Hiring a maternity photographer is one of the most beautiful ways to honor your pregnancy and capture the anticipation of new life. Whether it’s your first baby or your fourth, these photos become treasured memories of a season that flies by in a blur.

On a personal level, I really wish I had booked a maternity photographer during either of my pregnancies. That season was so sweet—and so fleeting—and I don’t have the kind of beautiful portraits I now wish I had. I have a few quick snapshots, but nothing that truly captures the feeling of that time. It’s one of my biggest photo regrets. So if you’re on the fence, learn from me: Take the pictures. You won’t regret having them, but you might regret not doing it.

One of the first decisions you'll face when you hire a maternity photographer is whether to book a studio session or an outdoor session. Both offer incredible possibilities—but which is right for you?

As a professional photographer, serving clients in Westchester County, NY, Fairfield County, CT, and Putnam County, NY, I’ve photographed countless pregnant women in both indoor and outdoor settings. In this post, I’ll break down the pros and cons of each option, share what to expect, and help you decide which experience will feel most like you.

Why Your Maternity Session Location Matters

Your choice of setting will shape the entire feel of your images. Are you envisioning a clean, minimalist look? Or are you dreaming of golden sunlight and natural backdrops, such as a beach, flowering trees, or fall foliage? A good maternity photographer for you will help bring that vision to life—so let’s explore what each setting has to offer.

How and when to book a maternity photoshoot

In most cases, I recommend scheduling a maternity photoshoot around the seventh month of pregnancy. It’s usually great for having a nice round bump, but not so late in the game where we might run into fatigue, edema, etc. To book your session, reach out to me here to get the ball rolling! I offer discounts for clients who book a maternity session with their newborn session, so we’ll discuss both options and figure out the best direction for you and your family. After we chat, I’ll send you links to book directly with my client scheduling system.

The Benefits of Booking with a Studio Maternity Photographer

A studio session offers privacy, comfort, and a clean aesthetic. My professional photography studio sessions are styled simply, with a handful of simple backdrops that keep the focus on you and your growing baby bump. Your partner, dog, and kids are welcome both in my studio as well as an outdoor location.

1. A Controlled Environment

No worrying about the weather! When you book a maternity photographer who has their own studio (or access to one!), you’ll enjoy consistent lighting, a cozy temperature, and zero scheduling drama due to rain or cold. We're also not worried about time of day, and can be more flexible about the start time to work with your family's schedule. When it comes to outdoor portraits, I only schedule clients close to sunset for the sake of lighting. If you're worried about kids' bedtimes or schedule-wise cannot accommodate an evening photoshoot, a studio option is ideal.

2. Timeless, Classic Images

My studio maternity sessions are known for being simple and elegant. A solid backdrop, white curtain, and/or brick wall allows your glow and unique shape to shine through—without distractions. You'll receive classic portraits, complete with professional lighting and editing for that high-end look.

3. Styling Made Easy

A seasoned maternity photographer will provide wardrobe and access to a client closet, and I offer both. Many moms choose to wear the tight-fitting black dresses from my client closet, or play around with the long, wispy silk fabric I have stocked in the studio. Others enjoy a relaxed jeans + bra look. Regardless, a studio maternity option makes it easy - and private - to get the looks you love. It's also convenient to change in the bathroom that's just a couple of steps away from where I'll be taking the pictures.

4. Private and Comfortable

Some expectant moms feel more relaxed in a quiet studio space. If you’re planning to wear something revealing or want a calm, uninterrupted experience, booking with a studio maternity photographer is a great choice.

The Beauty of Working with an Outdoor Maternity Photographer

Outdoor maternity sessions bring a natural, organic energy to your images. They’re perfect if you love being in nature and/or want to highlight a beautiful Westchester or Fairfield County location in your session.

1. Glowy, Natural Light

A talented maternity photographer knows how to use the golden hour—the hour before sunset—for that dreamy, soft light. Outdoor sessions at this time of day are nothing short of magical.

2. Movement and Emotion

Outdoor sessions allow more space to move, interact, and connect. A good maternity photographer will guide you through poses while also capturing candid moments full of feeling.

3. Sentimental Settings

Whether it’s a beach where you’ve spent summers, a peaceful field, or a park near your home, the location can add personal meaning to your session. Your maternity photographer can help you choose a location that fits your story.

4. Beautiful Seasonal Backdrops

An outdoor maternity photographer can use the best of each season—blooming flowers in spring, lush greenery in summer, or golden tones in fall—to create a rich, textured background.

Note: If you're interested in learning more about my favorite locations, I have a free Location Guide available!

How to Decide Between a Studio or Outdoor Maternity PhotoSHOOT

Still unsure which direction to take? Ask yourself these questions:

Do I prefer clean, minimalist images or natural-inspired photos?
Do I prefer to schedule a photoshoot for a weekday (timing flexible) or an evening about 90 minutes before sunset?
Would I be more comfortable in a private studio or an open outdoor space?
What season is my due date? And thus, what season should I expect about 2 months before my due date, when we’d schedule the maternity session?
Will I be including other family members in the session? Are they flexible on factors like temperature and time of day?

As a professional maternity photographer, I will walk you through these questions and help you clarify what kind of session aligns with your comfort and style.

What It’s Like to Work with a Maternity Photographer?

Whether indoors or out, I aim to make every session feel calm, joyful, and comfortable. Here’s what you can expect:

Guidance on styling, posing, and preparing for your session
A relaxed, enjoyable experience from start to finish, with lots of instruction about where to stand, look, and put your hands
Lots of flexibility when it comes to young children, inclement weather, and any other complications
Professional editing and a beautifully curated gallery

Final Thoughts: Which Maternity Photographer Experience Is Best for You?

When you work with a maternity photographer, choosing between studio and outdoors session isn’t just about location—it’s about the experience you want to have and the memories you want to hold on to.

There’s no wrong answer here. Whether you’re drawn to the soft simplicity and high end lighting of a studio backdrop or the warm embrace of an outdoor sunset, the right maternity photographer will help you feel beautiful, confident, and celebrated.

If you’d like to book a maternity photoshoot, or to learn more about newborn photography, please reach out via my contact page! I’d love to discuss the best option for your maternity session.