Motherhood in its most luminous form. As a luxury Bay Area maternity photographer, I create editorial-quality portraits that capture pregnancy as the transformative art form it truly is. This season demands more than documentation—it deserves to be rendered in light, shadow, and movement with the depth and sophistication of fine art. I specialize in timeless maternity imagery: intimate, unrushed, and distinctly you. Each session celebrates the quiet power of expectation, the raw beauty of your changing body, and the profound connection at the heart of this chapter.
★★★★★ 5-star rated on Google
Simply inquiry with your due date!
Bay Area Maternity Photographer
GOLDEN HOUR MATERNITY SESSIONS FOR GROWING FAMILIES ACROSS THE EAST BAY & TRI-VALLEY
I'm Vanessa!
Behind the camera, I’m a wife, a mom, a lover of beautiful light, and someone who genuinely believes the best photographs happen when you feel completely comfortable being yourself.
I know this season from the inside: the excitement, the nerves, the way your body changes faster than you can keep up with, and how quickly it all goes. That’s why I approach every maternity session gently and without rush.
I’m naturally calm and observant, which means I’m often noticing the little things: the way your partner rests a hand on your belly without thinking, the soft laugh when the baby kicks, the way you instinctively cradle your bump, or the quiet look you share as the sun goes down. Those are the photographs that become more meaningful with time.
I want your session to feel easy, never stiff or staged. I’ll guide you gently with where to stand and how to move, so you can relax into the moment and simply be together while golden hour does the rest.
When I’m not photographing growing families, you’ll usually find me with my own family, exploring somewhere new, or chasing beautiful golden-hour light across the East Bay. I’m endlessly inspired by the places I photograph, but even more so by the families who invite me into such an important chapter of their lives.
Your pregnancy is about so much more than photographs. I’m here to make sure you can remember how it felt, right before everything changed.
adrianne
sarah
katie
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Maternity Photography That Feels Like You
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katie
Some of my favorite places for maternity photos in the Bay Area are the rolling hills around Brentwood, the vineyards of Livermore wine country and open-space trails in Walnut Creek and Dublin. Each offers soft, warm light in the hour before sunset, perfect for flowing gowns and quiet moments together. I’ll help you choose a location that fits your style, and most pregnancy sessions take place between 28 and 34 weeks.
Northern california Maternity
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Sarah
Photographed in Walnut Creek during golden hour, this maternity session was filled with warmth and quiet anticipation. The soft evening light and rolling hills created the perfect backdrop for portraits that feel natural and refined.
Their connection was effortless — full of laughter, tenderness, and excitement for the baby they’re about to welcome. These images reflect not just pregnancy, but the love and anticipation that surround it.
Golden Hour Maternity
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adrianne
Bathed in golden evening light across the East Bay, this maternity session felt soft, intimate, and deeply meaningful. The quiet strength and natural radiance she carried made every portrait feel effortless and authentic.
As they savored these final weeks before welcoming their baby, their connection spoke volumes — a beautiful reminder of how love expands in the waiting.
East Bay Maternity Photography
Initiate the process by reaching out through my contact page. I'll walk you through the entire session experience, addressing any questions you may have along the way.
1. Inquire
Now that you are ready to make some amazing memories with your family, I need you on my calendar! I will send you a contract and a retainer to complete the booking process. Once your documents are complete and the retainer is paid, I will then send you a welcome guide with lots of information on what to expect during your session. We'll work together on Styling to ensure you're feeling well prepared.
2. Get on my calendar
I love speaking to my clients over the phone because I enjoy connecting with them as much as possible! If you aren’t a phone person, that’s not a problem. Emails are totally fine! But if you want to schedule a call, I will get you scheduled as soon as possible! During our calls, we will discuss your family, styling, locations, and what to expect during and after your session.
3. Ask me anything
Today is the day we capture your growing belly! From family poses to enchanting props and posing, we'll seamlessly transition through a uniquely tailored session filled with laughter and unforgettable moments. The entire process, approximately 45-60 minutes, promises a joyful exploration for you, your partner, and your family members.
Throughout, I'll guide you with professional prompts and encouragement, ensuring a stress-free and memorable experience. Sit back and relax while I work my magic!
4. Your portrait session
Congratulations! Your maternity session was a success. I am so excited for you, and can’t wait for you to see the images that were captured during your session.
Your online gallery reveal will be ready within 1-2 weeks of your session. This is when you will choose a collection. Once the remaining balance is paid, I'll finalize your images within 2-3 weeks and deliver your gorgeous maternity gallery.
5. Your photographs
Maternity Sessions begin at
$550
Maternity Session Pricing
"We had the best experience taking our maternity photos with Vanessa! She put us instantly at ease and it was such a special, meaningful experience for us. The pictures were beautiful and her turnaround was so quick even though I know she's still very busy with wedding season! We can't wait to work with Vanessa more as our family grows!"
Sarah
"We had the best experience taking our maternity photos with Vanessa! She put us instantly at ease and it was such a special, meaningful experience for us. The pictures were beautiful and her turnaround was so quick! We can't wait to work with Vanessa more as our family grows!"
Katie
Maternity Photography FAQs
Q: When is the best time to schedule my maternity photos?
A: Most families book between 28 and 34 weeks, when your bump is beautifully round but you’re still comfortable moving around. I recommend reaching out early in your pregnancy, since golden hour dates fill quickly. photos, aim for golden hour light and consider the season to add a dreamy, natural touch.
Q: What should I wear for my maternity session?
A: Wear clothes that feel good and match the vibe of the location—think soft and flowy for nature, sleek and clean for city or studio. Skip logos and busy patterns, and don’t worry—I’ll send you a style guide to help you choose.
Q: Do you offer maternity and newborn packages?
A: Yes! Many of my families book both, so they can capture the anticipation of pregnancy and those first sweet days with their new baby. Maternity sessions are 60 minutes at golden hour, usually between 28 and 34 weeks. Your newborn session is a relaxed, in-home lifestyle session, ideally 5 to 14 days after birth. When you book both together, you’ll receive a discount, and I’ll hold flexible newborn dates around your due date. Payment plans are available. Just reach out with your due date and I’ll send full details.
Q: Do you travel outside the Bay Area?
A: Absolutely! I’m based in Brentwood and photograph maternity sessions throughout the East Bay and Tri-Valley, including Livermore, Dublin, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek and Danville, with no travel fee for most local sessions. I also love traveling for the right session, whether that’s wine country in Napa and Sonoma, the coast in Carmel, or the mountains at Lake Tahoe. Travel fees may apply for locations farther away. Just mention where you’re dreaming of when you reach out, and we’ll figure out the details together.
I can’t wait to hear your story. Fill this out and I’ll be in touch soon!
You may also head straight to my calendar and book time together here!
I typically respond within 24 hours with gentle help with dates, pricing, and planning.
Email: vanessamontanophotography@gmail.com
Call or Text: 925-413-9949
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