What Kind of Maternity Photo Session Is Right for You?
How to Choose Between In-Home, Outdoor, or Studio Maternity Photos
Thinking about booking maternity photos but not sure what kind of session fits you best?
Whether you're planning early in your second trimester or nearing the final stretch, your maternity photo session should feel personal, honest, and aligned with your vision. From cozy in-home storytelling to editorial studio portraits, here’s how to choose a maternity session style that suits your personality, comfort level, and aesthetic.
Outdoor Maternity Photo Sessions
Styled, scenic, and full of warmth
Outdoor maternity photo shoots are ideal if you're drawn to golden light, open space, and a more editorial feel. Whether you’re imagining a linen-draped beach session or a romantic field of tall grass, outdoor maternity sessions give us room to style your shoot in a way that feels dreamy but still grounded.
We might choose:
A sun-soaked field session for warmth and texture
A quiet beach session for soft, nostalgic tones
A location with significance to your family or story
Best for you if:
You’re inspired by styled visuals and natural landscapes
You want room for movement and connection
You’d like to incorporate children, partners, or pets
You’re imagining barefoot, wind-in-your-hair images
In-Home Maternity Photo Sessions
Relaxed, intimate, and deeply personal
If you want your photos to feel slow and sentimental, in-home maternity photography might be the perfect choice. These sessions often include soft light, cozy textures, and the real space where you’ll bring your baby home — and they’re ideal if your nursery is ready or if you love the idea of being captured in your everyday environment.
Best for you if:
You love natural, candid maternity photography
You want a nostalgic, warm, homey feel to your images
You want to include your baby’s nursery or personal details
You’d prefer simple styling with knits, robes, or open cardigans
Studio Maternity Photo Sessions
Editorial, minimalist, and artistic
Studio maternity photography focuses on clean light, quiet emotion, and intentional framing. These are the kinds of images that often feel timeless and powerful — focused entirely on you, your shape, and your connection to this chapter.
Studio sessions are also ideal for mothers who want:
A more editorial maternity photo shoot
Intimate, close-up images (belly-only, silhouettes, etc.)
A private, peaceful space for portraits without distraction
Should You Include Your Partner, Kids, or Pets?
Absolutely — if that’s part of your story. Your maternity session can be solo, a couple’s session, or a full family photo shoot that celebrates what life looks like right now. There’s no right answer.
I often recommend a mix:
Portraits of you alone with your bump
Candid connection between you and your partner
A few family images if siblings or pets are joining
When Should You Take Maternity Photos?
The best time for a maternity photo session is typically between 28 and 34 weeks — when your belly is showing beautifully, but you’re still comfortable enough to move easily during the shoot.
That said, if you’re later into your third trimester, you can still absolutely book. Many clients choose to document the final days of pregnancy, and it often leads to incredibly tender and emotionally rich imagery.
I photograph maternity sessions across Toronto, Durham Region, Whitby, Oshawa, Bowmanville, GTA and beyond — capturing each family’s story with a film-inspired, editorial approach that’s rooted in connection and honesty.