Tips for a Sunset Beach Maternity Shoot | Malibu, California
Tips for your Sunset Beach Maternity Shoot
The beach at sunset is the perfect time for your Maternity Session. Here are 5 tips to ensure you’ll have a stunning Sunset Beach Maternity Shoot.
1~ What month of Pregnancy should you do your Sunset Beach Maternity Shoot?
The best time to do your Maternity Session is between 28-32 weeks. Your bump is big enough to show off, but you’re not so far along that we run the risk of missing your session due to the baby coming a little earlier than expected.
But when should you start looking for a Maternity photographer? I suggest starting your search as early as possible, and not later than the start of your second trimester. Especially if you have your eye on a specific photographer who is in high demand.
Booking by the time you’re in your second trimester gives you enough time to find the maternity dress you want to wear and coordinate with your photographer so that you can have the perfect maternity session.
2~ When is the perfect Time for your Sunset Beach Maternity Shoot?
I like to schedule a two hour window around sunset for each session. This enables us to have a relaxed start to our shoot. We’re not rushing, we’re enjoying the beach and capturing each precious detail and image.
We don’t have to worry about the sun setting behind mountains or buildings at the beach, so we can aim our session for true golden hour. That’s the 40ish minutes before sunset and 15ish minutes after sunset when the light is soft and beautiful.
I like to offer my clients to extend the session into “blue hour” which is really the 15 minutes after golden hour as the light fades from the sky. I usually bring out my lanterns for this time to add another element of beauty to your images.
3~ What to wear for your Sunset Beach Maternity Shoot?
There are many different styles you can aim for, and it all depends on your personal taste and what makes you feel beautiful.
This style is perfect for maternity clients who want to feel soft, feminine, and down to earth during their session.
This is the perfect look for maternity clients who want to stand out and show off this transformative stage in their lives.
Similar to the bold and beautiful, this look is perfect for clients who want to feel elegant and feminine during their session.
For soon to be mama’s who love lots of fabric and lace. This is a very classic look that’s perfect for the beach.
For maternity clients who aren’t into wearing a big gown for their session. Simple, classic, elegant.
I know exactly how difficult this question can be. That’s why I offer wardrobe styling services to all my clients. I’ll help you figure out exactly what you want to wear during your session so that you can feel and look beautiful in your images.
4~ How to stay safe during your Sunset Beach Maternity Shoot?
First of all, it’s super important to book a photographer who is familiar with the beach if you’re planning on having a beach session. Waves and the tides have a huge role to play in the safety of your session.
Tides: Each beach handles tides differently. El Matador beach in Malibu, for example, gets unsafe if the tide is above 4ft. Zuma, Westward, or any other wide beaches is relatively safe during high tides, unless we’re having an extreme hightide and the water is making it’s way into the parking lot. Make sure your photographer checks the tide chart for your session date and plans accordingly.
Waves: Getting in the water can add an element of beauty to your session, however, if the waves are big don’t get in. It’s not worth getting knocked over.
Layers: You should always bring layers to your session incase it’s cold and windy around sunset. Would you believe me if I said that it can actually be colder at the beach in the summer than in winter in Malibu? During the summer it heats up inland and sucks the cold ocean air over the land. During the winter there’s not nearly as much wind so it’s actually a lot warmer.
Shoes: Wear shoes that you can easily take on and off. You most likely wont be wearing shoes down in the sand. But you need to protect your feet walking to and from your car before and after the session. And there’s nothing worse than putting socks on wet feet.
“Megan is stellar!! Not only did the photos turn out amazing, the actual photoshoot was so much fun. I really wanted to capture the magic and beauty of my first pregnancy, and Megan’s work blew me away. The spot she recommended had perfect lighting and conditions for the shoot, and she really took her time. Thank you again!”
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About Megan W Photography
Megan is a Fine Art Maternity, Couples, and Family photographer who was born, raised, and is still living in Malibu, CA. She is here to capture you and your loved ones in images that you will want to cherish, and pass down to future generations.
Not only is she a photographer, but she is a mother, wife, daughter, and sister.
Maternity, family, and couples hold a special place in her heart because she knows how quickly time flies by. Megan W Photography wants to help you preserve those sweet little smiles, those tender, affectionate moments, and the love you share with each other.
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Hi! I’m Megan
I’m a luxury, Malibu, CA based photographer who specializes in Maternity, Couples, and families. I serve Los Angeles and Ventura County, as well as all of California. I value tangible, heirloom art pieces versus digital and I focus on quality over quantity.
