Old Mill Park and Rodeo Beach Maternity Photos in Marin County
This maternity session began beneath the towering redwoods at Old Mill Park in Mill Valley and ended along the windswept shoreline of Rodeo Beach in the Marin Headlands. One of the things I love most about the Bay Area is the ability to move between landscapes so seamlessly. From creekside paths to beautiful coastal cliffs, this hybrid location allowed us to capture both playful family moments with an older sibling in the mix and thoughtful maternity photos that honor this fleeting season of pregnancy.
It felt colorful, nature-based, and candid from the start. It was the kind of afternoon that holds space for exploration while still creating imagery that feels deeply intentional. And as is the case with most of my sessions, this was captured on a mix of digital and 35mm film.
Exploring Old Mill Park in Mill Valley
We began this Bay Area maternity session at Old Mill Park in Mill Valley. This is a local spot that feels both peaceful and playful all at once. Nestled among the redwood groves and winding along the creek, it gave us space to explore without feeling rushed. The playground nearby was the perfect starting point. There were sprinkled donuts, little feet running across the grass, and just enough time to settle in together before heading to the coast.
Starting at Old Mill Park allowed us to document the whole family in a relaxed way before focusing more intentionally on maternity portraits. Their daughter needed almost no time to warm up to the camera, which meant we could lean into candid moments and connection right from the beginning!
Rodeo Beach Maternity Photos in the Marin Headlands
After exploring the redwoods, we moved this Bay Area maternity photography session to Rodeo Beach in the Marin Headlands. The landscape opened up into dramatic cliffs and soft coastal light. The shift from redwoods to ocean gave this portion of the session a completely different feel. More expansive, a little windswept, and full of movement. It was the perfect setting for maternity photos that were both intimate and playful.
One of my favorite moments from the beach was an idea the mom brought along herself. She and her three-year-old carefully placed bedazzled jewels across her pregnant belly. I love how she turned this into a creative and fun activity between her daughter and herself. The resulting image went on to receive an award at the American Photography Association San Francisco exhibit at the end of 2025, which felt like such a meaningful way to honor this special season before their newest family member arrived!
35mm Film Maternity Photography at Old Mill Park & Rodeo Beach
In addition to digital, much of this session was photographed on 35mm film. I’m always drawn to the way film renders color and light, especially in nature-based settings like Old Mill Park and Rodeo Beach. For families who love a slightly nostalgic and artful look, incorporating film into your Bay Area family or maternity photos creates images that feel intentional. It’s a beautiful complement to the candid movement and connection that naturally unfolded throughout the day.
Let’s Start Planning For Your Own Bay Area Maternity Photos
There is something so meaningful about documenting maternity photos during this season of life. Pregnancy can feel long and fleeting all at once, and taking the time to celebrate it allows you to pause and truly honor the transition your family is experiencing. When there is an older sibling in the mix, it becomes even more special.
These sessions capture not just anticipation, but connection, curiosity, and the quiet in-between moments before everything shifts again! I especially love multi-location maternity sessions like this one at Old Mill Park and Rodeo Beach. They give families space to explore and simply be together in beautiful, varied landscapes.
If you’re looking for a Bay Area maternity photographer, you can learn more about me and my approach on my about page. If my work resonates with you, I would love for you to inquire through my contact page. I can’t wait to hear from you! In the meantime, you can explore more maternity sessions here on the blog for inspiration.
Kind Words:
“Wow, Laura. These are amazing. I love how artful and flowy they are, and especially love the ones that capture and center Junie’s joy! Can’t wait to go through them with Eric and her this weekend. 💞 The film captures are so special too. Thank you thank you!”
