Plan An Ethereal Maternity Photoshoot

That One Maternity Session That Felt Like a Dream…

I still think about a particular maternity session from this past spring that felt straight out of a dream. You know those rare days when everything just clicks? The light was golden and soft, the mama chose the most flowing, light-catching gown from my client closet, and her little one was joyful and cuddly even as the evening chill settled in. I remember prompting mama to close her eyes and just breathe in the moment with her baby. She did it so beautifully, and you could feel the connection in those photos. Her little girl watched with such wonder as her mama posed, then ran in for a snuggle. It was perfect – but not because everything was staged. It was real, glowing, a little windy, and filled with emotion.

That’s the magic of an ethereal maternity shoot. It’s not about perfection. It’s about leaning into the moment and letting the beauty of motherhood shine.

Dreamy Doesn’t Mean Fake – It Means Fierce

If you’re currently pregnant and thinking about a maternity session, you may be weighing a lot of expectations. Part of you might want something serene and artistic… but then you remember the swollen ankles, the toddler meltdowns, and the fact that stretchy pants are life right now. I get it.

But here’s my perspective: maternity is one of the few times I think it’s okay to go a little whimsical. You are literally growing a human – your body is doing something incredible, and sometimes the best way to honor that is with a little drama (the good kind). Think sunlight pouring through layers of flowy fabric, wind lifting a skirt just as you close your eyes and connect to your baby. It doesn’t have to feel stiff or overly styled. It can feel powerful and light and emotional, all at once.

Here’s how I help expecting moms create timeless, story-rich maternity imagery that feels ethereal but still grounded in your real, beautiful journey.

Tips for Creating Ethereal Maternity Photos Without Losing the Realness

1. Choose a Gown That Moves
   The gowns in my maternity client closet aren’t subtle – and that’s kind of the point. You’re not going to wear them to your toddler’s playdate or a trip to Target. They’re designed for photographs and made to move with the air, catching the light in the most magical way.

• Light, sheer fabrics (chiffon or tulle) give stunning movement with just a little breeze.
• Earthy tones, creams, soft pinks, or jewel tones photograph beautifully outdoors.

2. Let’s Get a Little Sentimental
   During your session, I’ll guide you through prompts rather than stiff poses. One of my favorite cues is asking you to close your eyes and place your hands around the baby bump, imagining the baby’s tiny kicks or breathing in the way you’ll hold them soon. It might sound cheesy at first, but trust me – when you’re actually in it, it’s incredibly grounding.
   
   These quiet, connecting moments are often where the most ‘dreamy’ feeling comes through. They feel honest, because they are. No forced smiles, no awkward angles – just you and your baby in this fleeting, powerful stage of life.

3. Embrace the Natural Backdrop
   A big part of creating ethereal maternity photos is choosing a location that complements, without overpowering. I love shooting in open fields in Martinez, near the Walnut Creek trails, or tucked into the softer light of the Redwoods for that layered, romantic background.
   
   The East Bay offers so many gorgeous spots between the redwoods, beaches or even the Mt Diablo foothills – each one different depending on the season. I tend to time sessions during golden hour to catch that soft, glowing light. Sometimes clouds roll in, the wind picks up a little, and the entire session just takes on this perfectly moody glow. You can’t always plan for that – but when it shows up, I know exactly how to work with it.

4. Don’t Skip the Family Moments
   Many of my maternity clients bring along their spouse or other kids, and I shift how we photograph to honor that family story. We’ll certainly get some solo shots of you and bump (where we can get a little artsy), but we also make space for sibling snuggles, partner moments, and the silly toddler phase too.

Why It’s Okay to Feel a Little Extra Right Now

Pregnancy can ask a lot of you. And if you’ve been feeling more tired or stretched or unsure of how you look in photos, I want to pause and remind you: this is still your story. You deserve to feel seen. Your body is doing something absolutely extraordinary, and whether you show up in a simple dress or a sweeping gown, there is space here for you.

Embracing an ‘ethereal’ look isn’t about pretending. It’s about giving yourself permission to be celebrated. To let go of the pressure to be polished and perfect – and just be. When we get it right, these photos don’t look fake or posed. They look timeless, like poetry made visible.

Bonus Tip: Bring the Comfy Shoes (and a Pretty Pair, Just in Case)

Let’s be honest — by 30+ weeks, comfort is queen. Can I tell you a secret? Most of my maternity clients wear Crocs, sneakers, or sandals to their session, and I fully support it. We’re usually walking through tall grass, wildflowers, or uneven trails, and with a long, flowy gown, your shoes typically won’t even show in the photos.

That said, I always recommend tossing a pretty pair into your bag just in case. If we find a clear patch or a moment where your feet might peek through, you’ll be glad you brought an option that complements the look. But comfort comes first — we want you feeling good so you can focus on the magic (not your blisters).

Ready to Capture the Magic?

If you’re searching for a Walnut Creek maternity photographer or looking to plan your own dreamy outdoor session in the East Bay, I’d love to help bring your story to life. Whether you’re 30+ weeks and feeling all the things or just starting to browse ideas, you’re already doing something amazing.

Take a peek at my maternity session details, and reach out when you’re ready. We’ll pick the perfect gown, find the dreamiest light, and make space for all the realness and beauty your family brings to the moment.

I’ll bring the camera. You just show up as you are — comfy shoes and all.