Simple Tips for Your Pregnancy Photoshoot: Capturing the Magic!

Pregnancy is a journey full of joy, excitement, and, let’s be honest, a lot of unsolicited advice and predictions!

From well-meaning suggestions on what to eat to guesses about the baby’s gender, everyone seems to have an opinion. And then there are those moments when people jokingly suggest you might be having twins, even when you’re not! (true story!!) But hey, it’s all part of the journey, right?

But amidst all the advice and jokes, there’s something truly special about this time in your life that you’ll want to remember forever—enter pregnancy photo shoots!

A maternity photo shoot is one of the most wonderful ways to document your pregnancy. It’s a chance to capture the beauty of this momentous time, preserve your baby’s moments even before birth, and keep that happy glow on your face forever intact.

Beach maternity photos of a cute couple at a pregnancy photoshoot

If you’re planning a pregnancy photo shoot, don’t be shy about your growing belly.

Remember, you’re growing a little human inside you, and you look absolutely stunning!

And hey, I’ve got some fun ways to really personalize your photo shoot and make it special. Let me share a few ideas with you!

  1. Use Of Props: Using props like your baby’s first ultrasound image, cute baby shoes, a board with your baby’s name, or just balloons can add a lovely touch to your maternity photos. It’s all about keeping it simple and adding to the memories.
    • Once you’ve decided on the props you’d like to use, think about how you’d like to pose with them.
    • Discuss the use of props with your photographer, so you can choose the ones best suited for different locations.
    • Avoid using too many props in one frame to keep the focus on you and your beautiful baby bump.
  2. Involve Family Members: Maternity photos are a great opportunity to incorporate other family members into the pregnancy journey. Of course, Dad should be present in some shots, as well as siblings or pets.
    • Capture the bond between you and your partner with some romantic couple shots.
    • If you have older children, include them in the photos to capture those precious mother-child moments.
    • Don’t forget your furry friends! Many families choose to include their pets in their maternity shoots—they’re part of the family too!
  3. Keep It Simple: When it comes to your outfit, location, and poses, less is more.
    • Maternity photographs are made special by the pure fact that you’re growing a miracle inside you.
    • Keep the space you’re shooting in clutter-free, especially if it’s at home or outdoors.
  4. Have Fun: Most importantly, remember to have fun during your photo shoot!
    • Keep smiling and let that beautiful twinkle in your eye shine through.
    • Relax and let the photographer do their job—you’re going to have the most memorable photo shoot!
    • Embrace your beautiful baby bump and capture those wonderful moments.

I specialize in pregnancy photo shoots in San Diego as well as North County, including Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar, and Rancho Santa Fe. I’d love to chat with you about your photos and how we can make your maternity photo shoot truly special. I’d love to chat with you about your photos and how we can make your maternity photo shoot truly special. Just get in touch to get started!

Planning your own photos? Lets chat!

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It's been such an amazing summer filled with truly special photo sessions and so many people I got to meet and connect with! 
Can't believe we're already rolling into fall, and I am so looking forward to all the special families I will work with this holiday season! If you're thinking about doing photos, get in touch soon because dates are already booking fast and I would love to work with you! xoxo, Heather 

#carlsbadphotographer #carlsbadfamilyphotographer #oceansidephotographer #sandiegofamilyphotographer #love #carlsbad #carlsbadvillage
“The best days of your life are not just ahead—they’re happening right now, in every moment you choose to be present and grateful for what you have.”♥️
No rules, no stress, just your favorite location -and a lot of fun on our senior session. 

Confident. Calm. Completely herself.

Senior year, but make it golden. 🌞🌊

#SeniorPortraits #CarlsbadPhotographer #OceansideSeniorPhotos #BeachPortraits #ClassOf2026 #ModernSeniorStyle #NaturalLightPhotography #SoCalSenior
These are the moments that make up a lifetime.

