Many expectant parents reach out excited to capture this special moment in their growing family’s life. One of the questions I am asked most often when it comes to planning is where should we take our maternity portraits? There are a couple of different options, and no single answer is right for everyone. The best maternity photo location really comes down to the look and feel you want your images to have and what environment will make you feel most comfortable during this special season.
Over the years I’ve photographed maternity sessions in homes, studios, and beautiful outdoor locations. Each one offers something unique, and has their own benefit. Personally, my heart will probably always lean toward in-home maternity sessions, because I absolutely love those sweet at-home moments, but studio and outdoor sessions are just as special and beautiful in their own ways. Here is a look at the differences between the locations to help you choose the one that suits you best.
Where Should We Take Our Maternity Portraits?
In-Home Maternity Sessions
In-home maternity sessions will forever be my go-to. There’s something incredibly meaningful about documenting this season of life in the very place where your baby will soon be coming home.
Being at home naturally creates a relaxed environment. You’re in your own space, you’re comfortable, and there’s no rushing around trying to get somewhere on time. If you have other children they can play and be in their own space. It also makes it easy for kids, and even hubbys, to step away for a few minutes and reset.
In-home sessions also focus more on storytelling elements instead of just portraits. We capture little pieces of life during this season of waiting with quiet moments on the couch, soft light and special details in the nursery, or simply the way your home feels right before everything changes.
Recently, I’ve seen a big shift in my business toward more in-home sessions, and I absolutely love it. The images hold so much meaning because they’re rooted in your everyday life.
Studio Maternity Sessions
Sometimes an in-home session isn’t possible or preferred, and that is 100% okay! You will still recieve gorgeous maternity photos that capture this special chapter. Studio sessions offer a clean, simple, and timeless feel. My Bulverde, TX studio features clean white walls and soft natural light, which create a classic look that will never go out of style, not stiff or overly posed as some people might think when they hear the word “studio”.
You can keep the look casual and relaxed or dress it up a little more for something elegant. Either way, the focus stays on you and the beautiful season of motherhood you’re in.
A huge benefit of a studio maternity session is that you don’t have to worry about preparing your home or tidying anything up beforehand. Everything is already set and ready when you arrive.
However, you absolutely don’t need to deep clean your entire home before any in-home session. I cover more on this topic and how to prepare for an in-home session here!
Outdoor Maternity Sessions
Outdoor maternity sessions are a beautiful option, especially if you love natural scenery. Sometimes families choose to photograph outside their own home, but typically we select a location from my location guide. These are places I’ve carefully chosen because they photograph beautifully and provide a stunning natural backdrop.
Outdoor sessions often highlight landscape and scenery, whether that’s open fields, trees, or soft sunset light. They create a romantic, light and airy feeling that many families love.
The biggest difference with outdoor sessions is that nature becomes part of the story, as the light, surroundings, and the environment all help shape the final look of the images. There are a few more considerations with outdoor photography, the main one being timing. We have to watch the sun’s position to make sure we get the soft natural light, and not harsh shadows. Depending on the time of year, this can also be tricky weather wise. However, we will always have a backup plan in place, whether it’s an alternate date, or a planned studio or in-home session instead.
See more from this San Antonio Maternity Session at Brackenridge Park!
Choosing a Maternity Photo Location
At the end of the day, the best location for your maternity session is the one that feels most like you. If you want images filled with personal meaning and storytelling moments, an in-home session might be the perfect choice. A studio session could be ideal if you love clean, classic imagery with a timeless feel that requires you to just show up. However, if you’re drawn to beautiful scenery and natural landscapes, or even have a specific location with special meaning in mind, an outdoor session might be perfect.
No matter which location you choose, maternity portraits are such a special way to pause and celebrate this exciting season before your little one arrives.
If you’re ready to schedule your Maternity photo session, I’d love to chat! Reach out today to get started!
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Laurie Adalle Photography is a maternity, newborn, and family photographer based in San Antonio, Texas and serves the surrounding areas. To inquire with Laurie Adalle fill out the form to connect!
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