Palos Verdes Maternity Photoshoot on an Overcast Coastal Evening

Palos Verdes • Los Angeles

Stephanie Ip Photography

Posted on September 8, 2025

From Pandemic Plans to Parenthood

Some stories take time to unfold—and Annie & Rick’s journey is a perfect example. Back in 2022, Annie originally booked a session with friends during the height of social distancing. Plans shifted, life moved forward, and instead of using her deposit then, she held onto it for the right moment.

Fast forward three years, and that moment came: Annie and Rick reached out to use their credit for something even more special—a maternity photoshoot to celebrate the upcoming arrival of their baby.

Choosing Palos Verdes for Their Maternity Session

We decided on Palos Verdes for its scenic coastal views. It’s a place where ocean cliffs meet winding trails and rolling hills—romantic, timeless, and perfect for maternity portraits.

On the day of their shoot, the skies were overcast, creating a soft, airy backdrop. While many couples dream of a fiery sunset, the gray tones of Palos Verdes added a peaceful calm to their photos, making their emotions the brightest part of every frame.

Honoring Their Vision

During our planning call, Annie came prepared with a Pinterest board full of inspiration and clear preferences—what she loved, and just as importantly, what she didn’t want. Together, we tailored the session to match her style, leaning into natural prompts instead of “cheesy” poses.

Rick, relaxed and easygoing, complemented Annie’s thoughtfulness, making it a joy to capture their dynamic. By giving them space to interpret prompts their own way, their personalities and connection came through beautifully.

Posing with Care

Maternity photography calls for sensitivity. Every expecting mother has her own comfort level, and Annie was no exception. We started with gentle walking shots to loosen up, then gradually layered in more intimate poses. Some prompts they weren’t sure about at first ended up becoming favorites—proof that sometimes the best moments are the unplanned ones.

Shabu, our trusty pup sidekick, tagged along in the backpack as always. True to form, she brought a few extra smiles to the session.

Overcast Light, Beautiful Results

While Palos Verdes weather is famously unpredictable, the overcast skies turned out to be a gift. Soft, diffused light kept the focus on Annie’s glow and the couple’s connection, rather than harsh shadows or distractions.

And even though Annie chose to wear black—a color I usually advise against for outdoor sessions—her confidence and presence carried every frame. The final gallery reflects her personality and their love story, not just my recommendations.

From pandemic postponement to parenthood, Annie & Rick’s maternity shoot wasn’t just about photographs—it was about honoring how far they’ve come together.

The session was full of laughter, tenderness, and connection, and the images tell the story of this chapter in their lives: anticipation, love, and the quiet excitement of what’s to come.