A lifestyle maternity session documents your pregnancy journey with 80% natural connection and 20% soft guidance. I take the lead with lighting and posing at Peninsula locations like Woodside Fioli, Los Altos Redwood Grove, or the Palo Alto hills. We recommend scheduling between weeks 28 and 34 for the most beautifully defined bump and maternal comfort.
If you’re looking for maternity photos that feel relaxed and true to your story, my sessions remove the pressure to perform. From the tree-lined streets of Burlingame’s Easton Addition to the rugged cliffs of the coast, I lead the flow so you can stay present and focused on the life you are carrying.
Capturing the sentimental beauty of a growing family requires a steady lead. Victor, a parent in Atherton, chose a quiet forest setting near the Redwood Grove Nature Preserve to document this fleeting milestone. My goal was to capture their real-life connection among the filtered light of the Peninsula's oldest trees.
— Victor, Peninsula Parent
"We had our maternity session with Ellen and had such a wonderful and fun time. The memories she captured are stunning and are something we will keep forever."
— Brett S., San Mateo Parent.
"Ellen made the entire maternity shoot feel effortless and fun for my wife and me. We requested a last-minute location change and she quickly pivoted... the photos are stunning—natural, heartfelt, and exactly what we hoped for."
I specialize in the 'Well-Led Pivot,' managing Peninsula weather so you don't have to. Brett, a local San Mateo Park parent, appreciated how I suggested the calm waters of the Foster City Lagoon as a beautiful alternative spot. We utilized the Leo Ryan Park boardwalk and gazebo to ensure their motherhood story felt radiant even when coastal conditions shifted.
“Working with Ellen was an absolute joy! She made the entire maternity shoot feel effortless and fun for my wife and me."
- Brett, Peninsula Dad
Motherhood stories are all-inclusive, featuring a full-hour experience and your complete digital gallery. I handle the logistics from weather monitoring our local microclimates to location scouting the perfect hidden gem in Palo Alto or Hillsborough. Every session includes a Luxury Family Album so these milestones live in your hands forever.
I offer clear direction that helps your body settle into natural, flattering movement in radiant light.
We schedule between 28 and 34 weeks, choosing the exact window when you feel most energetic.
Partners & Toddlers Included
I meet your children where they are, using a play-based approach so older siblings feel comfortable and celebrated.
Styled for Confidence
I help you choose neutral textures, like linen or soft knits, from brands like Quince that photograph beautifully in our coastal fog.
Maternity sessions are designed around your energy and your life. I take a steady lead so you don't have to manage a thing.
Step into a fairytale among the towering redwoods of the Redwood Grove Nature Preserve. This hidden gem near University Avenue offers a quiet, enchanted forest vibe perfect for an intimate motherhood story. I guide you along the stroller-friendly boardwalks, capturing the filtered redwood light that beautifully defines your bump in a serene, natural setting.
Experience the calm of the Foster City Lagoon with a well-led session at Leo Ryan Park. The 20-acre grounds offer iconic waterfront views and lush lawns that glow during the magical golden hour. I take the lead with lighting, utilizing the way the sunset reflects off the water to create a radiant motherhood story.
Celebrate your legacy at Filoli Gardens, the Peninsula's premier historic estate in Woodside. From the Gilded Age mansion to the 16 acres of formal gardens, every corner offers a masterpiece backdrop. I guide you through the secret garden paths, ensuring your motherhood story feels both grand and deeply intimate.