The 15 Best Los Angeles Photo Shoot Locations for Maternity Photography
Los Angeles is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes and locations, making it the perfect place for a maternity photoshoot. Whether you’re looking for a scenic beach, a whimsical photo session in a blooming flower garden, or a beautiful studio, Los Angeles has it all.
As a maternity photographer based in Los Angeles, I’ve photographed expecting mothers in some of the most beautiful and iconic photo locations LA has to offer.
In this guide, I will share my top picks for the best Los Angeles photo shoot locations, give few possible photo ideas and even provide a few dinner date recommendations for after the shoot!
The Beaches of Los Angeles
From the stunning sunsets to the rolling waves, here are some of the most beautiful beaches in Los Angeles for your maternity photoshoot:
Venice Beach
Venice Beach is an iconic and vibrant beach and a popular spot for photos of all kind! With its colorful boardwalk, tall palm trees, street performers, and stunning sunsets, you will always see people shooting photos on and around the boardwalk.
White you’re there, make sure to check out the Venice Beach Canals, with beautiful bridges and colorful homes, they are a hidden gem in the Venice Beach neighborhood. I recommend visiting during the early morning or late afternoon to capture the canals’ beautiful natural lighting.
Possible Photo: A maternity shot taken at Venice Beach might feature the expectant mother walking along the colorful boardwalk, surrounded by street performers and the stunning sunset in the background. The lively atmosphere of the beach will add a fun and energetic feel to the image, while the sunset will provide a breathtaking backdrop.
Dining option: If you’re looking for a lively and eclectic dining experience after your shoot, head over to Gjelina on Abbot Kinney Blvd. This popular farm-to-table restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine with a focus on seasonal and organic ingredients.
Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach is a peaceful and serene beach located just minutes from the heart of Los Angeles and the perfect place to capture the beauty of your pregnancy in a relaxed setting.
Possible Photo: A photo taken at Santa Monica Beach might feature the expectant mother sitting on the sand. The picturesque atmosphere of the beach will add an amazing feel to the image especially during golden hour!
Dining option: For an upscale dinner with a view of the beach, head to Blue Streak in Santa Monica. You can sit on the spacious patio, enjoy the ocean view and enjoy their locally-sourced dishes while talking about how much fun your photo shoot was!
Santa Monica Pier
With its iconic Ferris wheel, carousel, and other amusement park rides, the pier provides a fun, unique backdrop for capturing the joy and excitement of your pregnancy.
Possible Photo: A photo taken at Santa Monica Pier might feature the expectant mother standing in front of the Ferris wheel or sitting on the colorful carousel.
Dining option: For a casual and delicious meal after your photo shoot, head to The Albright on the pier. Their menu features fresh and sustainable ingredients, and you can enjoy your meal while taking in the beautiful ocean view.
Malibu Beach
Malibu Beach is a stunning and picturesque beach located just minutes from the heart of Los Angeles. It’s also a much quieter beach than the two above, I recommend it if you don’t want to deal with a lot of tourists and/or crowds.
Possible Photo: Sit or stand near the water’s edge, surrounded by the rolling waves and stunning sunset in the background, golden hour is best time for shots at the beach!
Dining option: If you’re looking for a beachy and relaxed dinner, head over to Nobu. This world-renowned Japanese restaurant offers a menu featuring traditional dishes with a contemporary twist. You can sit on their beautiful outdoor patio, enjoy the sound of the ocean, and sample some of their signature dishes.
The Parks of Los Angeles
Discover the most beautiful parks in Los Angeles for your maternity photoshoot. From the lush greenery to scenic landscapes, capture the joy of your pregnancy in these stunning locations:
Griffith Park
Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States and offers a vast array of landscapes and settings that are perfect for a maternity photoshoot.
Possible Photo: The mom to be can wear a flowing dress and stand atop one of the hills looking at the camera with the LA skyline acting as her background. See our guide on what to wear for your maternity photo shoot here.
Things to do in and around Griffith Park:
The Hollywood Sign
You can drive up to the Griffith Observatory parking lot and then take a short hike to a vantage point that offers an unobstructed view of the Hollywood sign.
The Griffith Observatory
One of the most iconic landmarks in Los Angeles is the Griffith Observatory. The Observatory offers a stunning view of the city skyline and is a great place to capture breathtaking sunset and night photos.
Dining option: Check out Fred62. It’s a classic dinner in the heart of Los Felix- they have great vegetarian options and a very fun decor!
Echo Park
Echo Park is a peaceful and serene lake surrounded by lush greenery and scenic hills. With its calm waters and serene atmosphere, Echo Park is the perfect place to capture the beauty of your pregnancy in a peaceful setting.
Possible Photo: The expectant mother can be sitting on the grass, surrounded by lush greenery and calm waters in the background. The stunning greenery will provide a beautiful contrast to the city.
Dining option: For a colorful environment, check out El Compadre. This amazing Mexican restaurant serves delicious authentic dishes, like fajitas, mole and chile relleno.
The Cityscapes of Downtown Los Angeles
For a more urban feel, consider a maternity photoshoot in the heart of Los Angeles. With its skyscrapers, busy streets, and bright lights, you’ll have images that capture the vibe and energy of the city.
