Best Maternity Photoshoot Locations in Houston, TX
Houston is a large metropolis in Texas, known for its impeccable theater and arts scene, low cost of living, and the very best Tex-Mex in the state. It’s also home to some beautiful locations that can provide the perfect backdrop for your maternity photoshoot.
There are several things you’ll want to consider when choosing a location for your outdoor session. Ideally, you want a location that offers natural lighting as photographing in full sun can deliver great color and vibrancy. However, your photographer will need a game plan to deal with shadows. Shadows can be greatly reduced by finding a location that offers some overhead cover.
You’ll also want to consider other aspects like time of day, whether the location is accessible by the public, and what type of environment you’re looking for, such as woodsy area or bustling city life.
Best Maternity Photoshoot Locations in Houston
The location of your photo session could essentially make or break your maternity portraits. Fortunately, there are many remarkable locations in Houston for an outdoor maternity session. Some of our top recommendations include:
1. Buffalo Bayou Park
Buffalo Bayou Park is a 160-acre municipal park situated along the banks of the Buffalo Bayou waterway near downtown Houston. It is considered one of the country’s best urban green spaces and offers plenty of trails, equipment, sculptures, and skyline. The park recently completed enhancements in 2015 and now includes native landscaping, beautiful gardens, public art, and a creative nature play area for children. With more than 2.3 miles of park available, you’re sure to find a spot to take your maternity photos.
2. Sugar and Cloth Color Wall
If you’re a big fan of color, then consider a maternity photography session in front of the Sugar and Cloth Color Wall. The original Sugar and Cloth Color Wall could be found in EaDo but has since been demolished. Today, you find its new location on GreenStreet in downtown Houston. The new Color Wall has all the same features as the old one, in addition to a new color-blocked rainbow staircase.
3. Hermann Park
Located in the heart of Houston, this 445-acre urban park welcomes more than six million visitors each year. Hermann Park Conservancy is just minutes from downtown Houston and offers awe-inspiring locations for evening or early morning photos. As of October 2018, there is a permit fee of $131.14 per session to use this location. Hermann Park is a great location for both maternity and family portraits nearly year-round.
4. River Oaks Oak Trees
River Oaks is a luxury residential area in Houston, TX, known for its lavish homes and lush landscaping. Among the community is a group of majestic oak trees that instantly give any photos an elegant and romantic feel. The thick canopy of decades-old live oak trees provides plenty of greenery for a sophisticated maternity shoot.
5. Wortham Waterfall
Just on the other side of the Buffalo Bayou Park playground is Houston’s Theater District. At the bayou, behind the Wortham Theater, you’ll discover a beautiful waterfall display where you can host your outdoor maternity shoot. Parking is available nearby in the paid garage or on the street where you’ll find parking meters. Behind the Wortham Waterfall is a view of the Texas skyline which adds an instant pop of vibrant blue color to any photograph.
6. Centennial Gardens
The Centennial Gardens at Hermann Park is one of the city’s most popular spots for mini sessions. Whether you’re planning a maternity session, newborn session, couples session, or family photography, you’ll find numerous unique backdrop options within the green space. Some great spots include the jagged stone steps found just outside the gates, the fountains, a gray backdrop of the pavilion, and many more. Consider having your session as the sun goes down to take advantage of the golden hour.
7. Menil Collection Campus
While a studio maternity session can yield amazing results, there are limitations to what a photography studio can achieve. An outdoor maternity photoshoot at the Menil Collection Campus can provide expecting parents with color, vibrancy, and visual interest for their backdrop. The campus offers oversized trees, benches, bungalows, and sculptures. Free parking is available in the nearby parking lots or on the street. The campus has more than 30 acres that include the main gallery building that anchors the campus and four additional museums.
8. The Black Labrador
If you prefer a more eccentric backdrop, consider a unique maternity shoot at The Black Labrador. The Black Labrador is a former British-style pub located in the Montrose area. While the pub is now closed, its fascinating exterior remains which features a lush garden with pops of vibrant color throughout. Expecting moms can even get a photo at the bright red British phone booth which remains at the location.
