What is the Best Location for a Maternity Session? Tips by a Maternity Portrait Photographer

"Where is the best place to take maternity photos?"

As a maternity photographer, it’s a question I get all the time. Where is the best place to take maternity photos? Depending on your personal preferences - especially related to climate and style - there isn’t necessarily a firm answer to this question. Instead, mothers-to-be desire different backdrops for their pregnancy photography. Different environments lend themselves especially well to baby bumps for different reasons, and according to one’s preferences.

Option 1 - Studio Maternity Photography

For your maternity session, would you prefer a controlled atmosphere? A studio session offers many advantages.

Studio maternity sessions allow us to create classic and timeless portraits of pregnancy.  The simplicity of the background allows the beauty of the pregnancy and its curves to be at the center of attention. Studio sessions also permit the creation of very intimate maternity portraits, like gorgeous pregnancy silhouettes and nude portraits.

Studio maternity photography also gives us full control over the elements. There’s no unflattering light, no wind or weather, and no bugs! Studio maternity photography allows one the certainty of guaranteed delightful imagery. With access to hair and makeup, the photographer’s wardrobe, and a clean bathroom, studio maternity portraiture provides the ultimate in conveniences.  With a private location, mothers-to-be can also change outfits several times, and there’s also no need to tidy one’s home. 

Studio maternity sessions are practically perfect - simply show up, and you are guaranteed fabulous portraits! 

Best for …

Studio maternity photos are the best fit for moms who love classic, timeless portraits, and/or are interested in doing intimate photos. They are also great for ‘planners’, mothers-to-be who want to create different looks, those who want a sense of certainty and control over the final outcome, private clients, and those who may not be able to reschedule in the event of weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Option 2 - Outdoor Maternity Photography

One of the most wonderful elements of outdoor maternity photography is the presence of a unique background and color story. Light and nature are different for each and every session, as are the colors, whether the session takes place in a park, at the beach, in a field, or in a garden.

One of my favorite place in New York to take maternity photos is outdoors, in Central Park, or even its vibrant streets. These settings lend themselves beautifully to maternity portraiture. As with any portrait session, one’s comfort level plays a big role in creating amazing images. With places to sit and room to roam, New York’s best outdoor locations for maternity photography are excellent choices for large families or those with small children who may want room to run. Provence also offers stunning landscapes that can make your maternity portraits look like a dream.

Best for …

Outdoor maternity photos are the best fit for adventurous moms and couples, those with a sentimental attachment to a beautiful place, and those who have the flexibility to reschedule if necessary (due to weather or other elements). 

Option 3 - Maternity Photography at Home

Finally, maternity photos at home have the potential to show connections, intimacy, and what life really looked like before the baby arrived! If you want to remember the place you called home, that you lived in and loved, there’s no better place than home to photograph your maternity session. Also, a mother-to-be typically feels comfortable and at-ease at home. 

Best for …

Maternity photos at home are the best fit for those who want to remember their home before the baby comes and with uncluttered homes full of natural light. 

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Here are some of the beautiful dresses shown in this article. Check our styling page for outfit recommendations for the whole family and more maternity outfit recommendations.

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Looking for a a maternity photographer in Aix-en-Provence or NYC? Our Maternity Photo Studio offers all that is necessary (and more!) to create stunning pregnancy portraits:

• A classic client closet with gorgeous dresses and gowns

• A beautiful, clean space with natural light and professional lighting equipment for more sophisticated portraits

• Collaboration with talented hair and makeup artists

• Experience with the beautiful shape of the pregnant woman

• Passion for the incredible motherhood and parenthood journey

Whether you are interested in a studio maternity photoshoot or an outdoor maternity photoshoot in Provence or in New York City, we would love to work with you! Click here for more information or to book your session.