Whether you’re soaking up this season of change or counting down the days until your little one arrives (or both…), planning your San Diego maternity photoshoot is a beautiful way to honor it all.

If the idea of maternity photos feels intimidating or a little too “posed”, I get it. As a San Diego maternity photographer and an expectant mom myself, I understand wanting your photos to feel real, relaxed, and authentic to your story.

Here’s how to make your San Diego maternity photoshoot feel more like you, and less like Pinterest (at least in an impersonal way).

Choose a San Diego Location That Feels Comfortable and Meaningful

San Diego has no shortage of beautiful places for a maternity session, but the best location is one that makes you feel comfortable. Whether that’s the beach at golden hour, a quiet trail at sunset, or your own home, you have plenty of great options.

Some favorite maternity photoshoot spots in San Diego:

• Windansea Beach – dreamy golden tones, rock formations, and fewer crowds
• Coronado Beach – soft sand + the dunes make this a perfect spot for photos
• Balboa Park – a mix of greenery, historic architecture, and shaded spots
• Mission Trails – perfect if you want sweeping mountain views and more privacy than the beach offers 
• City sessions – whether it’s North Park, Downtown, or anywhere around San Diego, if you’re more of a city person we can plan your session around this
• Home sessions – intimate, cozy, and personal (plus: AC + snacks)

Here are some examples from photo sessions in these spots!

If you’re visiting from out of town, I’m happy to help you choose a location that aligns with the vibe you’re going for, whatever that might be.

Wear What Makes You Feel Most Like You

I know we’ve all seen maternity photos with the classic flowy dress that you might otherwise never wear.  If that’s your vibe – amazing, we will have so much fun with it. But it doesn’t have to be! Your maternity photos should reflect your style, personality, and mood during this chapter. Except maybe less PJ-oriented than could be an accurate representation (at least for me…). Old Navy has been such a reliable place for me to buy casual maternity wear – from sets to flowy dresses.

Some outfit ideas I love:

• A fitted dress that hugs your bump
• An oversized sweater and jeans
• A two-piece set that shows off your belly
• A soft robe or layered textures for in-home sessions

Bring a second outfit if you want variety, and don’t stress about the perfect look. These photos are about documenting such a special time, and I know feeling your best with your new body and clothing can be a challenge. 

Guiding Your San Diego Maternity Session

I’ll guide you throughout your session, but my favorite images always come from in-between moments – like the way you instinctively rest your hands on your bump, or how your partner makes you laugh during a quiet second.

We’ll take our time, go at your pace, and create space for all the small moments – posed and candid. If you want to include your partner, your dog, or simply do the session solo, I’ll guide you (and your crew).

As a San Diego maternity photographer, my approach is gentle and documentary-inspired, with an emphasis on keeping things low-pressure and natural. You don’t need to know how to pose or even feel totally confident before we start. We will figure out our own rhythm as we go 🩷

Bonus Ideas to Personalize Your San Diego Maternity Session

Here are a few ways to bring even more meaning into your maternity photoshoot:

• Bring a meaningful item: a baby blanket, ultrasound, or book
• Write a letter to your baby and read part of it during your session
• Include an activity you and your partner normally do together – like a coffee date or picnic
• Add music! I’ll bring a speaker – send me your favorite artists or a playlist to set the mood

From One Expectant Mom to Another…

I didn’t fully understand how much a maternity session could mean until I experienced pregnancy firsthand. I’m so grateful I took a moment to pause during being pregnant to capture this chapter and ALL the changes and emotions with it. 

Whether you’re local or visiting and want to remember your trip to San Diego with a maternity photoshoot, I’d be honored to help you document this chapter in a way that feels authentically you. ❤️

📍 Serving San Diego and beyond | LGBTQ+ inclusive | All families celebrated

Get in touch to book your San Diego maternity photoshoot!