Studio sessions are a beautiful fit for moms-to-be who love the idea of being pampered and glammed up in a boutique-style setting. If you're drawn to dramatic gowns, polished hair and makeup, and magazine-style images taken in a softly lit indoor space, a studio experience offers all of that in a carefully styled environment.

But if you’re someone who finds calm and clarity in nature - if you’re often surrounded by screens, traffic, and back-to-back routines - an outdoor maternity session can feel like a breath of fresh air. It's a meaningful and immersive experience, a chance to step away from the noise of daily life and spend time by the ocean, in the trees, or near a tranquil lake. This moment is not just about capturing photos; it’s about taking the time to truly connect with the here and now, to soak in the fleeting beauty of this chapter of your life before everything changes forever.

Why More Vancouver Moms-to-Be Are Skipping The Studio And Choosing An Outdoor Maternity Photoshoot

Vancouver and the surrounding areas are full of stunning spots for outdoor maternity photos. From the golden hour light at Whytecliff Park to the serene reflections at Buntzen Lake, the natural beauty here offers so much variety. With Vancouver’s incredible range of beaches, forests, lakesides, and open fields, no two outdoor sessions are ever the same. The colours change, the light moves, and the backdrop evolves in ways a studio session simply can’t.

Here’s why expectant moms from all over Burnaby, Coquitlam, Richmond, Langley, Surrey, and beyond often choose an outdoor session:

• Scenic Variety: Real-world backdrops that change with the seasons and light, giving your images a unique look that cannot be replicated in a studio.

• Genuine Moments: Outdoor sessions feel more natural, with space to move, walk, and connect with yourself, your partner, or simply enjoy the moment.

• Vibrant Colours: I specialize in rich, colourful, bold images that reflect the environment around you including lush greens, golden light, ocean blues, and warm hues.

• Styled for the Setting: Outfits are carefully selected to reflect your personal style and complement the natural beauty of your chosen location, making each session feel uniquely yours.

What Makes Vancouver’s Outdoor Maternity Locations So Special

If you’re considering an outdoor maternity session, it might be the perfect fit for you if you...

✔ Appreciate the freedom to be yourself: Outdoor sessions offer the ideal mix of gentle guidance and natural ease. With space to move and breathe, you’ll feel comfortable and confident as I direct each pose, while still giving you time to take in the moment.

✔ Are drawn to peaceful, natural surroundings: Being outdoors brings a calm, grounded feel to your session. Surrounded by fresh air and beautiful scenery, it’s easier to relax and feel fully in the moment, allowing everything to unfold naturally.

✔ Enjoy the idea of an adventure: If the thought of stepping into nature for your photos excites you, outdoor sessions can feel like a short escape. Whether it’s by the ocean, in the forest, or on a mountain trail, each location brings its own kind of magic to your story.

✔ Value a more personal experience: The quiet setting of an outdoor shoot creates space for meaningful moments. With time to slow down and connect, we’ll create images that reflect not just how you look, but how this chapter in your life feels.

Why You Might Love an Outdoor Maternity Session

If you’re looking for the perfect backdrop for your outdoor maternity session, here are some of my top spots around the Vancouver area that offer unique landscapes, depending on the season:

Whytecliff Park: Dramatic cliffs, secluded rocky beaches, and wide ocean views.
Deer Lake Park: Lush greenery, beautiful gardens, open fields, and a scenic lake.
Jericho Beach: Sandy shores with a stunning ocean view and a backdrop of city and mountains.
Buntzen Lake: Tranquil lake framed by layered mountain views, a lush forest, and scenic trails.
Queen Elizabeth Park: Expansive gardens, open fields of trees, and a vibrant duck pond.
Golden Ears Park: Dense forest trails, scenic rocky rivers, and a lake with mountain views.
Cleveland Dam: Forest trails with expansive mountain views overlooking a large, serene lake.
Mundy Park: Large forested park with trails, multiple small lakes, and an open field.

Each of these locations is just a short drive from Vancouver and offers a variety of moods and natural beauty that changes throughout the seasons.

The Best Outdoor Maternity Photo Locations Near Vancouver

🌸 Spring: Fresh blooms and vibrant greenery emerge as cherry blossoms and budding trees mark the season. Soft light and crisp air highlight nature’s transition, offering delicate, textured backgrounds for your session.

🌞 Summer: Warmth, golden light, and lush landscapes define these months. Whether it’s sunlit beaches, wildflower meadows, or dense forest trails, summer provides a variety of rich, colourful settings and longer daylight hours.

🍂 Fall: Characterized by deep reds, golds, and ambers, fall brings textured foliage and layered landscapes. The earthy tones combined with warm, glowing light create a natural, rich environment for maternity portraits.

❄️ Winter: Bare branches, frosted fields, and snow-covered paths define winter’s minimalist landscape. The soft, cool light and quiet surroundings set a calm, understated backdrop that highlights simplicity and contrast.

When it comes to outdoor maternity sessions, the idea that summer is the only option couldn’t be further from the truth! Each season offers its own unique beauty and vibe for your photos. Whether you're dreaming of lush greenery, golden autumn leaves, or the crisp elegance of winter, every season can offer something special for your maternity shoot. Here’s why every season brings something special to your maternity session:

Every Season is Perfect for An Outdoor Maternity Photo Session

Why Outdoor Photos Are The Perfect Choice For Your Maternity Photoshoot

Choosing an outdoor session means embracing natural light, fresh air, and beautiful, ever-changing backdrops that a studio cannot offer. The open space lets you move freely and relax, creating genuine moments that feel natural and effortless. Unlike a studio with a fixed setting, outdoor sessions capture the season’s unique colours and textures, resulting in vibrant and authentic images.

If you want maternity photos that capture the genuine beauty of this fleeting time in your life, outdoor sessions are the best choice. They provide an authentic and memorable experience, letting your images celebrate the natural beauty and vibrant energy of your journey like nothing else can.