Choosing the right setting is everything when it comes to creating images that feel soft, emotional, and timeless, which is why finding the best maternity photo locations in Los Angeles can make such a difference in how your photos feel years from now. 

LA has this magical ability to offer everything – beaches, gardens, mountains, urban corners, and beautiful studios – so your session can feel exactly as calm, romantic, or minimal as you want it to be.

As a Los Angeles maternity photographer, I always think about how a space will support your comfort, your movement, and your story – especially during such a tender season of life.

Table of Contents

• How To Choose the Right Spot For Your Session
• Dreamy Outdoor Locations For Maternity Photos
• Studio & Indoor Options for Maternity and Newborns
• FAQs: Planning Your Session
• Ready When You Are, Mama

How To Choose The Right Spot For Your Session

Before we talk locations, here are a few gentle things to consider:

• Light: Golden hour outdoors feels warm and nostalgic, while studios give you controlled, flattering light that changes naturally as the day goes on.
• Comfort & access: Easy parking, short walks, shade, and nearby bathrooms matter more than you think.
• Vibe: Nature-inspired romance, city chic, or minimal and editorial.
• Season & timing: Marine layer mornings, summer heat, and weekday crowds all affect the experience.

If you’re researching outdoor maternity photoshoot locations in Los Angeles, keep in mind that comfort is just as important as beauty, especially as your body changes.

Dreamy Outdoor Locations For Maternity Photos

1. Descanso Gardens – La Cañada Flintridge

A peaceful garden setting filled with shaded paths, lush greenery, and seasonal blooms.

Maternity photos at Descanso Gardens feel soft and romantic, with dreamy textures and plenty of quiet corners that let you slow down and just be present.

• Why it’s dreamy: Soft light, greenery, and florals that photograph beautifully.
• Best time: Weekday mornings or late afternoon for calmer paths and softer light.
• Good to know: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, bring water, plan on light layers if it’s cooler, and bear in mind that garden admission requires a ticket.
• Perfect if you want: A storybook garden vibe that’s easy, calm, and elevated.

2. Vista Hermosa Natural Park – Echo Park

A hidden green pocket with gentle hills and downtown peeking through the trees.

Maternity photos at Vista Hermosa Natural Park feel soft and modern at the same time.

• Why it’s dreamy: Open meadow energy, warm sunset light.
• Best time: Weekday evenings for warm sunset light and fewer people on the paths.
• Good to know: Paved paths, easy access.
• Perfect if you want: Nature with a subtle city backdrop.

3. Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area – Baldwin Hills

A wide-open park with grassy areas, easy pathways, and golden light that makes everything glow.

Maternity photos at Kenneth Hahn Park feel grounded and natural, with enough space to breathe and move at a comfortable pace.

• Why it’s dreamy: Big skies, warm light, and simple backdrops that keep the focus on you.
• Best time: Weekday golden hour for the softest light and fewer crowds.
• Good to know: We’ll keep things easy and accessible, with paid parking available and bathrooms on-site that close around 5:30pm.
• Perfect if you want: An earthy, minimal look with room to relax into real moments.

Studio & Indoor Options for Maternity & Newborns

4. Karin Busch Studio – La Brea

For those drawn to a more editorial or minimal look, my studio offers a calm, cozy space (plus, you can take breaks whenever you need).

It’s one of the best maternity photography studios in Los Angeles, with large windows and soft tones that photograph beautifully.

• Why it’s dreamy: Neutral palette, controlled light, total privacy.
• Perfect for: Clean, elevated portraits.
• Ideal if you want: A natural light studio in LA for maternity photos with the option of studio lighting too, plus climate control and a private bathroom so you can change and take breaks when you need them.

It also works beautifully as a newborn photography studio, which families love for its gentle light and peaceful atmosphere.

5. In-Home Newborn Sessions (Soft, Real, No Rushing)

The best places for newborn photos in Los Angeles are often your own space! Personal, peaceful, and timeless, you can stay cozy and let everything unfold naturally. 

We’ll use your home’s best pockets of light – nursery corners, bed snuggles, window glow – so the photos feel honest and lived-in. When you’re considering the best newborn photography spots in LA, the dream is always the same: warmth, calm, and zero pressure.

• Why it works: Baby stays comfortable, feeds/changes are easy, and you don’t have to pack up your whole life.
• Best time: Mornings, when the window light is soft and everyone’s energy is freshest.
• Perfect if you want: A relaxed, at-home session with natural moments and zero rushing.

FAQs: Planning Your Session

Q: Can maternity photos include my partner or other kids?

Absolutely! Many parents love having a mix of solo images and photos together.

Q: Are studios better than outdoor locations?

Neither is “better” – they’re just different. Studios are controlled and calm, while outdoor sessions feel more documentary and atmospheric.

Q: When should newborn photos happen?

Often within the first 2–3 weeks, when babies are sleepiest. But honestly, the best time is whenever you feel ready. Those early weeks are a big adjustment, and I want you to feel good! We’ll move at your pace and choose a timing that works for you. 

Ready When You Are, Mama

Whether you’re dreaming of beach maternity photos in Los Angeles, soft greenery, or a cozy studio moment, this city offers great backdrops for this chapter in your life. If you’re looking for a maternity or newborn photographer in LA who keeps things calm, cozy, and unhurried, I’d love to photograph this season for you. Reach out when you’re ready.