Maternity Photography Session, UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens | Xilo Photography

The Brown’s are a fun and playful couple expecting their first little one. They contacted me for a Maternity Photography Session at their home in Oakland and at UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens. Our session began as an intimate documentary style maternity to outdoor lifestyle and it was amazing!

In-Home, Intimate Maternity Photography- Oakland

The first session was an intimate one, where Mama was able to celebrate the change of her body and expectations of what was to come. The beginning of the session was on their bed, with Dad joining in, and then moved to their couch and window in their living room. In home sessions allow Mamas to feel more comfortable and empowered. Any home, regardless of size or decor, allows for creative portraits that celebrate life and the change to come.

Outdoor Maternity, Berkeley Botanical Gardens

After finishing the first part of our session we piled into our cars and arrived at UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens about an hour before sunset. We began in the front near the desert cactus and used the variety of greens and flowers on the cactus as a gorgeous background.

From there, we traveled down the trail to the bridge that crosses the creek running through the garden. I used my 85mm to focus in on Mama to be. I love the bokeh in the background that this creates outside of my normal 35mm.

Afterward, we meandered through the greenhouses and rest of the gardens we stopped to dance salsa- Dad is a practicing dancer! I had them play games to elicit their connection and love, and talked about their impending birth.

I had an incredible time with the Browns! I’m so excited I was able to meet and capture who they are before baby!