A Summer Family Maternity Session at Home + Golden Hour in Boulder, Colorado

Krystal and Khush are expecting their second baby, and for their maternity photos, they wanted to document more than just the bump. They wanted photographs of this particular season of life: summer at home with their son, Ziyan, alongside a more traditional golden hour maternity session. So we did both—starting with a playful afternoon at their house and ending in a nearby Boulder open space as the sun went down.

Starting at Home, Then Heading Outside

I loved splitting this family maternity session between two locations because each gave us something completely different.

We started in their backyard with popsicles on the deck, jumping on the trampoline, bubbles, and toys. It was playful and easy, and Ziyan could just be himself in a place he already knew. After a while, we moved inside and slowed things down with some art together on the playroom floor.

Later, we drove to a nearby open space for the second half of the session. The energy shifted naturally as the afternoon turned into golden hour—the photographs became quieter, more tender, and a little more romantic. In the distance, we could see a rainstorm moving across the landscape while the setting sun gave us the most beautiful light.

Having both settings gave them such a varied collection: their actual everyday life at home alongside photographs that really focused on Krystal’s pregnancy and this last stretch of time as a family of three.

What to Wear for an At-Home Maternity Session

Krystal’s outfit for the at-home portion was one of my favorite parts of the session. Her red shorts felt relaxed and slightly retro, which worked so well for a summer afternoon spent eating popsicles and playing in the backyard.

I also encouraged her to let her bump show. It fit the casual, hot-summer-day feeling of the photographs while keeping the pregnancy at the center of the story.

More than anything, everyone wore clothes they could actually move in. For family photos—especially with young kids—comfort makes a difference. You want to be able to sit on the floor, jump on the trampoline, scoop up your child, and move around without thinking too much about what you’re wearing.

When the Rain Works in Your Favor

On my drive to their house, it was raining, and I was nervous we might lose the outdoor portion of the session altogether.

Instead, the storm moved past us. By the time we reached the open space, the rain was falling farther north while we stayed dry—and it left us with incredible golden-hour light and a dramatic Colorado sky in the background.

It was a good reminder that summer weather in Colorado doesn’t always require a change of plans. Sometimes waiting it out gives you something even better than the forecast suggested.

Planning Your Own Boulder Maternity Photos

If you’re expecting, your maternity session doesn’t have to be just one thing. It can be playful and intimate, at home and outdoors, focused on your growing baby while still making plenty of room for the family you already have.

If a maternity session that feels like your family sounds right to you, I’d love to hear what this season of life looks like for you and plan something around it.