Newport Beach Maternity Portrait | Balboa Yacht Club
Newport Beach Maternity Portrait Session
Gilmore Studios sets sail in Newport Beach with this gorgeous maternity session!
We were so excited for the location this mom-and-dad-to-be chose for their maternity session. The Balboa Yacht Club is located in Newport Beach, CA. It is a photographer’s dream location! We have done family and engagement portraits there before, but never a maternity session.
While it may feel like pregnancy lasts forever, especially when your belly keeps growing and growing, when you look back on it, it feels like it passed in a flash! We’re firm believers that you will never regret having professional pictures to document this incredibly special period in your life, whether it’s your first child or your fifth!
Formal Attire
Our mother-to-be chose two outfits for her session, and wanted to have a mixture of solo portraits and ones with her husband. We can’t get over how gorgeous the two of them look in their evening wear on the boat! It felt like shooting an ad for Ralph Lauren! Ever considered wearing a formal gown and tuxedo in your maternity photo? Now you know how amazing it can look! And you can’t beat that trademark Newport Harbor silver sky.
For her second outfit, our mom-to-be chose a belly exposing top and full hot pink tulle skirt. We were able to take some more photos on the boat, and some off of it as well. We love the way the pink of her skirt reflected in the water–that’s for sure one of our favorites from their portfolio!
Choosing the right outfit
While we want to be able to capture the “beauty of the belly,” we also want our mom’s to feel totally comfortable. We are happy to consult with you about maternity wardrobe choices before your shoot, and (as you can see from this maternity session), you can get beautiful results with your belly covered and/or uncovered. We also want your maternity session to be special to you, so if you want to include anyone else besides your husband–your mother, grandmother, children, or even your pet(s), just let us know and we will work together to give you exactly what you want! We can do maternity sessions at a location of your choice, or in our studio or secluded outdoor garden space.
Also, consider (like this couple did), booking your newborn session during your maternity session. It takes a lot of the pressure off during a time you’ll be busy looking after a new baby.
About the photographer
Gilmore Studios is a husband and wife team maternity, newborn, children and family photography studio in Orange County, CA. Contact us for more info about booking your studio or on location session in the Southern California area.
Brian and Jennifer Gilmore specialize in studio & natural light photography in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, Huntington Beach, and surrounding areas in OC and Los Angeles, CA.
Call 949-698-3968 or email us to book your summer and fall 2017 newborn photography sessions.
Gilmore Studios serves Orange County, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. We specialize in wedding photography, family portraits, newborn and branding photography. Our studio has been in business since 2002.
For twin cake smashes, I create one cohesive set that works beautifully for both. We start with family and sibling photos, then photograph the twins together before it is time for cake. Outfit changes are a great way to add variety without switching sets. This way, parents get a gallery that feels polished and cohesive while still showing each child’s personality.
🌈 The Rainbow Luncheon is one of our favorite NCL events to photograph — a celebration of every hour, every project, every moment these senior girls gave back to their community from 7th–12th grade.
At two years old, most kids have endless energy, and that’s completely normal. The key is to work with it, not against it. For this Sesame Street birthday session, we kept the backdrop fun and colorful, encouraged play, and let her personality shine. The result? A gallery that feels authentic, joyful, and true to this stage of life.
Pro Tip for Parents: Choose a theme your child loves. Their excitement helps keep them engaged and gives you photos that capture their personality at this exact age.
Every newborn session is special, but this one was extra sweet. After three boys, this family welcomed their baby girl!
If you’re booking a newborn session with older siblings, here are a few things to know: 1. Sibling shots are always included. We’ll capture big brothers or sisters meeting their new role. 2. I balance family, sibling, and solo newborn portraits so you get a full story of this season. 3. Don’t worry about energy or chaos. After photographing families for over 20+ years, I’ve seen it all. The goal is connection, not perfection.
Your gallery will reflect your family just as you are … now with a brand new little one to love.”
💗 Save this if you’re planning newborn photos with siblings.
💎 “How do I choose the perfect outfit for a cake smash?”
One of the best ways to elevate your baby’s session is to coordinate their outfit with the set. For this Tiffany & Co. theme, mom went classic…a black dress, pearl necklace, and even tiny sunglasses! It made the whole setup feel polished and timeless while still playful.
Think of colors, accessories, or even a favorite brand that inspires you. The outfit doesn’t just photograph beautifully, it tells the story of this stage in your child’s life.
✨ “Want more cake smash ideas? Save this for inspiration!”
