Maternity photography is about more than documenting a season. It’s about celebrating the anticipation, beauty, and love that surround you as you wait to meet your baby. One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is where your session should take place. Should you step outdoors into the golden evening light or stay indoors in the calm simplicity of a studio?

Both options are beautiful, but each offers something unique. Here’s a closer look to help you decide what’s best for your maternity photos.

Golden Hour Outdoors: Natural Light & Romance

Golden hour – the hour just after sunrise or before sunset – is one of the most magical times of day to be photographed. The soft, golden light creates a flattering glow on your skin and adds warmth to every frame.

Why clients love golden hour sessions:

• Dreamy Atmosphere: The light wraps around you, softening edges and creating a natural glow.
  
  
• Scenic Backdrops: Fields, gardens, or water views add depth and romance.
  
  
• Movement and Variety: Walking hand-in-hand, swaying in the grass, or simply standing in the warm light creates natural, organic poses.
  
  
• Seasonal Storytelling: Outdoor sessions reflect the time of year—lush greens in summer, warm tones in autumn, or blossoms in spring.
  
  

Outdoor sessions are wonderful if you love the idea of nature surrounding your story. They feel alive, relaxed, and full of motion. It’s also a wonderful option for families who want to include siblings or partners, since outdoor space allows for play, interaction, and a natural flow that helps children feel at ease.

Studio Maternity: Timeless & Refined

Studio portraits give off an air of timeless simplicity, while golden hour offers romance. A studio session removes distractions so the focus stays entirely on you, your bump, and your connection.

Why clients love studio sessions:

• Controlled Environment: Weather, heat, or bugs won’t interfere. Sessions are comfortable year-round.
  
  
• Minimalism: Clean backdrops and soft lighting highlight your form and expressions.
  
  
• Access to the Wardrobe: You will have complete access to carefully chosen maternity dresses and draperies in the studio.
  
  
• Artistic Options: From classic black-and-white portraits to softly lit, editorial-inspired poses, studio sessions create images that feel modern yet timeless.
  
  

Studio maternity photos are perfect for those who prefer elegance and simplicity or who simply want to avoid worrying about unpredictable weather. They’re also a great choice if you’d like a more intimate atmosphere, where every detail is carefully styled and you can fully relax without distraction.

Which Is Best for You?

The answer comes down to your personality and the type of images you’ll treasure.

• Choose golden hour outdoors if you love natural light, open skies, and the feeling of being surrounded by nature’s beauty.
  
  
• Choose the studio if you prefer refined, minimalist portraits with a focus on artistry and detail.
  
  

Some families even choose both, scheduling part of their session outdoors and part in the studio to capture the best of both worlds. By blending the two, you create a gallery with incredible variety, portraits that are soft and elegant, alongside images that feel warm and cinematic.

Final Thoughts

Maternity photography is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and whether you choose golden hour or the studio, the result will be portraits that reflect this extraordinary season. Outdoors brings romance and warmth, while the studio offers timeless refinement. Both are beautiful in their own way. The best choice is simply the one that feels most like you.