5 Tips for a Beautiful Winter Maternity Photoshoot in Malibu

Session Tips
Written By Megan Moore
 
This image shows a woman standing on rocky terrain by the ocean during a golden sunset, holding a bouquet of flowers. The waves crash in the background, and the warm, glowing sunlight illuminates the scene, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere. 
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When it comes to capturing the beauty of motherhood, a Winter Maternity Photoshoot in Malibu offers a breathtaking backdrop.

Winter in Malibu is my favorite time of the year not only because of the beautiful sunsets and the low tides, but because of how quiet it is. 

Growing up in Malibu, I looked forward every year to walking down the beach at sunset at low tide, bundled up with a warm drink in my hand as I watched the sun dip below the horizon. 

Thereā€™s a certain dreaminess to winter in Malibu that you canā€™t find any other time of the year . Thatā€™s why I always get so excited when expected mothers reach out to me for their winter maternity session.

As a Maternity photographer in Malibu, I specialize in capturing beautiful and joyful images. I know how to take the stress out of what to wear and how to pose. These tips below will help you create photos you will treasure for generations to come!

 

Table of Contents

 
This image features a woman sitting peacefully on rocky terrain by the ocean at sunset, draped in a white lace gown. She is cradling her belly, holding a small bouquet of flowers, with a serene smile on her face.
This close-up image captures a pregnant woman in a lace gown gently cradling her belly with one hand while holding a bouquet of white and lavender flowers with the other. The golden sunset softly illuminates her face and hair.

1. Choose the Perfect Time for your
Winter Maternity Photoshoot

Time of Day

Did you know that winter sunsets in Malibu are some of the prettiest of the year? The sun is at itā€™s most western point in the sky on the Winter Solstice (December 21st).

The crisp air and soft winter light create vibrant hues that transform the sky into a masterpiece. And if we just so happen to get clouds in the sky (which isnā€™t too often) youā€™re in for a treat. Sunsets this time of year are especially breathtaking, offering the perfect romantic glow for your maternity portraits.

Lighting is the most important aspect of a photo. I love to backlight my subjects. This creates a soft halo around my subjects and gives a more ethereal and flattering look to the photos. It also creates even lighting on your face, hiding blemishes and imperfections better than direct sunlight photos.

I always meet my clients 90 minutes to 2 hours before sunset, that way we have time to walk to our photo spot and do any wardrobe changes without risking losing the perfect lighting.

Photographerā€™s Tip: Donā€™t turn and face the sun until AFTER the sun has gone below the horizon. The orange glow might look great on your phones camera, but I donā€™t find it as flattering with professional gear.

Time of Pregnancy

The best time to schedule your maternity photoshoot is when youā€™re between 28-36 weeks, and even earlier if youā€™re expecting multiple babies!

You will be more comfortable, youā€™ll be able to show off your bump better, and youā€™re less likely to give birth before your photoshoot.

2. Donā€™t Stress About Posing

The number one concern I hear is ā€œI donā€™t know what to do, Iā€™ve never been in front of a camera beforeā€.

Stepping in front of the camera while pregnant can feel both exciting and a little nerve-wracking, but Iā€™ve got you covered! Itā€™s my job as your photographer to look through my lens and help you look and feel your best.

Maternity poses are all about highlighting Mommaā€™s beauty and the sweet baby bump. I will carefully guide you through poses that highlight your best angles and celebrate your glowing beauty. Iā€™ll ensure every pose feels natural and comfortable, capturing your unique essence while making sure you look and feel your absolute best.

Again, lighting is super important. I place my clients in beautiful light and then pose them. This way I create stunning images every time.

Photographerā€™s tip: My favorite way to produce flattering images is telling my clients
ā€œChin up and out, roll your shoulders back, pop the leg closest to the camera, and give me Barbie toes!ā€

3. Stunning & Cozy Wardrobe Ideas

Thankfully, winter in Malibu is generally mild with little to no wind at sunset, which makes it the perfect time of the year for maternity photos at the beach.

I found that sheer fabrics catch the beautiful winter sunlight perfectly. I like to add a warm layer just in case itā€™s a bit chilly. You can do this by adding a wrap, winter hat, and ,possibly, white gloves and other accessories that photograph beautifully this season.

These dresses below will photograph beautifully for your Winter Materntiy Photoshoot, even if itā€™s not at the beach!

This image showcases a collage of maternity dresses and accessories, labeled with numbers for selection. The collection includes elegant gowns in various styles and colors, such as white, pale blue, and floral prints.

Dresses

1. Rent Pearl Gown

2. Faux Fur Wrap

3. Rent Alice Maternity Gown

4. MWP Client Closet

Photographerā€™s Tip: If youā€™re photographing at a location thatā€™s a little colder,
you can wear fleece lined maternity leggings under your gown!

