Pregnancy isn’t forever, even if it doesn’t always feel that way while you’re in it. Before long, you’ll be holding your baby in your arms, and the chance to capture this chapter will have passed. That’s why maternity photography matters so much—they freeze this moment before everything changes.
But the best sessions aren’t about perfectly posed photos. They’re about creating images that feel like you. That could mean choosing a location with meaning like a Seattle Park, weaving in your hobbies such as a sport or instrument you play, or including the people (and pets) you love most. Here are a few ways to make your maternity session in the Seattle, Edmonds, and surrounding areas personal and memorable.
Bring something meaningful.
The tiniest details can carry the most weight in a photo. Some families like to include an ultrasound image, a baby blanket passed down from a grandparent, or the very first pair of shoes they bought for their little one. Others find creative ways to highlight their passions—wearing jerseys for their favorite Seattle team (Can you guess which one mine is?), bringing a guitar or a book, or slipping on hiking boots for a portrait on a trail they love. These simple choices make your session feel less staged and more like a reflection of your story.
Share the moment with your partner.
Your maternity session is about you, but it’s also about the connection you share with the person walking this journey alongside you. Some of the most beautiful photos come from natural moments—laughing together while walking the beach at Golden Gardens, sharing a quiet pause on the pier in Edmonds, or holding hands along a wooded path in Shoreline. These aren’t stiff poses; they’re glimpses of the love your baby is being welcomed into, which is what maternity photography is all about.
Choose a location that feels right.
We’re lucky to live in an area with so many beautiful backdrops. If you love the water, Brackett’s Landing or Meadowdale Beach are perfect for shoreline sunsets. If you’re drawn to greenery, Discovery Park offers open fields and forest trails. And if home feels most meaningful, a lifestyle session can be just as powerful. What matters most isn’t whether the location is “scenic enough”—it’s whether it feels connected to your life.
Think beyond the gown.
Flowing maternity dresses are always lovely, but they aren’t the only option. Many clients feel more themselves in something simpler—like a fitted dress that highlights the bump, a soft sweater layered for cooler weather, or even a partner’s button-down shirt for a relaxed look. What you wear should make you feel comfortable and confident, not like you’re playing dress-up (Unless of course that’s what you’re going for, because why not?). The more authentic your clothing feels to you, the more natural your photos will look.
Include siblings—or pets.
If this isn’t your first baby, bringing siblings into your maternity session can add a sweet, emotional layer. A toddler hugging your belly, an older child whispering to their soon-to-arrive sibling, or even a teenager proudly standing beside you—all of it tells the story of your growing family. And don’t forget our furry friends. Pets are family too, and they often bring out candid smiles and playful energy, whether that’s a dog chasing waves at Marina Beach or curled up in your lap at home.
A maternity photography session is about celebrating your story before it changes forever. By weaving in meaningful items, choosing places that matter to you, and letting your personality shine through, your photos will become keepsakes that truly reflect your journey. Book a maternity session with me or check out my packages if you want to celebrate this path into motherhood with a maternity session.
By Thistle and Bloom Photography – Samantha Dalin
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