Studio Vs. Outdoor Maternity Portraits: Which is Right for You?
When planning your maternity photos in Durango, Colorado, one of the first decisions you'll face is choosing between a studio session or an outdoor shoot. Both options offer something beautiful and meaningful, but in very different ways.
As a Durango maternity photographer, I've photographed expecting families in both settings throughout every season, and each approach has its own unique magic. The key is understanding what matters most to you and what will make you feel most comfortable and confident.
If you're trying to decide between studio and outdoor maternity portraits, here's what you need to know.
When to Take Your Maternity Photos (32–35 Weeks Pregnant)
The ideal time for maternity photos—whether you're planning a studio session or outdoor portraits—is typically between 32 and 35 weeks pregnant.
At this stage:
Your belly is beautifully round
You're usually still comfortable enough to move and pose
There's less risk of baby arriving early
Maternity sessions in Durango are planned carefully with comfort, light, and your personal preferences in mind, so you can relax and enjoy the experience.
Studio vs. Outdoor Maternity Sessions in Durango
One of the best parts about planning maternity photos is having two very different—but equally stunning—options. Here we will review the best things to consider for both a studio and outdoor setting to help you decide which is right for you.
Studio Maternity Photography
Complete Control Over Your Environment
Studio sessions eliminate any concerns about weather, temperature, or timing. You can fully relax knowing that conditions will be perfect, allowing you to focus on being present and connected during your session.
Privacy and Comfort
Some mothers feel more comfortable posing and trying different looks in a private studio space rather than in public outdoor locations, particularly if you would like nude or bare belly portraits. This comfort often translates to more relaxed, natural expressions in your photos. Also, enjoy the convenience of a bathroom close by!
Timeless, Classic Images
Studio backgrounds are clean and simple, removing distractions and placing full focus on your belly, your body, and your emotions. The result is timeless maternity images that don't feel tied to trends or specific seasons.
Wardrobe Flexibility
Studio sessions allow you to bring multiple outfits and change easily in the dressing room. You can wear flowing maternity gowns, form-fitting dresses, or even simple, intimate looks without worrying about the elements.
Controlled, Flattering Light
Studio lighting is designed to flatter every body type, creating soft, luminous skin tones without harsh shadows. This controlled environment ensures consistently beautiful results.
Dramatic Light and Artistic Feel Is Possible
In the studio, we can create more dramatic and artistic lighting. From silhouettes to fine art nude portraits, floral fancy to minimalist avant-garde, it’s all possible with a studio setting and lighting equipment.
Time of Day Flexibility
With a studio maternity photo session, we can shoot any time of day vs. outdoor where we are bound to times around sunrise and sunset when light is best. If you have toddlers or young children who will be a part of your maternity photos, we will want to prioritize their nap schedule and photograph at a time when they are their happiest.
Outdoor Maternity Photography
Connection to Place
Outdoor sessions capture not just your pregnancy, but also the landscape you call home. The San Juan Mountains, aspen groves, and river valleys become part of your maternity story.
Natural Beauty and Variety
Durango's natural settings add texture, color, and depth to your images. Each season brings different beauty—spring wildflowers, summer greenery, golden fall aspens, or serene winter snow.
Authentic, Lifestyle Moments
The natural environment provides opportunities for more casual, lifestyle-focused images. Walking through a meadow, sitting with your partner, or simply standing in nature creates authentic moments that feel less posed.
Meaningful Locations
Many expecting mothers love having their maternity photos taken in locations that hold personal significance—a favorite hiking trail, a mountain overlook, or a peaceful spot that represents this chapter of life.
Can You Do Both Studio and Outdoor?
Absolutely! Many of my Durango maternity photography clients choose to incorporate both studio and outdoor elements into their session. for a small additional session fee. We might start in the studio for classic, intimate portraits and then head to a nearby outdoor location for landscape shots. This approach gives you the best of both worlds and provides the most variety in your final gallery.
Making Your Decision: Studio or Outdoor?
Consider these questions when choosing your maternity photography style:
What's your comfort level? Think about privacy, temperature, and physical comfort at 32 to 25 weeks pregnant.
How do you envision your photos? If you're drawn to clean, timeless images, or want nude or more intimate portraits, a studio might be perfect. If you want to capture Colorado's natural beauty, outdoor photography could be ideal.
What's important to you? Some couples want photos that focus solely on their pregnancy in which case the studio is great. Others want to document this chapter within the context of their life in the Colorado mountains and include pets and siblings in an outdoor setting.
What will you cherish most? Both options create beautiful, meaningful images—the question is which style resonates with your vision.
Final Thoughts from a Durango Maternity Photographer
Studio and outdoor maternity portraits each offer something unique and beautiful. Neither choice is better than the other—it's about what feels right for you.
Whether you choose a warm studio session or an outdoor location in the Durango mountains, maternity photos are timeless, emotional, and deeply personal. Some families even choose to do both, creating a complete visual story of this transformative time.
If you're expecting, don't let uncertainty about location stop you from capturing your pregnancy. Together, we'll create images that feel authentic to you and this moment in your life.
Contact Kelly here today to schedule your maternity photos and let's discuss which style feels perfect for you!
