The Ultimate Guide to Maternity Photos in Santa Barbara

Everything You Need to Know Before Your Session



When I was pregnant with my son, I never had professional maternity photos taken. Looking back, I really wish I had. At the time, I don't remember making a conscious decision not to do them. Like most expecting parents, I was focused on getting ready for the baby. We were buying diapers, putting together furniture, choosing a name, and wondering how our lives were about to change. Professional photographs simply weren't at the top of my priority list. I have a few snapshots from that season. My husband took some photos of me with our dog, and there are a handful of candid pictures from weddings and family gatherings. I'm grateful to have them, but they aren't photographs that celebrate pregnancy.

Now that I'm a mom, I wish I had those photographs. Not because I wanted perfect pictures. Because I wish I had paused long enough to celebrate what my body was doing. Pregnancy only lasts a few months, even though it can sometimes feel like forever. One day your baby is growing inside of you, and before you know it, they're running across the beach, starting kindergarten, or asking to borrow the car keys (we're not there yet, but I know it's coming soon)! It happens remarkably fast.

That's one of the reasons maternity photography has become so meaningful to me. I don't see pregnancy as something to simply get through. I see it as one of the most feminine, powerful, and beautiful seasons of a woman's life. Your body is doing something extraordinary. It's growing an entirely new person. Whether this is your first baby or your fourth, whether pregnancy feels easy or challenging, I believe it's a chapter worth remembering.

If you're reading this because you're thinking about maternity photos in Santa Barbara, I hope this guide answers every question you have. More importantly, I hope it gives you permission to celebrate yourself exactly as you are right now.

First Things First...

The biggest thing I want you to know has nothing to do with photography. Almost every maternity client says some version of the same thing before their session.

"I don't know how to pose."

"I don't feel photogenic."

"I've gained more weight than I expected."

"My husband doesn't really like having his picture taken."

"I'm worried my toddler won't cooperate."

If you've had any of those thoughts, you're in very good company. In fact, I'd be surprised if you hadn't. Here's the good news. None of those things matter nearly as much as you think they do.

One of my favorite parts of every maternity session is watching those worries disappear over the course of an hour. By the end of the evening, you're no longer thinking about where your hands are. You're laughing because your toddler just got splashed by a wave. You're walking hand-in-hand with your partner. You're watching the sunset. You're simply enjoying your family. That's exactly where I want your attention to be. The photographs happen almost as a byproduct of that experience.

My Goal Isn't to Pose You

People often describe my work as natural or candid, and I always smile when I hear that because, while the photographs feel effortless, there is actually a great deal of intention behind them. I don't expect you to show up knowing what to do. That's my job.

Throughout your session I'll gently guide you into beautiful light, suggest little prompts and activities, and help you interact with one another in ways that feel genuine. Rather than asking everyone to stand perfectly still and smile at the camera, I might ask your partner to whisper something that always makes you laugh, or encourage your children to race toward you for a hug.

I think of myself less as someone who poses people and more as someone who directs experiences. The goal isn't perfection, the goal is connection. When you stop thinking about the camera, your real personality starts to shine through. Those are the photographs I love most.

When Should You Schedule Your Maternity Photos?

This is probably the question I'm asked most often, and fortunately, there's not one right answer. Most photographers will tell you a specific week during your pregnancy, but I think it's a little more personal than that. My advice is to schedule your maternity session when your belly has a beautiful shape and you're still comfortable enough to enjoy the experience.

For most women, that ends up being sometime during the third trimester, and I generally recommend photographing before about 33 or 34 weeks. By that point your baby bump is usually well defined, but you're comfortable walking on the beach, playing with older children, and moving naturally throughout the session.

That said, every pregnancy is different. Some women feel wonderful at 35 weeks, while others are ready to slow down much earlier. If your doctor has placed you on bed rest or you're experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, we'll work around whatever is safest and most comfortable for you. More than anything, I want you to enjoy your session. I don't want you counting down the minutes until it's over because you're uncomfortable. If you're unsure about timing, just ask. I'm always happy to help you decide.

How Far in Advance Should You Book?

If possible, I'd recommend reaching out at least a month before you'd like to photograph your session. Certain weekends, especially during spring, summer, and fall, tend to fill more quickly than others.

Booking early also gives us plenty of time to talk about locations, clothing, and any questions you have leading up to your session. My goal is for you to feel excited and prepared rather than rushed.

Where Should We Take Your Maternity Photos?

I get asked this question all the time, and people are often surprised by my answer. The location matters, but the light matters more.

I've photographed families all over Santa Barbara, Montecito, and the Santa Ynez Valley, and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that beautiful light will always have a bigger impact on your photographs than a famous location. That's why I photograph almost exclusively during the last hour and a half before sunset. The light becomes softer, warmer, and wraps beautifully around you. Skin tones look natural, the ocean begins reflecting the sky, and everything takes on that golden California glow that people associate with Santa Barbara.