Downtown LA
Downtown Los Angeles features beautiful historic buildings, modern skyscrapers, colorful street art and iconic architecture. It’s the perfect place to capture the energy and excitement of your pregnancy in an urban setting.
Dining option: If you’re looking for a chic and contemporary dining experience, head to Otium. This upscale restaurant next to The Broad museum serves a menu featuring seasonal and globally-inspired dishes, all prepared with the freshest ingredients.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
The Walt Disney Concert Hall is a stunning architectural landmark in downtown LA. The building’s unique curves and metallic surfaces make it a popular spot for photography. I recommend visiting during the day to capture the building’s beautiful natural lighting, and be sure to explore the surrounding areas, including the beautiful gardens and fountains.
City Hall
City Hall is another great option for maternity photography, family portraits even wedding photoshoots because of its stunning architecture and beautiful interior spaces. Don’t forget to check the GPS coordinates and find a nearby parking lot before you visit, you don’t want to be looking for parking on your photoshoot!
Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo is a vibrant and historic neighborhood in downtown LA and another popular spot for maternity photography.
Possible Photo: The mother-to-be can be walking along the vibrant streets of Little Tokyo in a gown, surrounded by the colorful street art and unique architecture of the neighborhood.
Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood Boulevard is a bustling and iconic street in the heart of Hollywood and one of the most instagram worthy places on our list! With its vibrant lights and historic theaters, Hollywood Boulevard is an iconic location and a popular choice for maternity photography (just make sure to pick a good time like early morning on a to avoid crowds!).
Dining option: For a classic elegant dinner, head over to Musso & Frank Grill on the Hollywood walk of fame. This historic restaurant with an expertly prepared menu has been serving classic American cuisine since 1919- it features classic dishes in a old Hollywood vibe.
The Mountains of Los Angeles
For a truly unique and breathtaking maternity photoshoot, consider these two popular mountains in Los Angeles:
Santa Monica Mountains
One of the most popular choices in the area would be Malibu Creek State Park, which has unique rock formations that make for a stunning backdrop in photos. Other great locations in the Santa Monica Mountains include Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park.
Mount Baldy
Mount Baldy is a towering peak located in the San Gabriel Mountains and a fantastic location for maternity photos due to its breathtaking natural beauty and picturesque views. One of the best times to take maternity photos at Mount Baldy is during the fall season when the leaves change colors and create a beautiful backdrop.
When planning a maternity photo shoot at Mount Baldy, it’s important to keep in mind the terrain and elevation. While there are many scenic viewpoints that you can easily drive to, keep in mind that the mountain requires a moderate level of physical fitness to navigate and may not be suitable for all expectant mothers. It’s also recommended to bring proper footwear and clothing for the weather conditions.
Possible Photos: Amazing pictures can be taken standing at the top of the mountain, at a panoramic lookout, surrounded by the breathtaking views and stunning landscapes of the surrounding peaks.
Dining option: For a scenic and rustic dinner, head over to Mount Baldy Lodge. This historic mountain lodge offers a menu featuring hearty and comforting dishes, all prepared with the freshest ingredients and served in a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Extra tips
If you’re looking for the most instagrammable places in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills is the perfect place to start. With its iconic palm trees and luxurious storefronts, it’s a great spot for matenrty, photography, fashion photography. and lifestyle photography. For a beachy vibe, head to Zuma Beach on a sunny day to capture the panoramic view of the sea coves. Olvera Street is also a super helpful location for capturing the city’s unique history and culture. And don’t forget about the “Urban Light” exhibit at the LACMA! See tips on posing for maternity photos.
My Favorite Los Angeles Photo Shoot Location
You guessed it! It’s none other than my studio, Oxana Alex Photography, located at 2100 Sawtelle Blvd UNIT 30, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA. See benefits of doing a studio photo shoot here.
We offer both fashion and maternity photography sessions and are always excited to hear about your shoot ideas! Contact us here.
How do I choose my photographer and location?
To choose the best maternity photographer in Los Angeles for your photos, make sure you look at their portfolio and photography style to make sure it matches with your vision for the photo shoot.
LA is a photographer’s paradise with endless location choices for beautiful photo shoots. No matter the style, from family portraits to fashion photography, us local photographers have tons of great spots to capture amazing photos.
Whether you’re looking for natural light, panoramic views of LA skyline, urban backdrops, casual photos at the Santa Monica Pier, or rent a beautiful photo studio space (see tips to prepare for your in studio pregnancy photoshoot), it won’t be hard to find the perfect location! Just make sure to communicate with your photographer in advance so you can plan the best time for your shoot to avoid crowds.
Conclusion
When planning a photo shoot in Los Angeles, it’s important to know that there are tons of amazing spaces that can make for great photos!
From the beaches to the Hollywood sign, whether you’re exploring some of the most instagrammable places in the city or taking a trip to a lesser-known location, I hope you found plenty of helpful resources in this article to make your Los Angeles maternity photoshoot a success.
How do I schedule my session?
You can schedule your session by emailing [email protected] or by texting our studio at (310) 854-9695.
