If you’re searching for a Bay Area maternity photographer, you’ve come to the right place — and if you’re expecting this spring, you have hit the absolute jackpot. After 30 years behind the lens and more Bay Area maternity sessions than I can count, I have strong opinions about where to shoot. The Bay Area in spring is unlike anywhere else on earth — wildflowers, golden light, lush green hills — and it makes for maternity portraits that are genuinely breathtaking.
Here are my favorite spots right now, and why I love each one.
Walnut Creek — Wildflower Fields at Golden Hour
If I could only photograph spring maternity sessions in one place, it might be the wildflower fields in and around Walnut Creek. When the California poppies and mustard flowers are blooming against the East Bay hills and the late afternoon light turns everything golden, it is pure magic. I recently photographed a mama-to-be here as the sun dropped toward the horizon, and every single frame looked like it belonged in a film.
As a Bay Area maternity photographer based in the East Bay, Walnut Creek is one of my most requested spring locations — and for good reason. It’s convenient for families in Lafayette, Danville, Orinda, Alamo, and Concord, with no long drives or stressful logistics. Just show up, breathe, and let the landscape do what it does. (Wondering what to wear? Check out my maternity session FAQ for wardrobe tips.)
Best for: Golden hour sessions, flowing dress looks, couples who want something romantic and organic. Book by: Wildflower season peaks March through May — don’t wait!
The Gardens at Heather Farm — Walnut Creek
Heather Farm Park is one of the most versatile portrait locations in the East Bay, and in spring it genuinely takes your breath away. Blooming gardens, a charming bridge over the water, open lawns with shade trees, and native wildflower edges throughout. I can move between completely different backdrops in a single session, which means your gallery has beautiful variety.
I love this location for maternity sessions because it’s relaxed and accessible — no hiking, no rough terrain, nothing uncomfortable at 32 weeks. You just get to be present, enjoy the evening light, and let me find the moments. Take a look at my maternity portrait gallery to see what’s possible here.
Best for: East Bay families, sessions that include a partner or older siblings, anyone who wants variety in their gallery.
Filoli Historic House & Garden — Woodside
estate is one of the most beautiful spring portrait locations in the entire Bay Area — formal English gardens, allées of flowering trees, reflecting pools, and architecture that feels timeless. In April and May the blooms here are extraordinary.
When expecting mamas ask me as their Bay Area maternity photographer where to go for something elevated and unforgettable, Filoli is always on my short list. I’ve photographed sessions here that genuinely look like they belong in a magazine.
Best for: Mamas who love a more formal, elegant aesthetic. Beautiful for flowing gowns and classic portraiture. Note: Sessions require coordination with Filoli — reach out early.
Redwood Regional Park — Oakland Hills
If you’re drawn to something more moody, lush, and otherworldly, the redwoods in the Oakland hills are calling your name. Redwood Regional Park offers towering ancient trees, cathedral-like light filtering through the canopy, and open meadows at the forest edges. It feels a world away from the Bay Area’s bustle, even though it’s just minutes from Oakland and Berkeley.
I love photographing maternity sessions here for expecting mamas who want something quieter and more intimate — soft dappled light, flowing fabrics, a sense of stillness. Want to see more of my East Bay work? Browse my family and maternity portraits here.
Best for: Mamas who love nature, forest aesthetics, and soft intimate portraits. Great for early morning sessions too.
Baker Beach — San Francisco
You can’t talk about Bay Area maternity photographer locations without mentioning Baker Beach. The combination of white sand, Pacific waves, and that iconic Golden Gate Bridge backdrop is unbeatable — and at golden hour, the light bouncing off the water is absolutely stunning for portraits.
Baker Beach is a classic for a reason. I’ve photographed dozens of maternity sessions here over the years and it never gets old. The drama of the location adds something to every single image.
Best for: Couples who want that quintessential San Francisco backdrop. Spectacular at golden hour. Best in late spring and summer when the fog is less likely to roll in.
Half Moon Bay — Coastal Cliffs & Cypress Tunnels
A little further afield but absolutely worth the drive, Half Moon Bay offers dramatic coastal scenery unlike anything else in the Bay Area. The famous Cypress Tunnel at Moss Beach creates an almost magical tunnel-of-light effect that photographs beautifully for maternity portraits. The coastal cliffs and beaches offer sweeping ocean views and that big, dramatic California sky.
Best for: Couples who love coastal scenery, dramatic landscapes, and don’t mind a short drive down the Peninsula.
A Few Things I Tell Every Expecting Mama
Schedule between 30 and 34 weeks. This is the sweet spot — your belly is beautifully round, you’re still comfortable enough to walk and move freely, and you have the energy to enjoy the session. Not sure when to book? This timing guide from What to Expect can help you map out your due date.
Golden hour is everything. As a Bay Area maternity photographer I schedule almost all of my outdoor sessions an hour or so before sunset. The light at that time of day is warm, soft, and incredibly flattering — it’s what makes those images look so luminous.
Don’t overthink the location. If you’re not sure where to go, that’s what I’m here for. Check out my full guide to Bay Area maternity locations for even more inspiration, and we’ll talk through what feels right for you.
Spring books fast. If you’re expecting this summer, please reach out soon — my spring calendar fills up quickly.
Ready to Book Your Bay Area Spring Maternity Session?
I would love to photograph this season of your life. Whether you’re drawn to golden wildflower fields in Walnut Creek, the drama of Baker Beach, or the quiet magic of the Oakland redwoods, let’s find the perfect location to tell your story. As your Bay Area maternity photographer, my goal is to make every session feel as beautiful and relaxed as this season of life deserves.
Get in touch here — I can’t wait to hear from you.
Christina Hernandez | Nightingale Photography | Bay Area Maternity, Newborn & Family Photographer Serving Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Danville, Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, Marin, and the Peninsula
