Have you been wanting to plan couple maternity photos in the Bay Area but don’t know how to choose your location or what to wear? Location and what to wear are the two most common questions my clients come to me with when they are planning their maternity photos.
As a nontraditional photographer in San Francisco/the Bay Area, I wanted to share my pro tips on how to decide on the best location for you and your partner’s maternity session and also help you figure out what to wear to make planning your session easier and less stressful.
Choosing Your Location for Your Maternity Session
When it comes to deciding where you want to have your maternity session, here are some of my top tips on how to choose where you want to have your session:
Think about your vision for your photos
Before deciding where you want your session to be, the first thing I want you to do is consider your vision for your images.
Here are some important questions you can ask yourself to come up with your vision:
- Do you imagine having your photos at golden hour? Morning or evening?
- Do you want to have an indoor or outdoor session?
- If you want an outdoor session, where do you want your photos taken? The beach? A different natural setting?
- If you want an indoor session do you want your photos taken at your home? A professional studio?
- What’s the vibe you want for your photos? Chic and modern? Nature?
- What type of terrain do you want as the backdrop for your photos?
- Do you want your session to take place at more than one location?
Your maternity session vision is your decision to make based on what feels best for you and reflects your personal style and preferences.
Consider comfort and accessibility
The next thing to think about after you’ve decided on your vision is whether the location you are considering will be both comfortable and accessible for you if you want an outdoor location.
Choosing a comfortable and accessible outdoor location will allow you to have a much more relaxed and enjoyable session without having to worry about a demanding hike as part of your experience.
Weather and time of day
I’m sure you’ve heard before that golden hour is the best time of day for outdoor photos. If golden hour doesn’t work for your photography session, I would recommend talking with your photographer about which time of day would work best so your session will still align with your vision.
Weather is another important factor to consider when choosing your outdoor location. I recommend that you have a backup plan in case the weather could potentially affect your session.
We all know how unpredictable the weather can be, especially in California. I promise you, it will be way less stressful if you create a rain plan in case the weather does not cooperate.
Talk with your maternity photographer
Your maternity photographer can provide you with a variety of location recommendations where you can plan your session and help you find the best outdoor spot that matches your vision and will be comfortable and accessible for you, especially as a pregnant person!
If we work together, I’ll provide you with a pre-scouted location list with example photos from past sessions there so that you can choose a location and have a good idea of what you can expect when we get there. My goal is to help you feel as comfortable and confident as possible going into our time together!
Outdoor Location Ideas in the Bay Area for Your Couple’s Maternity Session
Hooper Beach in Capitola
Hooper Beach in Capitola is where Alex and Jess, who are the featured couple in the photos throughout this blog, took their maternity and engagement photos.
Both Alex and Jess have so much to celebrate as they are both engaged and expecting, so we were commemorating both of these significant moments in their lives during their session.
We took photos in a variety of spots, from the shoreline to underneath the wooden pier to make their photos more dynamic and diverse.
Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden
Gamble Garden in Palo Alto has beautiful backdrops year-round. There is always something in bloom in this gorgeous garden! There is also a classic historic house that can serve as the background of some of your photos, plus a beautiful white gazebo in the middle of the garden. This location has so much to offer!
Natural Bridges State Beach
I love Natural Bridges State Beach because it’s two locations in one! The beach features a striking natural rock arch, and there is a boardwalk that leads to a hidden eucalyptus grove near the visitor center. There are also bathrooms right next to the parking lot, perfect for outfit changes or last-minute bathroom breaks.
San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers
Another gorgeous spot for your maternity session is the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers. The perfect indoor option for nature lovers, you’ll be able to have gorgeous photos among the plants and flowers without having to worry about rain or cold weather.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium
Another indoor option, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is perfect for nontraditional engagement or maternity photos. The exhibits with large tanks like the jellyfish, open ocean, and kelp forest areas of the aquarium are perfect for silhouetted photos – perfect for showing off your baby bump! The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a great choice for couples who want more documentary-style photography. You’ll be able to have candid photos of you simply enjoying the aquarium together without feeling the pressure of posing for photos.
Couple Photoshoot Outfit Ideas for a Bay Area Maternity Session
Here are my tips to help you decide what to wear to your maternity session:
Start with color
The only color I wouldn’t recommend is black, as black can hide your bump which is not what we want. The time of year will also influence the colors I would recommend that you wear.
For fall and winter, I recommend colors such as burgundy or forest green, as well as neutrals. These seasons are great for warmer colors. For spring and summer, I recommend lighter and neutral colors such as cream, white, beige, or gray paired with muted pink/purples or light blue.
Add layers
Layers are a great way to switch up your photos and add more texture and visual interest. You can add layers such as a light jacket, a cozy sweater, or a cardigan. If it’s chillier, you could bring a blanket or a scarf to your session.
For warmer months, some layer options you could consider are adding a linen button-up shirt or a lightweight cardigan.
Clothing
Some potential clothing options you could choose from are:
- A form-fitting maternity dress
- A sheath maternity dress
- An empire-style maternity dress
- Jeans/pants with a shirt
- Maxi skirt and shirt
The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident with what you’re wearing.
What should your partner wear?
Your partner’s outfit should compliment whatever you’re wearing and not be too busy or too distracting. Start with neutral colors, and remember to keep things simple. The goal should be to coordinate your outfits without being too matchy-matchy.
Ready to Plan Your Couple Maternity Photos?
I hope that you found this guide helpful and that you’re excited to plan your couple maternity photos.
A maternity session is a beautiful way to celebrate this next chapter in your life, commemorate you and your partner’s love for each other, and also have stunning photos to look back on for years to come to remember this special moment.
And, if you’re in the Bay Area, looking for love, proposals, maternity, and engagement photos, and want to work with a photographer who will fully support your nontraditional ideas and celebrate you wholeheartedly, feel free to reach out here. I can’t wait to learn more about your vision and all the ideas you have in mind.
