Outdoor vs. Indoor Maternity Photography: Which One is Right for You?


Choosing between an outdoor or indoor maternity session can feel like a big decision, but the good news is—there’s no wrong choice! Both options offer beautiful ways to capture this special season of your life. It all comes down to what feels most like you. Let's explore the benefits of each to help you decide.


Outdoor Maternity Sessions: Embracing Nature’s Beauty


If you're drawn to wide-open spaces, golden light, and natural textures, an outdoor maternity session might be your perfect match. Here's why:


🌳 Scenic Backdrops: Whether it’s a beach at sunset, a forest trail, or a flower-filled garden, outdoor locations offer a stunning natural setting that feels effortless and timeless.


✨ Golden Hour Glow: Outdoor sessions allow us to take advantage of dreamy, golden-hour lighting that adds warmth and softness to your photos—perfect for that ethereal maternity glow.


👣 Movement & Play: Outdoor spaces give you the freedom to walk, twirl, and move naturally, which helps create candid, relaxed moments that feel authentic. This is also ideal if you have older siblings joining the session—they can run, explore, and just be themselves while I capture those joyful, playful moments.


🖼️ Storytelling Potential: Outdoor locations often allow us to weave more of your story into the session—perhaps it’s a favorite park where you walk your dog or a quiet beach you love visiting.


Best for: Expecting parents who love the outdoors, want a scenic backdrop, or are dreaming of those glowing sunset shots.

black and white photo of a couple looking into the sunset together while holding the baby belly of the mom during a vancouver maternity sesh
golden hour capture of a couple expecting their first child and walking along the tree line during an outdoor vancouver maternity session.
black and white photo of expecting mom in a flowy white dress during an outdoor beachy vancouver maternity session.
Flowing white dress on expecting mom looking out over the ocean during a vancouver maternity photo session.
Vancouver outdoor family maternity photoshoot with a toddler cuddling up to their expecting mom.
Pregnant belly close-up photo with the shadow of a flower on it during a vancouver outdoor maternity photo session.

Indoor Maternity Sessions: Cozy, Intimate, and Personal


For a more relaxed, homey feel, an indoor maternity session might be just what you're looking for. Here’s what makes them special:


🏡 Comfort & Ease: No need to stress about the weather! Indoor sessions offer a calm, controlled environment—ideal if you're further along in your pregnancy and want to stay cozy.


🫂 Intimate Moments: Indoor sessions often feel softer and more personal. Whether you're curled up with a cup of tea, reading in your baby's nursery, or sharing quiet moments with your partner, these sessions capture the calm before the beautiful chaos of parenthood.


☕ Authentic Vibes: Your home is filled with meaningful details—the framed photos on the wall, the well-loved couch, the cozy blankets—that add layers of story to your session.


🧸 Perfect for Toddlers & Siblings: At-home sessions are especially great for little ones. They can play with their favorite toys, snuggle up for story time, or stay in their comfort zone while I capture those sweet, everyday moments.


Best for: Those who want a laid-back experience, enjoy cozy aesthetics, or want to document life in the space where they’re preparing to welcome their baby.

Expecting mom in cardigan showing off her baby belly is looking out the window from her window seat during a vancouver maternity session.
cozy at-home maternity session with the expecting mom standing by the fireplace in a blue cardigan during a vancouver maternity photoshoot.
cozy maternity photoshoot with the expecting mom wearing a knit cardigan during a maternity photoshoot in vancouver, bc.
indoor family maternity photoshoot with the family laughing close to the window in matching outfits.
relaxed at-home pregnancy photoshoot by a vancouver family photographer.
black and white image of an expecting mom's body against the light of the window showing her form during a maternity session in vancouver.
moody and intimate close-up photo of a mom touching her growing baby belly during a maternity session in vancouver, bc.
expecting mom cradling her growing belly during a maternity session at home in vancouver, bc by a vancouver family photographer.
expecting mom holding her coffee mug on her growing baby bump during a maternity session in vancouver, bc.
expecting mom sitting in her rocking chair in her living room wearing a colourful cropped knit top during a maternity session in vancouver.
mom and toddler in matching jeans outfits cuddling for a photo during a family maternity session in vancouver, bc.
relaxed and candid pregnancy photoshoot at home on a rainy day in vancouver, bc from a maternity session by a vancouver family photographer.

Still Not Sure? Why Not Do Both?

If you're torn between the two, you don’t have to choose! I often combine both settings in one session—starting with cozy moments at home before stepping outside to capture golden-hour magic. This approach offers the best of both worlds and creates a well-rounded gallery full of variety.


How to Decide:

Still unsure which vibe is right for you? Ask yourself:

  • Do you picture yourself barefoot in the sand or curled up on the couch?
  • Are you drawn to wide-open spaces or intimate details?
  • Which environment feels most like you?

No matter what you choose, your maternity session should feel relaxed, meaningful, and true to your story. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, beautiful, and celebrated—whether that’s in your living room or a field of wildflowers.


Curious about what your maternity session could look like? I'd love to chat and help you create a session that feels just right for you. ❤️