A Beautiful Maternity Session at Philippe Park

This mom-to-be reached out to me about a maternity session to document this exciting time for her growing family. I had initially pictured a beach session, but after talking with her and looking through the inspiration photos she shared, I realized she was drawn to oak trees and grassy scenery rather than palm trees and sand. I suggested a few local parks that matched her vision, and we ultimately chose Philippe Park in Safety Harbor, Florida.

A pregnant woman in a beige dress kneels on a grassy field, holding her belly and smiling as she looks down. She has long, blonde hair, a tattoo on her upper arm, and is outdoors in a lush, green area with trees and blue sky in the background.

Why Philippe Park Is Perfect for Maternity Photos

I love photographing portraits at Philippe Park because it offers so much variety within one location. Around nearly every corner, there is another beautiful backdrop to explore—from the sprawling old oak trees draped in Spanish moss to the ancient Tocobaga mound and its stone-lined staircases. The park’s winding road passes beneath a canopy of arching trees, creating another timeless setting for portraits. There are even waterfront views, which gave us the perfect opportunity to incorporate some open water and sky into the session.

A pregnant woman and her partner standing close together by a wooden railing near a body of water, with the man's arms around her, both looking down at her belly, during a sunny day.
A pregnant woman and her partner standing close together by a wooden railing near a body of water, with the man's arms around her, both looking down at her belly, during a sunny day.

Creating a Relaxed and Comfortable Experience

Throughout the session, we created a blend of traditional portraits and more natural images of the expecting parents walking, interacting, and simply enjoying their time together. I offered gentle direction while leaving room for those sweet, unscripted moments to happen naturally.

I also paid close attention to how the mom-to-be was feeling, making sure every pose was comfortable and that she could safely walk between locations. She was an absolute champ—and such a natural in front of the camera that I jokingly asked whether she had spent the previous week practicing her poses!

A pregnant woman and a man standing close together on a park pathway, smiling at each other, with trees and greenery in the background.

Planning Your Own Maternity Session

Maternity sessions are typically scheduled between 28 and 34 weeks, when your baby bump is beautifully defined but you may still feel comfortable enough to move between poses and locations. Every pregnancy is different, though, so we’ll choose timing that works best for you and how you’re feeling.

When planning your session, choose clothing that makes you feel both beautiful and comfortable. Long, flowing dresses photograph wonderfully, but the most important thing is selecting something that feels like you. Partners and children are also welcome to join, allowing us to document not only your pregnancy but the excitement shared by your growing family.

Silhouette of a pregnant woman standing by a body of water, with sunlight reflecting off the water in the background.

You don’t need any experience in front of the camera. I’ll guide you through comfortable poses, help with natural interactions, and adjust the pace whenever needed. The goal is to create beautiful portraits while making the entire experience feel relaxed, enjoyable, and true to you.

This Philippe Park maternity session was a wonderful reminder that the best portraits come from choosing a setting that feels right, slowing down, and allowing genuine moments to unfold. It was an honor to document this exciting chapter for these expecting parents and create photographs they can share with their child for years to come.

A pregnant woman and a man stand close together outdoors, with their foreheads touching and eyes closed, in a peaceful, wooded area with sunlight filtering through the leaves.

Ready to Plan Your Maternity Session?

If you’re expecting and would like to preserve this season of your growing family, I would love to help you plan a maternity session that feels natural, comfortable, and true to you. OR Portraits serves families throughout Safety Harbor, Largo, Clearwater, and the greater Tampa Bay area. Get in touch to start planning your session.

A pregnant person wearing a beige ribbed dress with hands resting on their belly, surrounded by others' hands, some with jewelry, in an outdoor setting with green grass in the background.
Plan Your Maternity Session