Planning a maternity beach session in Key West can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. With its turquoise waters, swaying palms, and pastel architecture, Key West truly is a tropical paradise “one of the most photogenic places in the United States”. The island’s year-round warmth and over 3,400 hours of sunshine mean we can often find beautiful light any time of year. But to get that truly dreamy, soft glow, local photographers recommend timing sessions for the golden hours right after sunrise or just before sunset. Early mornings on Key West beaches are especially tranquil, with pastel dawn skies and nearly empty shores, while late afternoons bring warm, golden hues as the sun dips toward the horizon.
Key West’s climate is tropical warm and humid in summer with frequent short showers, and mild in winter. The best months for comfortable weather are spring and late fall through early winter. These shoulder seasons have warm, pleasant temperatures (around 75–84°F) and lower humidity. In contrast, summer months can be very hot, humid, and prone to afternoon storms and even tropical weather. If you visit in summer, plan an early-morning shoot to avoid the midday heat. In winter, Key West stays mild (highs ~70–80°F), so even December is great for a session, though the water cools a bit. And because hurricane season peaks in late summer/early fall, booking in those months carries more uncertainty. Generally, aim for spring or fall for the nicest weather and light.
Choosing the right outfit is key for both comfort and style. We always recommend flowy fabrics and simple colors that won’t distract from your baby bump. Long, flowing dresses especially those made of light chiffon or tull are classic for beach maternity sessions. The way the fabric catches the ocean breeze and soft light can create ethereal, fine-art images. For example, a sheer pastel gown beautifully illuminates in backlight, highlighting the bump and adding a gentle glow. In general, soft neutrals and pastels photograph beautifully against the sand and sky. Strong patterns or bright neon colors can draw the eye away from your bump, so we suggest mostly solids or very subtle prints. Earth tones and jewel tones can also look stunning if they fit your style.
Comfort is paramount. Choose outfits that hug your bump in flattering ways without feeling tight. Empire-waist or form-fitting maxi dresses and wrap dresses tend to accentuate the belly nicely. Stretchy fabrics that gently cling to your curves are usually more flattering than stiff materials. If you opt for a flowy dress, be prepared to adjust it when we do close-up bump shots, or let a gentle breeze waft it for movement. Layering is also smart: Key West evenings can cool off, so consider bringing a shawl or loose cardigan that complements your outfit.
Footwear should be simple. On the beach we’re usually barefoot for the best natural look, but bring easy sandals or flip-flops for walking to locations. If you do want shoes in a few photos, carry a pair of nude or neutral wedges, wedges, or flats to change into for a moment. Above all, you should feel comfortable moving around, so avoid anything too high or restrictive.
Some mamas even choose a more modern or casual look for part of their session. For example, a simple two-piece set can look effortless and let you show off the bump exactly as you wish. And if you love being poolside, why not bring a stylish maternity swimsuit or bikini? Paired with a sheer kimono or a long cover-up, swimwear can make for a bold, editorial feel in the photos. If you go this route, stick to solid colors and remember to bring an extra cover for modesty between shots. Above all, wear what makes you feel beautiful and confident that will show in the photos much more than any particular outfit choice.
A relaxed session is all about capturing genuine moments not stiff, forced poses. Our approach is to give gentle guidance rather than rigid instructions, so you can move and interact naturally. We often start with simple, comfortable poses and then let things flow from there.
One of the most flattering and natural poses is hands on the belly. You will instinctively want to cradle your bump, and this draws attention to the baby gently. Try one or both hands below the bump or just resting softly on top. You can also play with different placements to see what feels right. Another classic is to angle your body 45° to the camera, which accentuates the bump profile. Straight-on shots are fine if your bump is pronounced, but we’ll also do plenty of side-view shots where you turn your body so the camera sees your belly profile.
Body language is important. Keep your posture straight but relaxed: roll your shoulders back and lift your chin slightly to avoid a double chin or slouched look. If you feel unsure, try resting one foot forward and slightly bending that knee, which can look very flattering. You can sit or kneel in the sand as well just be mindful that sitting might compress the belly, so we often do standing poses as the default for a taller, elegant look. However, if you’re more comfortable on the ground, we’ll adapt the angle to shoot up at you so nothing looks awkward. If your partner or other children are with you, we’ll incorporate family poses too maybe dad hugging you from behind with hands on the belly, or the little ones kissing your bump. We’ll guide them to “squeeze all the air out” between you in a sweet, intimate way, capturing real smiles.
A key tip: connect with your emotions. Think about the joy and excitement of meeting your baby. Allow yourselves to laugh, talk or share tender moment candid shots of real emotion are some of the most cherished. If you feel nervous, don’t worry! We’ll move slowly and encourage you throughout. In fact, a good maternity photographer will let you take breaks whenever needed and will be your personal “hype team” cheering you on so you feel radiant and at ease. We promise there will be lots of laughter and gentle direction, and the more relaxed you are, the more beautiful your photos will turn out.
The beach environment is gorgeous but can present challenges bright sun, gusty wind, and sandy ground. We plan around these to keep you comfortable. As mentioned, golden hour is our friend. Shooting about an hour before sunset will bathe you in soft, warm light and avoid harsh midday shadows. At midday or in direct sun, the light can be unflattering, so if we must shoot then, we use shade, reflectors, or even off-camera flash to fill in shadows. Our photographers often scout a bit in advance: for a morning shoot, we might start under palm tree shade with the bright background, and for midday we can position you so the sun is behind or overhead and use a strong flash. A skilled natural-light photographer can even capture beautiful sun flares when timed right.
