Whether to have your Cornwall Maternity Shoot in the Studio or on Location

Studio or Location?


Weighing up whether to have your maternity shoot in the studio or on location can be a tricky decision as there are certainly plus sides to both. As a Cornwall maternity photographer working in South East Cornwall, I often chat with mums-to-be who are trying to decide what will feel right for them and their growing bump.

There are lots of things that may influence your decision. Some of these are beyond your control, for example, the time of year, what the weather might do, and the quality of light in that particular spot you have in mind.

Other factors may feel more emotional. You might want this stage of your life documented in a place that means something to you. You may wish to include your children or pets. Or you might prefer a more private setting for your photographs.

Either way, the decision is completely yours. I will happily champion you and your growing bump. I’ll make sure we create photos that you can look back on with real fondness and pride.

Pregnant woman in flowing white maternity gown holding fabric open, studio portrait photography. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Pregnant woman in black ribbed dress smiles down at her baby bump against a white studio background. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Smiling pregnant woman in white dress holding a brown lop-eared rabbit against her baby bump in Cornwall maternity studio
Pregnant woman in white lace dress cradling her baby bump with both hands against a light background. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Pregnant woman in cream off-shoulder sweater dress cradling baby bump, studio maternity portrait. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Pregnant woman in white off-shoulder sheer gown , showcasing baby bump in elegant maternity studio portrait taken by Cornwall Photographer
Pregnant woman in lace bralette and white shirt cradling baby bump, maternity photography.Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Pregnant woman in white off-shoulder dress sits barefoot, cradling her baby bump in a bright, minimalist studio. Cornwall Maternity Photogra
Pregnant woman in beige dress cradling her baby bump, sitting against neutral background in South East Cornwall maternity photography studio
Pros and Cons


Here are some pros and cons for both Cornwall maternity studio photography and Cornwall maternity location photography which may help you make your mind up!

Studio – Pros

• It is always warm, dry and cosy (and just such a beautiful space - I am biased!)

• I provide tea and biscuits (life is always better with a cup of tea!)

• My studio is private and closed off from the outside world

• You know what kind of results we are going to get as there are less variables

• You and your bump are the main focus of the shoot


Studio – Cons

• My husband has a bad habit of taking my studio biscuits to work if I don’t explain clearly that

they are not his!

• My studio is most suited in size to either a couple of a family of 4 with small children – larger families may

be better on location.


Location – Pros

• These sessions can be more playful and natural with more movement in the images

• Children and pets can be more easily included and feel more relaxed

• The natural elements such as the location and the weather can add to the feel of the photographs

• You can capture this chapter in your most favourite place


Location – Cons

• We may need a back up date if the weather isn’t kind but that is all part of the booking process anyway!

Pregnant woman in white dress standing in beach grass dunes with ocean and rocks in background. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Joyful pregnant couple dancing together on a beach, woman laughing with long blonde hair flowing. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Couple sharing a kiss on beach, red-haired pregnant woman in white lace top holding partners hands. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Blurred couple sitting on beach in foreground with a seagull standing on sand near rocky shoreline. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Pregnant woman in flowing white dress walking barefoot in ocean waves on sandy beach. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Pregnant blonde woman in white crop top and pants cradles her bare baby bump on a cloudy beach. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Bearded man nuzzling smiling red-haired pregnant woman in white dress on calm ocean beach backdrop. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Couple embracing on beach, man kissing pregnant partners head while holding her bare baby bump tenderly. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Side profile of pregnant woman in white dress cradling baby bump on sandy beach dunes. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
It's your decision


No matter whether you choose the calm, controlled comfort of Cornwall maternity studio photography in my South East Cornwall studio or the beautiful, organic feel of Cornwall maternity location photography in the local countryside near Callington, Saltash, Launceston, Liskeard or Dobwalls, I’m here to help and get you the results that you want from your Cornwall maternity photo shoot.

Pregnant woman in white bralette, cardigan, and jeans sitting and cradling her baby bump, smiling softly Cornwall Maternity Studio
Close-up of pregnant woman in white lace crop top and jeans touching bare belly. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Close-up of pregnant woman in white lace top and jeans cradling bare baby bump. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Pregnant woman in cream knit sweater seated and holding baby bump with both hands. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Close-up of bare pregnant belly with woman gently cradling bump with both hands. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Pregnant woman in black bralette and gray knit cardigan cradling her baby bump with both hands. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Couple tenderly holding pregnant belly in white maternity dress with partner hands visible. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Pregnant woman in cream knit sweater and jeans gently holding bare baby bump indoors. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Smiling pregnant woman in white off-shoulder top and jeans cradling bare baby bump Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Frequently Asked Questions


Which is better – Cornwall maternity studio photography or Cornwall maternity location photography? There’s no right or wrong answer — it depends on what feels most like you. Studio sessions offer comfort, privacy and consistency, while location sessions bring in beautiful natural light and a sense of place. We can always have a chat and I’ll try to help you decide what will suit you best.

What is the best time to book a maternity session with a Cornwall maternity photographer? The sweet spot is usually between 28 and 34 weeks, when your bump is beautifully growing but you’re still feeling relatively comfortable. Booking a few months in advance is helpful as availability can become quite limited.

Can I have both studio and location elements in one maternity shoot? Unfortunately not, unless you would like to book two separate sessions. I like to give my full energy to the type of shoot that I am booked for so cutting one short to rush off to the other just wouldn’t feel right to me.

Do you offer maternity sessions for families with young children or pets? Absolutely. Location sessions often work particularly well when including older siblings or furry friends, as they tend to feel more relaxed outdoors. That said, they are also most welcome in the studio and I have a whole range of things to keep them busy while they wait for their turn in front of the camera.

What should I wear for my maternity photo shoot? I have a welcome pack which goes through how to achieve that dreamy, timeless look that you see in my Instagram. I also have a client wardrobe with outfits to fit all shapes and sizes and most members of the family. This means you don’t have to go out and buy anything especially for your session. 

Black and white portrait of pregnant woman in white bralette and open shirt sitting in tall grass. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Pregnant woman in white off-shoulder lace gown smiling down while cradling her bare baby bump outdoors Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Man kneeling beside pregnant woman in white bralette and jeans, gently touching her baby bump outdoors. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Pregnant woman in gray bralette and jeans holding her baby bump surrounded by white daisy wildflowers. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Couple embracing on beach, man holding pregnant woman's baby bump while smiling at each other. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Black and white close-up of pregnant woman's bare belly with floral shadows cast across her bump Cornwall Maternity Studio
Black and white abstract image of pregnant woman's silhouette beside rippling water surface Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Pregnant woman in gray sports bra and jeans sitting among white daisy flowers in soft sunlight. Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Black and white photo of pregnant woman in white dress leaning against large tree trunk in forest Cornwall Maternity Photographer
Get in Touch!


If you’re expecting and would like to chat about what might suit you best as your Cornwall maternity photographer, just get in touch — I’d love to hear your thoughts and help you decide.