What to Expect from an Austin Maternity Photography Session

Pregnancy is such a fleeting, magical time. Whether it’s your first or fourth, it’s worth celebrating with a maternity photography session that captures all the beauty, emotion, and anticipation of welcoming your new baby. But if you’ve never done a maternity session before, you might be wondering: what’s it actually like?

Spoiler: it’s way more fun and relaxed than you think!

As an experienced Austin maternity photographer, I’m here to walk you through everything you can expect during your session, from the ideal timing to wardrobe choices, and even a few inside tips to make sure you’re feeling comfortable and confident every step of the way.

When’s the Right Time for Maternity Photos?

First thing’s first—timing. The sweet spot for maternity photos is typically between 28-36 weeks. By this stage, your baby bump is beautifully round, but you’re (hopefully) still feeling good enough to move around and enjoy the session. That said, every pregnancy is different, and if you’re glowing at 37 weeks or prefer to capture an earlier part of your pregnancy, we can absolutely tailor the timing to you!

It’s all about when you feel your best.

Choosing Your Ideal Austin Location

Austin is full of gorgeous locations for your maternity session. Whether you want a cozy in-home session that feels intimate and personal, or you’re drawn to the natural beauty of Austin’s outdoor spots, we’ll find the perfect backdrop for your shoot.

Some of my favorite go-tos:

• Circle C Park for a boho, tree filled vibe
• McKinney Falls State Park for an earthy, rustic feel.
• Your home—because there’s something special about capturing this season of life in your own space.

And, if you’re up for exploring somewhere new, I’ve got plenty of hidden gems to recommend. The key is finding a place that resonates with you and reflects your unique journey. I’ll provide a comprehensive location guide upon booking.

What to Wear? No Stress, I Got You.

The “what should I wear?!” panic is real, but no worries—I’m here to help. For maternity sessions, you’ll want something that’s comfortable, flattering, and allows you to move freely. Flowing dresses are always a hit for that ethereal, soft look, but don’t be afraid to show off your bump in a fitted gown or go for a more casual vibe.

Colors that work beautifully in Austin’s natural light:

• Earthy tones (think soft greens, warm browns, beige)
• Soft pastels
• Neutrals like cream, white, and light grey

If you’re including a partner or other family members, choose looks that are cohesive without being too matchy-matchy.

The Session: It’s All About You

You don’t need to worry about stiff poses or awkward moments. We’ll take plenty of candid shots—walking hand in hand, laughing, maybe even dancing (if you’re up for it!). The goal is to make sure you feel comfortable, beautiful, and you.

Got a vision or vibe in mind? Let me know! Whether you’re imagining a dreamy boho shoot, something simple and classic, or want to include sentimental props, I’m all about tailoring the session to reflect your style and story. Planning a maternity photography session is no different than any other type of session. I make sure your wants and needs are included and make it all about you.

Including Family? Absolutely.

If you want to bring your partner, kids, or even your pets into the session, let’s do it! These are moments not just for you, but for your growing family. We can capture some intimate shots with your partner, playful moments with your kiddos, or even those little in-between moments that feel extra special.

Family-inclusive sessions are a great way to document the excitement and love surrounding your pregnancy—and they’re always filled with lots of fun and laughter (especially with little ones involved).

Austin’s Magic Light: Golden Hour

If we’re shooting outdoors, you’ll want to hear about the best-kept photography secret: golden hour. It’s that magical time just after sunrise or just before sunset when the light is soft and golden, creating dreamy, flattering photos.

Austin’s golden hour is pure magic, whether we’re by the water at McKinney Falls, among the wildflowers, or anywhere in between. We’ll plan your session to make the most of that gorgeous, natural light.

After the Session: What Happens Next?

After your session, I’ll dive into the editing process—carefully selecting and enhancing the best images to ensure they reflect the time we spent together and this special time in your life. Once your edits are complete, you’ll receive a personalized online gallery where you can view, download, and share your photos.

I try to make ordering products as easy for my clients as possible. After all, you’re busy enough waiting for baby to come, the last thing you need to be doing is figuring out how to order prints or an album. You’ll be able to easily do this directly from your gallery and enjoy having prints on your walls or an album in your hands before baby is born.

Why Maternity Photos Are So Important

Pregnancy flies by faster than you think (even though it might not feel like it right now). In the whirlwind of preparing for your baby’s arrival, maternity photos are your chance to pause and celebrate the incredible journey you’re on. These aren’t just photos for you to cherish today—they’re memories you’ll look back on with your child in the future.

And let’s be real—your glow is worth documenting!

Ready to Book Your Austin Maternity Photography Session? Let’s Do This!

Whether you want a relaxed session at home or a dreamy, golden-hour shoot in one of Austin’s stunning locations, I’m here to help you celebrate this chapter with beautiful, authentic photos. Let’s plan your session and make some magic together!

Alissa is an award-winning brand, maternity, newborn and family photographer + documentary filmmaker in Austin, Texas. She serves the Austin and surrounding areas.

If you are interested in a maternity, newborn or family session with Alissa Cordoba Photography you can find all of the details here and full pricing information here.
You can contact Alissa here or email her directly at alissa@alissacordoba.com