Outdoor Maternity Photography in Kent: A Golden Hour Maternity & Couples Photoshoot
There’s something really special about photographing a pregnancy outdoors. Rather than being restricted to a studio, you can make the most of the surroundings, natural light and little moments between two people.
Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing Philip and Jaena for an outdoor maternity photoshoot in Kent, with Jaena 25 weeks pregnant at the time.
We headed to a beautiful field just off of Hadlow Road, on the outskirts of Tonbridge, and spent some time capturing a mixture of relaxed maternity portraits and natural photographs of the two of them together.
And honestly, I think this is exactly why I love outdoor photography so much.
It doesn't have to feel overly posed or formal. We can walk, chat, move around and let the photographs happen naturally.
A relaxed maternity photoshoot in Kent
When you're having photographs taken during pregnancy, I think it's really important that the session feels comfortable.
You're not expected to know how to pose, and you definitely don't need to feel like you're suddenly a professional model!
My approach is to give a little direction when it's needed, but also allow plenty of space for natural moments to happen.
For Philip and Jaena's session, we explored the field together and photographed them in a mixture of different positions and settings.
Some photographs focused more closely on Jaena and her pregnancy, while others were about the two of them as a couple.
This gave them a gallery that wasn't just a collection of traditional maternity portraits, but a mixture of photographs that captured this particular stage of their lives together.
25 weeks pregnant: when should you have maternity photographs taken?
Jaena was 25 weeks pregnant when we did the shoot, which was such a lovely point in her pregnancy to capture.
There isn't one exact week that everyone has to have their maternity photographs taken. Every pregnancy is different, and ultimately it's about choosing a time when you feel comfortable and when your bump is at a stage you're happy to photograph.
Some people prefer an earlier maternity session, while others wait until later in pregnancy when their bump is more prominent.
If you're thinking about booking an outdoor maternity photoshoot, I'd recommend getting in touch in plenty of time so that we can find a date that works for you and think about the location and style of the session together.
Why choose outdoor maternity photography?
Although I have a photography studio in Tonbridge, I really enjoy taking sessions outside too.
Outdoor maternity photography gives your photographs a completely different feel.
Natural surroundings create a much more relaxed and organic backdrop, and there is so much more opportunity for movement. Instead of staying in one position, we can walk through the field, change where we're standing and make use of different areas of the location.
The light also changes throughout the session, particularly if we photograph closer to golden hour. Soft evening light can create a really warm and flattering look, which works beautifully for maternity portraits.
And, of course, you get to include your partner and the environment around you rather than having every photograph centred on a studio backdrop.
Including your partner in a maternity photoshoot
One of my favourite things about maternity photography is that it doesn't have to be all about the mum-to-be.
Philip was an important part of Jaena's maternity session, and we made sure to photograph plenty of moments between them too.
This included photographs of them together, walking side by side and simply enjoying being with each other.
I think these photographs become particularly meaningful because they document not only the pregnancy itself, but also the relationship between the two people waiting for their baby.
What should you wear for an outdoor maternity photoshoot?
There is no set answer for a maternity photoshoot, but I always want my clients to feel like themselves.
For an outdoor session, I generally love outfits that work naturally with the surroundings.
Soft, neutral colours, earthy tones and flowing fabrics can look beautiful against a field or countryside setting, but that doesn't mean you have to wear beige!
The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident.
If you're not sure what to wear, I have also put together my guide to what to wear for a photoshoot, which covers colours, outfits and how to choose clothing that photographs well.
Making the most of a Kent outdoor location
One of the things I love about photographing outdoors is that the location becomes part of the photographs.
For Philip and Jaena, we used the field just off Hadlow Road as the setting for their maternity session, which has a beautiful small lake, wheat and grass fields and some beautiful trees.
Rather than treating the location as just a backdrop, we moved around and used the space to create different compositions.
This is something I always like to consider when photographing outdoors. A location doesn't have to be somewhere particularly dramatic or famous to create beautiful photographs.
Sometimes a simple field, a quiet country lane or a familiar local spot can be the perfect setting.
Maternity photography in Tonbridge and across Kent
I'm based in Tonbridge, Kent, and I photograph a range of portrait sessions both in the studio and outdoors.
Outdoor sessions can be particularly lovely for:
Maternity photography
Couples photoshoots
Personal branding
Lifestyle portraits
Family photography
Creative portraits
If you have a particular location in mind, I'm always happy to chat about whether it would work for the style of photographs you're looking for.
You don't necessarily need to travel somewhere far away for beautiful outdoor photographs. There are plenty of lovely settings around Tonbridge and the wider Kent area that can work really well.
Looking for a maternity photographer in Kent?
If you're looking for a maternity photographer in Kent and want photographs that feel relaxed, natural and personal, I'd love to hear from you.
Whether you're looking for a maternity session on your own, photographs with your partner or a mixture of both, we can create a shoot around you and the stage of pregnancy you're in.
Philip and Jaena's session was a lovely example of how an outdoor maternity photoshoot can capture both the pregnancy itself and the relationship between a couple at such an exciting time.
If you're based in Tonbridge, Hadlow or elsewhere in Kent and are considering a maternity or couples photoshoot, get in touch and tell me a little bit about what you're looking for.
I'd love to create something special with you.
Looking for more photoshoot inspiration?
You can also take a look at my portrait photography sessions and my guide to feeling relaxed and prepared for your photoshoot before getting in touch.
Or view my work on my Instagram.
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