This chapter of life is such a whirlwind of emotions, joy, and anticipation. It is a huge journey of transformation for every parent. And even though the days may feel long, the year will fly be SO quickly. The powerful journey of pregnancy soon becomes the life-changing journey of baby’s first year. There are SO many milestones to be captured here, both for you as an individual; for your family as a unit; and for your sweet Little One, too!

In this blog post I will be sharing everything you need to know about capturing maternity photos, especially in a gorgeous outdoor location. Read along to see my tips, tricks, and FAQ’s about Maternity photos.

I know so many mamas who have told me about getting caught up in life and routines and the understandable whirlwind of life, and suddenly it's been years and years since they had proper family photos made. Just snapshots. Usually on an iPhone, these days. And even more commonly--and tragically? Mama is never in the photos. She's always the one holding the camera.

These photos were taken on a warm, cloudy day, before sunset, with a Canon Mark IV and a 50mm lens. Iris & Lace Photography serves the Silicon Valley, South Bay, Palo Alto, and San Jose region of the SF Bay Area. I specialize in families and couples, including maternity, lifestyle newborn, and engagement sessions.

This beautiful family is celebrating their sweet one year old daughter’s first birthday this Spring! Can you believe her big soulful brown eyes? These parents were so kindhearted, easygoing, and clearly absolutely smitten with their baby girl! (And who on Earth wouldn’t be!?) It was such a great opportunity to meet a wonderful family and help them celebrate this beautiful milestone in their lives together.

We photographed this Mommy & Me Photo Session outside in a field, right at sunset. I used golden backlighting to create a sun-soaked, candid, summertime feel for these family portraits. I simply adore their unique connections here. This session features unposed moments and authentic interactions. These sweet boys were full of energy and a healthy dose of mischief. It’s always fun to take little boys outside and let them run barefoot, wild & free, right where they belong!

Choosing a photographer likely feels like an overwhelming task. There are sooo many options these days! I’m going to give you “insider advice” to help you navigate the process of choosing a photographer. You’ve probably already guessed this, but the big not-so-secret is this: not all photography services are equal! Check out this list to find 5 tips for choosing your family photographer, and scroll all the way to the bottom to see if Iris & Lace is the right fit for you!

The magic is in the garden.

This family session was photographed in their own family gardens, among a collection of over a thousand roses! It was simply spectacular and tucked away like their own secret paradise. They chose a wardrobe of laidback, flowing, springy pieces to compliment the natural scenery.