Anastasia State Park
Anastasia State Park offers miles of beach and natural dunes that create a stunning backdrop for maternity photos. The park sits on Anastasia Island and provides access to both the ocean and more secluded areas away from crowds.
The beach here features soft sand and gentle waves that photograph well during any time of day. Early morning sessions capture the calm water and soft light, while afternoon shoots benefit from the park’s natural shade areas among the dunes and sea oats.
Planning Your Session at Anastasia
The park requires a small entrance fee per vehicle, and parking fills quickly on weekends during tourist season. Arriving 30 minutes before your scheduled session time ensures you find parking and can walk to your chosen spot without rushing.
The boardwalks throughout the park make it easy to access different areas, even in late pregnancy. You can move between beach settings and more sheltered spots among the maritime forest within a short walk.
St. Augustine Beach Pier
The St. Augustine Beach Pier extends into the Atlantic Ocean and creates a dramatic architectural element in photos. The pier works well as both a foreground element and a background feature depending on where you position yourself on the beach.
During golden hour, the pier casts interesting shadows across the sand. The structure also provides a sense of scale and depth that adds visual interest to maternity portraits.
Best Times to Shoot at the Pier
Sunrise sessions at the pier tend to be less crowded than sunset times. The area directly under and around the pier stays busier throughout the day with beachgoers and fishermen, so early morning or evening times work best for photo sessions.
The beach on either side of the pier offers space to work while still including the pier in your composition. Walking north or south from the pier gives you more privacy while maintaining the landmark in view.
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, located between St. Augustine and Flagler Beach, features coquina rock formations along the shoreline. These ancient limestone formations create texture and visual interest that differs from typical beach settings.
The gardens section of the park includes moss-draped oak trees, formal gardens, and natural lands. This variety allows for multiple looks within a single session location.
Working with the Coquina Rocks
The coquina formations appear at low tide, so checking tide schedules helps plan your session timing. The rocks create natural lines and patterns that draw the eye through the frame and add dimension to photos.
Walking on the rocks requires care, especially during pregnancy. Flat shoes or going barefoot provides better stability than heels or wedges when moving across the formations.
Fort Matanzas National Monument
Fort Matanzas sits on Rattlesnake Island and offers a historic setting with Spanish colonial architecture. While the fort itself requires a ferry ride, the surrounding areas on the mainland provide beach access and natural settings.
The area features less foot traffic than more central St. Augustine beaches. The inlet and river views create different water backdrops compared to open ocean settings.
Incorporating History into Your Photos
The fort’s stone walls and watchtower create a sense of place and history in maternity photos. These elements add context and tell a story about your connection to the St. Augustine area.
The mainland areas near the fort include paths through coastal vegetation and access to both river and ocean views. These varied settings allow for wardrobe changes and different moods within one location.
Vilano Beach
Vilano Beach sits north of downtown St. Augustine and offers a more residential, laid-back atmosphere compared to the main St. Augustine Beach area. The beach here tends to be wider with more space between groups of people.
The area features beach access points with parking that stays less congested than central locations. This makes it easier to transport any props, wardrobe changes, or comfort items you want for your session.
Why Vilano Works for Maternity Sessions
The beach at Vilano slopes gently into the water, creating shallow areas for photos near the waterline. The wet sand reflects light and adds a mirror effect that brightens sunset and sunrise photography.
Nearby neighborhoods include scenic spots with coastal homes and natural vegetation that provide alternatives if weather conditions make the beach challenging. Having backup options near your main location helps ensure a successful session regardless of wind or other factors.
Timing Your Maternity Photos in St. Augustine
St. Augustine’s climate allows for beach photography year-round, though each season brings different considerations. Summer months offer warm water and green vegetation but also bring afternoon thunderstorms and high humidity. Fall and spring provide mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter months can be cooler but often feature clearer skies.
Most photographers recommend scheduling maternity sessions between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. This timing captures your growing belly while allowing enough mobility and comfort for outfit changes and different poses.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Location
Think about the style of photos you want to achieve. Beach settings with open water and sky create clean, minimalist backgrounds. Locations with rocks, piers, or vegetation add texture and variety. Historic elements introduce architecture and storytelling components.
Consider your comfort level with walking distances and terrain. Some locations require more movement between spots than others. Discussing mobility and comfort needs with your photographer helps ensure you select a location that works well for your specific situation.
The time of year affects beach conditions, crowd levels, and available light. Your photographer can advise on the best locations based on your due date and preferred session timing.