What to Wear for Beach Maternity Photos in Malibu, CA
This Post May Contain Affiliate LinksAs a photographer based in Malibu, I produce a lot of Beach Maternity Photos throughout the year. So, I created this guide to answer the ever popular question, “What to Wear for Beach Maternity Photos”.
I’m mom myself, and I totally get the struggle. The number one question I always get from my Clients is what to wear??? Especially if there are additional family members involved. It’s so hard to find outfits for everyone. So I went ahead and made this perfect little guide to help expecting momma’s find What to Wear for Beach Maternity Photos!
Table of Contents
What should I wear for my Beach Maternity Pictures in Malibu?
What to bring for my Beach Maternity Photos?
Accessories & Props
Comfort Essentials
Hair and Makeup recommendations for my Beach Maternity Photos?
Hair
Makeup
Local Salons in Malibu
When to book my Beach Maternity Photos?
Timing in Pregnancy
Seasonal Considerations
Time of Day
What should I wear for my
Maternity Beach Pictures in Malibu?
Flowy, Sheer Dresses: I always recommend clients wear long, flowing dresses that have a sheer fabric element. The flowing fabric is great for catching the ocean breeze and creating movement in your images. The sheer fabric allows the sunlight to filter through and add a gorgeous glow.
My Favorite Dress Boutiques: Morning Lavender | Nothing Fits But | Pink Blush | Worth Collective
Solid Pastel or Neutral Colors: For my style specifically, I always recommend couples wear pastel or light neutral colors to the beach, especially for maternity. Strong patterns or bright colors can often distract from the bump, and I want to keep the focus on you and your baby bump rather than the outfit.
Comfortable Footwear: More than likely you are going to be barefoot on the beach, however, I always recommend my couples bring some comfortable and stylish sandals to wear for the walk down to the beach (that El Matador cliff can be an ankle roller!).
My Favorite Sandal Shops: Steve Madden | J. Crew | Altard State | REEF
Bring Layers: It almost always gets cold and windy at the beach around sunset. A beautiful cardigan, shawl, jacket, or sweater, can look stylish and keep you warm during your session!
Dresses
Outfit Ideas for the whole Family
Outfit Ideas for Dad
Casual and Fitted:
Linen Pants and Button-Down Shirt: I love the idea of dads in classic linen pants in a neutral color (beige, tan, or white) paired with a light-colored button-down shirt. This combination is both casual and polished.
Polo Shirts and Tailored Shorts: For a more relaxed vibe, choose a fitted polo shirt and tailored shorts in coordinating colors.
Color Coordination:
Neutral and Pastel Colors: Coordinate with the family by choosing colors that complement each other. Neutrals like white, beige, and light blue work well with pastel tones.
Complementary Shades: Ensure Dad's outfit doesn't clash with the family's attire. For example, if Mom wears a pastel dress, Dad can wear a soft blue or light grey shirt.
Style Tips:
Avoid Bold Logos or Graphics: Stick to solid colors or subtle patterns. Bold logos or graphics can be distracting in photos and take away from moms glow.
Local Clothing Shops in Malibu:
Outfit Ideas for Older Siblings
Mirroring Parents’ Style and Color:
Girls: Flowy dresses or skirts in soft pastel colors that complement Mom's outfit. Pair with a light cardigan if needed.
Boys: Linen pants or tailored shorts with a button-down shirt or polo shirt in colors that coordinate with Dad’s outfit.
Comfortable Clothing:
Choose soft, breathable fabrics that allow for easy movement and play.
Consider adding layers that can be easily removed or added, like a lightweight sweater or vest.
Involve Older Children:
Let them pick from a selection of pre-approved outfits to give them a sense of ownership and excitement about the photoshoot.
Encourage them to choose accessories like hats or headbands that they like, as long as they match the overall theme.
Local Children’s Clothing Shops Near Malibu:
What to bring for my Beach Maternity Photos?
Accessories & Props:
Accessories: Accessories can be so fun to include in your Beach Maternity Photos! A cute, wide brim sun hat, stylish sunglasses, or even a vintage bathing suit can provide a fun aspect to your photos.
Baby Items: Bring baby shoes, ultrasound photos, or a small chalkboard with a message to incorporate into your shots.
Blankets or Throws: A stylish blanket can be used for sitting or lying on the sand and can add a cozy element to your photos.
