Seattle Maternity Photoshoot Location Guide
Discover beautiful locations perfect for maternity photoshoots, carefully selected for ease of access for expecting moms. With over 15 years of maternity photography experience, I’ve curated this list to ensure stunning results. Explore detailed information, including sample photos and helpful tips, right here.
Last Update: June 18, 2024 • Maternity
For many of my clients, a maternity photoshoot is a cherished experience. As a photographer, I am driven to capture the beauty of your pregnancy and create impactful photos you’ll love and enjoy for a lifetime. One way that I accomplish this is by creating resources to help you prepare and plan your session.
After shooting maternity sessions for over a decade, I will tell you that four primary things determine the outcome of your photos:
- What you wear to your session
- Your hair and makeup
- Your poses (especially if you don’t feel natural in front of a camera)
- The location of your session
In this post, I will help you consider the different location types for your maternity photoshoot in the Seattle area and help you pick the best one for you.
(By the way, when you book with me, I will provide a detailed styling guide and other tips to help you look your best. During the session, I will guide and pose your family so you always know what to do.)
“We chose Lana for our maternity and newborn shoot and fully enjoyed the experience for both of them! She is super professional and talented. She sent out details and options regarding the locations and outfits which helped us prep for both shoots. She also suggested poses... which made it very easy for us!” –Manali
How I picked these locations:
There are so many PNW locations that I have used in maternity photo sessions. However, not all locations are created equal. All of the locations that I recommend have the following qualities:
- Beauty: I have photographed countless sessions in each of these locations and know firsthand that these locations look beautiful in photos.
- Convenience: The locations I picked are convenient for pregnant moms (and younger children if they are joining). I considered the drive to the location, the walk from the parking area to the spot where we will be shooting, amenities like a bathroom, and crowds. I avoided locations with long hikes.
- Fun factor: I picked locations that are fun, playful, engaging, and inspirational.
- Theme: I also picked locations with pronounced themes (e.g., mountains, forests, beaches, fields, and wildflowers) that offer a variety of looks.
Without further ado, let’s dive in.
On this page:
- Tips on choosing a location
- Beach photoshoots
- Photoshoots in grass fields
- Photoshoots with PNW backdrop
- Seasonal photoshoots
- Additional tips
- Final thoughts
Tips on Choosing a Location for Your Maternity Photos
Before we jump into sample photos, here are some tips that could help guide your decision when picking a location:
- Listen to your intuition. All locations on the list are picturesque in their own way. Go with your gut feeling and find which one speaks out to you.
- Some locations may have a special meaning to you. For example, maybe you went on your first date to a beach, so a maternity photo shoot on a beach may have special meaning.
- Consider how you will use the photos (e.g., albums, desk, wall, nightstand). Some locations compliment your home interior more than others.
- Consider your clothing options. Some clients select a location and then pick their outfits to suit it. Others already have an outfit in mind. If that’s you, consider which of the locations will compliment your outfit.
- Consider how far you are willing to travel. Some of these locations are local, while others require up to an hour of travel.
- If you want golden light, some locations work better than others. Although a golden light session in Seattle is never guaranteed, beaches and open fields work best, especially during summer and early fall.
- Consider the month of your session. The exact location can look dramatically different during the year. This will affect your wardrobe choices and the look and feel of the photos.
The perfect time for your photo session is between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.
Beach Maternity Photoshoots
Maternity photo sessions at the beach are calming, peaceful, and romantic. The evening golden light is absolutely gorgeous. If you are considering a maternity session on a Seattle beach, I recommend doing it in the summer and early fall when the temperatures are warm and the breeze is calm. This way, you and your family can be comfortable during the session.
- Locations: Seattle Discovery Park, Edmonds Beach, and Mukilteo Beach
- Season: Summer and early fall
- Travel: 30–40 minutes
Maternity Photoshoots in Grass Fields
The open space of a field conveys a feeling of freedom and possibilities. The soft grass and warm evening light add a sense of joy, beauty, and maternal glow.
