Outdoor vs. Indoor Maternity Photography: Which is Right for You?

When it comes to planning maternity session, one of the first questions that often arises is whether to shoot outdoors in Minnesota's beautiful landscapes or create something intimate in an indoor setting.

I'm Michele, and as both a photographer and a mom, I understand how important these decisions can be. Let me share some thoughts to help you choose which setting might better tell your unique motherhood story.

Outdoor Maternity Sessions

Minnesota gifts us with stunning natural backdrops that change with each season. Outdoor maternity sessions capture not just your pregnancy, but place it within the context of our beautiful world—creating images that feel expansive, free, and full of possibility.

In spring and summer, we can find lush greens and wildflowers that frame your changing body with vibrant life. Autumn brings those spectacular gold and amber tones that create a warm, nostalgic feel. And for the brave mamas, winter sessions offer a serene, dreamy quality with soft, even light reflecting off the snow.

The natural light that bathes outdoor maternity sessions is incredibly flattering for maternity portraits, creating a radiant glow that seems to emanate from within. There's something about the way sunlight, especially during golden hour, wraps around your form that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere.

Honestly, being outside while you’re pregnant just hits different. Something about fresh air, open space, and a baby on the way—it just works.

The Intimacy of Indoor Maternity Sessions

While outdoor maternity sessions speak to expansiveness, indoor maternity sessions – whether in my NE Minneapolis studio or your home – create a sense of intimacy and sanctuary. These sessions tend to feel more private, allowing for a different kind of vulnerability and connection.

In the calm, controlled setting of my studio, we don’t have to worry about weather or time of day—beautiful light is always on our side. The clean, simple backgrounds keep the focus entirely on you and your growing belly, creating timeless, elegant images. While all sessions include access to my studio wardrobe, it’s definitely easiest to choose and change outfits when we’re already at the studio. And if you’re interested in hair and makeup, I can share names of a couple artists my clients love.

Home sessions, meanwhile, add another layer of meaning. Photographing you in the nursery you've lovingly prepared or in the bedroom where you rest your changing body creates images infused with context and stories. These portraits don't just show your pregnancy – they document the environment where you're preparing to welcome your little one.

Indoor maternity sessions also offer practical advantages for expecting mothers in the Minneapolis area, especially during our challenging winter months. No need to worry about temperature, wind, or walking distances – something many third-trimester mamas certainly appreciate!

Finding What Resonates With You

As you decide between outdoor and indoor maternity photography, the most important question isn't about which produces "better" images – it's about which setting will better tell your unique story and make you feel most comfortable.

Some questions to consider: 

• Where do you feel most like yourself? 
• Do you crave connection with nature?
• Are you drawn to the intimacy of indoor spaces? 
• What season will you be in your third trimester? 
• How do you imagine displaying these images in your home?

Know that you don't necessarily have to choose just one. Some of my favorite maternity sessions have combined both worlds – perhaps beginning in your home and finishing at a nearby park as the sun sets over Minneapolis.

Whichever setting you choose, know that my goal remains the same: to create authentic, meaningful portraits that capture this fleeting, miraculous time. With complimentary access to my studio wardrobe for both indoor and outdoor sessions, you'll look and feel beautiful without the stress of finding the perfect outfit.

Your maternity photographs should feel as unique as your journey to motherhood. Let's create something beautiful together that you'll treasure long after those tiny kicks have turned into running feet across your living room floor.