Santa Monica Maternity Photographer
Motherhood as it truly feels — warm, imperfect, deeply connected, and full of love.
'I've always been one to have a weird last minute smile, etc but in this photoshoot I just felt like Mother Earth goddess.. the whole point, right?!'
~ Lori
Hi, I'm Emelie!
I'm your Santa Monica Maternity Photographer
I’m OBSESSED with Maternity Photography. If you give me a sunset and a pregnant mom, be sure that I will be there with my camera to capture it all!
Other things that I LOVE:
– My husband and two kids
– Reading Books
– Camping with my family
– Board games
– Running
New on the blog
The Ultimate Guide to Santa Monica Beach Maternity Sessions
Beach maternity sessions are my all-time favorite! There’s something magical about combining the pregnancy glow with the sunset glow — muuah! And the neutral colors the beach naturally brings? Absolute dream.
If you’re in Santa Monica or Los Angeles and thinking about a maternity photoshoot at the beach, I’d love to help you capture this season in a way that feels natural, joyful, and unforgettable…
'My husband and I are both awkward people, but Emelie’s directions were easy to follow and poses never felt forced or unnatural.'
~ Karina
No awkward posing
My most important goal with every Maternity session is that you have FUN and feel comfortable every step of the way. I guide you through the entire session and you will know exactly what to do all the time. There will be absolutely no staring at the camera with a stiff smile during my sessions. You will sway from side to side, close your eyes and take a deep breath, walk hand in hand with your partner and perhaps spin around in a circle. But you will NOT be asked to put on a fake smile and stare at me until your eyes start to water.
Beautiful Locations
Finding the perfect location for your photoshoot is something I believe is key to getting those magical images. Luckily for us, Santa Monica is close to a lot of beautiful locations for your photo session!
I put a lot of time and effort into finding locations that works well for maternity photos and I always scout my locations to know exactly how the lighting is at that particular spot. This gives your photos that little extra!
Beautiful Styling
To get the absolute most out of your Maternity session, I always guide you styling it. Whether you choose to use one of the dresses from my client wardrobe or if you decide to use clothes of your own, I will work closely with you to help you create the perfect look for your photoshoot.
How does it work?
1
Contact
The first step to your maternity photo session is for us to connect. Fill out the form at the end of this page and I will get back to you within 48 hours. I love to hear as much as possible about you to create the perfect session for you, so please don’t be shy as you fill out the contact form!
2
Location
I have many location options that I like for photo sessions. I put a lot of effort into finding the perfect location with the perfect lighting, and I will give you options to choose from. Weather you like the beach or the hills, we will find a location that works!
3
Styling your session
I love the styling part and am 100% here to help you style your session. I have a client closet with maternity dresses that you are free to use during your session. I also have a styling tool to help you get started on styling your session. For every step of the way, I am here to give feedback and input on your outfits.
4
Session and Delivery
On the day of your session we are going to have the most fun we possibly can! I will guide you through the entire session, so please drop all the pressure of knowing what to do with your body. I got you mama!
After we are done shooting, I will hurry back home to edit the photos. Within the next 14 days you will get a link sent to your email, to an online gallery with all of your photos to enjoy!
Investment
My Maternity Sessions include the following:
– Me! I’m always available for questions and support, you will get an answer to all your questions within 48 hours.
– 60-90 min photography session at selected location.
– Access to my client closet with beautiful dresses for you to wear during the photography session.
– All of the final digital images from your session (between 35-50). The images are delivered in an online gallery, in print quality
so you can print your favorite photos for personal use.
$695
FAQ
What happens if it rains?
Your photos are very important to me, and I want you to have the beautiful images you’re dreaming of. Although we’re lucky with sunny days in Santa Monica, occasionally the weather isn’t cooperating — whether it’s rain, heavy fog, or strong winds — we will simply reschedule your maternity session for another day.
I keep my calendar flexible specifically for situations like this, so I can offer a new date within the next 14 days. This way we can still capture your Maternity photos in the beautiful natural light and coastal scenery that Santa Monica is known for.
My goal is to make sure your Maternity photo session feels relaxed and enjoyable — and that you receive photos you absolutely love.
What should I wear?
I have a small collection of beautiful maternity dresses that you are welcome to use during your session. These dresses are carefully selected to photograph beautifully and to complement the soft, natural style of my maternity sessions.
If you prefer to wear something from your own wardrobe, I also provide a styling tool to help guide you in choosing your outfits. This tool makes it easy to plan your look, find pieces that photograph well, and coordinate outfits with your partner and any older children.
Together we’ll create a style that feels comfortable, natural, and true to you, so that during your maternity session you can focus on enjoying the moment.
How long before my due date should I book my session?
I recommend scheduling your maternity photoshoot when you are around 30–35 weeks pregnant. By this stage, your belly is beautifully round, but hasn’t normally dropped yet, which is perfect for maternity photos.
To make sure we can find the perfect date that works for both of us – the best time to reach out is around 25 weeks pregnant or earlier. This allows us plenty of time to plan your session, coordinate outfits, and ensure your experience is relaxed and stress-free.
Booking a little earlier also gives us a little bit of wiggle room in case of weather changes. Maternity sessions are time sensitive, so having a little wiggle room is always a great idea.
I'm ready to capture my pregnancy!
Blog posts to check out!
How to prepare for your Maternity Session
Once your Maternity session is booked, you most likely have a few weeks until the session is taking place. You got the location set and your outfit is picked out. What else needs to be done? As a Maternity Photographer, I’ve gathered a few things for you to think of, in order to prepare and help you get the most out of your upcoming Maternity session.
Why white dresses work so well for beach photos
Buying a maternity dress for a photoshoot that you know you will only wear once can be a hard pill to swallow. So it probably feels like great news when you learn that your Maternity Photographer has a client closet with Maternity dresses that you can use for your session, right?
5 reasons why you should do your Maternity Photoshoot at the beach
As a wife of a surfer, it’s pretty much impossible to survive without embracing the beach. But luckily enough I absolutely love the beach. And as much as I love going to the beach with my family, I am crazy about doing Maternity Sessions at the beach. There’s just something about that creamy soft look of beach photos that has me hooked.
