Boston Winter Maternity Session Location Options

My oldest is a February baby which means when it came time for my maternity photos I was looking at a December or January session… ugh! I was so bummed that I wouldn’t be getting my dreamy maternity photos in a blooming garden. No flowers, no golden summer sun, no twirly dress moments surrounded by greenery. Just… snowbanks and bulky coats. Or so I thought.

Fast forward to now, after years of photographing winter maternity sessions around Central MA and the Boston area, and I can confidently say this: winter is actually an amazing time for maternity photos—if you choose the right location. And spoiler alert: you have more options than you think.

Let’s break them down….

Outdoor/ NATURE

Snowy fields. Bare trees. Soft, quiet light. Winter nature sessions have a calm, almost cinematic vibe that you just don’t get in other seasons.

The key here is being flexible with your session timing. If we can plan for right after a snow storm and or at the very least catch a gorgeous sunset, winter sessions are so worth the risk of frostbite ; ) Winter light is softer and more flattering, and fresh snow acts like a giant natural reflector. Nature understood the assignment.

That said, these sessions are best for moms who are okay with being outside for short bursts. We’ll move quickly, keep you warm between shots, and call it before anyone loses feeling in their toes. Worth it? Usually, yes.

Urban

Classic Boston architecture (think: South End, Back Bay, or Beacon Hill) is one of my best hacks for cold weather sessions after the foliage has gone. Brick brownstones, cobblestone streets, and charming alleyways photograph beautifully in winter—and they don’t rely on greenery to work.

Boston and surrounding towns (yes, even Worcester or Providence) offer endless backdrops that feel modern, editorial, and a little bit cool (in both the literal and figurative sense). Winter coats, scarves, boots, and clean lines actually elevate this look instead of distracting from it.

Bonus: sidewalks get cleared faster than trails, and you’re usually closer to warmth and coffee. Which, honestly, matters.

Greenhouse

If you’re still mourning the loss of garden maternity photos (hi, it’s me 🙋‍♀️), a greenhouse might be your perfect middle ground. Places like local garden nurseries or New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill give you lush, green, plant-filled vibes without actually being outside in the cold.

You get real foliage, soft natural light filtering through glass, and that “it’s basically spring in here” feeling—even in the dead of winter. It’s a great option if you want something nature-inspired but don’t love the idea of standing in snow or bundling up between shots.

A couple of things to keep in mind: greenhouses are usually warm (sometimes very warm), and most require advance permission or photography permits. Tower Hill, in particular, has specific guidelines and seasonal availability. Totally worth it—but definitely something to plan ahead for.

If your heart was set on garden maternity photos and winter had other plans, this is the workaround you didn’t know you needed.

In Home

If the idea of going outside in January while pregnant sounds like a personal attack, in-home maternity sessions might be your soulmate.

Your home already tells your story—where you’re nesting, resting, and probably googling “early labor signs” at 2 a.m. Winter light through windows is gorgeous, and there’s something really special about documenting this season of waiting in the space where life is about to change.

Plus: perfect for an outfit change, breaks whenever you need them, and absolutely no one asking you to “just step into the snow for one more shot.”

Studio

And then there’s the studio option—which is basically winter maternity’s secret weapon.

A studio session (like my studio in Hudson, MA, The Linden Room) gives you soft, consistent light, neutral backdrops, and a calm, warm environment where we can focus entirely on you. No wind, no snow, no last-minute location changes because the weather app betrayed us.

Studio maternity photos are timeless and elegant without feeling stiff. They’re perfect if you want clean, classic images that won’t scream “what season was this taken in?” ten years from now.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Winter maternity sessions don’t have to feel like a consolation prize because you missed garden season. Whether you lean outdoorsy, urban, greenhouse goddess, cozy-at-home, or studio chic, there’s a winter-friendly option that fits your vibe—and your tolerance for cold.

And coming from someone who really wanted those garden photos back in the day: winter might just surprise you.

If you’ve got a little one due soon in the Boston or Central MA area, reach out and let’s figure out the best spot for your winter maternity session!