Tips for a Sunset Beach Maternity Shoot | Malibu, California
Sunset at the beach is absolutely stunning and breathtaking. As someone whoās lived my whole life in the little coastal city of Malibu, California, Iāve always had a deep appreciation and love for the spectacular colors that come from the sun setting over the ocean.
Thatās why I absolutely adore planning a Sunset Beach Maternity Shoot for my clients.
I know every Momma to be who steps in front of my camera is going to have beautiful images that they will treasure for the rest of their lives.
Hereās how you can have an amazing Sunset Beach Maternity Shoot as well!
Why Choose a Sunset Beach Maternity Shoot?
I often get asked by inquiring clients whether they should book a sunset, sunrise, or if Iāll do a midday session because thatās what works for their schedule.
I will almost always recommend booking a sunset session (especially here in Malibu thanks to the marine layer!).
Sunset has the prettiest light, which is the #1 factor during photoshoots.
The light is soft, glowing, and depending on the time of the year, it sets beautifully over the ocean creating the absolutely DREAMIEST images.
Best Beaches for a Sunset Maternity Session
West Facing Beaches
The best beaches for a Sunset Beach Maternity Shoot are any beaches on the West Coast, or that have a West facing beach.
Another factor is the landscape of the beaches. Do the beaches have beautiful rock formations, wide sandy shores, beautiful grassy dunes, etc.?
Here in Malibu, we have several beautiful beaches that are perfect for Maternity Sessions.
Want to Learn More About Malibuās Beaches?
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What to Expect during your Sunset Maternity Session
Timing
You should plan to meet your photographer around 90 minutes before sunset, that way you donāt miss out on any beautiful lighting!
The most important thing to remember is we are on the suns time, and it waits for no one!
There is a little bit of wiggle room at the beach, since we also get about 15 minutes of beautiful āBlue Hourā lighting after the sun dips below the horizon.
Posing & Prompts
Personally during my Maternity sessions, I like to give a good mix of beautiful posing and playful prompts.
I find the most beautiful, flattering light on the beach and work there for as long as I am able. I keep moving down the beach or change up my angles as the sun gets lower.
Safety Tips
First of all, itās super important to book a photographer who is familiar with the beach if youāre planning on having a beach session. Waves and the tides have a huge role to play in the safety of your session.
Tides: Each beach handles tides differently. El Matador beach in Malibu, for example, gets unsafe if the tide is above 4ft. Zuma, Westward, or any other wide beaches is relatively safe during high tides, unless weāre having an extreme hightide and the water is making itās way into the parking lot. Make sure your photographer checks the tide chart for your session date and plans accordingly.
Waves: Getting in the water can add an element of beauty to your session, however, if the waves are big donāt get in. Itās not worth getting knocked over.
Layers: You should always bring layers to your session incase itās cold and windy around sunset. Would you believe me if I said that it can actually be colder at the beach in the summer than in winter in Malibu? During the summer it heats up inland and sucks the cold ocean air over the land. During the winter thereās not nearly as much wind so itās actually a lot warmer.
Shoes: Wear shoes that you can easily take on and off. You most likely wont be wearing shoes down in the sand. But you need to protect your feet walking to and from your car before and after the session. And thereās nothing worse than putting socks on wet feet.
Print Ideas from your Sunset Beach Maternity Shoot
The images from your Sunset Beach Maternity Shoot are more than a gallery to post online. Itās a piece of your story, captured in one of natureās most serene and romantic settings. These images are meant to be printed, cherished, and displayed in ways that bring daily joy and connection. Here are a few timeless and intentional print ideas to preserve your lavender session beyond the screen:
Framed Wall Art
You can go two directions with your display:
A large, singular statement piece - Perfect for that one breathtaking image: a sweeping coupleās portrait, a golden hour maternity silhouette, or your entire family framed by rows of lavender. This creates an anchor for a bedroom, living room, or hallway and serves as a daily reminder of that calm, connected moment.
A curated gallery wall ā Tell the full story of your session with a collection of prints. Mix sizes (like 11x14s with 8x10s and 5x7s) or keep them uniform for a minimalist look. This works beautifully for family sessions, capturing different combinationsājust the kids, just the parents, candid in-betweens, and wide scenic shots.
Framing Tip: Choose soft-toned frames like light wood, matte black, or off-white to complement the natural hues of the lavender field without overwhelming the photo.
Heirloom Photo Albums
An album tells the full story of your session, from wide establishing shots to quiet in-between moments.
Best for: Families or maternity sessions with multiple outfit changes or playful prompts
Details to include: Written captions, the date, or a short note to your baby or partner
These become treasured keepsakesāperfect for flipping through with your children years down the road.
Small Prints & Matted Sets
For a more flexible option, print your session as a set of matted 5x7s or 8x10s that can be rotated seasonally or gifted.
Best for: Highlighting individual portraits of each family member or a favorite maternity pose
Display in: A gallery wall, a tabletop frame, or inside a linen print box for safekeeping
They also make beautiful gifts for grandparents or loved ones.
Thank You Cards & Announcements
If your session celebrates an engagement, pregnancy, or growing family, consider using one of your favorite images in custom stationery.
Examples:
Engagement thank you cards
āWeāre Expectingā announcements
Holiday cards from your lavender family session
Pairing beautiful imagery with purpose makes the memory even more meaningful.
āMegan is stellar!! Not only did the photos turn out amazing, the actual photoshoot was so much fun. I really wanted to capture the magic and beauty of my first pregnancy, and Meganās work blew me away. The spot she recommended had perfect lighting and conditions for the shoot, and she really took her time. Thank you again!ā
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About Megan W Photography
Megan is a Fine Art Maternity, Couples, and Family photographer who was born, raised, and is still living in Malibu, CA. She is here to capture you and your loved ones in images that you will want to cherish, and pass down to future generations.
Not only is she a photographer, but she is a mother, wife, daughter, and sister.
Maternity, family, and couples hold a special place in her heart because she knows how quickly time flies by. Megan W Photography wants to help you preserve those sweet little smiles, those tender, affectionate moments, and the love you share with each other.
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Hi! Iām Megan
Iām a luxury, Malibu, CA based photographer who specializes in Maternity, Couples, and families. I serve Los Angeles and Ventura County, as well as all of California. I value tangible, heirloom art pieces versus digital and I focus on quality over quantity.
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