Sunset Maternity Photos at Fort Ord Dunes: Shaylah + Jordan

Shaylah wasn’t sure she wanted maternity photos. I’m so glad she decided to go for it.

We met up with Jordan at Fort Ord Dunes State Beach in Marina for a sunset maternity session, and Shaylah was glowing the entire time. These two are so sweet together, and this season of their lives deserved to be remembered.

Why Fort Ord Dunes is perfect for maternity photos

Fort Ord Dunes is such a beautiful spot for beach sessions on the Monterey Bay. The state park has nearly four miles of open beach backed by rolling sand dunes, so you get that big, wild coastal feel with plenty of room to wander.

It’s also a beautiful place to be at sunset. The light drops right over the water, and the dunes glow warm behind you.

A few of my favorite moments

Shaylah brought a strip of ultrasound photos to the session, and it turned into one of my favorite images from the evening. It’s such a simple detail, and it tells so much of the story.

The rest of the session was all about the two of them: walking along the water, a slow dance and a twirl in the sand, and quiet moments with Jordan and the bump. I love that these photos feel like them, not just a set of poses.

What to wear for beach maternity photos

Shaylah and Jordan nailed it: cozy knit sweaters in soft neutrals and light-wash denim. The textures look beautiful on camera, they coordinate without being matchy, and the warm tones blend right into the sand and dunes.

A few tips if you’re planning your own beach maternity session:

• Choose soft, neutral tones. Creams, taupes, oatmeal, and light denim look timeless against the coast.
• Bring a layer. Evenings on the Monterey coast are often breezy and cool, so a sweater keeps you comfortable and looks great in photos.
• Plan for wind. A little breeze in your hair looks gorgeous. Leave the hairspray at home and let it move.
• Bring something meaningful. Ultrasound photos, baby shoes, or a letter to your little one all make lovely detail shots.
• Go barefoot. Walking in the sand is so much easier, and it looks more relaxed in photos.

Planning a session at Fort Ord Dunes

• Where: Fort Ord Dunes State Park in Marina. From Highway 1, exit Lightfighter Drive, head east, turn left on 2nd Avenue, then left on 9th Street to reach the park.
• Hours: The beach is open for day use from 8 AM to sunset.
• Dogs: Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach or the trails down to the beach, so this one is a people-only session.
• The dunes: The dunes are protected habitat, so we stay on the trails and the beach.
• Timing: A good window for maternity photos is usually around 28 to 34 weeks, when the bump is showing and you’re still comfortable walking in the sand.

Shaylah and Jordan, thank you for trusting me with this season. I can’t wait to hear about your little one!

Planning maternity photos in Monterey, Carmel, or Pacific Grove? I’d love to hear about your plans. Get in touch here, or see session details and pricing.

Planning a family session instead? See my guides for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pacific Grove.