Maternity Photoshoot in Malibu Creek State Park

Malibu Creek State Park is a beautiful location with scenic landscapes that can provide a picturesque backdrop for your maternity photo session. If you are looking for beautiful rolling hills, oak trees, and stunning views of the mountain from within the Valley, look no further than this beautiful location. For the beautiful greens, you want to visit in spring time, if romantic golden fields are more your vibe, you will want to shoot in the summer/fall season. Here are some photos from my recent shoot this past year with Yoselin and Christian.

Mom and dad to be during a maternity shoot in Malibu Creek State Park

Planning your maternity photoshoot at Malibu Creek State park

Before planning your photoshoot, here are a few things to keep in mind

Permits: Malibu Creek State Park requires permits for any type of professional photography, even non-commercial. Permits can be obtained ahead of time via Film LA.

Timing: Consider the time of day for your photoshoot. Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best natural lighting, creating a warm and flattering atmosphere. Midday in this particular location is very tricky as it is hot, but also yields unfavorable lighting.

Clothing: Choose comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing for your maternity shoot. Malibu Creek Can range from very hot to chilly, so it’s always best to bring multiple options, and a jacket as the sun goes down. For this particular shoot my client started with a dress, and ended in a class Calvin-Klein Maternity inspired look.

Pregnant woman holding her bump posing for a maternity photoshoot.

Locations: There are may different areas of Malibu Creek to photogaph in, the main parking lot will lead you through the main trail and to the rock pools, my personal favorite is the grasslands trail, with a feel straight out of a movie, and leading you to a beautiful lone oak tree in it’s valley center. Just a short walk up the hill, you can begin to see the remnant film set from MASH, which was left here for visitors to enjoy. I always recommend clients to familiarize themselves with the park and identify specific locations that they find appealing for their photo session.

Props and Accessories: If you have specific props or accessories you'd like to include in your maternity photos, plan accordingly and ensure they are easy to transport to the chosen location.

Photography Services: For this specific location, you want to make sure to plan your photoshoot/photographer at least 1-2 months in advance, especially for planning, permits, and making sure that your shoot is perfect!

maternityLauren Scott