Maternity Photography in Orange County
You’re pregnant, Yay! This is such an exciting time in your life and by documenting it you’re creating a memory not just for you but also for your baby and generations to come. Here’s all the information that you’ll need to have the best maternity photo shoot, whether we’re doing it at our indoor studio or at an outdoor location.
The Best Timing for Your Session
Maternity photo shoots are best done between 30-34 weeks gestation for the first pregnancy. Sometimes mamas show a little sooner with subsequent pregnancies. We want to make sure that your belly is showing enough for pictures, but that you are still feeling well enough to pose for your pictures. Those dates are just a suggestion based on my experience, but some mamas may want to do their maternity photo shoot sooner and some have decided at the very last minute. So, as long as you’re up to it, I’m up to it. However, it is vital to make sure to schedule your session as soon as you can so that we have enough time to plan the details.
Choosing a Location for Maternity Photography in Orange County
You can choose to do the maternity pictures either at our indoor studio or at an outdoor location. Hilary focuses her passion on capturing the raw beauty and emotion of your unique motherhood journey in various beautiful locations throughout Orange County.
In-Studio Maternity Sessions
Studio maternity photo shoots can be scheduled during any time of the day because the lighting and environment is controlled. All in-studio sessions are photographed by Hilary Avalos in her photography studio located in Laguna Niguel. These sessions are better for mamas wanting to show a little bit more skin during their shoot. Nude maternity or implied nudity have become a super popular way to accentuate your growing belly in an artistic way.
Outdoor Maternity Locations
Outdoor maternity photo shoots in Orange County can be done in locations such as a beach or park or even as epic as Joshua Tree or Big Bear Lake. These shoots need to be scheduled around sunset, which will vary depending on the time of year. They are also a little bit more unpredictable because we will have to deal with the weather.
- Beach Locations: Some local favorites include Laguna Beach, Dana Point, El Matador Beach and Corona del Mar. The soothing sounds of the beach hitting the sand can make for a beautiful maternity session.
- Forest and Parks: For maternity photography in Orange County, the forest or parks are another great option. Orange County is full of beautiful parks and hiking paths like Carbon Canyon Park and Craig Regional Park.
- Iconic Architecture: Clients may decide to do their maternity session at the iconic Mission San Juan Capistrano due to its beautiful architecture and flower gardens.
| Location Type | Key Features | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor Studio | Controlled lighting and environment; private. | Ideal for artistic nudity and implied nudity. |
| Beach | Laguna Beach, Dana Point, Corona del Mar. | May have to do some stealth changing in your car. |
| Parks / Forest | Carbon Canyon Park, Craig Regional Park. | Surrounded by trees gives a sense of serenity. |
Wardrobe and Styling
Regardless of where your photo shoot takes place, I have your wardrobe covered. When you book a maternity photoshoot, it includes access to my client wardrobe. I have dresses from some of the most well-known maternity clothing brands in the photography industry, like Sew Trendy and Katharina Hakaj. There’s plenty of silhouettes and colors to choose from, including bohemian maternity dresses and simple maternity dresses made of lace or tulle.
I usually suggest that clients choose 3 different outfits/looks. This gives enough variety of looks while not making it an overwhelming process. My maternity client closet includes dresses in size XS through XXL and everything in between, and I make sure to buy maternity gowns that will stretch nicely.
The Importance of Undergarments
One of the most important parts of the maternity wardrobe is the undergarments. Bring a nude colored bra and underwear, preferably one with removable straps or straps that are easily tucked away. This will help keep the undergarments hidden from pictures. The last thing you want is a beautiful white maternity dress with hot pink underwear showing beneath it.