Outdoor Winter Maternity Photos in Nashville

Booking maternity photos in the winter can feel intimidating. But trust me… outdoor winter maternity photos in Nashville ARE beautiful. Most moms worry about the cold, what to wear, and how outdoor photos can look nice when everything is brown. I hear these worries all the time!

After photographing maternity sessions in every Nashville season for over 15 years, I can confidently say this: winter is one of the most underrated times to get gorgeous outdoor maternity photos.

Every winter, I photograph maternity sessions for Nashville moms expecting babies between December and March — many of whom come back again with their next pregnancy or continue on with newborn and milestone photos.

I did not do maternity photos with either of my boys, and I totally regret it. No matter the season, winter cold or summer heat, I wish I had maternity photos from my pregnancies. That perspective, both as a mom and as a photographer, shapes how I guide every maternity session today. Years down the road, you will be SO glad you did these!

Why Outdoor Winter Maternity Photos are Beautiful

As a Nashville maternity photographer, I’ve photographed expecting moms in every season. Winter always delivers some of the sweetest, most emotional images. One of the first things I always tell my clients is to get closer together. The closer everyone is, the more emotional the photo. Of course, if it’s cold outside, you are definitely going to stay close! This leads to snuggly, loving photos. Maternity images that show your true love!

One of the biggest advantages of maternity photos in winter is the light. Winter light is softer and more diffused, with no harsh sun overhead. Filtered blue skies with wispy white clouds are some of my favorite lighting conditions for maternity photos. That pretty light flatters skin tones and highlights your baby bump beautifully.

Then there’s the background. Many of my clients worry that everything will look brown and dead. But in reality, winter landscapes in Tennessee have gorgeous textured grasses that catch the sunset glow. This creates photos that have warm, neutral tones.  This is why outdoor winter maternity photos in Nashville are so beautiful!

When planned intentionally, a Nashville outdoor maternity session in winter isn’t about braving the cold — it’s about creating images that feel intimate and beautifully understated. The result is a gallery that feels just as meaningful now as it will decades from now.

The Best Time of Day for Winter Maternity Photos

Winter light is one of the most flattering types of light for maternity photos, but timing matters. I schedule sessions during the warmest and prettiest part of the day, typically late afternoon.

Maternity sessions take place 30 minutes – 1 hour before sunset. The exact timing depends on location and whether it’s sunny or cloudy that day. I do recommend that clients leave their afternoons flexible so that we can make time adjustments in case it is cloudy.

Photos on cloudy days may need to start earlier because it gets darker quickly on those days. Photos can still be beautiful on cloudy days, but we don’t want to run out of sunlight!

Nashville Locations That Photograph Beautifully in Winter

Not every outdoor location works well in winter — which is why choosing the right location is incredibly important for outdoor winter maternity photos in Nashville.

When you choose me as your maternity photographer, you don’t have to research locations, ask for recommendations, or drive around hoping something works. I photograph maternity sessions year-round and know exactly which Nashville-area locations photograph beautifully in every season. I take care of location selection for you, based on light, texture, and the overall look you want for your images.

The two most important factors in choosing winter maternity locations are lighting and texture. I look for open fields with layered grasses that add depth and warmth to winter photos. When the winter sun dips low and hits those textures just right, the result is soft, glowing, and magical.

Not drawn to a field? Urban maternity photos look incredible year-round. Downtown alleyways, stone walls, or rooftop garages create a modern, editorial feel and give your maternity photos a clean, unique edge.

You’re also not limited to traditional locations. If you’d like something more personal, we can plan your maternity session at your home or even a favorite coffee shop. Winter maternity photos are a beautiful opportunity to slow things down and document this season of life in a way that feels meaningful and uniquely you.

And if an outdoor session isn’t the right fit — or you want a guaranteed, weather-proof option — studio maternity sessions are always available. My studio offers soft, flattering light and a calm, comfortable environment that pairs beautifully with winter styling. Many winter moms love knowing they have both outdoor and studio options when planning their maternity photos.

Are you ready to discuss the perfect location for you? Let’s chat!

Having a Weather Backup Plan for Peace of Mind

Winter weather can be unpredictable, but your maternity session should never feel stressful.

