Summer Shaver Lake Maternity Photos

Shaver Lake Maternity Photos

Shaver Lake maternity photos are some of my favorites to capture—peaceful, scenic, and full of quiet emotion. Just over an hour from Fresno, this mountain lake is the perfect backdrop for celebrating the beauty of pregnancy. With golden light filtering through the pines and calm water stretching along the shoreline, it offers a sense of stillness that helps parents-to-be slow down and soak in the moment. In this post, I’m sharing a recent session at the lake along with tips for making the most of your maternity photos in this beautiful spot.

In today’s post, I’m sharing a recent session featuring Shaver Lake maternity photos, plus tips on what to wear, when to schedule your session, and why this serene mountain location is perfect for expecting parents who want timeless, nature-inspired portraits.

Why Shaver Lake Is Perfect for Maternity Photos

There’s something about the combination of still water, warm light, and rugged mountain beauty that makes Shaver Lake feel almost magical at golden hour. Unlike busier locations closer to Fresno, Shaver Lake often offers a quieter, more intimate setting for maternity photos, especially during weekdays or early in the season.

Here’s why I recommend it:

• Natural beauty without crowds: You get sweeping views of the lake, tall trees, and rocky shoreline without having to compete with a lot of foot traffic.
• Soft, dreamy light: The light in the late afternoon or early evening glows beautifully against the water and reflects off the granite and sand, creating that warm, golden tone that flatters every skin tone.
• Plenty of space to move: Whether we’re walking along the beach, perched on a boulder, or nestled in the trees, there’s room for posing and exploring without feeling rushed.

If you’re drawn to peaceful, outdoorsy maternity sessions with a sense of calm and connection, Shaver Lake might be the perfect choice.

A Recent Shaver Lake Maternity Session

We began near a large clearing where the trees opened up to reveal a sweeping view of the mountains across the lake. The golden light filtered through the tall pines, casting soft, dappled shadows on the sandy path as we walked. It was quiet except for the gentle sound of wind moving through the trees.

I like to start sessions with simple, relaxed prompts. I might ask couples to hold hands, share baby name ideas, or talk about what they’re most looking forward to once their baby arrives. These kinds of small moments help ease any nerves and allow couples to focus on each other instead of the camera. With the Walkers, it felt natural right away. Their connection was warm and grounded, and the laughter between them made the session feel light and easy.

As the sun began to dip lower, we moved down toward the water. The lake shifted into soft slate blue tones that matched the peaceful mood of the evening. The light warmed up, catching on the sand and glowing around them in the most beautiful way. Mom’s dress moved gently with the breeze, and the neutral tones she wore blended perfectly with the natural surroundings.

What to Wear for Shaver Lake Maternity Photos

One of the best ways to elevate your maternity session is to choose outfits that reflect both your personal style and the natural setting. For Shaver Lake, I recommend sticking to soft, earthy tones that blend beautifully with the surroundings—think oatmeal, sage, cream, warm blush, soft olive, or dusty blue.

Outfit Tips:

• Flowy dresses photograph beautifully at the lake, especially ones with movement and texture like cotton gauze, chiffon, or lace. Long dresses can also help you feel more graceful and confident in photos.
• Bring layers. The weather at Shaver Lake can be unpredictable, especially in spring or fall. A cozy cardigan or shawl can add warmth and texture.
• Coordinate without matching. If you’re bringing a partner or children, choose complementary tones instead of everyone wearing the same thing. This keeps the focus on connection without looking too uniform.
• Barefoot or sandals work best on the beachy parts of the shoreline. You can also bring walking shoes for the trail portion, then switch once we reach the photo spots.

I offer client wardrobe guidance for every session and can help you choose pieces that will photograph beautifully with the tones and textures of Shaver Lake.

When to Schedule Your Session

The best time for Shaver Lake maternity photos depends on both your pregnancy timeline and the seasons in the mountains. I generally recommend scheduling maternity sessions between 28–34 weeks, when you’re showing clearly but still feeling fairly comfortable.

