There is something so special about summertime in New York. Long golden evenings, salty ocean air, barefoot walks in the sand, and warm city nights all create the dreamiest backdrop for celebrating your growing family. If you’re expecting a baby this year, a summer maternity session in NYC or The Hamptons is the perfect way to remember this fleeting season of anticipation and joy.
In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite summer maternity photoshoot ideas, including what to wear for summer maternity photos, the best time for a summer maternity session, and my go-to outdoor locations in both New York City and The Hamptons.
Why Summer Is So Magical For Maternity Photos
Summer has a natural sense of ease that photographs beautifully. For outdoor maternity photos, summer offers some of the most flattering natural light and the widest range of locations, from the city skyline at sunset to quiet stretches of beach at sunrise.
The days are longer, which means we can pick a time that works best around your energy levels. Many expecting moms feel most comfortable early in the morning or later in the day, and in the summer, we can still catch that soft, golden light at both times. And if you’re spending weekends out east, a Hamptons maternity session can be woven seamlessly into your summer vacation.
What To Wear For Summer Maternity Photos
One of the most common questions I’m asked is what to wear for summer maternity photos. The key is to choose outfits that feel comfortable, move beautifully, and reflect your personal style while keeping you cool.
Flowy dresses are always my first suggestion. Lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk photograph so gracefully, especially when a soft breeze catches the hem. Soft neutrals - ivory, cream, sand, blush, pale blue, and muted pastels- tend to be most flattering in summer light and work beautifully against both city and beach backdrops. These colors also keep the focus on you and your baby bump, not your clothing.
Maxi dresses with an empire waist or subtle smocking around the ribs are particularly lovely for maternity sessions. They gently highlight your bump without feeling tight or restrictive. If you love a bit of movement, consider a dress with a tiered skirt or a wrap style that adds natural shape. For more tailored looks, a simple, well-fitted midi dress can look incredibly chic in an NYC setting.
For partners and older children, aim for a coordinated but not perfectly matching palette. Think soft blues, whites, khakis, or light gray. Avoid bold logos, heavy patterns, or overly bright neons, as they can distract from the emotion of the images and reflect oddly in the sun. Barefoot on the beach or simple sandals in the city keep things feeling relaxed and timeless.
The Best Time For A Summer Maternity Session
Light is everything in photography, and in the summer, timing becomes especially important. The best time for a summer maternity session outdoors is almost always during “golden hour” - either just after sunrise or just before sunset.
For NYC and The Hamptons in the summer months, sunrise sessions typically begin very early, often around 8:00 - 9:00 a.m., depending on the time of season. The light is incredibly soft and flattering then, and we also benefit from quieter streets, empty beaches, and cooler temperatures.
Evening golden hour, about 60–90 minutes before sunset, is another favorite. The sun is lower in the sky, creating that warm, glowing light that’s so dreamy for outdoor maternity photos. We can time your session so we’re shooting during that last hour of light when everything looks warm, soft, and romantic.
Dreamy Outdoor Locations In NYC
New York City offers endless summer maternity photoshoot ideas, especially if you love the energy of the city but want a soft, romantic feel to your images. Central Park is a classic for a reason. In summer, it’s lush and green, with winding paths, stone bridges, and quiet lawns that feel worlds away from the busy streets. We might wander near Bethesda Terrace, stroll along tree-lined walkways, or find a sun-dappled spot by the lake. The park offers a mix of nature and iconic NYC scenery that works beautifully for a maternity session.
You can visit my blog post about The Ultimate Guide to Family Session in Central Park, NYC for more of my favorite locations and outfit ideas.
Brooklyn Bridge Park is another favorite, especially if you love a bit of city skyline in your photos. The combination of waterfront views, greenery, cobblestone streets, and that unmistakable Manhattan backdrop makes for stunning outdoor maternity photos in summer. As the sun sets behind the skyline, we can capture both the drama of the city and tender, quiet moments between you and your partner.
For something more neighborhood-focused, the West Village or Brooklyn Heights offer charming streets lined with historic brownstones, leafy trees, and beautiful stoops. These locations are wonderful if you imagine your session feeling like a gentle evening walk through the city, holding hands and pausing wherever the light is prettiest.
Beachy Summer Maternity Sessions In The Hamptons
If you’re spending time out east, The Hamptons is a dream for summer maternity photos. The combination of open skies, sand, sea grass, and soft ocean waves creates a soothing, airy backdrop that feels both luxurious and relaxed.
Beaches in places like Montauk, Amagansett, or Bridgehampton offer wide, open views and beautiful dunes that photograph beautifully at both sunrise and sunset. For outdoor maternity photos in summer, I especially love sessions that begin in the dunes with tall grass swaying and end with bare feet at the water’s edge as the sun dips low. The colors at this time of evening are incredibly flattering - soft pinks, golds, and blues that complement light, neutral wardrobes.
For more ideas for the best spots for family photos in the Hamptons, check out my blog post, where I share more about my favorite beaches, locations, and session ideas for your family photos.
If you’re dreaming up your own summer maternity photoshoot ideas in NYC or The Hamptons, I’d love to help you plan every detail and bring that vision to life. Fill out our contact page here, and congratulations on your bundle of joy!