Edgy Maternity Photoshoot at Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu

What I love most about Los Angeles is the variety of backdrops available for outdoor photoshoots. From the mountains to the beach, there’s no shortage of natural beauty to explore. Honestly, the beach has always been last on my list for one reason only… sand. It just gets everywhere. But the views and sounds are undeniably beautiful, especially at Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu.

This beach has quickly become one of my favorite photoshoot locations. The mix of rocky cliffs, soft sand, and iconic sea caves makes it feel like you’ve stepped into another world. When the tide is low, you can explore the caves and capture a more adventurous vibe. During Golden Hour, the tide rolls in closer to shore, bringing that beautiful, reflective light across the water. Even though the caves become harder to reach, the waves and sunset make up for it with pure magic.

For this session, my client, a first-time mom, wanted a maternity photoshoot that felt different from the traditional light and airy looks. She was drawn to my editorial style, and I knew Leo Carrillo would be the perfect place to bring that vision to life.

I wanted to highlight the serenity and softness of the sand while contrasting it with the drama of the waves crashing behind her. That balance guided my wardrobe choices: my crystal bodysuit (a favorite I can’t live without), a flowing fabric for movement, and two chic beach cover-ups — one in black mesh and the other in tan. Each outfit offered a distinct take on her story, allowing us to play with both elegance and edge.

Between the lighting, wardrobe, and my direction in posing, this mama absolutely rocked her maternity session. The results were stunning — powerful yet peaceful, bold yet beautiful.

What I appreciate most about this session was her trust. She gave me creative freedom to bring an untraditional maternity vision to life, and that’s what made the images so special.

If you’re an expecting mom in Los Angeles, Malibu, or nearby areas, and you’re looking for something different — something modern, editorial, and artful — I’d love to connect with you. Let’s design a maternity session that celebrates your story in a way that feels authentically you.