How to Plan a Maternity Session During South Florida Summer
If you’re pregnant in South Florida this summer, you’ve probably wondered the same thing every mom-to-be around here wonders: can I even take maternity photos when it’s 92 degrees and a thunderstorm is rolling in by 2 PM?
Yes — absolutely. You just have to plan a little differently.
As a Boca Raton maternity photographer (and a mom of three who’s been pregnant through more than one Florida summer), I plan summer sessions a little differently than I do in November or January. The light, the weather, and the energy of the day all shift, and so does the way I plan around them. Some of my very favorite maternity images have actually come from these exact months — you just need to know your options. Here are the three session types that consistently work for a South Florida summer.
Sunrise Outdoor Sessions
If your heart is set on an outdoor or beach session, sunrise is the only way that works. We meet between 5:45 and 7:00 AM — early, yes, but every mom tells me afterward it was completely worth it. The light is soft and golden, the air is still cool, the beach is nearly empty, and you’re home, showered, and back in air conditioning before the humidity hits its stride. A few locations I love for summer sunrise: Spanish River Park, Red Reef Park, and the quieter stretches of Deerfield Beach. Though if you’re west, like in Parkland, a beautiful field option can work too!
Studio Sessions in South Florida
Climate-controlled, predictable, and beautifully consistent. We’ll work in a studio that is designed with the same light-and-airy aesthetic you see in my outdoor work; soft natural light, neutral tones, and a curated client wardrobe ready for you. No bug spray, no sweat-through gowns, no rain checks. For moms in their third trimester especially, it’s the most comfortable option, and the imagery is every bit as dreamy as anything we’d capture outdoors.
In-Home Sessions
These are quietly my favorite for summer. Your home, your couch, your morning coffee, your partner in something cozy; there’s an intimacy and softness that’s genuinely hard to recreate anywhere else. If your nursery is set up (or even halfway there), we can absolutely incorporate it. The lighting is mine to figure out; your job is just to be comfortable and present in your space. This may even be a bit editorial in a way!
What to Wear for a Summer Maternity Session
South Florida summer is not the season for heavy, beaded gowns. Stick with breathable linens, soft cottons, and lightweight knits in neutral tones; beige, ivory, cream, and white photograph beautifully and keep you cool. I have a styled client wardrobe available, so there's no pressure at all to shop for something new.
Beyond fabric, each session location has its own style and the right wardrobe can completely change the vibe. A flowy linen dress in soft cream feels effortless and golden at sunrise on the beach. A draped knit gown in warm sand reads romantic and editorial in the studio. A simple cotton slip with bare feet and natural light at home feels intimate and quiet. Same neutral palette, three completely different moods.
Texture is the secret weapon here. A soft knit wrap layered over a smooth slip, a sheer linen overlay across your bump, a chunky woven blanket for an in-home shot — those small textural choices add depth to the images without competing with you. We'll talk through what fits your location and the feeling you want when you book, and you're welcome to pull from the client closet for the whole thing.
Ready to Plan Your Session in South Florida?
If you’re due this fall and trying to figure out the right timing and setting for your maternity photos, let’s chat. My job is to take the planning off your plate and create images you’ll treasure for the rest of your life, your calm in the chaos.
