Winter Maternity Photography Session at Hidden Valley Park in Sandy, Utah
ESTIMATED READ TIME: 6 MINUTES
There is something magical about documenting the excitement of getting ready to welcome a new baby. Recently, I had the honor of photographing one of my long time friends while she was in town visiting family for the holidays. She was expecting her first baby and wanted to take advantage of her trip to Utah to schedule a maternity session at Hidden Valley Park in Sandy, one of my favorite scenic locations along the Wasatch Front.
Even in late fall and early winter, Hidden Valley Park offers sweeping mountain views, soft golden grasses, winding trails, and the perfect mix of open space and intimate corners for a relaxed yet beautiful session.
Why We Chose Hidden Valley Park in Sandy for this Utah Maternity Photography Session
If you’re looking for a location with both accessibility and gorgeous scenery, Hidden Valley Park is truly a gem. It has several short trails to explore, which allows for a lot of variety without needing to walk far, which is a major perk for expectant mothers. With the snowy mountains towering behind us and warm, glowy sunlight coming through the clouds, every spot offered a new opportunity for beautiful photos.
This location is especially ideal for couples or families who want:
- A natural outdoor setting without hiking long distances
- Wide open spaces and panoramic mountain views
- A clean, soft aesthetic perfect for timeless maternity portraits
- Easy parking and pathways for comfort throughout the session
For anyone planning a maternity session in Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, or anywhere nearby, Hidden Valley Park is always high on my recommendation list.
Maternity Session
Starting at $225
- Session typically lasts 60 minutes
- 50+ edited images
- $100 non-refundable retainer to book
- Remainder due the day before the session
- Travel fees applicable if 35+ miles from West Jordan
Why Including Your Partner (and Children or Pets!) Makes a Huge Difference
When we began planning her shoot, my friend mentioned that she wanted to include her husband, which something I fully support and encourage for every maternity session. While maternity portraits of the mother alone are beautiful and emotional, including your partner adds so much depth and variety to the experience.
During a solo maternity session, posing can become limited fairly quickly. You can stand, sit, or lie down. You can place your hands above or below your bump, wrap your arms around your belly, or play with movement in a dress. All of these are gorgeous options, but after working through those variations, the structure can start to feel repetitive.
But once your partner steps into the frame, the possibilities open up endlessly. Some examples we incorporated (and that you can try during your own session) include:
- Partner standing behind with arms wrapped around the belly
- Forehead-to-forehead moments for quiet emotional connection
- Walking hand-in-hand along the trail
- Resting heads on shoulders for soft romantic moments
- Laughing candid shots while interacting naturally
- Partner kneeling to kiss the baby bump
- Sitting together on the trail wrapped in a blanket
Adding another person invites emotion, storytelling, and a natural flow of interaction. Instead of posing at the camera, you start engaging with each other, capturing genuine connection.
And if you have other children already, maternity sessions become an incredible opportunity to document their excitement about becoming a big brother or sister. Even a family pet improves the experience because nothing beats capturing joy in its real, everyday form.
The Sweetest Moment That Inspired This Session
While we were chatting during the planning process, she mentioned a video she had seen recently that immediately resonated with her. In the video, a young child asked their mother where the fancy pictures were from when they were still in her tummy. The mother paused, then realized she didn’t have any because she had never scheduled maternity photos.
That moment was exactly what pushed my friend to book her session. She wanted to freeze time and create something tangible that she could share forever, not only for herself but for her child.
Especially because this is her first pregnancy, she wanted something meaningful and lasting. A lot of parents say that you want to remember the beauty of pregnancy, not just the hard parts. Maternity photos allow that to be captured forever.
Girl you are FAST! And these are adorable. Thanks again for helping us out on such short notice and for making us look fab.
TEXT FROM CLIENT AFTER GALLERY DELIVERY
The Perfect Timing for a Maternity Session
My client was six weeks away from her due date, which is one of the best time frames for maternity photos. Typically, I recommend scheduling sessions between 28–34 weeks, depending on how you’re feeling physically and how much belly shape you want to show.
Around six to eight weeks before your due date is ideal because:
- Your bump is beautifully round and defined
- You aren’t too uncomfortable to walk or pose
- Swelling and fatigue haven’t fully set in yet
- You have better mobility and energy for variety
- You’re still able to enjoy the experience fully
Every body and every pregnancy is different, so making sure you schedule before you start feeling physically limited ensures your photos feel joyful and not exhausting. And if you’re further along, don’t panic, we can still book your session!
Tips from a Utah Maternity Photographer for Session Planning
Whether it’s your first pregnancy or you’ve been growing your big Utah family for years, maternity sessions are a beautiful way to celebrate the transition into a new chapter. These photographs become heirlooms of a reminder of what life looked like right before everything changed. For my sweet friend, this session at Hidden Valley Park captured more than just a baby bump. It captured love, anticipation, partnership, and the quiet joy of waiting.
Every time I photograph a maternity session, I am reminded just how powerful these moments are. Whether Hidden Valley Park is the perfect backdrop for your own session, or you’re dreaming of a different Utah location, here are some helpful tips to make the most of your maternity photos:
1. Choose a Location That Matches Your Vision
Do you want mountains? Fields? Water? Something modern and architectural? Urban settings?
Location sets the tone of the story, and there’s no wrong choice. Utah has endless beautiful backdrops across the Wasatch Front.
2. Include Your Partner, Children, and Even Pets
It adds emotion, movement, and purpose, and turns the session into a celebration instead of a posed portrait. Sharing these important moments is one of the most wonderful experiences before you meet your newborn.
3. Pick an Outfit That Highlights Your Shape
Flowy dresses, fitted ribbed knits, or long gowns that move in the wind always photograph beautifully.
Soft neutrals or earth tones also keep the focus on your connection rather than clothing.
4. Bring Comfortable Shoes (Even if You Change Later)
Many locations require light walking. Save your perfect shoes for the photos and use sneakers in between shots.
5. Communicate Your Comfort Level
Some poses may not feel good depending on how your body is doing. I guide sessions based entirely on how you feel physically so nothing is forced. I want you to have an amazing experience, and communication is key.
6. Relax and Enjoy the Moment
Authenticity always photographs better than perfection. Enjoy some special moments with your partner or family. I’ll handle the posing, directing, and details.
Ready to Plan Your Own Maternity Pictures in Sandy, Utah?
If you’re expecting and want to document this chapter in a way that feels authentic, heartfelt, and timeless, I would love to help you create something beautiful. I photograph maternity sessions in Sandy, Draper, Salt Lake City, Utah County, and throughout the entire Wasatch Front.
Whether you’re dreaming of a snowy mountain landscape, sunset fields, fall colors, downtown rooftops, or cozy in-home maternity portraits, let’s bring your vision to life.
Book your maternity photography session at Hidden Valley Park or anywhere in Utah today! I can’t wait to celebrate this season with you.