Every outdoor winter maternity session includes a clear backup plan. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we can easily reschedule. If rescheduling is not an option, we can always transition to an indoor studio session without stress or pressure.

From start to finish, my goal is for you to feel completely taken care of. No guesswork. No last-minute scrambling. Just a thoughtful, well-planned maternity experience designed to give you beautiful images and total peace of mind.

What to Wear for Outdoor Winter Maternity Photos

Styling is one of the biggest concerns moms have when booking winter maternity photos — and it’s one I’ll happily take off your plate completely. I love helping clients plan clothing.

I offer Style and Select as a service to all of my clients. This is an online styling service that suggests clothing for moms as well as helping you coordinate clothing for all of your family members.

Winter maternity styling is all about movement, texture, and warmth without bulk. Together, we create a look that flatters your bump, complements the season, and feels natural.

Here are some of my favorite clothing options that work especially well for outdoor winter maternity photos in Nashville:

Flattering Gowns & Dresses

• Long-sleeve fitted gowns that define the bump
• Flowy chiffon dresses with built-in layers for movement
• Off-the-shoulder gowns paired with warm, hidden layers underneath
• Dresses in soft neutrals — cream, champagne, camel, sage, and winter blush

Layers That Add Warmth (Without Looking Heavy)

• Long, sweeping cardigans over fitted dresses
• Faux-fur wraps for a soft, editorial winter look
• Textured blankets and quilts that we can use for snuggling
• Oversized knits that create cozy, intimate portraits

Textures That Photograph Beautifully in Winter

• Sweater dresses
• Ribbed knit fabrics
• Velvet (luxurious and warm)
• Lace sleeves layered over nude thermals

Subtle Accessories

• Simple scarves that add dimension without overwhelming the bump
• Beanie hats (optional but adorable for casual, urban locations)
• Barely-there jewelry, so the focus stays on your belly and not the accessories

Hidden Warmth Tricks (That Make All the Difference)

• Nude leggings or thermal tights under long dresses
• Hand warmers tucked into sleeves for breaks
• Boots hidden under floor-length gowns
• Layered camisoles and fitted long-sleeve tops under dresses

Ideal Color Palettes for Winter Maternity Photos

• Soft neutrals: cream, oatmeal, camel, ivory
• Earth tones: sage, warm brown, muted olive
• Black — elegant, slimming, and stunning against winter light

These pieces create a timeless aesthetic — which is exactly why your outdoor winter maternity session will look just as beautiful now as it will decades from now.

What Your Winter Maternity Photos Will Feel Like

The result? Photos that feel calm, romantic, and timeless — images you’ll still love long after your baby is grown.

No stress over the weather.
>>No worrying about what to wear.

Just a beautifully documented moment during one of the most meaningful seasons of your life. Images that feel just as special when you look back years from now as they do today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Maternity Photos

Is it too cold for outdoor winter maternity photos?

No. Winter maternity sessions are planned for comfort, with shorter session times, warm styling, and the best light of the day so you’re never uncomfortable.

What to wear for a winter maternity photoshoot?

Long-sleeve gowns, sweater dresses, wraps, and layered neutrals photograph beautifully in winter. I guide styling and offer Client Closet pieces to make it easy.

Where to do photoshoots in the winter?

I select Nashville locations that photograph well year-round, including open fields, urban backdrops, or indoor studio options if preferred.

When should I schedule winter maternity photos?

Winter maternity photos are best scheduled between 28–34 weeks, when your bump is well defined and you’re still comfortable.

Which month of pregnancy is good for photoshoots?

The seventh or eighth month of pregnancy is ideal for maternity photos.

What happens if it rains or gets too cold?

Every session includes a backup plan. We’ll reschedule or move your session indoors if needed.

Can my partner or kids join?

Yes. Partners and children are always welcome to join your maternity session. I love capturing connection in your photos.

After photographing hundreds of maternity sessions for Nashville families over the years, I’ve learned that the most meaningful photos come from sessions that feel calm, guided, and intentional — no matter the season.

Your Nashville Maternity Photos Experience

Expecting this winter? I’d love to help you plan a beautiful maternity session that feels calm, comfortable, and stress-free. Winter dates are limited and scheduled around the best light and weather. Contact me so that we can plan your maternity photoshoot.