Carmel, Indiana Maternity Photographer | Abigail’s Session at Founders Park
For couple maternity photos, I keep directions simple because simple works:
stand close together, hands on the bump
looking at each other
looking down at the belly
walking and looking at their kids
If your partner says "I don't know what to do," that's normal. Give him something helpful to do instead of asking him to pose. Fix your hair. Adjust the dress. Help the kids. Put his hand on the bump. It relaxes him and it looks real.
Top Carmel Parks for Maternity Photos
Founders Park is a beautiful park in Carmel that gave the kids space to be just that- kids! The park has trees and tall grasses, long paths we could walk, and even some stone stairs that were perfect for the kids to sit on together for a few quick photos.
Other locations I love to shoot at for maternity portraits are:
Coxhall Gardens
Coxhall Gardens is a beautiful option for outdoor maternity photos with gardens, water, bridges, and the bell towers near 116th Street and Towne Road.West Park
West Park works well for soft, natural maternity photos because it has open greenspace, native prairie, pond boardwalks, and plenty of room for family photos.Central Park
Central Park is a great Carmel location when you want wooded trails, prairie, wetlands, and easy access to the Monon Greenway.Flowing Well Park
Flowing Well Park is a quieter choice for maternity photos with trees, creek views, and wooded trails just off 116th Street on the east side of Carmel.Meadowlark Park
Meadowlark Park is a good option for a relaxed outdoor session with open greenspace, restored wetlands, paved trails, and a boardwalk.Kawachinagano Japanese Garden
Kawachinagano Japanese Garden is a peaceful Carmel spot near City Hall with garden paths, trees, boulders, sculptures, and a pond.
Nearby options:
Potter’s Bridge Park
Potter’s Bridge Park is a nearby Noblesville option with a covered bridge, White River views, and trails along the White River Greenway.Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve
Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve is a nearby Fishers option with wooded trails, nature preserve views, and a quieter outdoor feel.
This is what I look for in Carmel during the summer months when I'm choosing a location for pregnant moms who are also bringing their kids:
shade and tree coverage (because Indiana summer can be HOT)
open space so kids can move around and be free
a few natural stations like steps, a path, or tall grasses so we can get variety without a long hike
And yes, it was a very hot but very perfect day. If you're booking in late spring or summer, expect heat and bugs. That's normal here. I always recommend bringing:
water and snacks (for you, not just the kids)
wipes
bug spray
one small bribe item for each of your kids
and don't wear shoes you hate walking in
Biggest Tip! Carmel moms: if you're pregnant and you swell in the heat, plan for it. Bring comfy shoes for walking between spots and swap into cute shoes only when we need them. You'll last longer and feel better.
Abigail was pregnant with her third baby. Her maternity session took place in July at Founders Park in Carmel. Abigail wanted her husband and children included in the photos, so we included them in most of the session. As a Carmel, Indiana maternity photographer, I photograph maternity photos with siblings often. This session focused on Abigail, her pregnancy, her children, and her growing family.
Abigail was natural in front of the camera. Her children brought energy and personality to the photos.
Scroll down to the bottom of this post to see all my favorites from Abigail's pregnancy session! And take a peek at my full maternity photography portfolio.
What Abigail Wore for Her Carmel Maternity Photography
Abigail wore a gorgeous lilac colored fitted dress that showed her bump perfectly.
Her daughter Aubrey wore a sweet sun dress with an adorable bow in her hair. Her son Brian looked dapper in a blue collared button up shirt and slacks. Dad Sean wore the classic white button up and black pants. Against all the greens and tall grasses, it looked soft and clean without feeling overly styled.
Yes, a Maternity Photoshoot Can Still Feel Easy With Kids
We went outdoors for some fun at Founders Park! Maternity photos can be a little tricky when you add little ones to the bunch. But as long as you're willing to go with the flow and trust that I've got all the tricks up my sleeve to wrangle even the wildest kids, we will get beautiful photos.
Mom was worried that her littlest would break down before we could finish. But I'm super used to shooting with littles in my maternity sessions. I kept her busy with easy games like follow the leader, peek-a-boo, and I Spy. And yes, lollipops between shots. Whatever works!
Big brother even found a stick he couldn't let go of. So I promised a photo with it if he put it down during pictures. BRIBES. That little deal saved us from a power struggle and kept the mood light. And yes, we did the promised stick photo at the end and it was adorable.
Ready to Book Your Carmel, Indiana Maternity Photographer?
If you're searching for a maternity photographer near me in Carmel, Indiana who can give you photos like Abigail's session, I'd love to hear from you! Whether you're expecting your first or adding another little one to your crew, let's get this time in your life documented before your newborn arrives!
For more information, check out my maternity photography details, pricing and packages.
Hi! I'm Shannon, founder of Dellarose Photography. I've been photographing beautiful mamas in the Carmel area for over 14 years and I'd love to do the same for you. I'm a member of PPA, Professional Photographers of America and have over 200 five star reviews on Google.
“Shannon was wonderful to work with for our maternity shoot. She was able to make both of my kids (who were fighting for attention) feel like stars. Our photos turned out beautiful and left us and our families extremely happy. We can't wait for the upcoming newborn shoot!”
- Alexa S.- expecting mom in Carmel, IN