Outdoor Maternity Portrait by maternity photographer Jonathan Brown
Los Angeles Maternity Photographers

Maternity Photographer
Los Angeles & San Fernando Valley

As a maternity photographer, I strive to document the strength, grace, and beauty of early motherhood. Maternity is a precious experience which occurs only a few times in your life. These requests are the most gratifying to receive and I hope I can help you start documenting memories of this special time.  Contact me if you’re interested in working with me as your maternity photographer either on location or at the studio in Woodland Hills.  Also, you can see more of my work on Instagram. Or if you’re interested how shoots go, please check out my case studies.

When should I take my maternity photos?

For most pregnancies, the best time to take your maternity photos is between 31 – 36 weeks depending on your size, comfort and personal preference. It’s obvious your belly will continue to grow but also consider the later into the pregnancy you go, the more water your body will start to retain.

How to prepare for maternity photos

Preparing for your maternity shoot will help you to get what you want out of your maternity session. Browse around to find inspiring images and start narrowing them down to what you think would look good for you. Find poses you think you’d be comfortable with but also consider some poses you find a little adventurous, spicy, or challenging. A Pinterest board really comes in handy for this. Also consider the small details of yourself and how you want those seen. Maybe you favor the right side of your face because of a dimple or you prefer your hair to a certain side. Being aware of those small details and being able to verbally convey them is important. When you have these things, then it’s time for a consultation.

What to wear for a maternity shoot

Do you find yourself asking yourself, “what do I wear for a maternity shoot?” Without a doubt, the best approach when deciding what to wear for a maternity shoot is to go for something timeless. What does that mean? Well, you don’t want to look at your photo in ten years and regret that you were wearing something that seems so dated. Avoid loud designs or patterns. The best colors are solids and preferably white or pastels but that’s totally subjective. Erving Goffman claimed the body was merely a peg on which we hang the “self” for display. So do some research and curate the look that creates the story you want to tell. If your shoot includes your partner don’t match too closely. Contrast between two people is preferred to two bodies bleeding into each other. As a maternity photographer, here are some of my recommendations for your consideration.

Best dresses for maternity photos

Maxi Dress
This long flowing dress is one of the best options for any maternity shoot. It flaunts the curves you want to be seen and hides the ones you don’t want seen. The fabric has a nice subtle and soft texture. When back-lit, the lighter ones let just enough light through to accentuate the body nicely. It flows well with a little breeze and it’s incredibly comfortable. Additionally, Maxi Dresses come in every color and have a lot of style variations available to suit your tastes.

Bodycon Dress
If long and flowing isn’t your flavor, these are great options. They’re form fitting and bold! They also come in a variety of styles.

Best Underwear for maternity photos

Nude / Undergarments
This option, for the bold and confident, produces really beautiful results. If you’re looking for just the right undergarments’, Hanky Panky makes great garments for maternity photos. They have a wide range of colors and fit sizes 2-12. Most importantly, they form well to the body and don’t create indentations in the skin. See what I mean here.


Maternity Session Pricing

Classic Maternity Session
Starting at $750

This sessions is great for any mother but especially for 1st time expectant mothers. A Classic Maternity Session is for Mom + one. The session can last up to 60 minutes and includes up to 3 outfit changes (for example, 1 dress, 1 bra & jeans, 1 nude.) It includes 30 edited digital images in 4k resolution. Additionally, you can select 3 images for professional retouching. You can select additional images for retouching at an additional cost.

Premium Maternity Session
Starting at $1000

This package includes up to a 90 minute session for Mom + one and up to 5 outfit changes. It includes 50 edited digital images in 4k resolution. Additionally, you can select 5 images for professional retouching. You can select additional images for retouching at an additional cost. This package includes an 11×14 print of your choice.

Family Maternity Session
Starting at $1200

This package includes all the same from the Premium Maternity Session but includes the whole family rather than just Mom + one.

Maternity Consultation
Free

Once you book a maternity shoot we’ll set an appointment for a consultation. It’s both mandatory and free. We will discuss visual samples of things you like, specifics you want, and I’ll give you feedback on how we can work it into a session. Also, If you have a Pinterest board, please share it with me!

Professional Retouching
$75 / Image

A well retouched image is about subtlety. You don’t want a memory distorted by exaggerated retouching. This moment is a documentation of your strength, grace and beauty. All retouching I do is meant to accentuate these features without over doing it. Every image is different in terms of what exactly needs to be done through retouching but here are some standard things I address:

Removing Blemishes
Removing Stretch Marks
Removing Distracting Elements
Shaping the Body
Smoothing the Skin
Even Out Skin Tones
Optimize Lighting
Clean Up Hair
Increase Hair Volume

Considering booking a Maternity session?

Share a little about yourself and your project and I’ll contact you soon.

Let me know what type of portraits you need and how many people would be included and I’ll send you a quote.