Golden Hour Maternity Session in the East Bay  | Baby Boy on the Way
This stunning sunset session was such a sweet celebration of the upcoming arrival of a baby boy! Captured in the East Bay Area, this hour-long maternity session took place during golden hour—the soft, glowy light just before sunset that creates the most dreamy and flattering images.
We scheduled this session right around 34–36 weeks of pregnancy, which is the ideal window for maternity photos. During this time, the bump is beautifully rounded, and most expecting mamas still feel comfortable enough to pose and walk short distances. Booking in advance ensures we can lock in your spot and plan for the best light and location.
This mama wore one of my favorite red maternity gowns from my client wardrobe. All maternity clients have access to my curated collection of dresses that flatter a variety of shapes and sizes, and I also provide a helpful wardrobe guide if you prefer to shop or bring your own. I’m always happy to help with styling—it makes such a difference in how you feel during the shoot!
Planning both maternity + newborn?
When you book both sessions together, you’ll receive $100 off your newborn session. Newborn sessions are held in my cozy Downtown Martinez studio and include all wraps, props, and baby outfits—so all you need to do is show up and relax.
If you’re dreaming of a sunset maternity session like this one, let’s start planning early so we can time it just right. I’d love to document this special chapter for you—from bump to baby.

Now booking maternity sessions in the East Bay Area
Martinez, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Concord, Orinda, Moraga, Alamo, and surrounding areas.
📸 @jessicamccoyphoto | Downtown Martinez Studio

There’s something incredibly special about welcoming a new baby into the studio—and baby Teddy completely stole our hearts.
Teddy came in for his newborn session at just a few days old, and he was an absolute dream to photograph. We started off with family portraits—soft, simple, and full of love. Mom and dad wore beautiful earth tones that complemented Teddy’s cozy, neutral-toned outfit. The love between them was so natural and gentle, making every frame feel magical.
One of my favorite moments from this session was capturing Teddy in the frog pose—a classic newborn position that highlights baby's sweet little features and flexibility (when safely done with support and editing, of course!). Teddy absolutely rocked it!
And because his name is Teddy, we couldn’t resist putting him in a little bear hat for some themed shots—how could we not? A Teddy bear for baby Teddy just made perfect sense, and it was as cute as you can imagine. 🧸✨
As always, this session took place in my cozy Downtown Martinez studio, which is fully stocked with wraps, outfits, and props—so all parents have to do is bring baby and relax. Whether you're a fan of neutral tones or want a bit more color, everything is customized to fit your vision while keeping baby safe and comfortable.
Thank you to this lovely family for trusting me to capture these first, fleeting days with their baby boy.

Interested in booking your newborn session?
The ideal time for photos is when baby is between 1–2 weeks old. I recommend booking while you're still pregnant to secure your spot on the calendar. Reach out anytime—I’d love to help you plan a session that feels just right for your growing family.

Mason family Mini session, Martinez, CA
One of my favorite things about outdoor photography is how much the light changes in just a short time. This sweet family session in Martinez, CA is the perfect example—and here’s something fun: the photos in this post are shared in reverse order, from the end of the shoot to the very beginning.
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By the time we finished our session, the sun had dipped behind the hills and we were left with soft, dreamy light. That gentle glow—often called “blue hour”—creates a calm, romantic feel that’s absolutely magical. Earlier in the session, though, we had full, golden sunshine pouring in, lighting up the field and wrapping everything in warmth. That golden hour sun gave us vibrant, energetic images full of life and glow.

It’s amazing how both lighting styles can tell a different story. Some families love the warmth and sparkle of the sun-drenched golden hour. Others are drawn to the softness and calm of the cooler tones that show up just after sunset.

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to lighting—it’s all about what speaks to you.

Personally, I adore both, but if I had to choose? There’s something magical to me about those last few minutes after the sun sets. The light gets quiet. Everything feels peaceful. It’s a perfect ending to a session, and a beautiful way to wrap up a story.
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Whether you’re team golden hour or team blue hour, I always time my sessions to give you a little bit of both. That way, you get a full range of tones and moods in your gallery—and maybe even discover a new favorite look you didn’t expect.
Ready to book your own family session in Lafayette or beyond? Let’s find the light that feels like you.

Are these Mommy and Me photos just to die for?  They were the highlight of the session for me