This Poway maternity session at the Iron Mountain trailhead was a really special one. Iron Mountain is one of my favorite local locations, and golden hour there never disappoints. Madison and her husband are repeat clients of mine, so getting to photograph this new chapter of their growing family felt really meaningful. With Marcus away on deployment, this session was a quiet moment to celebrate everything she’s been carrying.
Madison looked so beautiful in the golden light as the sun set, and her two tiny chihuahuas, Bean and Mowgli, absolutely stole the show. It was a peaceful, glowing evening in the mountains – simple, sweet, and perfectly Madison. Enjoy highlights from this Poway maternity session!
Quick Tips for Planning Your Maternity Session:
1. Plan Your Session Around Light
Golden hour (1–2 hours before sunset) gives dreamy, flattering light — perfect for portraits
2. Get Your Hair & Makeup Done
This is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself!
3. Give Yourself Extra Time
Especially if you choose a popular location, make sure to give yourself some extra time for traveling and finding parking
4. What To Wear
Neutrals such as tan, cream, ivory, gray, and off-white are easiest on the eyes and blend well with any backdrop. Muted blues, greens, and pinks can also compliment a variety of skin tones. Avoid bright colors and bold designs. Finally, make sure you feel comfortable in your outfit – you should like how you look when you look in the mirror, and how the outfit makes you feel
5. Trust Your Photographer
Let them guide you with posing, lighting, and timing — it’s what they do best!
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San Diego In-Studio Maternity Photos
Jade Maria is a hybrid wedding and portrait photographer based in San Diego, California. With a fine art approach, her photography style is romantic, soft, and organic – influenced by the timeless aesthetics of film photography.
