Malibu Creek State Park Maternity Photoshoot in Los Angeles

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. It’s a lovely option if you want your photos to feel natural, open and a little more cinematic while still keeping the session close to Los Angeles. 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.

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 is a California State Park, so it’s always worth checking current photography permit requirements before planning a professional session. I’ll help you think through timing, logistics and what needs to be confirmed ahead of the shoot.

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 something comfortable, flattering and suitable for the season. Malibu Creek can feel warm during the day and much cooler as the sun goes down, so it’s always smart to bring a few options or an extra layer. For this shoot, my client started in a dress and finished with a more relaxed Calvin Klein-inspired look, which gave the gallery a lovely mix of soft and editorial images.

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!

If you’re torn between an outdoor location and something a little more polished, we can talk through a few different looks before choosing the right setting for you.

Malibu Creek is such a beautiful choice if you want maternity photos that feel peaceful, natural and full of movement. You don’t need to know the exact trail, outfit, timing or pose before we begin — I’ll help you plan the little details so the whole session feels relaxed, flattering and easy.