A side-by-side comparison to help you decide what’s best for your maternity photoshoot on Long Island

You're expecting a baby, congratulations! This chapter of your life is fleeting and beautiful, and capturing it with maternity photos is one of the most meaningful things you can do. But the question remains: Should you choose a studio session or an outdoor session?

Both offer gorgeous results, but each has a different vibe, experience, and set of considerations. As a Long Island maternity photographer, I offer both options, and even a combo session if you want the best of both worlds.

Let’s break down the differences so you can choose the one that fits your vision, comfort, and family dynamic.

A pregnant person in a flowing blue dress poses elegantly on a white cube against a gray studio backdrop.
A person in a teal maternity gown stands in shallow water at sunset against a serene ocean backdrop.

Studio Maternity Sessions: Polished, Editorial, and Private

Studio sessions offer a refined, intimate setting with full control over lighting, environment, and style. If you’re drawn to images that are timeless, elegant, and sometimes a bit bold, the studio might be the perfect fit.

The Feel and Style

  • Clean, polished, and sculptural lighting
  • Can be glamorous, editorial, or soft and romantic
  • Ideal for fabric draped shots, bare belly photos, or boudoir style images
  • More private setting, perfect for mamas wanting a sensual or vulnerable look

The Logistics

  • Held in my Long Island studio with a cozy, private environment
  • Full access to my curated client closet
  • No time limit so you won’t feel rushed
  • No weather, wind, or lighting issues
  • Easy outfit changes throughout the session
  • Significant others and children are welcome
  • Great option year round

Things to Consider with Toddlers

Studio sessions can work beautifully with toddlers, but not all little ones love the structure of a studio environment. If your child gets antsy indoors or needs space to move, you may want to consider an outdoor option.

Artistic maternity photo with flowing beige dress and sheer white fabric creating ethereal movement against neutral backdrop.
Artistic maternity portrait of woman in flowing dusty rose gown with dramatic fabric movement against gray backdrop.
Ethereal maternity photo featuring woman in fluffy tulle gown against minimalist circular backdrop.
Ethereal maternity portrait in white tulle gown with gold halo and crown against neutral backdrop.
Expectant mother wearing black bra and jeans poses against white background in maternity photoshoot.
Dramatic silhouette of expectant mother in dark moody lighting with water droplet effects.
Artistic maternity boudoir photo with sheer white robe by window in minimalist setting.
Maternity portrait featuring woman in netted dress showing tattoo against dark studio background.
Intimate studio portrait of an expecting couple with woman in black turtleneck and shirtless partner embracing her pregnant belly.
Family gathered in white studio wearing neutral colors for maternity photoshoot.
Artistic silhouette of an expectant mother in dramatic lighting against dark background, captured in profile view.
Pregnant woman in blue jeans holding delicate white baby's breath flowers against a neutral gray backdrop.
Overhead view of person lying on floor wearing elegant ivory tulle gown with crystal necklace and long flowing hair.
A figure in heels poses gracefully on a reflective white surface in a minimalist studio setting.
Elegant maternity portrait of person wearing a flowing light blue floor-length gown in a moody studio setting.
Elegant maternity photo of two figures in coordinating dresses posing together against a neutral studio backdrop.
Tender moment between parent and child in soft white studio setting with gentle natural lighting.
A pregnant figure and small child pose in matching black leotards against a light gray studio backdrop.

Outdoor Maternity Sessions: Natural, Romantic, and Versatile

If you love scenic views and a soft, sun-kissed glow, outdoor sessions offer a beautiful, seasonally styled alternative. These sessions still include plenty of posing and structure, but often incorporate more movement and environmental storytelling.

The Feel and Style

  • Still beautifully posed, but can include more natural and candid moments
  • Romantic, glowy, and seasonal
  • Incorporates elements like flowers, trees, beach, or field landscapes
  • Slightly more lifestyle oriented, but still very styled and intentional
  • Can be playful or tender, depending on your vibe

The Logistics

  • Takes place on location, like The Meadows or one of the beaches from my location guide
  • Access to my full client closet
  • Scheduled for golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for the best lighting
  • One hour time limit due to lighting conditions
  • Hair can be impacted by wind so keep this in mind when planning styling
  • Seasonal sessions in certain locations (beaches in summer, parks with foliage in fall) can be crowded so weekdays are often better
  • Significant others and children are welcome

Why Outdoor Might Be Easier with Toddlers

Outdoor sessions give little ones the freedom to move and explore. If you’ve got a toddler who doesn’t love to sit still, the open space of an outdoor setting can help everyone stay relaxed and capture more genuine connection.

A person in a flowing pink dress stands on a wooden pier by the ocean as dramatic clouds and sunlight fill the sky.
Ethereal cream-colored tulle gown flows dramatically in a snowy winter forest setting.
People sit together on rocky beach at sunset with dramatic cloudy sky and ocean waves in background.
Person in flowing mustard dress twirling in grassy field at golden hour with autumn trees behind.
An expectant mother in a flowing gown poses gracefully on coastal rocks during golden hour sunset.
Figure in flowing yellow dress poses dramatically on boardwalk during golden sunset.
Family in white clothing holds hands while walking on beach at sunset with dramatic cloudy sky over ocean.
A flowing black maternity gown trails elegantly along a wooded forest path in magical golden sunlight.
Silhouetted figure in a navy off-shoulder maternity gown poses on rocky beach at golden sunset.
Person in pink dress standing in autumn field with golden sunlight streaming through colorful fall foliage.

Can’t Decide? Do Both!

Some of my clients choose to do combo sessions, which include both outdoor and studio photos on the same day. Here’s how it works:

  • We start outdoors at the Enchanted Forest location from my guide, during golden hour
  • Then, we head back to the studio to finish the session with a more stylized and intimate feel

This is a fantastic option if you want soft nature vibes and bold editorial style portraits. It’s also a great way to tell a fuller story of your pregnancy journey.


Which Session Style Feels Right for You?

Still unsure? Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Feature Studio Maternity Session Outdoor Maternity Session
Style Clean, editorial, intimate Natural, romantic, light-filled
Time Limit No time limit ~1 hour (due to lighting)
Setting Private, temperature controlled Weather-dependent, more space
Client Closet ✔️ Yes ✔️ Yes
Great for Toddlers? Maybe (if comfortable in studio) ✔️ Yes (space to move!)
Hair-Friendly ✔️ No wind! ❌ Wind may affect styling
Includes Family? ✔️ Yes ✔️ Yes
Outfit Changes 3 outfit changes, easy in-studio 2 outfits, no changing rooms
A pregnant woman poses in a flowing rose gold silk gown against a gray backdrop as the fabric billows dramatically.
A pregnant woman in white clothing poses gracefully on coastal rocks at sunset with dramatic cloudy skies overhead.

Let’s Plan a Session You’ll Always Remember

No matter which session style you choose, your maternity photos will capture a chapter of your life that you’ll never relive again. What matters most isn’t whether your dress is perfect or if your toddler sat still—but that you showed up to be in the frame, to create a memory, and to celebrate the miracle your body is performing.

📸 Ready to chat about your maternity session? Click here to get in touch!

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📍 Serving all of Long Island, including Nassau and Suffolk County