Ashley wanted mountains. She got Florida.
That’s the tension every Tampa maternity photographer faces eventually. Someone shows up with a vision built from Pinterest boards full of Colorado peaks, and you have to figure out how to deliver that feeling without a single hill in sight. This is the story of how we did it, and why choosing the right maternity session locations matters more than people think.
How I Met Ashley (The Gender Reveal Disaster)
Two months before this shoot, I photographed Ashley’s gender reveal. Mid-conversation, while I was still figuring out where she should stand, the reveal happened without me ready. I missed the shot while directing her where to stand.
Most clients would’ve been upset. Ashley laughed it off completely. That’s when I knew she’d be one of my favorite people to work with. Easygoing, warm, zero pretension. Exactly the kind of client that makes scouting for a maternity session locations actually fun instead of stressful.
The Challenge: Mountain Views in a State With No Mountains
Ashley came to her consultation with a clear vision. Mountain views, dramatic backdrops, that elevated golden hour look she’d seen in maternity photos from Colorado and Utah.
I had to be honest with her. Florida doesn’t have mountains. What Florida does have is texture, if you know where to look. Old stone architecture that mimics elevation. Open fields with rolling grass that catches light like a valley. Forest paths that create depth and drama without a single incline.
Finding the right maternity session locations in Florida means getting creative with what the state actually offers instead of chasing what it doesn’t.
What We Actually Found
We drove to four different spots for this shoot. Each one solved a different piece of Ashley’s vision.
First, a stone ruin with archways and columns that gave us that ancient, elevated feeling she wanted. The texture and shadow play mimicked the drama of mountain terrain in a way flat Florida grass never could.
Then we moved to a forest path, dense and green, where the light broke through the canopy in these incredible dappled patterns. This gave us intimate, romantic images that felt worlds away from typical Florida beach photography.
Next was an open field with wildflowers, golden light, and that rolling grass I mentioned. This is where Ashley’s blue gown came alive, flowing behind her like she was standing in the middle of nowhere and everywhere at once.
Finally, we hit a wide open meadow at true golden hour, where the sun created this incredible flare and warmth across the whole scene. This is where her maroon and burgundy gowns did their best work, deep jewel tones against golden grass.
Four spots. One session. A maternity session locations lineup that never felt like Florida, because we built it to feel like her vision instead.
Ashley’s Gowns (Borrowed From My Client Closet)
Every gown Ashley wore came from my client closet, a mix of Sew Trendy Accessories and Fillyboo pieces. She didn’t spend a dollar on outfits for this shoot.
She trusted my styling picks completely, which honestly made the whole day easier. I told her what to wear for each spot, what to do with her hair, and she said yes to all of it. That kind of trust between photographer and client makes for the best images because nobody’s second-guessing decisions mid-shoot.
If you’re planning a session and stressing about outfits, this is your reminder that you don’t have to buy anything. Borrow. Trust your photographer’s eye. Show up and let the process happen.
Bear the Dog (In a Flower Crown)
I have to talk about Bear, Ashley’s puppy, because he made this session unforgettable.
She put him in a flower crown for a few shots, and he was perfection. Genuinely one of my favorite pet additions to any maternity shoot I’ve done. If you have a dog and you’re on the fence about including them in your photos, don’t hesitate. Pets add a layer of authenticity and joy that’s hard to manufacture any other way.
Why Choosing the Right Spot Matters
Most people think a maternity session locations is just a pretty backdrop. It’s actually the foundation of the entire story you’re telling.
Ashley wanted mountains because mountains represent something: scale, drama, awe. My job wasn’t to literally find mountains. It was to translate that feeling into places Florida actually has. Stone ruins gave us scale. Forest paths gave us drama. Open fields at golden hour gave us awe.
When you’re booking your session, tell your photographer the feeling you want, not just the specific place you’re picturing. A good photographer can translate vision into reality, even when the literal thing you’re imagining doesn’t exist where you live.
The Weather Delays (Worth Every Reschedule)
We canceled this shoot twice because of rain before we finally got the day we needed. It was frustrating in the moment. It was completely worth it once we had that golden hour light hitting Ashley in the meadow.
If your session gets rescheduled due to weather, trust the process. Golden hour light is not negotiable. It’s the difference between good photos and photos that make you cry when you see them years later.
FAQ: Choosing a Maternity Session Location
How many locations should a shoot include? It depends on your vision. Some sessions work perfectly with one spot. Ashley’s needed four to capture everything she wanted.
Can Florida maternity photos look like mountain photography? Not literally, but the right maternity session locations can capture similar feelings: scale, drama, golden light. Stone architecture and open fields do a lot of the work.
Should I bring my pet to my session? Absolutely, if your pet is comfortable around cameras and new environments. Bear made this entire shoot better.
What if it rains on my session day? We reschedule. Weather delays are frustrating but worth it for the right light.
Do I need to buy maternity gowns? No. Borrow from your photographer’s client closet if they offer one. Ashley wore Sew Trendy Accessories and Fillyboo pieces without spending anything.
How do I communicate my vision to my photographer? Describe the feeling you want, not just the specific images you’ve seen. Photographers can translate emotion into location choices better than trying to recreate an exact reference photo.
Ready to Book Your Maternity Session
Ashley’s shoot proves that your vision doesn’t need to match your zip code. Whatever feeling you’re chasing, whether it’s mountains, beaches, or something else entirely, there’s a way to capture it authentically wherever you are.
I’m currently booking sessions through December 2026. If you have a specific vision in mind and need help finding the right maternity session locations, let’s talk about how to bring it to life.
Ready to book? Click here!
Want outfit inspiration? Browse my client closet options or check out Sew Trendy Accessories directly.
Want to see more from Ashley’s session? Follow @kateboggsphotography for the full gallery.
Questions? Email me or DM me directly. I’d love to help you find the perfect spot for your next session.
