Best Melbourne Locations for Maternity Photography
Choosing the right location for your maternity session can completely shape the look and feel of your images. Melbourne is incredibly lucky to have access to beaches, gardens, urban backdrops, and of course, my beautiful studio in Brighton, Bayside Melbourne — each setting offers its own unique atmosphere, enabling creation of images that truly reflect your style and story.
If you’re planning your maternity photography in Melbourne and wondering where to go, here are some of the most popular (and practical) options to consider.
Keep in mind that a good photographer has the skill to find the right spots with the best light for your images. They will view a location differently to the untrained eye - and that is what you are paying them for: to choose the best spot with the best backdrop with the best light. Trust your photographer!
Top Locations in Melbourne
Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach is a favourite for a reason. The soft sand, open sky and gentle ocean backdrop create a calm, timeless feel. At sunset, the light here is particularly beautiful – warm, flattering and soft. If you love a pop of colour, the iconic Brighton beach boxes add a vibrant, uniquely Melbourne touch to your images.
It’s ideal if you love:
Open space
Natural light
A relaxed, coastal feel
Barefoot in the sand with a flowing dress works beautifully here. Pastel colours are perfect with the sunset pinks. The simplicity of beach sessions keeps the focus on you and your bump without distractions.
Keep in mind that beaches especially in Melbourne can be windy, so choosing the right outfit and timing is important.
Coastal Cliffs and Textured Landscapes
If you’re drawn to something a little more dramatic, coastal cliffs and rocky formations add beautiful texture and depth to your images.
Around the bayside area, locations like Sandringham’s Red Bluff cliffs and sections of the Black Rock coastline offer stunning natural rock formations and layered coastal textures. These spots still give you that soft sunset glow, but with more visual interest in the background.
This option suits you if:
You like earthy tones and natural textures
You want something scenic but not overly busy
You’re after a slightly more editorial feel
Comfort (and safety) is always a priority, so we keep walking distances minimal and choose accessible spots.
Other Beach Options
I love the beaches around Seaford and Aspendale that are clean, vast and can be less crowded, and also have the sand dunes as an option for diversity in your images.
Port Melbourne has some nice piers, grassy areas, and an alternative background.
Green Spaces and Natural Surroundings
If you prefer greenery over sand, there are some beautiful leafy pockets throughout Brighton, Hampton and the surrounding suburbs.
Open grassy areas near Green Point in Brighton, quiet sections of Elsternwick Park, and sheltered tree-lined spaces in local reserves offer soft, peaceful backdrops. Late afternoon light filtering through trees creates a warm, intimate feel without harsh shadows.
Open grassy areas in Brighton and surrounds, along with some hidden gems in Brighton, Malvern, St Kilda and the Melbourne Botanical Gardens, offer beautiful, natural backdrops. Fitzroy Gardens is a treasured favourite by many photographers. Sheltered, tree-lined spaces create a soft, peaceful setting, and late afternoon light filtering through the leaves adds a warm, intimate feel without harsh shadows.
Green locations are ideal if you:
Prefer a nature-inspired look without sand
Want variety in one session (grass, trees, open sky)
Love a relaxed, organic feel
Depending on the season, neutral or earthy tones pair beautifully with autumnal foliage, while bright colours can work really well here too if the garden’s colours are more vibrant.
Clean, Minimal Backdrops
Not every maternity session needs a dramatic landscape. Sometimes simplicity creates the most timeless images.
This style works particularly well if you love:
Soft, neutral tones
Minimal distractions
A modern, classic aesthetic
If you’re deciding between natural outdoor scenery or something more controlled, it can also help to read about indoor vs outdoor options to see which environment feels like the best fit for you.
The Importance of Good, Natural Lighting
More than the exact location, light is what truly makes a difference.
The hour before sunset (often called golden hour), or around sunrise, is my preferred time for outdoor maternity sessions. The light is soft, warm and forgiving – it enhances skin tones and creates that natural glow without harsh shadows.
Midday sun can be strong and unflattering, so timing your session carefully is just as important as choosing the location itself - especially pay attention to this tip if you are looking at a beach shoot where there is no shade, and a lot of bouncing of light off sand.
If you’re unsure, I always guide you toward spots that offer both beautiful scenery and the best possible light. This is always discussed in your pre-shoot consultation with me when you book.
The Weather
You will need to discuss with your photographer re their own weather contingency plan. Melbourne is notoriously unpredictable. My choice is not to shoot in rain - no one wants wet hair and soggy discomfort, and no photographer wants equipment exposed to rain. Wind is also a factor to consider. I will usually reschedule on the day based on weather with the decision to go into my Brighton photography studio after two reschedules.
What about Studio Sessions?
While outdoor sessions are incredibly popular along the bayside, studio sessions are another beautiful option, especially if you prefer privacy and a more controlled environment. It also eliminates any messing around due to weather challenges.
If you’re still weighing up going indoors or outdoors, a studio session offers:
Consistent, flattering lighting
A calm, temperature-controlled space
Easy outfit changes
A clean, minimalist aesthetic
Access to amenities
Studio sessions pair beautifully with newborn sessions later on and offer a timeless look that won’t date.
They are also worth considering if you would like to include children in a more controlled environment.
Choosing the Right Location for You
The “best” location isn’t about what’s most popular, it’s about what feels right for you. Ask yourself:
Do I feel most relaxed by the ocean or indoors?
Am I comfortable walking short distances?
Do I prefer open skies or something more private?
What kind of images am I naturally drawn to? - screenshot your own series of images you love, and this will become evident.
Because I am a Brighton maternity photographer and I work in the surrounding Melbourne bayside suburbs, all of these locations are convenient and manageable, especially in the final trimester. If you would like further afield, or a special location for your pregnancy photoshoot, contact me to discuss this further.
Let’s Choose Your Location Together
For a maternity photoshoot, Melbourne’s bayside area offers an incredible mix of beaches, coastal textures and green spaces, all with beautiful natural light when timed well.
The most important thing is choosing somewhere you love. Combined with great styling, and an experienced photographer who knows how to guide you, and help you feel comfortable, the shoot will feel effortless and natural and subsequently your photos will be stunning :)
If you’re unsure where to start, let’s talk through your preferences and find a setting that complements both your vision and your comfort.
Contact Me to discuss your Maternity Photography Session.
