Are you preparing for your maternity session and considering outdoor maternity photos? Whether you’re here for maternity outdoor photoshoot ideas, guidance on what to wear, or examples of outdoor maternity photos in all seasons, I’ve collected my best information here for you.

What to Wear to an Outdoor Maternity Photoshoot

A maternity photo session is a great opportunity to dress up a little. Maternity dresses are MADE for photos, especially ones with an empire waist and long flowy skirt. These photography exceptionally well. I provide options for any full sessions booked with me through my Client Closet, as well as custom designed style boards like the one below. You can also check out this post on What to Wear for Maternity Photos which has more style boards for inspiration and applies to both indoor and outdoor sessions.

What to Bring for an Outdoor Maternity Photoshoot

Don’t feel as though you have to over-prepare for your outdoor maternity photos. Your session is meant to be a time to slow down and enjoy your family as it is right now, before the baby arrives. Consider anything you might want to bring to make yourself more comfortable, such as water, comfortable shoes, and a pretty shawl, blanket, or coat if it’s cold out. Otherwise, all you’ll really need is yourself!

When to Book Your Outdoor Maternity Photos

The best time to book your maternity photos is between 28 and 36 weeks. You’ll want to be visibly pregnant for your photos, but not late enough in your pregnancy that you’re uncomfortable walking and standing for your session. This especially applies to outdoor maternity photos, where there is a bit more walking involved versus a studio session. If you’re planning outdoor winter maternity photos, get in touch with me sooner than you think so that we can account for the busy fall portrait season as well as any weather reschedules.

Outdoor Maternity Photos Ideas

Spring Maternity Photoshoot

A spring maternity photoshoot is a great time to take advantage of anything in bloom: wildflowers, cherry blossoms, even just trees with new leaves after winter! While it can be tricky to time it right, have some flexibility to keep an eye on the blooms or change locations for the best blooms and we’ll have all we need for a beautiful spring maternity photoshoot. I loved traveling out to the Columbia River Gorge for peak wildflower season at this maternity session.

Outdoor Winter Maternity Photos

Winter maternity photos outdoors can be so lovely! It takes a little extra planning and flexibility to hit ideal weather, but it’s always worth it if your heart is set on outdoor maternity pictures. I recommend booking earlier than you think you’ll need to so that we have room to reschedule if needed due to rain. We can usually hit a dry day, and often even a moment of sunshine or two!

When planning your winter outdoor maternity photos, keep in mind the landscape and the elements. The tones of the surrounding landscape are usually muted shades of tan and brown. Similarly muted shades of pastel colors look so nice against this backdrop, as do cream and other light neutrals.

We often get some wind during winter maternity photos, and it can be quite chilly, so keep that in mind as well. I love to take advantage of the wind and encourage clients to wear their hair down and embrace a more natural look. Wind blowing through long hair adds such incredible movement to maternity photos! To keep warm, layer nude color leggings or tights underneath your clothing, bring a pretty shawl or blanket that complements your outfit, and bring a heavy coat to wear as we walk between locations.

Family Maternity Photos with Siblings

A maternity photoshoot is a perfect time to document your family as it is right now–just before adding another family member. While we take plenty of photos of just mom, whole family photos with siblings included are so important for maternity photos. Family maternity photos with siblings are a perfect way to remember what life was like before the new baby arrived.

Booking Your Outdoor Maternity Photos

Looking for more maternity photos? Check out these incredible wildflower maternity photos at the Columbia River Gorge. If you’re looking for a Portland Maternity Photographer, view my full maternity portfolio and booking information on my website, or contact me to book your maternity photos!