Why Ocean Beach is the Perfect Location for Your Maternity Photoshoot
Why Ocean Beach is the Perfect Location for Your Maternity Photoshoot
I’ll be upfront. At the time I’m writing this, I’ve only done two professional photoshoots at Ocean Beach. But every single time I photograph people here, I am completely blown away by what a stunning backdrop it is. Honestly, that’s probably what inspired me to write this post. Today I’m here to tell you why Ocean Beach is the perfect backdrop for your maternity photo session.
I’ve visited Ocean Beach many times. It’s a long, vast stretch of beach on the west side of San Francisco along the Pacific Coast. 3.5 miles long, to be exact (yes, I looked it up). It’s wide open, giving you plenty of room to wander along the water’s edge without even getting your feet wet.
If you’re trying to figure out why Ocean Beach is the perfect location for your maternity photoshoot, here’s what makes it so special:
Ocean Beach is enormous.
Which makes working around other visitors so much easier, even if you happen to be there during a busier time of day. More space means more freedom to just be, and that’s exactly the vibe I’m going for.
Sand dunes and sun-bleached dune grass.
I am genuinely in love with the shade of green that makes up the dune grass along the dunes. It appears to be bleached by the sun and is the most beautiful, soft shade of green, making it a unique, and appealing ecosystem that’s perfect for portraits. Minimalist in feel, but with so much to work with including the water, dunes, and coastal views. The variety is quietly incredible.
The color of the sand.
Not just “the sand,” but specifically the color of the sand. Ocean Beach’s sand acts like a giant natural reflector, bouncing the most beautiful, soft, warm light back onto you and your loved ones. It’s incredibly flattering for skin tones and makes for naturally well-lit photos without any extra effort.
The weather almost always works in your favor.
Sunny or overcast, this location just works. You can expect gorgeous images no matter what the sky is doing. And because the sun sets directly behind the ocean, you’ll get soft, warm light on your face during morning sessions and a glowing golden sunset behind you in the evening. It’s a win-win, AM or PM.
*Yes, of course there are days when the weather is less than ideal or the wind is unbearable. If this is the case, a reschedule is an option.*
Sand dollars.
Every time I visit Ocean Beach, I find a handful of sand dollars. They show up there consistently. If you’d love to work a few into your maternity photos, there’s a really good chance you’ll find some right there on the beach. 🙂
It’s dog-friendly.
Want to bring your pup? Ocean Beach is a fantastic spot for it. There’s so much space to run around, and honestly, dogs just make everything better. It’s a crowd-pleaser for the whole family, two-legged and four-legged alike. 🙂
So if you’ve been wondering why Ocean Beach is the perfect location for your maternity photoshoot, this is why. It’s vast, it’s beautiful, it’s flexible, and it photographs like a dream. I cannot recommend it enough.
Looking for a photographer to document your maternity photos? I’d love to work with you. Reach out today to book your session!
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