When my best friend reached out to me for a baby announcement photoshoot, I was beyond thrilled. Not only was this a special moment for her and her growing family, but it was also a deeply personal session for me as her friend and photographer. As a Montana-based adventure photographer, I’m lucky to be able to capture love in amazing locations, and these wild landscapes served as the perfect backdrop for capturing such an intimate and life-changing moment. This was the most perfect maternity shoot from the amazing fall weather and morning sun. I’ve created a list of my top maternity shoot ideas to help you plan the most perfect shoot ever.
Choosing the Perfect Setting for a Morning Maternity Shoot
We wanted a setting that felt both adventurous and serene, reflecting the excitement and tenderness of this new chapter in her life. We decided on a golden meadow just outside of Pocatello, Idaho, surrounded by rolling hills and Idaho’s breathtaking mountains in the distance. When we were planning this Maternity Shoot we had a couple specific ideas. We knew we wanted soft light, an intimate setting and open space. This field located in the hills of Pocatello really made our idea come to life. As the morning sun rose, it casted such a beautiful soft glow that added warmth and magic to every shot. The golden colors gave the most perfect light for a fall maternity shoot.
Idaho’s natural beauty always provides endless inspiration, but this time, I wanted to go beyond just capturing the landscape. I aimed to create a space where her emotions could shine—where every moment would feel natural and unscripted, but still hold the weight of what this photoshoot symbolized. It felt just like a well-planned maternity shoot in nature.
Using Prompts to Bring Out Emotion
One of my favorite tools as a photographer is using prompts to evoke authentic emotions, especially during milestone sessions like baby announcements. I knew I wanted to guide my friend and her partner into moments that felt both genuine and heartfelt.
For this shoot, I used a mix of playful and intimate prompts to help them connect with each other and the moment. One of the first things I asked them to do was whisper what they were most excited about for their baby into each other’s ear. The joy and anticipation that spilled out as they whispered their dreams for the future were palpable, and I was able to capture that in the subtle smiles and glances they exchanged. This is a key aspect of any successful maternity shoot.
Later, I asked them to imagine holding their baby for the first time. The tenderness and emotion in that moment were incredibly moving. The simple act of envisioning their new roles as parents brought out a deep sense of love, excitement, and awe, and the images from that moment are some of my favorite. Who said a Maternity Shoot can’t be adventurous??? 😉
Creating Space for Adventure during a Maternity Shoot
As an adventure photographer, I love incorporating elements of Idaho’s wild landscapes into my sessions. For this shoot, I didn’t want to just focus on the couple standing still, but rather moving through the landscape—walking hand in hand, laughing as they took in the beauty around them, and embracing the little adventures along the way.
We took a short walk through the meadow, the wind gently lifting her dress and rustling the grasses around us. One of my favorite prompts from this session was laying down together imagining what life will look like with a little one next to them. I asked them to close their eyes and just be present with each other for a moment, enjoying the peace and quiet of the world before their lives changed forever.
Capturing the Announcement
Of course, no baby announcement is complete without that one perfect shot revealing the exciting news. We decided to go with a classic, understated announcement—a onesie, a “big brother” dog bandana, the ultrasound, and a tiny pacifier with blue and pink pin flags in the background. It was simple yet powerful, and the natural beauty of the golden grass gave it a feeling of groundedness and timelessness. You can shop items from this shoot on my amazon storefront, HERE!
Reflecting on the Experience
As I wrapped up the session, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for being able to photograph such a meaningful moment for my best friend. Capturing the emotions of such a life-changing event, while surrounded by Montana’s wild beauty, reminded me why I love doing what I do. It felt like a beautifully intimate fall maternity shoot.
Every photoshoot is an adventure, and as a Bozeman and Missoula-based photographer, I’m incredibly lucky to be able to blend my passion for capturing raw, emotional moments with the stunning landscapes Montana has to offer.
Whether it’s a baby announcement, engagement, or elopement, I always strive to bring out the emotion and connection between my clients, while letting nature enhance the story. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for my friend and her growing family, and I’m so honored to have been a part of capturing this milestone, just like a breathtaking maternity shoot.
If you’re looking for an adventure photographer in Bozeman or Missoula to help you capture life’s biggest moments, I’d love to chat! Whether it’s a baby announcement, engagement, or any other special event, I’m here to help you create memories that will last a lifetime and make sure your Maternity Shoot Ideas come to life.