9. Mercer Botanic Gardens
Located along Cypress Creek, Mercer Botanic Gardens is a serene environment that offers guests dozens of beautiful nature scenes for their outdoor maternity shoot. The gardens can be found just north of Houston and feature more than 300 acres of riparian parkland. You’ll find many incredible collections of plants, from bamboo and azaleas to palms and cycads. The garden is also adjacent to picnic and playground areas.
10. Graffiti Park
While Graffiti Park in Houston is not the most traditional location for a pregnancy photoshoot, it does appeal to many modern families. This one-of-a-kind, funky location is the perfect spot for taking urban photos. The art display features dozens of graffiti-filled walls that span a couple of blocks. With so many different styles of art, you’re sure to find an area of wall that reflects your artistic flair and personality.
How to Find a Maternity Photoshoot Photographer
Finding a great maternity photographer is often the most challenging part of the process. Pregnancy photography is a specialized field that requires advanced skills and an eye for style. Often, expecting moms can find photographers that offer both maternity photography and newborn photography services which can be convenient for busy new moms.
Maternity photos are often taken between 28 and 32 weeks, or toward the end of the second trimester. This is generally when your baby bump will show in the photos but not too close to your due date. You’ll want to start looking for a photographer soon after you’ve found out you’re pregnant to give yourself plenty of time to find the right person.
There are many aspects you’ll want to consider when choosing someone for your maternity and newborn photos. This includes quality of work, personality, style, price, and the overall experience you have with the person before hiring. It’s important to remember that these photos will long be cherished as a keepsake, so you will want to hire the best fit for you. Use our “Find a Maternity Photographer” tool to find the best options near you.
What to Wear for a Maternity Photoshoot
One of the most exciting parts of planning a pregnancy session is finding the perfect maternity gown. Consider aspects like environment and weather when selecting a maternity dress, as well as what colors will most stand out against your chosenbackdrop.
If you’re going for sweet and simple, consider a maxi dress. Maxi dresses are often comfortable and the long dress will provide plenty of options to show off your baby bump while creating effortless movement in the photos. This Lace Overlay Maxi maternity dress by Pink Blush is a great option for any client that wants moderate coverage.
Solid colors are often preferred for maternity photoshoots as they help the expecting mom take center stage and don’t distract the eye with too many prints and patterns. An elegant option like Audrey by Sew Trendy is a great choice. This pregnancy photoshoot dress features a sweetheart top and off-the-shoulder sleeves.
Textured pregnancy dresses are also popular outdoor and studio wardrobe options. Lyric by J&L Designs Boutique is the perfect example of a designer maternity dress done right. Lyric features a boho-style look with flutter sleeves and a gathered tiered lace bottom. At Mama Bump Rentals, you’ll find a wide selection of maternity photoshoot dress rental options. Our maternity dresses for photoshoot events include designer maternity gowns that are perfect for memorable picture keepsakes and pregnancy announcement photos. A unique gown, coupled with professional hair and makeup, will ensure that you’re more than satisfied with the results of your maternity photoshoot.
The Best Poses for a Maternity Photoshoot
Before arriving at the portrait studio or outdoor photoshoot location, you’ll want to have a few poses in mind. A standard front view will allow your baby bump in your maternity photoshoot dress to be on full display. Holding your bump with one hand on top and one on the bottom creates a sense of love and intimacy between you and your baby.
If you’re having your photoshoot in a grassy area, consider a lying-down pose. Lie on your back with your arms cradled around your belly. Ensure that your hair and dress are spread out around you.
A belly profile picture is also a popular pose for maternity photoshoots. For this pose, the mom-to-be stands sideways to allow the photographer to get a clear shot of her profile and baby bump. The mom-to-be can look down adoringly at her baby or directly at the camera.
There are also many other poses to consider, such as a sitting pose, photography from above, or even a silhouette taken in the early morning or late evening hours as the sun begins to rise or set. Speak with your photographer to come up with photos in a style that you like best.