Season-by-Season Guide:

• Late Spring (May–early June): The trees are full and green, and the weather is warming up, but still cool enough to feel refreshing.
• Summer (late June–August): Expect long, golden sunsets and warmer air. This is the most predictable weather window, but weekends can be more crowded.
• Early Fall (September–early October): The light gets warmer and more golden. This is a beautiful time to pair a maternity session with fall colors in the foliage.
• Winter: Snowfall can make the roads less predictable, and access to some parts of the lake may be limited. I typically recommend a lower-elevation location for winter maternity sessions.

Weekday evenings are the best time to avoid the weekend crowds and get the most peaceful light. I scout each location in advance to make sure we’re choosing the best spot for the season and time of day.

Making It Meaningful: Why Location Matters

Shaver Lake maternity photos aren’t just about pretty backgrounds. They’re about grounding this fleeting season of anticipation in a place that feels peaceful, quiet, and reflective. Many of the families I photograph here choose this location because it holds memories. Maybe it’s where they used to camp as kids, or where they’ve come to get away from the heat of the Valley. Sometimes, it’s simply the feeling of being surrounded by nature as they prepare to welcome new life.

Choosing a place that feels meaningful to you adds emotional depth to the images. When you look back at these photos in five or ten years, you won’t just remember what you looked like—you’ll remember how you felt.

Including Older Siblings or Pets

Expecting your second or third baby? Shaver Lake is a great place to include siblings or family pets in the session. The wide open space gives little ones room to play and explore, and I’ll guide them through age-appropriate prompts to keep them engaged.

For toddlers and older kids, I keep things interactive and light. We might have them “listen to baby” through Mom’s belly, play peek-a-boo with the fabric of a dress, or race along a pine-lined trail. These organic moments help create photos that feel genuine and joyful.

If you’re including a dog in your maternity session, let me know ahead of time. I’ll recommend the safest spots near the lake and bring a few treats to help them feel relaxed on camera.

The Client Experience

Every session starts with a relaxed planning call to go over your vision, style preferences, and location options. Once we settle on Shaver Lake, I’ll share a custom prep guide with wardrobe suggestions, travel tips, and a detailed session timeline so you know exactly what to expect.

I photograph with a light, film-inspired style—full of softness, connection, and natural emotion. My editing reflects the warm tones and subtle texture of the landscape, so your gallery feels timeless and true to the moment.

After your session, you’ll receive a preview within one week and your full gallery within three weeks. I also offer heirloom albums, framed prints, and digital keepsakes to preserve these memories beautifully.

Planning Your Own Shaver Lake Maternity Session

If you’re dreaming of a maternity session that feels peaceful, natural, and emotionally rich, Shaver Lake might be the perfect backdrop. Whether it’s just you and your partner or your whole growing family, this mountain location offers space to slow down and reflect on what’s ahead.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Reach out to reserve your date (I book sessions 1–3 months in advance).
2. We’ll choose the best time based on your due date and seasonal light.
3. I’ll walk you through outfits, location tips, and everything you need to feel confident and comfortable.
4. You show up and let the beauty of the lake (and your baby bump) shine.

Want to make it even more special? Some families turn this into a weekend getaway or a baby moon. Grab dinner in Shaver or pack a picnic and make a memory out of the day.

Want More Maternity Session Tips?

If you’re starting to plan your own maternity session, be sure to check out my Maternity Session Prep Guide. It’s filled with tips on what to wear, how to prepare, and how to make the most of your session, whether you’re heading to Shaver Lake or staying closer to home.

Ready to Book?

If you’re ready to book your Shaver Lake maternity photos, I’d love to help you plan a session that feels like you—natural, meaningful, and full of connection. Click here to inquire, or browse more maternity sessions below for inspiration.

Carmel Maternity Photos

Cottage Maternity Photos

To the Walker family—thank you for trusting me to document this beautiful season of anticipation. Your warmth, your laughter, and the quiet love you shared by the water made this session one I’ll never forget. It was such a joy to witness your connection and celebrate the life you’re about to welcome. I’m honored to be a small part of your journey.