If you've ever looked through my portfolio and wondered why everything feels warm and relaxed, it isn't because of heavy editing. It's because we're photographing in beautiful light.

Sometimes clients ask about photographing somewhere that's meaningful to them, and I absolutely love that. If the light works well there, wonderful. If not, I may recommend adjusting our start time or photographing nearby where the light is more flattering. At the end of the day, I care much more about creating beautiful photographs than checking a famous location off a list.

My Favorite Maternity Locations in Santa Barbara

Although I'm always happy to suggest locations based on the season and the look you're hoping for, there are three beaches I find myself returning to again and again.

Miramar Beach

If I had to choose one favorite location, it would probably be Miramar Beach. It has everything I love. Beautiful sand, gentle waves, beach bungalows in the distance, palm trees, and a relaxed California feel that never goes out of style. As the sun gets lower, the light there becomes incredibly soft. We can start farther from the water while the sun is still a little higher, then gradually make our way down to the shoreline as sunset approaches. It gives us a wonderful variety of photographs without ever feeling like we're rushing from one place to another.

East Beach

During the summer, East Beach is one of my favorite places to photograph. The rows of palm trees become backlit as the sun drops lower in the sky, creating a beautiful golden glow that's uniquely Santa Barbara. If you're visiting from out of town and want photographs that immediately feel like Southern California, East Beach is hard to beat.

Ellwood Beach

If you're hoping for something a little quieter, Ellwood Beach is great if the tide is low. It feels more natural and a little less polished, which I love. There is plenty of room to explore, the sunsets are beautiful, and it often feels like you have the beach almost entirely to yourselves. It's one of those places where families naturally relax. Children begin exploring. Parents stop thinking about the camera. Everyone settles into simply being together. Those are my favorite sessions.

HASKELL'S BEACH

Haskell's Beach offers a wonderful variety of scenery. A short walk leads us past native coastal plants and over a charming bridge overlooking the Ritz-Carlton Bacara before we make our way down to the beach. The dramatic sandstone cliffs, beautiful ocean views, and wooden pier create a relaxed coastal backdrop that feels both peaceful and uniquely Santa Barbara.

Why You'll Probably End Up Barefoot

If you've looked through my maternity portfolio, you've probably noticed something else. Almost everyone is barefoot. That isn't because I ask them to be, it just seems to happen.

We'll start the session walking, talking, and getting comfortable with one another. As the sun gets lower, we naturally make our way toward the water. Shoes come off, dresses begin catching the breeze, and before long everyone is standing where the waves meet the sand.

I absolutely love photographing near the water. Not simply because it's beautiful, but because it changes people. There is something universal about the ocean. Children instinctively want to splash in it. Adults almost always smile when an unexpected wave reaches their ankles. The unpredictability of the water has a way of helping everyone forget they're being photographed.

Some of my favorite images happen because a wave came in just a little farther than expected. Someone laughs, someone squeals. Your partner grabs your hand. Your toddler starts chasing the water. Those reactions can't be posed, they're real. That's one of the reasons I return to the beach again and again. The ocean has a way of bringing out genuine joy, and I think those moments become some of the most meaningful photographs in your gallery.

A Quick Note About Getting Wet

One question I occasionally get is whether you'll get wet during your session. The answer is... probably at least a little.

Most families end up with wet ankles by the end of the evening, and occasionally a dress catches a wave or a toddler decides to run straight into the surf. Personally, I think those moments are part of the fun.

If you'd rather stay completely dry, that's absolutely okay too. We can photograph farther up the beach and still create beautiful images. The most important thing is that your session feels like you.

Tristin's Tip

When choosing a location, don't spend too much time trying to find the "perfect" backdrop. Beautiful light and genuine connection will always matter more than the exact location. Years from now, you'll remember how the evening felt far more than the name of the beach where your photographs were taken.

What Should I Wear for My Maternity Photos?

If you've started planning your maternity session, there's a good chance you've already asked yourself one question dozens of times: "What am I going to wear?" The good news is that you don't have to figure it out on your own.

One of the things I love helping clients with is choosing clothing that photographs beautifully while still feeling like you. I know shopping for dresses while you're pregnant isn't always easy, and buying something you'll likely only wear once isn't always appealing. That's one of the reasons I created my Client Closet. Every maternity client is welcome to borrow a dress from my collection at no additional cost. It's a wonderful option if you're looking for something that photographs beautifully without having to purchase another outfit.

If you'd rather wear your own dress, that's wonderful too. The most important thing is that you feel beautiful and comfortable. If you're deciding between a few different options, I'm always happy to help.