Wind can be both a blessing and a trick. A gentle breeze animates flowy dresses and adds movement to hair for a dreamy effect. In our experience, letting a soft veil or gown blow in the breeze often yields stunning portraits. However, a very strong wind might make hair into a face-covering or chill you. We suggest loosely styling long hair and having hair ties or clips on hand just in case. We’re happy to help smooth stray hairs between shots so you still get those gorgeous windblown looks without tangles. We can also drape a lightweight blanket or shawl around your shoulders if needed to keep you warm during cooler or blustery moments.
Sun protection is essential on sunny days. Have sunscreen on, bring a hat for shade between shots, and drink plenty of water. Hydrating well in the days before and the morning of your shoot will keep your skin glowing and help you feel your best. A small coastal location like Key West often has low humidity after sunset, but the ocean breeze can make you chilly quickly once the sun is down that’s why a wrap or cardigan is a smart idea. If we shoot right after the sun sets, we’ll also capture some twilight shots: the sky turns soft blue and the lamps begin to glow, creating a romantic finale to the session.
Lastly, watch the tides and timing. Check local tide schedules: extreme high tide can reduce beach space, and very low tide exposes too many rocks. We typically aim for a mid-tide where the sand is wet and reflective but you still have plenty of smooth shore to walk on. We’re familiar with the island and will pick the best sand and tide settings for photos.
Good preparation ensures a stress-free photoshoot. A few days in advance, take extra care of yourself. Stay hydrated, moisturize your skin and get plenty of rest. It’s a fun idea to pamper yourself with a fresh manicure, pedicure, and simple hair-and-makeup session you deserve it, and those little details will shine in the photos. If it’s in your budget, booking a professional makeup artist can be very rewarding. If not, apply makeup a shade stronger than usual and go for a natural, glowing look.
Coordinate with anyone joining you. If your partner or children are in the shoot, plan their outfits to complement yours. Soft neutrals for him and simple, solid colors for siblings are easiest this keeps the focus on you and the vibe, not on loud patterns. Pack a small bag with essentials: water bottles, healthy snacks, a comb or brush, hair ties, tissues, and any touch-up makeup. If you’ll want multiple looks, bring an extra outfit. One of us can hold an umbrella or towel in between takes if you want shade or seating. In our experience, even the smallest comforts go a long way in keeping everyone calm.
Think about props, too. Personal items like an ultrasound photo, baby shoes, or a small sign with the baby’s name can add a sweet, personal touch. We love incorporating these as storytelling elements. If you have a favorite hat, scarf, or piece of baby gear, bring it along. But remember the focus is on you and your baby bump, so don’t overburden yourself. We also recommend scheduling your shoot a couple of weeks in advance of when you plan to do it; Key West sunsets can fill up early, and you’ll want wiggle room in case of rain.
Come to the session ready to have fun and trust your photographer. A good photographer will make you feel at ease our job is to put you in natural poses, encourage genuine smiles, and even crack a few jokes to get real laughter. We encourage you to walk, talk, dance, or do whatever feels right. You won’t be left wondering what to do; we’ll guide you step by step. And if you feel tired at any point, just tell us breaks are completely fine. Think of the session as a celebration of this beautiful chapter of your life, and we’ll make sure it feels that way.
One of the joys of shooting in Key West is the variety of stunning backdrops all within a short drive. Here are a few favorite local spots:
Each location has its charm: palm-fringed sand, historic forts, pilings on the pier, or even urban Caribbean style. When we plan your session, we’ll discuss which setting best fits your vision. In any case, Key West’s laid-back island ambiance and this mix of scenery ensure your maternity photos are truly one-of-a-kind.
Working with a Lifestyle & Candid Photographer
At Senses at Play Photography, we specialize in a lifestyle/candid approach that means your session is more like a gentle photo-walk with friends than a stiff photo shoot. What does this look like in practice? Expect lots of movement and emotion, and very little standing in one “obligatory” pose. We guide you into simple, flattering, then let you interact naturally. We love capturing the in-between moments: you laughing at a silly comment, slowly strolling hand-in-hand down the water’s edge, or your partner whispering to your belly. These unscripted instants often become the most cherished photos because they show real joy.
We’ll never rush you. There’s always time for a break, a sip of water, or a belly scratch. If you feel nervous or awkward, just say so as the photographer, we’re here to reassure you and keep the mood light. Our goal is for you to feel relaxed, so that relaxation shows up on camera. We’ll be encouraging and positive throughout, giving you plenty of smiles and fun prompts to get genuine, radiant expressions. For example, I might say, “Alright mama, twirl around like it’s a dance on the beach,” or “Tell him a secret something funny and just listen.” The result is often real belly laughs and natural interaction, exactly what lifestyle imagery is all about.
In short, when you work with us, you can expect a personalized, gentle experience. We might ask you to do some poses, but mostly we focus on celebrating this moment in your life. The final images will look candid and organic like you two were simply living in that beautiful place, and we happened to freeze a few seconds of it. By the end of the session, you’ll likely feel confident, joyful, and proud of how you look and so will we when we unveil your fine-art maternity portraits.
Pregnancy is such a special season, and the beach backdrop of Key West is the perfect way to celebrate it. At Senses at Play Photography, we understand the unique needs of expectant mothers, and our lifestyle/candid style will make you feel comfortable and natural throughout the shoot. We provide personalized help with wardrobe choices, location scouting, and any on-the-day details all to ensure your session is relaxed, fun, and beautiful.
Whether you dream of soft sunrise portraits at Smathers Beach, a romantic sunset at Fort Zach, or a colorful urban-sunset look at Mallory Square, we’ve got you covered. Our fine-art approach means your images will be not only a documentation of this time, but works of art you’ll treasure forever.
Ready to capture your glowing maternity moments on the sand? Contact Senses at Play today to plan your session. We can’t wait to work with you and create something truly magical as you await your little one!
