Studio vs. Outdoor Sessions: Which is Right for You?

You've decided to have maternity photos taken.

You've figured out approximately when you're going to do them.

Now comes another decision:

Studio or outdoor maternity photos?

The answer really depends on what you want your photographs to feel like.

Neither one is automatically better. They simply create two very different maternity experiences.

Why Choose an Outdoor Maternity Session?

Outdoor maternity photography gives us something Arizona does incredibly well:

beautiful natural scenery and gorgeous light.

The desert, open skies, mountains, fields and warm Arizona sunsets can create an incredible backdrop for maternity photographs.

Outdoor sessions also give us room to move.

You can walk with your partner, let your dress move in the breeze, interact with your children and create photographs that feel relaxed and natural.

If you're drawn to warm, romantic and slightly more organic images, outdoor maternity photography may be perfect for you.

Outdoor Sessions Are Wonderful for Families

If your partner and older children are participating, outdoor sessions can be especially nice.

Kids have room to move.

They don't have to stand perfectly still and smile at the camera for an hour.

We can let them walk, cuddle Mom, interact with Dad and simply be part of what's happening.

Some of my favorite family photographs happen in the little moments between the poses.

But Arizona Weather Gets a Vote

This is the part we can't ignore.

Arizona is beautiful.

Arizona is also hot.

If you're eight months pregnant in July or August, an outdoor maternity session may require some additional planning.

We'll consider temperature, sunset time, how much walking the location requires and how you're feeling.

And if Mother Nature decides not to cooperate, we adjust.

Why Choose a Studio Maternity Session?

Studio maternity photography gives us much more control.

We don't have to worry about wind, temperature, harsh sunlight or whether Arizona suddenly decides to give us one of its surprise weather moments.

A studio session can also create a very different look.

Instead of the environment being part of the photograph, you become the focus.

Your face.

Your belly.

Your shape.

Your connection with your baby.

The simplicity can be incredibly beautiful.

Studio Sessions Can Feel More Private

Some moms want maternity photographs that show more of their belly or use more intimate wardrobe options.

A studio can provide additional privacy and make outfit changes easier.

That can be especially appealing if you're imagining photographs that are more focused on your pregnancy silhouette and body.

Which One Photographs Better?

Honestly?

Whichever one feels more like you.

If you've always pictured yourself standing in the Arizona desert with your dress moving in the breeze while the sun disappears behind you, you're probably going to love an outdoor session.

If you're drawn to simple, intimate portraits where nothing distracts from you and your baby, you may love a studio session.

Don't choose based on what you think maternity photos are supposed to look like.

Choose based on what you want your maternity photographs to feel like.

You Can Also Think About the Story You're Creating

Your maternity photographs will eventually sit beside pictures of a tiny newborn who hasn't even arrived yet.

That's one of the things I love most about photographing both maternity and newborn sessions.

First we photograph the anticipation.

Then we photograph the person everyone was waiting for.

Whether we create the first part of that story outdoors under an Arizona sunset or inside the studio, the meaning behind the photographs is the same.

This was you before you met them.

Next: Who Should Be in Your Maternity Photos?

Your maternity session doesn't necessarily have to be only about Mom.

Your partner helped get us here.

And if there are older brothers or sisters waiting for this baby, they're part of this chapter too.

So next we're talking about one of the questions I hear all the time:

Should your partner and children be included in your maternity photos?

Spoiler: absolutely—if you want them there.

Next: Should Your Partner and Children Be in Your Maternity Photos?

TAQ Photography photographs maternity, newborn and family sessions for families throughout Buckeye, Verrado, Goodyear and the West Valley of Arizona.