My Favorite Dresses

If you've looked through my maternity portfolio, you've probably noticed that many of my clients wear long, flowing dresses. That's intentional, movement is one of my favorite parts of photography.

As we walk together along the beach, a gentle breeze catches the fabric. As you step into the water, your dress floats around you. Even something as simple as turning toward your partner creates beautiful movement that adds life to your photographs. Long dresses also allow you to move freely. You'll be walking, hugging your family, sitting in the sand, and perhaps getting your feet wet. I want you thinking about enjoying the evening rather than adjusting your clothing every few minutes. That doesn't mean fitted dresses are off limits. Some women love a dress that beautifully highlights their baby bump, and those can photograph wonderfully too. I simply encourage choosing something that allows you to move comfortably throughout the session.

Choosing Colors

People often ask if there are certain colors that photograph better than others. The answer is yes, although it isn't because one color is "right" and another is "wrong." Santa Barbara already gives us so much beauty. We have soft sand, blue ocean, golden light, eucalyptus trees, sandstone cliffs, and rolling hills. Clothing that complements those colors tends to create photographs that feel timeless.

I usually recommend soft, muted tones like cream, linen, dusty rose, sage green, muted blues, warm browns, and other light earthy colors. These shades photograph beautifully in natural light and keep the focus on your family rather than your clothing.

Texture is something I think is often overlooked. A linen dress, soft cotton gauze, knit sweater, or dress with gentle movement almost always photographs more beautifully than a bold pattern. Simple doesn't have to mean boring. Beautiful fabrics add plenty of interest without competing for attention.

What I Usually Recommend Avoiding

Rather than giving clients a long list of rules, I simply encourage choosing clothing that feels calm rather than distracting. Very bold patterns, large logos, bright neon colors, and clothing with lots of competing details tend to pull your eye away from the people in the photograph.

Instead, I encourage families to coordinate rather than match. Everyone doesn't need to wear white. In fact, I usually prefer when they don't. Soft colors that work together almost always feel more natural than everyone wearing exactly the same thing.

One of my favorite compliments clients give me is that their photographs don't feel tied to one particular year. That's exactly what I'm hoping for. I want you to love these photographs twenty years from now just as much as you do today.

Should My Partner Be in the Photos?

Absolutely. Your maternity session isn't only about documenting your pregnancy, it's about documenting your growing family. Even though your baby hasn't been born yet, your partner is already part of this story. They helped create this little life, and I love celebrating the relationship the two of you already have with your baby.

That doesn't mean your partner needs to look at the camera and smile in every photograph. Actually, I hope they don't. Some of my favorite images are the quiet moments. A hand resting on your belly. A forehead against yours. The two of you walking together along the shoreline while talking about absolutely nothing. Those are the photographs that often become family favorites. They're simple, they're honest. And years later, they remind you what life felt like before everything changed.

What About Older Children?

I love when older brothers and sisters join us. In fact, I encourage it. One of the sweetest parts of a maternity session is watching siblings begin their relationship with the baby before they've even met. Sometimes it's tiny hands wrapped around Mom's belly. Sometimes it's a toddler giving kisses. Sometimes it's an older sibling proudly telling me where the baby is. Children have a wonderful way of reminding all of us to stay present. Of course, I also love spending a few quiet minutes photographing Mom by herself. Those images are important too.

Usually, we'll photograph the whole family together for most of the session, then take a few moments for individual portraits of Mom while everyone else explores nearby. Those often become some of the most peaceful photographs of the evening.

"What If My Toddler Doesn't Cooperate?"

This question makes me smile because almost every parent asks it. The funny thing is, children are almost never the problem. Adults are usually much more nervous than kids. Children don't wake up hoping to stand perfectly still and smile at a camera. They want to play, they want to explore. They want to throw rocks into the ocean, chase birds, collect seashells, and splash in the waves. So instead of fighting that, I embrace it. If your toddler wants to run, we'll run. If they're fascinated by a stick they found, we'll talk about the stick. If they're feeling shy, we'll simply give them a little space.

One thing I ask parents before every session is to make it a "no-discipline zone." If your child needs redirection, I'll help guide things naturally. Most children simply want to feel included, and once they see everyone else laughing and playing, they almost always come around on their own.

Some of my favorite sessions have included toddlers who spent the first ten minutes wanting nothing to do with me. By the end of the evening, they're asking if we can keep playing. I've even had children invite me to their birthday parties before we finished taking pictures. To me, that's one of the greatest compliments I could receive.

Dogs Are Family Too

If your dog is part of your family, I'd love to include them. Dogs add so much personality to a session, and I know how important they are to many families. Whether they're your first "baby" or already best friends with your children, they're always welcome to join us.

I recommend bringing two small baggies of your dog's favorite treats, one for you and one for me. That way, we can both get their attention when needed and help keep them engaged throughout the session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years, I've noticed that many expectant moms have the same questions before their maternity session. If you've been wondering about any of these, I hope my answers help put your mind at ease.