4. Find the right location for your
Winter Maternity Photoshoot

When it comes to capturing beautiful winter maternity photos in Malibu, choosing the right spot is just as important as picking the perfect outfit. The areaā€™s diverse landscapes offer endless possibilities to match your unique style and desired mood:

Wide, Sandy Beaches

Malibuā€™s sandy shores are known for their serenity during the colder months. With fewer visitors, you can fully enjoy the tranquil scene of the surf gently rolling in behind you. Low tides around sunset also reveal more shoreline, tide pools, and dramatic rock formations, providing plenty of interesting backdrops for your photos.

Dramatic Cliffs and Coves

If you love a bit of drama, the rocky outcroppings and secluded coves along the coast can lend a romantic, adventurous vibe. Standing at the edge of a cliff or nestled in a protected cove creates visually dynamic images that highlight both the natural landscape and the tenderness of your maternity journey.

Mountain Locations

For a completely different vibe from the beach, consider a mountain setting! The Santa Monica Mountainā€™s is full of rolling hills and beautiful mountain peaks, as well as trees. My top mountain location is Malibu Creek State Park.

  • Malibu Creek State Park

    Address: 1925 Las Virgenes Rd, Calabasas, CA 91301

    Website: Malibu Creek State Park

    Description: Unfortunately most of the trees are dormant during the winter. However, the mountain range is still gorgeous. Make sure you get to the location early to allow for as much light as possible during your session! The sun sets behind the mountains about 30 to 45 minutes earlier at this location.

This image depicts a woman in a flowing floral gown sitting gracefully on a rocky beach during sunset. She cradles her belly while gazing off into the distance, surrounded by soft golden light and rugged cliffs.

5. Where to Find Snow for your
Winter Maternity Photoshoot

While Malibuā€™s beaches and coastal cliffs are breathtaking, sometimes you might dream of adding a frosty winter wonderland vibe to your maternity session. If youā€™re craving snow-covered landscapes to complement your glowing maternity look, youā€™re in luckā€”there are several snowy destinations within a short drive of Malibu, including Big Bear, Frazier Park, and Mt. Baldy.

Big Bear Lake

  • Address: 40751 N Shore Ln, Fawnskin, CA 92333

  • Website: Visit Big Bear

  • Description: Just 2.5 hours from Malibu, Big Bear offers a picture-perfect snowy escape. Imagine being surrounded by towering evergreens dusted in snow or posing against the icy, shimmering surface of a frozen lake. The snowy backdrop contrasts beautifully with warm, cozy outfits like knit sweaters, wool coats, or scarves, creating a unique and seasonal maternity session that feels straight out of a winter fairytale.

Frazier Park

  • Address: 3801 Park Dr, Frazier Park, CA 93225

  • Website: Frazier Park

  • Description: If youā€™re looking for a more intimate and low-key location, Frazier Park is a fantastic option. Located just about 1.5 hours from Malibu, this charming spot often gets blanketed in snow during the winter months. With its peaceful forested areas and scenic mountain views, itā€™s a wonderful choice for a quick snowy getaway. Itā€™s less crowded than Big Bear, offering a quieter backdrop for your maternity photos.

Mt. Baldy

  • Address: Mt Baldy, CA 91759

  • Website: Mt. Baldy

  • Description: For stunning snowy mountain vistas closer to Malibu, Mt. Baldy is an excellent choice. Just a 1.5- to 2-hour drive away, this iconic peak is perfect for capturing breathtaking maternity photos. Whether youā€™re posing in front of snow-capped peaks or walking through snowy trails, Mt. Baldy provides a dramatic and versatile backdrop for your session.

If youā€™re dreaming of a snowy maternity session, letā€™s make it happen! Together, weā€™ll create a gallery of breathtaking images that celebrate this incredible chapter in your life, with the perfect mix of Malibuā€™s golden beaches and Big Bearā€™s wintery charm.

 
This image features a pregnant woman standing at the water's edge, wearing a flowing floral gown with a high slit. She cradles her belly with both hands, radiating joy and calmness as waves gently lap at her feet.
This close-up image focuses on a pregnant woman in a strapless floral gown, gently cradling her belly with both hands. The soft fabric of the gown features pastel floral patterns, complementing the natural and tender moment.

Winter is a fantastic time to celebrate your pregnancy with a stunning Winter Maternity Photoshoot in Malibu. Between the golden sunsets, thoughtfully chosen locations, and customizable wardrobe options, your session will be memorable.

Interested in a Maternity Session?

A picture of the photographer, Megan W Photography, holding a Nikon mirrorless camera while standing in front of the ocean on a foggy day.
 

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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The image shows the photographer, Megan W Photography, standing in front of the ocean on a cloudy day. She is holding a Nikon mirrorless camera and smiling.

Hi! Iā€™m Megan

Iā€™m a boutique, 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.

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Megan Moore https://meganwphotography.squarespace.com/
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