Maternity

While I was photographing this couple, a Mercury News photographer noticed us and quietly captured the moment himself. He came up afterward and asked if he could use the photo, and just like that, this couple went from having a maternity session in the redwoods to being in the newspaper.

They came expecting a maternity session among the trees and left with a pretty good story to tell on top of it. It’s exactly the kind of unplanned moment that makes outdoor sessions unpredictable in the best way.

A Sunny Evening in the Oakland Redwoods

The Oakland redwoods are known for tall trees and deep shade, but this particular evening gave us something different. It was warm and sunny, with pockets of light filtering through the trees as we moved through the forest.

As an Oakland maternity photographer, I want the photos to feel connected and natural, not like a list of poses checked off. I give couples direction throughout so they’re never wondering what to do, but I also leave room for real interaction. That might be walking together, talking, holding each other, or just a quiet minute before a new baby arrives.

Photographing a First Pregnancy

This couple hadn’t had professional photos taken together since their wedding, and that’s actually pretty common among my first-time parents. A lot of people arrive at a maternity session feeling a little nervous. They haven’t been photographed together in years, they aren’t sure where to stand or what to do with their hands, and the idea of being photographed for an entire session can feel intimidating.

You don’t need to know what to do. That’s my job. I guide you through the entire session, from where to stand and how to move to simple prompts that give you something natural to do together. You don’t need to know how to pose, and you don’t need to perform for the camera.

For this couple, that meant an evening in the Oakland redwoods, taking our time and letting the session unfold naturally. A little movement, a lot of connection, and plenty of guidance along the way. The photos show the anticipation of meeting their baby while still reflecting who they are together as a couple, the relationship that existed before the baby, not just the version of them becoming parents.

An Unexpected Mercury News Feature

While I was photographing this couple, a Mercury News photographer noticed us and quietly captured the moment himself. He was out covering how people around the Bay Area were staying cool during an extraordinarily warm day, and a maternity session under the redwood canopy fit the story. He came up afterward and asked if he could use the photo, and just like that, this couple went from having a maternity session in the redwoods to being in the newspaper.

They were thrilled. And more than a little relieved they’d picked the shade of the redwoods for their session instead of a beach day in that heat.

From Maternity to Newborn

This session is the first half of a bump-to-baby collection, so I’ll get to photograph this couple again once their baby arrives. I like working with families across more than one stage because the images end up connected. The maternity session captures the anticipation before meeting their baby. The newborn session will capture those first days after bringing that baby home.

Same two people, completely different chapter.

Why the Oakland Redwoods Work for Maternity Sessions

The redwoods offer scale, greenery, shade, and natural texture, all in one spot. The trees create a sense of privacy and give plenty of variety without needing to move between locations.

They also work well for maternity sessions because the setting feels natural rather than formal. We can walk, stop, talk, change direction, and follow the light as we go. The location becomes part of the experience, not just a backdrop.

What to Expect From an Oakland Maternity Photographer Session

When you book a maternity session with me, I help with the planning from the start: choosing a location that fits the look you want, talking through what to wear, and building a session plan with variety that doesn’t feel overly structured.

You don’t need to know how to pose or bring a list of shots to recreate. I’ll guide you through the session while leaving room for you two to just be together.

For this couple, that meant an evening in the redwoods, plenty of movement and connection, an unexpected bit of newspaper fame, and photos documenting the last chapter of their life as a family of two.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oakland Redwoods Maternity Sessions

When’s the best time in pregnancy for a maternity session?

Many of my clients book between 28 and 34 weeks, when the bump is full but there’s still room to move comfortably through the redwoods for an evening.

What should we wear for an Oakland redwoods maternity session?

I would recommend wearing something that pops or provides contrast against the trees. I typically steer people towards ivory, beige, dusty blues, blush pink or even maybe a terracotta if it works with their skin tone for redwoods specifically. Read more about what to wear for maternity sessions.

Do you offer maternity and newborn sessions together?

Yes. My bump-to-baby collection pairs a maternity session with a newborn session afterward, so the two sets of photos tell one connected story.

Is the Oakland redwoods location good for evening light?

It varies by season and weather, like the unusually sunny evening in this session. I know the location well and will be able to recommend timing when the sun is still high (opposed to typical golden hour).

More Maternity Sessions to Explore

See another East Bay Maternity Session, highlighting pink wildflowers in spring and a soon to be family of five. Read more about the pregnancy resources I recommend and see a Walnut Creek maternity session. View my complete guide to Bay Area maternity photography.

Book Your Oakland Redwoods Maternity Session

Ready to book a Bay Area maternity session? Get in touch here — I’d love to hear about your family!

Rebecca Pattison is a lifestyle family, maternity, and newborn photographer based in Alameda, California, serving the greater Bay Area including the East Bay, San Francisco, Marin County, and the Peninsula.