Best Places for Maternity Photos in the Twin Cities | Top Minneapolis and St. Paul Locations
If you’re looking for the best places for maternity photos in the Twin Cities, then I’ve got you covered! I am an award winning Minneapolis maternity photographer that has photographed hundreds of pregnant moms from across Minnesota. I design my sessions to be more of an experience rather than just a “photo shoot” allowing them to feel pampered and beautiful so that they can truly celebrate their pregnancies. Finding ideal locations for a photo session is part of the services I provide my clients. Every aspect of my sessions is designed to be stress free and special so that moms simply need to show up, relax, and enjoy their time reflecting on the arrival of their baby with their family or by themselves. Complimentary wardrobe, my studio, or access to a special location from across the Twin Cities for their session are all a part of the experience.
1. Tamarack Nature Center – White Bear Lake, MN
A special maternity session during spring at Tamarack Nature Center, White Bear Lake, MN
Tamarack Nature Center is a dreamy place for maternity photos. It is a large are of restored prairie, fields, and walking trails. Beautiful birch trees surround the perimeter of the park. Because of its size, Tamarack is often a very private space to have a photo session. Even if others are present enjoying the park, there are plenty of areas to choose from for you to enjoy a bit of privacy. This is why it is one of my favorite places to hold a photo shoot! It is also ideal in every season. During spring the fields are easy to walk through and it is common to spot deer running through or the occasional turkey! It is also very quiet.
Upsides: Feels quite private and secluded even when others are at the park. Permits for photography are not required.
Things to Note: One of the only downsides is that dogs are unfortunately not allowed on the trails.
2. Hyland Park Reserve – Bloomington, MN
Late summer at Hyland Lake Park Reserve.
Hyland Lake Park reserve in Bloomington, MN is a wonderful location with lots of options for scenery. There are rolling hills, water, trees, and prairie landscapes all in one location. The park is quite spread out leaving you plenty of opportunities to explore during your session. This is a lovely location for golden hour light and the opportunity to enjoy the lake. The upside is the variety of scenery. However, access to the lake may be a bit limited during the peak summer weeks as people will be enjoying boating and swimming. Photographing by the lake would be best in the evenings during spring and fall.
Upsides: Pets are allowed and variety of scenery
Things to Note: Permits are required through the Three Rivers Park District.
Maternity Photo Shoot at Lowry Nature Center
3. Lowry Nature Center – Victoria, MN
Similar to Tamarack, the Lowry Nature Center has a vast amount of wooded trails as well as rolling hills and fields. Trails, fields, and hills surround the main parking lot making it easily accessible for you and your clients. Be aware that it is a nature preserve and it’s important to respect signs for nesting areas for birds or any kind of restoration going on in the fields.
Upsides: Pets are allowed. There are a variety of places to shoot that are easily accessible from parking lot or the road leading into the park
Things to Note: Permits are required through the Three Rivers Park District.
4. Pixel Dust Acres – Plymouth, MN
Maternity Photo Session at Pixel Dust Acres in Plymouth, MN
Pixel Dust Acres is a private property just west of Plymouth, MN. The property is specially designed for use by photographers and is expertly laid out to provide you with beautiful backdrops facing just the right direction during peak times for light (evening golden hour or early morning light.) In addition to acres of prairie fields, there are fields of flowers, sculptured gardens, and even a charming chicken coop! The location also reflects the beauty of every season with fields of flowers unique to each season. From wildflowers in the spring to fields of sunflowers in late summer to evergreens in early winter. This is a whimsical location allowing for a truly fun and unique experience.
Upsides: Beautiful gardens that reflect the beauty of each season. Location allows a limited number of photographers at a time preventing overcrowding during peak season.
Things to Note: An hourly rental fee that is higher Friday-Sunday.
5. Crow Hassan Park – Corcoran, MN
Crow Hassan Park, Hanover, MN
Crow Hassan park is one of my favorite locations in late fall for maternity photo sessions. It is a rural location with wide open prairies, horse trails, and dramatic skies. This location allows for stunning sunsets and is incredibly quiet. It also allows clients to feel truly separate from the busyness of every day life. There are often wild flowers throughout the fields during late summer and the golden grasses cannot be beat in fall. This is great for clients who love a natural, wild feel.
