Photographing the Reyes family—soon to be a party of five!—at Victory Trailhead in Woodland Hills was the kind of session that fills my heart right up to the brim. This beautiful family of four already radiates so much love, but watching these two precious (and wonderfully adventurous) little boys bounce back and forth between exploring the trails, doting on their mama, and admiring her growing bump… well, it’s impossible not to smile behind the camera. Love doesn’t just live in this family; it spills over, and I already know their newest little one will be absolutely poured over with affection from the moment they arrive.

Victory Trailhead is one of my favorite locations for sessions like this—especially when older siblings are involved. The wide-open spaces, soft rolling hills, and golden, glowing light always set the perfect tone for photos that feel genuine and full of emotion. And for the Reyes family, it was a natural fit. The boys had room to roam, play, climb, tumble, and rejoin the group whenever they felt like checking in (or wrapping Mama up in a surprise hug). Their joy was contagious, and the best part? Every candid, unscripted moment was pure magic.

My Top 8 Reasons to Take Your Family Maternity Photoshoot Outdoors

If this isn’t your first rodeo—and you’re coming into your maternity session with a few energetic little ones in tow—I’ll always advocate for the great outdoors. A trailhead, a park, a field, the mountains… wherever your family feels most like themselves. Here’s why an outdoor family maternity session might be the perfect fit for you, too:

1. Your authentic selves show up—especially the kids.

Outdoors, kids relax. They explore, they laugh, they show their personalities without holding back. No “sit right here,” no “please don’t touch that,” no “careful with the backdrop!” Their biggest smiles come naturally, and you get photos that look and feel like your family.

2. No need to tidy the house or work around a studio.

If the idea of cleaning for a home session makes you want to lie down (relatable), or if scheduling studio time feels complicated, an outdoor session simplifies everything. No prep. No pressure. Just show up, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy each other.

3. Candid moments happen constantly.

Kids playing tag? Great. Digging in the dirt? Even better. Stopping mid-walk to give the baby bump a kiss? Cue the heart melt. These are the moments you’ll want to remember years from now, and they happen endlessly when your kiddos have space to move.

4. The scenery helps you remember this season—literally.

The third trimester takes on a whole vibe depending on the time of year. Imagine bump photos among the tall, golden grasses in summer. Or the deep greens and colorful blooms of early spring. Equally stunning are the soft, moody skies of the rainy season. Being outdoors gives you a visual backdrop and captivating context for this chapter of your story.

5. It’s easy to break up the session naturally.

With plenty of room, we can smoothly transition between photos of:

• Just you and your bump.
• You and your partner.
• You with each child.
• Siblings together.
• The whole family.

All while the kids play nearby—no bribing necessary. You get your intimate, emotional shots, and they get freedom and fun. Win-win.

6. Flexible locations and scheduling.

No battling crowds downtown or competing for studio openings. Most outdoor spots offer plenty of flexibility, which means we can plan around weather, nap times, golden hour, or your energy level that day.

7. The glow of natural light.

There’s nothing quite like it—especially at golden hour. It wraps your family in warmth and softness that feels timeless in photos. The Reyes family had that dreamy, sunlit magic, and it elevated every frame.

8. You’ll make memories while you take photos.

This might be my favorite part. A maternity session outdoors isn’t just about documenting your growing family—it’s about creating a moment your kids will remember. Playing, exploring, climbing rocks, chasing each other down the trail, holding your hands, asking about the new baby… These tiny memories become part of the story you’ll tell for years.

Let’s Hit the Trail for Your Family Maternity Photoshoot!

Spending the afternoon with the Reyes family reminded me why I love photographing families in this season of life. Maternity sessions are already special, but when siblings are part of the journey, the tenderness, excitement, and genuine connection reach another level. These photos aren’t just portraits, they’re heirlooms. These are pieces of your family’s legacy and proof of how deeply your children loved their new sibling before they ever arrived.

My goal is always to create art from the moments that matter most, without overstyling or staging things into something they’re not. Families are beautiful exactly as they are—in motion, in laughter, in tenderness, in chaos, in love. And the Reyes family embodied all of that effortlessly.

If you’re expecting again and want a family maternity photoshoot that feels authentic, relaxed, and full of heart, consider an outdoor location like Victory Trailhead. You’ll walk away with photos you’ll cherish—and memories your kids will hold onto long after.