Pregnancy is a whirlwind of choices – stroller or wrap carrier, birth center or hospital, crunchy toast or just more ice cream (I support both, by the way). So when your maternity photographer asks if you want an indoor studio or an outdoor session, it can feel like just another decision when you’d really prefer a nap.
If you’re here trying to figure out which type of session will feel most you – calm and natural, not stiff or overly curated – take a deep breath. This is absolutely something you can figure out, and I’m here to help walk you through it.
As an LA maternity photographer, I’ve worked with so many first-time moms in this exact moment. One client was teetering between a sunset beach shoot or cozy studio portraits. After a few quick questions, we realized the photos that really made her stop scrolling were the quiet, minimal studio images. “That’s it,” she said. “That’s what I want. It just feels like me.” And once we knew that, every other choice started falling into place.
That’s what I want for you too.
First Things First: There’s No ‘Right’ Choice
Let’s get this out of the way early – there is zero right or wrong here.
Choosing between an indoor or outdoor maternity session is really about tuning in to how you want this chapter remembered. Not how your mother thinks it should look. Not what Pinterest has declared is most popular this year. Just you and what you’re actually drawn to.
Here’s my take: If you already have a little tug in your gut pulling you somewhere – follow it.
Maybe soft light bouncing off white walls makes your heart skip. Or maybe golden-hour trees or the waves crashing behind you feels more like your story. Either way, both are beautiful, both are timeless, and I’ve designed both with care for new mothers.
How to Choose Between Indoor and Outdoor Maternity Photography
Your decision doesn’t have to be complicated. When I help expecting moms figure this out, these are the key things we explore together.
1. Notice What You’re Already Drawn To
Scroll back through the photos you’ve saved. Is there a style or setting that keeps popping up?
- If you’re loving clean, minimalistic portraiture, soft shadows, or intimate details – a studio session might be where your heart already lives.
- If you’re swooning over windswept dresses, natural backdrops, or wide-open skies – we’re probably heading outside.
It’s amazing how much clarity comes from simply asking: What have I already fallen in love with?
2. Think About What You Want to Wear
Consider how you’d like to feel and dress for your session. Clothes can be powerful guides.
- If you’re envisioning a lacy robe, pretty underwear, or even semi-nude portraits to cherish this transformation – that’s better suited to the cozy, private setting of my studio.
- If you’re drawn to movement, layering, or more color – an outdoor location will offer the space and light to bring that vision to life.
Bonus? I have a curated wardrobe for both kinds of sessions, so no stressful shopping needed either way.
3. Factor in Comfort (Yours and Your Partner’s)
Let’s be real. A maternity session isn’t just about the setting. It’s also about how comfortable you feel in front of the camera.
Some clients feel relaxed and glowy indoors, others find it easier to warm up when we’re out on a trail or beach.
- Is your partner a little photo-shy or hesitant? Outdoor sessions tend to feel lower pressure and more casual.
- Do you want a quieter pace, fewer distractions, and a session you don’t have to walk around for? Then we stay in the studio, drink water, and give you plenty of breaks.
No stress. You don’t have to “perform” in either case. My goal is to always meet you where you are – and create something beautiful together from there.
4. Consider the Long Game
Here’s something you might not have thought about: Most of your family photos in the years ahead will probably happen outside.
So if you’re torn and truly have no opinion either way, I’ll suggest considering an indoor studio maternity session – it gives you a beautiful contrast and offers something unique for this milestone you won’t repeat.
Why This Choice Matters More Than You Think
I know this feels like a small detail now. But these decisions shape how you’ll remember this fleeting season.
Not just what the photos look like, but how you felt when you took them.
Choosing the right setting can unlock something tender. Vulnerability, joy, quiet strength. The things that can’t be posed.
So my best advice? Trust the part of you that already knows what you’re craving. And if you’re not sure, I’m always here to walk through it with you!
Ready to Plan a Session That Feels Like You?
Whether your heart is set on a breezy outdoor maternity session in Los Angeles, or you’re dreaming of peaceful indoor portraits in my light and airy studio, I’d be honored to help bring that vision to life.
Our time together can be simple, stress-free, and attuned to exactly what you need—not what the internet says you should do.
Take the first step and get in touch here to start planning your session. I can’t wait to hear your story.
Let’s create something true, quiet, and beautifully you.
