There’s something really special about getting to photograph people through multiple seasons of their life. I met Annie and Rick years ago when I photographed their wedding at The River House in Felton, so when Annie reached out to share they were expecting their first baby, it felt like such a full circle moment. We planned their maternity session just up the coast in Half Moon Bay, tucked into the rolling hills off Highway 1 where the mustard flowers bloom bright yellow this time of year. January on the California coast always feels a little magical, and the fields were completely covered in soft yellow, with that crisp, quiet energy that winter brings. Annie and Rick are both so rooted in nature—ranch life, animals, being outdoors—and this location felt like such a natural extension of them. We kept everything really relaxed, wandering through the fields and letting the session unfold without forcing anything. It felt less like posing and more like simply documenting them in this really tender, in-between season. There’s something about maternity sessions that always slows everything down. It’s not just about capturing a growing baby bump, but the anticipation and the shift into something new. Annie carried that season so beautifully, with so much softness and quiet excitement for what’s ahead. If you’re looking for a location that feels both coastal and organic, Half Moon Bay is one of my favorite spots near Santa Cruz for maternity photos. Between the ocean views, rolling hills, and seasonal wildflowers, it gives so much variety while still feeling calm and natural—especially in the winter when the mustard flowers are in bloom. If you’re expecting and looking for a Santa Cruz maternity photographer, my approach is always relaxed and documentary. You don’t need to know how to pose or show up any certain way—I’ll guide you where needed, but mostly I want you to be able to actually feel this season so you can remember it later.