The kind you don’t plan. The kind you can’t pose.
Just a little girl chasing the grandpa who makes her laugh the hardest.⁠
⁠
This is what real memories look like—movement, joy, love.
The way he turns to let her catch up.
The way she thinks he’s the most fun person on the planet.⁠
⁠
It’s not perfect lighting or perfect stillness…
It’s perfect *connection.*⁠

*
*
*
*
*
#carlsbadfamilyphotographer #carlsbadphotographer #encinitasfamilyphotographer #encinitasphotographer #lacostaphotographer #oceansidephotographer #sandiegofamilyphotographer #sandiego #carlsbadbeach #carlsbadbeachphotographer #sandiegophotographer #lifestylefamilyphotography #carlsbad #lajolla #encinitas #sandiegolifestylephotographer #encinitaslife #lajollaphotographer #lajollafamilyphotographer #familybeachphotos #familyphotography #familyphotographer #carlsbadfamily #vallentynephotography #carlsbadcalifornia⁣
⁣ #carlsbadphotographer⁣ #oceansideca⁣lifornia⁣ #oceansidepier⁣⁣ #oceansidephotograpapher⁣⁣
This moment right here: sunshine on their faces, love in the air, and a baby on the way 🌿✨
Big brother is ready (with sidekick pup, of course), and this growing crew couldn’t be sweeter.
There’s something about maternity sessions in open fields… time slows down, and the joy feels extra real.

#MaternityPhotosCarlsbad #GrowingFamilyLove #CarlsbadPhotographer #SunlitMemories #BigBrotherVibes #DogApproved #OceansideFamilyPhotography #BabyOnTheWay

 

Vallentyne Photography is a portrait studio in Oceanside, CA, with a newborn studio in Carlsbad, CA, serving North County and San Diego. With 20 years of experience, we specialize in natural, timeless portraits for families, maternity, newborns, and seniors—capturing genuine moments on location or in our beautiful portrait studio.

We’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable. Let’s start with a quick chat about what matters most to you. We’d be honored to create portraits you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

It's been such an amazing summer filled with truly special photo sessions and so many people I got to meet and connect with! 
Can't believe we're already rolling into fall, and I am so looking forward to all the special families I will work with this holiday season! If you're thinking about doing photos, get in touch soon because dates are already booking fast and I would love to work with you! xoxo, Heather 

#carlsbadphotographer #carlsbadfamilyphotographer #oceansidephotographer #sandiegofamilyphotographer #love #carlsbad #carlsbadvillage
“The best days of your life are not just ahead—they’re happening right now, in every moment you choose to be present and grateful for what you have.”♥️
No rules, no stress, just your favorite location -and a lot of fun on our senior session. 

Confident. Calm. Completely herself.

Senior year, but make it golden. 🌞🌊

#SeniorPortraits #CarlsbadPhotographer #OceansideSeniorPhotos #BeachPortraits #ClassOf2026 #ModernSeniorStyle #NaturalLightPhotography #SoCalSenior
These are the moments that make up a lifetime.

The kind you don’t plan. The kind you can’t pose.
Just a little girl chasing the grandpa who makes her laugh the hardest.⁠
⁠
This is what real memories look like—movement, joy, love.
The way he turns to let her catch up.
The way she thinks he’s the most fun person on the planet.⁠
⁠
It’s not perfect lighting or perfect stillness…
It’s perfect *connection.*⁠

*
*
*
*
*
#carlsbadfamilyphotographer #carlsbadphotographer #encinitasfamilyphotographer #encinitasphotographer #lacostaphotographer #oceansidephotographer #sandiegofamilyphotographer #sandiego #carlsbadbeach #carlsbadbeachphotographer #sandiegophotographer #lifestylefamilyphotography #carlsbad #lajolla #encinitas #sandiegolifestylephotographer #encinitaslife #lajollaphotographer #lajollafamilyphotographer #familybeachphotos #familyphotography #familyphotographer #carlsbadfamily #vallentynephotography #carlsbadcalifornia⁣
⁣ #carlsbadphotographer⁣ #oceansideca⁣lifornia⁣ #oceansidepier⁣⁣ #oceansidephotograpapher⁣⁣
This moment right here: sunshine on their faces, love in the air, and a baby on the way 🌿✨
Big brother is ready (with sidekick pup, of course), and this growing crew couldn’t be sweeter.
There’s something about maternity sessions in open fields… time slows down, and the joy feels extra real.

#MaternityPhotosCarlsbad #GrowingFamilyLove #CarlsbadPhotographer #SunlitMemories #BigBrotherVibes #DogApproved #OceansideFamilyPhotography #BabyOnTheWay

email directly:

heather@vallentynephotography.com

760-672-2416

located in oceanside, california