As an Edmonton maternity photographer, I offer both indoor and outdoor maternity sessions. Sometimes clients want to do both, and sometimes they ask me which one is the best fit for them. If you’re a mom-to-be thinking about preserving the beauty of your baby bump, here are some helpful tips to guide your decision.
Family Focus or Mom Focus?
I usually design my outdoor maternity sessions as Edmonton family photo sessions. The natural setting is perfect for your whole family to play, laugh, and connect. If you’d like to capture your toddler running around, laughing during tickle fights, and snuggling with mom and dad, then the outdoors is a fun and freeing environment — especially for younger children.
However, with the beauty of flowers, landscapes, and movement, sometimes the focus on your baby bump gets a bit lost in the moment.
In contrast, indoor maternity photoshoot are more mom-focused. If you want to celebrate your body’s strength, shape, and the incredible journey of pregnancy, a studio maternity session might be your best option. As you can see from my maternity portfolio, we place full attention on your connection with your baby — your glow, your curves, your emotions — all captured with purpose and artistry.
Surprise or Certainty?
Outdoor environments come with surprises — even for me as a photographer. While I can choose the perfect location and help you plan what to wear, I can’t control the light, wind, or Edmonton’s unpredictable weather. Family sessions outdoors are often scheduled during golden hour (about one hour before sunset), which gives us dreamy soft light — but also a very tight window to work in.
We’ve had days that were sunny all afternoon only to bring sudden rain right before the session. Still, when the weather works in our favour, the result is breathtaking — golden light, soft wind, and stunning skies.
On the other hand, indoor studio sessions offer full control. If your toddler is fussy, we can pause, take a break, and continue without stress. There’s no wind to mess up your hair, no need to stay up late for summer sunsets, and no strangers watching from afar. It’s your time, your space, your story — lit beautifully and predictably every single time. If you’re someone who prefers certainty over surprise, indoor maternity photography is likely the better fit for you.
Natural Look or Modern Look?
Outdoor maternity sessions in Edmonton naturally create an organic, earthy, and seasonal aesthetic. You’re surrounded by nature — tall grasses, blooming flowers, snow-covered trees in the winter — and the result feels very connected to time and place. It’s perfect if you love storytelling images and want your photos to reflect the beauty of the environment as well as your journey.
Indoor maternity photos offer a different style. They tend to look more clean, modern, and artistic. We can play with light, shadows, fabrics, and minimalist compositions to create timeless portraits. It can be classic, can be creative. It’s perfect if you’re drawn to simplicity, editorial vibes, or want a fine-art look.
Storytelling or Posed Session
As a family photographer, I tend not to pose my clients too much during outdoor family or maternity sessions. Instead, I gently guide you into situations where natural interactions can happen — a walk through the field, a tickle fight, or a quiet moment of cuddling your toddler. Especially with kids, real emotion flows easily when they’re allowed to be themselves. You don’t have to worry about standing still and smiling perfectly; the focus is on storytelling, connection, and capturing those fleeting in-between moments that show how much love lives in your family.
In contrast, indoor studio maternity sessions tend to be more posed and guided. That doesn’t mean stiff or unnatural — but I will gently direct you throughout the session to help highlight your body shape, create beautiful lines, and use light in the most flattering way. Because the environment is clean and minimal, your pose, hands, expression, and posture all play a bigger role in the final image. I’ll help you every step of the way to make sure you feel confident and look radiant.
So if you’re someone who thrives in movement and interaction, an outdoor session might feel more natural. But if you’re drawn to elegance, intention, and artistic portraits, a studio session may speak more to your heart.
So, Which One Is Right for You?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
✅ Choose Outdoor if:
- You want to focus on family connection.
- You love natural, storytelling images.
- You’re okay with a bit of unpredictability.
- You enjoy movement, sunshine, and connection with nature.
✅ Choose Indoor if:
- You want the focus to be on you and your baby bump.
- You prefer privacy and full control over lighting and time.
- You love a clean, modern, or fine-art look.
- You want to avoid the uncertainty of Edmonton weather.
Final Thoughts
Still unsure which is best? I’m here to help you choose what suits your style, comfort, and story.
Let’s connect and plan your dream maternity session in Edmonton — indoors, outdoors, or both.
Samantha, the visionary behind Little One Photo, is a passionate photographer with a special gift for capturing the essence of newborns and families. With over a decade of experience, she has honed her craft to create timeless, emotive portraits that families cherish for generations. Samantha’s warm personality and patient approach put even the tiniest clients at ease, allowing her to capture genuine moments of connection and love.