What if it rains?

Believe it or not, some of my favorite sessions have happened on days when rain was in the forecast. We'll keep an eye on the weather together, and I'll make the final call the morning of your session. Most of the time, the rain clears just before sunset, leaving behind beautiful clouds and some of the most incredible skies you'll ever see. Those evenings often become the most memorable sessions. Occasionally, we might photograph during a light drizzle, which can be incredibly romantic and beautiful. If the weather truly isn't cooperating, we'll simply move inside or reschedule. The weather is one thing you don't need to worry about. I'll guide you through it every step of the way.

What if I don't feel comfortable in front of the camera?

First, I want you to know that almost everyone feels this way. In fact, I'd be more surprised if you told me you loved being photographed. My job isn't to expect you to know what you're doing. It's to help you forget about the camera altogether. Throughout your session, I'll gently guide you. I'll suggest where to stand, how to move, and little things to do together that create natural interaction. Before long, you'll stop thinking about whether you're doing it "right" because you'll be focused on your partner, your children, or the waves rolling in around your feet. One of my favorite things to hear at the end of a session is, "That was actually so much fun." That's always my goal.

What if I don't feel beautiful while I'm pregnant?

If there's one thing I hope you take away from this guide, it's this: You don't have to earn the right to celebrate yourself. You don't need to wait until your body looks different. You don't need to feel like the best version of yourself before stepping in front of a camera. You're already doing something extraordinary. Pregnancy changes your body because it's creating life. That's not something to hide. It's something to honor. If showing your belly makes you feel beautiful, wonderful. If you'd rather keep it covered, that's wonderful too. There isn't one right way to photograph pregnancy. My job is to create photographs that feel authentic to you and celebrate this season in a way that feels comfortable. Years from now, I don't think you'll look back at these photographs and critique your appearance. I think you'll remember the tiny kicks, the anticipation, and the excitement of wondering who this little person would become.

What if my partner doesn't enjoy having photos taken?

This might surprise you, but I hear this all the time. Usually, by the end of the session, they're the ones saying, "That wasn't nearly as bad as I expected." I think that's because we aren't spending an hour asking everyone to stand still and smile.

We'll walk.

We'll talk.

We'll laugh.

We'll explore.

We'll simply spend time together. Many couples tell me afterward that the session felt less like having professional photographs taken and more like an evening they would have enjoyed together anyway. To me, that's the greatest compliment.

Is it okay if we bring our dog?

Please do! Dogs are family, too. Whether they're your first "baby" or simply your favorite hiking companion, I love including them whenever possible. They add so much personality to a session, and years from now, you'll be grateful they're part of these memories too.

Why I Think Maternity Photos Are Worth It

Every family has to decide how they want to spend their resources, and I know professional photography is an investment. My goal isn't to convince anyone that they need maternity photos. Instead, I simply want to share why I believe they're so meaningful.

Pregnancy is one of the shortest chapters of parenthood. It can feel long while you're living it, especially during those last few weeks when you're ready to meet your baby. But once your little one arrives, life changes quickly. Sleepless nights become first smiles. First smiles become first steps. Before you know it, you're packing school lunches and wondering how the years passed so quickly.

That's why I think maternity photographs become more valuable with time. They're not simply photographs of your baby bump. They're photographs of anticipation. They're photographs of hope. They're photographs of a family standing on the edge of a brand-new chapter.

When I look back, I wish I had given myself that gift. I wish I had celebrated my pregnancy in a more intentional way. That's one of the reasons I care so deeply about creating those memories for other families. Read more about: why I love being a maternity photographer

A Final Thought

If you're waiting until you feel more photogenic…

If you're waiting until life feels a little less busy…

If you're waiting until everything feels perfectly put together…

I gently encourage you not to wait too long. There will probably never be a season when everything feels completely ready.

Pregnancy isn't perfect.

Parenthood isn't perfect.

Neither are family photographs. And they don't need to be. The photographs that become the most meaningful aren't the ones where everyone's hair is perfect or every child is smiling at the camera. They're the ones that remind you how it felt. The way your partner looked at you. The way your toddler wrapped both arms around your belly. The sound of everyone laughing when a wave splashed a little higher than expected. The feeling of standing barefoot on the beach, knowing your family was about to grow. Those are the moments that stay with us. Long after the dresses have been packed away and the tiny newborn clothes no longer fit, those photographs become a reminder of a season that changed your life forever.

If you're considering maternity photos in Santa Barbara, I'd be honored to help you celebrate this chapter. My hope is that years from now, when your child asks what it was like before they were born, you'll have more than just stories to share. You'll have beautiful photographs that remind you exactly how it felt. I can't wait to meet you.