What to Wear for Fall Maternity Photos in San Francisco
What to Wear for Fall Maternity Photos in San Francisco
Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. With vibrant leaves and colors, and festivities, pumpkin patches, cider, and hay rides.. it’s hard to go wrong. If you’re pregnant and thinking about planning some fall maternity photos to freeze this special stage in your pregnancy, then you’re in the right place! This is the perfect time to start planning your fall maternity session, and figuring out what to wear. The vibrant colors of fall in San Francisco is a must have if your pregnancy aligns with this colorful and festive season.
Layers, Layers, Layers!
San Francisco's weather can be unpredictable, especially in the fall. Layering is key to staying comfortable and stylish. Start with something lightweight like a dress or top. Next step is adding a cozy cardigan, stylish jacket, or soft scarf. This approach not only keeps you warm but also adds depth to your outfit. Consider pieces like a fitted dress that has some flowyness to it, or a denim jacket for a casual look or a crocheted or cable-knit open sweater for a more textured touch. These are just some creative ways to really highlight your adorable growing bump, while adding depth and texture (and keeping you warm and comfortable!)
What about colors?
Fall in San Francisco is all about warm and earthy tones. Think nudes, tans, off-white, ivory, cream, beige, muted greens, and earthy browns. These colors will not only match the season but also blend beautifully with the San Francisco scenery. Plan to wear mostly neutral colors and then add subtle or muted pops of earthy colors (like shown here). These colors will not only match the season but also blend beautifully with the city’s natural and urban backdrops. Tips for choosing colors for fall photos!
Best color combos are those that complement each other: neutral + warm + cool color.
Dressing from head to toe!
A huge plus with San Francisco as a backdrop or location for your maternity photos is that there is a large variety in scenery and landscapes. Check out my San Francisco & Marin Location Guide to see my favorite locations in the Bay Area! Whether you’re at Baker’s Beach, Cavallo Point, or Legion of Honor, I recommend wearing comfier shoes.You can opt for stylish (and comfy) ankle boots or flat shoes. Avoid high heels to ensure you can move around easily and safely. If you prefer a bit of height, consider wedges or block heels for stability purposes.
If you have some super fab stilettos or heels that you NEED to wear for the photos, I get it, sometimes we just want to feel like Emily in Paris. Haha! Just make sure to communicate and plan with your photographer so you can make sure that your chosen location is compatible (and bring normal shoes to wear for the majority of your trek in and out of the location.)
Make it unique to you!
Incorporate accessories that have personal significance or reflect local culture. Whether it’s a piece of jewelry, a family heirloom, or a special memento, these items can add a meaningful touch to your photos. Is there a special location for you and your partner? Consider having one of your photoshoot locations there and tell your love story and the story of your growing family in a place that means so much to you both! Maybe where you had your first date? - See what I mean, you can make it as meaningful and special as you’d like!
It’s a family affair!
If your partner or other family members will be in the photos, think about coordinating your outfits, whether with a certain color or theme. Some ideas can include layers and textures that complement your outfits, such as denim, knits, and leather! If your partner and/or kids are joining the session too, you would need to prepare ahead of time and bring their outfits as well.
Most maternity photographers would be happy to chat about your outfits and planning - I am always available to help my clients with this for their sessions. Here’s my tips for what to wear for fall family photos - and these are pretty versatile and can be applied to your maternity session outfits too.
Your maternity photographer will usually allow for some outfit changes in your maternity session if you’re meeting indoors or at a studio. In my hour studio sessions, we normally do around 3 outfit changes: maternity gown, casual outfit, and a stunning silk toss outfit. I also work with my clients to adjust the session according to the style that they prefer (this is why planning ahead together is so important.)
However, for outdoor sessions, I typically stick with one outfit because it’s harder to change. If you want multiple outfits for outdoor sessions, we would need to discuss the logistics in advance to make sure the location and condition allows for multiple outfits.
Skip the noise!
Avoid loud patterns, multi-colored combination patterns that are really bold, or anything with large logos that can pull your eyes away from your beautiful bump, and your glowy self.. Simple, solid colors or subtle patterns work best to keep the attention on you and your growing baby. This is especially important in locations where the backdrop can be quite eye-catching too.
Simple silhouettes with clean lines can create a timeless look and are the most flattering. Soft patterns (with muted colors) that are more delicate are okay, and actually can look quite nice paired with solids. It adds some texture and variety.
Bonus Tip: Plan for unpredictable weather!
San Francisco is known for having random weather changes, and not being as predictable. Be prepared for varying weather conditions by bringing a few clothing pieces that have flexible uses. A lightweight shawl or wrap can be a lifesaver if Carl the notorious fog rolls in or the wind picks up. Planning ahead ensures you’re comfortable and aren’t miserable during your session. I always tell my clients to bring a jacket, sweater, or coat no matter what the weather prediction says. And make sure that you’re photo ready in all layers. (This goes for your partner and little ones too!) It always helps to have a stylish umbrella that can be used as a fun prop and practical accessory if there’s a chance of rain!
One of the reasons I have my own personal photo studio in the bay area is because sometimes things can be a bit unpredictable and it’s nice to have options - especially during the more unpredictable times of the year. You can create stunning Maternity Photos even indoors using backdrops with your photographer’s professional studio lighting, and props!
What did you think? Were these helpful?
I’m excited to hear about you trying out my tips for dressing for your fall maternity photos! As a San Francisco Bay Photographer (with my own Sausalito photo studio in the Marin County area), I’m ready for all the possibilities!
Over the last 2 decades as a photographer, I’ve been able to help so many pregnant women, couples, and families create beautiful, timeless maternity, newborn, and family photos that feel true to them while highlighting the things that make mamas and their families unique!
If you have a little one on the way… you’re probably wondering…
When should I book my maternity photography session?
If you’re thinking about maternity photos in the fall, I recommend getting things booked in the spring or summer so you can start planning with your photographer. The ideal time to do your maternity session is between 26-34 weeks. If you or your doctor feel that your baby might come early, it is best to book on the earlier side.
That being said, do not wait until the last minute to book your session. Start planning and booking the session around your second trimester to make sure you secure your spot. With pregnancy, your photographer should be willing to reschedule the date if needed due to the unpredictability of pregnancy.
Keep in mind - you can do maternity sessions ANY time of the year, and there are fun themes, aesthetics, and tips for every season! Fall is not the end-all-be-all for your session if your timing doesn’t work out. You can still get creative and have fun all year regardless of when your session is.
Have questions or need some more personalized baby bump or maternity photo ideas? I’m here for you! Or if you’re ready to dive into planning for your maternity photoshoot, I am here to help and would love to help make your ideas for your San Francisco maternity photos come true! Save your date for your maternity session at minianna.com/book. I can’t wait to work with you!
Want to see more examples of maternity photoshoots in the San Francisco Bay Area? Check out my maternity portfolio. From elegant maternity, to outdoor scenic maternity, to all of the outfits you can imagine…it’s all here!
See the magic of maternity, and more of my maternity session tips at and sharing some of my favorite locations for photos.