So, you’re thinking about doing an outdoor maternity photoshoot and maybe go on an adventure while you’re at it? Let’s do it! Any and all adventure photoshoots are right up my alley. It doesn’t matter if you’re into hiking, bike riding, going to the beach, hanging out in the Redwoods, or even something else that you love, I am always down for choosing an activity or adventure that is meaningful to you. In this blog, I’m sharing tips to help you prepare for the most epic outdoor maternity photoshoot in (what I believe are) the most incredible locations in Northern California!
Checklist for Planning Outdoor Maternity Photos
Top 6 Adventure Maternity Photoshoot Locations
Book a Northern California Adventure Maternity Photographer
How to Plan for Your Outdoor Maternity Photoshoot: A Checklist
Choose a photographer that has experience with adventure maternity photoshoots
Plan your location and adventure level
Plan an outfit that is comfy and practical for your adventure
Check to see if your location requires “special use permits” – most only require permits for elopements/wedding ceremonies, but it is always important to double check!
Top 6 Adventure Maternity Photoshoot Locations in NoCal
Truckee, California
Truckee, California is a cozy mountain town in the Sierra Nevada. This area is famous for its beautiful scenery and fun year-round outdoor activities.
Permits: None!
Adventure Ideas: skiing, hiking, kayaking/canoeing on Lake Tahoe
Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks in Humboldt, CA, are famous for their massive, ancient redwoods, giving you the chance to see some of the tallest trees in the world up close. The parks have beautiful scenery, lots of wildlife, and plenty of hiking trails to explore Northern California’s coast!
Permits: None!
Adventure Ideas: hiking, bike riding, check out waterfalls, hang out on the beach
The lighting in the Redwoods is always wickedly beautiful and a perfect location for a moody maternity photoshoot.
Mount Tamalpais
Mount Tamalpais, or Mt. Tam, in California has amazing views of the Bay Area from the top! The trails offer everything from forested paths to open ridges, giving you a great mix of coastal and mountain scenery!
Permits: None!
Adventure Ideas: hiking, mountain biking, waterfall chasing
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park in California is famous for its cool geothermal features like bubbling mud pots and steaming vents. The park has plenty of hiking trails and scenic spots that highlight its unique volcanic landscape!
Permits: None!
Adventure Ideas: hiking, boating, stargazing, camping
10/10 recommend a sunset maternity session at Lassen Volcanic National Park!
Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore in California has a rugged coastline, beautiful cliffs, and scenic beaches. It’s perfect for hiking, spotting wildlife, and checking out the charming lighthouse with amazing ocean views!
Permits: None!
Adventure Ideas: hiking, hanging out on the beach
Big Sur, California
Big Sur in California is known for its amazing coastal cliffs, breathtaking ocean views, and incredible scenery.
Permits: None!
Adventure Ideas: hiking, checking out the beach, visiting waterfalls
Want to see more of my work? Come say hi on Instagram and let me know which one of these Northern California locations are your favorite!
Still scouting out locations for your outdoor maternity photos? Save this blog to reference later by simply hovering over the image below and pressing, “save”.
Northern California Maternity Photographer | Taylor Mccutchan
I love capturing candid moments using a stylized journalist approach to my photography on both digital and film cameras. The sessions that I capture are not about making it into something that it’s not. It’s about living authentic moments with you and your loved ones. Based in Napa Valley, but will travel far and wide to tell your tale. Let’s experience these moments together. Inquire here.
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