Upsides: Private, rural, and peaceful! Incredible sunsets.
Things to Note: Permits are required through the Three Rivers Park District.
6. Arneson Acres - Edina, MN
Arneson Acres in Edina, MN
Arneson Acres park is a lovely city park right off of Hwy 100 and 70th street in the heart of Edina, MN. With several manicured gardens, areas of tall white pine trees and a lovely fountain that beautifully catches the sun’s rays at sunset, this is a wonderful location for a maternity photo shoot for those couples who want a more refined setting. Although this park can get busy, it is big enough that there are plenty of areas to have some privacy. In addition to the central garden, there is a smaller garden area with a swing and arbor covered with vines that is toward the back and to the left. It is such a lovely hidden spot. Beyond the tall pine trees there is a large hilly area for some wonderful open sky shots, too. I have never felt overwhelmed by the number of people there and it is such a lovely place filled with couples picnicking or other small photo sessions.
Upsides: No permit required. Gorgeous manicured gardens, tall pine trees and plenty of space to wander.
Things to Note: It can get a bit busy and sometimes there are weddings there. Simply call the city of Edina to check if an event will be held there in advance of your session date. They are so helpful!
7. West Medicine Lake - Plymouth, MN
West Medicine Lake Area
This beautiful area for a maternity photo shoot and is actually not directly in West Medicine Lake Park, but across the street from the parking lot on West Medicine Lake Drive. I just love the light and woodland scenery of this small pond and field. Some of my favorite sessions have been here. There are often wildflowers and the sunset on the pond is fantastic. It is also a very accessible and small area, so there is less walking for mom if she is feeling a bit tired. There are no permit fees for photography here and West Medicine Lake Park is a wonderful place to visit toward the end of your session if your session includes younger kiddos as well. You can shoot in the woodland area first and then head over to the park and lake for some pictures by the water.
Upsides: No permit required! Very easy to access, small area.
Things to Note: The location is very close to the road, so be aware if young kiddos are included. This would also not be an easy spot to “share” with another photographer. Remember, you can always walk over to the park and lake first and then return.
8. AMG Photography Studio – Minneapolis, MN
My studio is located in the heart of Northeast Minneapolis and is truly beautiful! The studio has 15 foot windows which allow for magical natural light all day long. It is perfect year-round, especially in winter or for more intimate maternity portraits. Moms are able to wear multiple outfits from my client wardrobe or a simple dress robe so that she can highlight her belly in an environment that is private and comfortable. I arrange the setting differently for each mom with a cozy array of rugs, furniture, and a bed. Pets are always welcome and there is a small kitchenette for refreshments. There is also an area for make-up and hairstyling. Every client receives my stylist referral list if she would like to schedule hair and make-up at the studio prior to her session. I love blessing pregnant moms in my studio and it ends up being a luxurious experience that allows them to feel beautiful!
There are so many options in Twin Cities metro area for a maternity photography session. From beautiful city parks to secluded woodland areas, this guide is meant to give you just a taste of what you can find! Moms, be sure to communication your vision with your photographer for what you would like to experience your session. Photographers, discuss location ideas with your clients as a part of your pre-session preparation. I encourage you to have a zoom or phone call in order to discuss everything from styling to location. It is a wonderful way to get to know your clients and will make session day comfortable and exciting as you are both on the same page.
Ready to book your maternity session? I’d love to bless you at one of these beautiful Twin Cities locations.
FAQS
What should I wear for a maternity photo session? Check out my styling page for color palettes and lots of options!
When is the best time during pregnancy for maternity photos? If you want beautiful golden light, then a Golden Hour session which is two hours prior to sunset is perfect. However, mid-day light, although challenging, can provide an artistic and creative vibe filled with strong light and shadows that is really beautiful! Always, discuss your vision with each other so that the end result is what you expect!
