🍼 Family Maternity Session in San Diego’s Hidden Gem
There’s something deeply moving about photographing a family who’s done this before—who understands that the joy isn’t in posed perfection, but in the messy, magical moments in between.
When I met Jon and Sally for their family maternity session in San Diego, I instantly felt the love and calm that comes with being a family of five, soon to be six. This shoot was a celebration of life in transition—and it unfolded in one of San Diego’s most beautiful hidden grassy fields.
🌿 Why Choose a Family Maternity Session?
Instead of focusing only on the bump, family maternity sessions celebrate everyone who’s part of the journey.
For Jon and Sally, expecting baby #4, this session was about honoring the whole family—the growing relationships, the wild energy of young kids, and the quiet anticipation of meeting their newest sibling.
📸 These sessions are less about posing and more about storytelling—organic, unscripted, and full of heart.
Rather than heading to the coast or a popular tourist spot, we ventured into a lesser-known San Diego camp grounds, surrounded by eucalyptus groves, winding trails, and wide-open meadows perfect for running feet and genuine smiles.
From the start, we let the kids take the lead. They ran, climbed, and explored, while I captured all the real, unscripted moments in between:
Jon lifting their youngest into the air
Sally holding hands with the oldest while walking barefoot
All three kids cuddling up to Sally’s belly, whispering to their baby sibling
These aren’t just photos—they’re pieces of a family’s story.
Learn more about what your session experience with me will be like: What people are saying about Korren Briley Photography.
👨👩👧👦 Tips for Family Maternity Sessions with Kids
Sessions with littles can be unpredictable, but that’s where the magic happens. Here are some quick tips we used with Jon & Sally:
Snacks + water = happy faces
Dress comfortably in neutral tones (great for natural backdrops)
Let kids play and most importantly be themselves
Don’t force smiles—real connection always wins
✨ Baby #4: A Special Kind of Love
With three kids already in their rhythm, the joy for baby number four was palpable. Their youngest, still a baby themselves in many ways, was especially snuggly with Sally—moments that felt so layered and meaningful to document.
We made time to photograph each child with both parents, showing the unique bond each has carved out in the family.
🌅 Sunset Glow and Final Frames
As golden hour arrived, everything turned soft and warm. Jon and Sally stood quietly hand in hand while the kids ran in the background—a perfect closing image for a session built on love, movement, and intention.
📷 These golden, organic moments are what documentary-style family sessions are all about.
📍 Planning Your Own Family Maternity Session in San Diego?
Whether you’re welcoming your first child or your fifth, this season deserves to be captured with honesty and care. San Diego is full of quiet corners and natural beauty that make the perfect backdrop for your story.
🗺 Want to explore more hidden locations? Visit San Diego Family for local ideas and parenting resources.
If you’re looking for a photographer who values genuine, story-rich imagery, I’d love to connect. Let’s plan a session that celebrates you—chaos, calm, and everything in between.