Comfort Essentials:
Sunscreen: It is so important to protect you and baby from the sun's rays! It’s best to find a sunscreen that wont leave a harsh shine and that will last the entire session.
Comfortable and safe Footwear: Have comfortable sandals or flip-flops for walking to the photoshoot location. Many of the photogenic beaches around Malibu require a bit of hiking and stair climbing to get to.
Towels and a change of clothes: While the Pacific Ocean is a bit cold, adventurous couples might want to dip their feet in the water toward the end of their session (if the waves and tide aren’t too dangerous!). Don’t forget to bring a towel and a change of clothes just in case you end up getting wetter than you intended!
Hair and Makeup recommendations for my
Beach Maternity Photos?
Hair Recommendations
Let’s start with hair! I find my Clients are often surprised by how windy and wet it is at the beach, especially around sunset. So here are some tips to make sure you’re happy with your hair during the session.
Avoid Frizz: If you have naturally curly/wavy hair, do NOT straighten it. The moist ocean hair will create unsightly frizz.
Wind: If you're worried about wind, try to embrace it! Wind can add a beautiful, fine art element to your images. I personally LOVE it when my clients hair flies in the wind. It’s so romantic.
Wear an Up do: If you're really not a fan of the windswept look, opt for either a half up/half down hair style, or a romantic up do.
Makeup Recommendations
Plan to wear slightly heavier make-up than normal, including blush and lipstick or gloss that are at least slightly darker than your lip color. I also highly recommend false eyelashes, as natural lashes often get lost in camera.
However, don't cake on foundation!
It's easier to photoshop out blemishes then it is to fix foundation that has cracked or settled into fine lines.
Nail Recommendations
In all of the chaos of the session prep... don’t forget to pamper your nails! Try to avoid any chipped polish or crazy patterns. French manicures, light/natural colors and even nails with no color at all photograph best. Be sure to do the same for toenails if you plan to wear open-toe shoes or go barefoot on the beach.
Local Salons
When to book my Beach Maternity Photos?
There are a lot of things to consider when planning your Beach Maternity Session, especially the timing! Here is a list of everything to consider during the planning stage!
Timing in Pregnancy
28 to 34 Weeks: The ideal time for a maternity photoshoot is between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. During this period, your baby bump is well-defined, but you’re still comfortable enough to move around during your session!
Seasonal Considerations
Seasons: Each season brings unique weather to the beach!
During late winter, spring, and early summer, we succumb to grey, overcast skies. It’s important to find a photographer who knows how to photograph in this lighting, and adjusts their style to suite the grey skies.
In Winter, the beaches can be cold and frigid, but oh so beautiful. This is when we have extremely low tides during sunset. These stunning, extreme low tides can create EPIC shots at the beach.
Fall is actually my favorite season for the beaches in Malibu. The weather is still warm, the summer crowds have left, and the sun is setting back over the ocean again.
Avoid Peak Summer: If possible, avoid the peak summer months when the beaches are crowded, and the heat can be intense. If you need to do your session in the summer, try to schedule an early morning session, or pick a less popular beach with lots of room to avoid other people.
To learn more about El Matador, and the best times to visit the iconic location, view my blog post here.Time of Day
Golden Hour: Schedule your photoshoot during the golden hours—shortly after sunrise or just before sunset. This timing provides soft, warm, and flattering natural light that enhances the beauty of your photos.
Midday Sun: Avoid booking during midday when the sun is highest in the sky, as this can create harsh shadows and unflattering lighting.
Interested in a Beach Maternity Session?
About Megan W Photography
Megan is a Fine Art Maternity, Couples, and Family photographer who was born, raised, and is still living in Malibu, CA. She is here to capture you and your loved ones in images that you will want to cherish, and pass down to future generations.
Not only is she a photographer, but she is a mother, wife, daughter, and sister.
Maternity, family, and couples hold a special place in her heart because she knows how quickly time flies by. Megan W Photography wants to help you preserve those sweet little smiles, those tender, affectionate moments, and the love you share with each other.
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Hi! I’m Megan
I’m a luxury, Malibu, CA based photographer who specializes in Maternity, Couples, and families. I serve Los Angeles and Ventura County, as well as all of California. I value tangible, heirloom art pieces versus digital and I focus on quality over quantity.
