her.
Including Your Partner
Having your partner in some of the images adds an emotional level to the portraits. Connection posing with foreheads together, hands on the belly, and quiet, candid laughs make the most meaningful images.
Plus, it makes it special for your partner, too. You’re the one doing all the work, so they can feel helpless sometimes. This makes it about your unity, together.
What to Wear?
What you wear really makes a difference. Flowing gowns, form-fitting dresses, and wrap-style fabrics photograph beautifully. You don’t want to wear a tent that doesn’t show off your curves.
Many photographers (including me!) offer client wardrobe or gown options to borrow for your session. I have flowy fabrics and robes.
Bare Belly or Clothed?
Both are beautiful. Some moms want elegant, partially draped bare-bump portraits; others prefer to stay fully clothed throughout. If you want completely nude, we can do that too!
There's no wrong answer; your comfort level is seriously what matters most. Don’t feel pressured, this is your day!
How Long is a Session?
Sessions will last 1–2 hours, depending on what you want. We will go with how you’re feeling and take lots of little breaks. I’ll have water and snacks, but bring your fave snacks, too!
Bring comfortable slippers to change into between setups. Barefoot is always a great option as well. Sitting and standing options will be integrated into the session. This will be a body and feeling-led session.
Artwork in the Nursery
Nothing is sweeter than a large canvas of you holding your belly solo, with your partner, or with your kids. Decide what size you’d like and hang it in the nursery. It will become a treasured heriloom for your baby as they grow older and have their own children.
Booking + Scheduling
Book your session early. Maternity sessions have a very narrow booking window. You should secure your date around 22 weeks, so the timing works out perfectly. Some seasons are busier than others. So, once you decide on a photographer, book them.
Photos are for Baby, too
Many parents think of maternity portraits as being for themselves, but these images become a treasured piece of their child's story. Adults, and when children grow up, love seeing how they were celebrated before they even arrived.
Newborn Portraits
After your bundle of joy arrives, book your photographer again if you don’t have her booked already. The first few weeks are filled with lots of change. You won’t remember what your precious newborn looked like in the sleep-deprived, messiness that is motherhood.
Many photographers (me!) also offer quarterly baby portraits. 3, 6, 12, and 18-month photos.