There are plenty of Seattle locations with grass fields to pick from year-round. But keep in mind that the grass changes color during the seasons, affecting your outfit choices and the overall feel of the photos.
- Locations: Seattle Discovery Park, Redmond, Snoqualmie Pass, North Bend
- Season: Summer and early fall for Snoqualmie Pass and North Bend. All seasons for Seattle Discovery Park and Redmond.
- Travel: 30–50 minutes
Maternity Photoshoots with PNW Views
The breathtaking beauty and grandeur of the Pacific Northwest create an inspiring atmosphere for your maternity session. The peacefulness of the surroundings can evoke a sense of calm, allowing you to connect with your partner and celebrate this step of your journey.
There are plenty of locations with PNW landscapes year-round. Some attract crowds on the weekends during summer, so a weekday may work better.
- Locations: Rattlesnake Lake, Snoqualmie Pass, Snoqualmie River
- Season: Summer and early fall for Snoqualmie Pass and Snoqualmie River. Rattlesnake Lake is a great location during any season.
- Travel: 40–50 minutes
Seasonal Maternity Photoshoots
A few unique Seattle locations are available briefly during specific times of the year. These are the cherry blossoms during early spring and the lavender farms right before they are harvested mid-summer. So, if your maternity session date aligns with these events, you have these additional options.
The cherry blossoms attract large crowds on the weekends, and the lavender farms require a road trip. Still, both options are very picturesque and are worth the extra effort.
- Locations: WA Park Arboretum for cherry blossoms and Sequim, WA for lavender farms
- Season: Late March to early April for cherry blossoms and mid to late July for lavender farms
- Travel: 15–30 minutes for WA Park Arboretum and around 3+ hours for Sequim, WA (may require a ferry)
Additional Tips
After you pick the perfect location for your maternity photos, here are additional tips that can enhance your experience:
- Include sentimental or meaningful objects in a few shots, such as ultrasound photos, shoes, and onesies. I loved how one couple included a cowboy hat in maternity and newborn photos.
- Include your pets. Your session may require a bit more work, but it makes it that much more special. It is generally better when your pets are well-behaved and follow directions. Also, consider what your dog will do when not in the photos.
- Include florals. Is there anything more prettier than flowers? When you add them to your photos, the florals make them even prettier. You don’t need to have them in every shot, but consider adding a floral crown or a bouquet to some photos to create various looks.
- An important part of picking an outfit is to be comfortable and relaxed. If it is something new, wear it at home to get used to it. Watch out for bra and underwear lines.
- Casual dresses are usually more comfortable than maternity gowns. You can have more movement and posing variations with a dress than a maternity gown, especially a form-fitting one.
- Give yourself a buffer. If booking for fall/winter, consider Seattle’s rainy weather. Give yourself an extra week (or two) if you need to reschedule due to weather.
- On the drive to the photo shoot, keep the atmosphere fun, easygoing, and lighthearted. Connect with your partner and your kiddos. Focus on the moment and reflect on your journey. When couples and families are connected, interactions during a photoshoot become a natural extension of your bond.
Final Thoughts
This post’s sample photos and insights have given you everything you need to pick a perfect location for your maternity session in Seattle.
As I mentioned, four primary aspects impact the outcome of your session: what you wear, your hair and makeup, the posing, and the session’s location.
These four things turn into a beautiful dance between the client and the photographer. As a client, you have more control of your wardrobe, hair, and makeup (and I provide styling tips along the way). As a photographer, I help you pick a location, create an easy and relaxed atmosphere, and guide and prompt you during your session.
Sprinkle some connection time with your partner before the session, and together, we will create beautiful maternity photos you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Hi, I’m Lana
I have been a Seattle maternity, newborn, and family photographer since 2008. Having photographed thousands of families, I have developed a hassle-free and fun process so families could have an easier time documenting their journey through the years. I invite you to learn more about me, and my unique values and quirks.
