There are so many factors & ideas to consider when choosing your maternity session location!
First of all, I reccommend taking your maternity photos in your late 7th month of pregnancy – around 32-34 weeks. This way you’ll have a great bump going, but won’t be so uncomfortable just yet, or hopefully at risk of having baby early!
Seasonal
One of the first things to consider is what season of the year it will be when you’re 7 months along! This can help inspire a variety of locations, whether it’s capturing fall foliage, winter snow, spring blossoms or summer sun!
Above: Spring maternity session at the UW cherry blossoms
Below: Winter maternity session at Alpental, Snoqualmie Pass
At Home
Another option for maternity session location would be to do them at home! This provides beautiful symmetry for your at home newborn session as well. It kind-of feels like the calm before the storm! I love the feelings of anticipation. This is also a great option to consider if the weather isn’t so nice, or if you want to include family pets that do better at home.
Urban
There are so many different scenery options for maternity photos! An urban vibe can be a fun option, especially since you likely won’t opt for a city scene for your first few family photo sessions. I like to encourage variety between your sessions – we had so much fun exploring around Capitol Hill when Rachel was pregnant with their first baby girl!
Nature
There are countless natural landscapes around the Pacific Northwest that are perfect for maternity sessions! You can find beaches and parks in almost every neighborhood. If you have a favorite park you already like going to, either yourselves or with an older sibling, that could be a fun option for your maternity session location! We caught sunset at Carkeek Park in the photo below – it was magical! And big sister was free to roam!
Activity
Another fun idea for a maternity session location is to do an activity for part of your shoot! I’ve had a few sessions where we’ve gotten ice cream or cupcakes – there is something so cute about sweets & bumps! (Not to mention delicious!)
This can also be a fun play on any pregnancy cravings you may be having! (But in a less cliche, over-the-top Pinterest sort of way 🙂 )
Destination
I am always down for an adventure, and what better time than your last session as *just a couple* to explore somewhere beautiful! Where is your favorite place to enjoy together pre-baby? Take this opportunity to embrace a last hurrah!
Below: Engagement session at the Columbia River Gorge by Cave B Winery
Pets
One final thing to consider is if you’d like to include your pets in your maternity photos! Think about how well your pets do outdoors, around other dogs and people. Are they able to stay calm out of the shot for a few photos? If not, maybe a friend or family member could come hang out with your furry friend for some of the session! Check out more tips for photos with pets here!
Go-To Locations
I’m always happy to share my go-to locations, or locations I’d like to try out with my families! Here are a couple of my favorites:
Above: Rattlesnake Lake, North Bend, WA
Below: Discovery Park, Seattle, WA
As you can tell, the sky is the limit when choosing your maternity session location. Think about what would represent you & your relationship pre-baby, and have some fun! You can also browse my maternity session blog posts to get some more inspiration!
Interested in booking your maternity session with me? I’d love to chat! Email me at meredith@meredithmckee.com or fill out the contact form today!
