Maternity photos · Goleta & Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Maternity Photographer
The months before someone new arrives, in soft natural light, on the coast or at home. Maternity is loveliest between 30 and 36 weeks.
I'm Gabriel, a portrait photographer based in Goleta. A maternity session is 60 minutes, with gentle posing and plenty of room for the unposed moments in between. You don't need to know how to pose. I'll guide you the whole way.
The maternity session: $325
- Professionally edited, high-resolution images
- Private online gallery with downloads
- Personal print release
- Your gallery within 21 days, usually about two weeks
A 50% retainer holds your date, and the balance is due two days before your session. Introductory 2026 rate.
Where we'll meet
On the coast or at home, whichever feels more like you. On the coast, that's places like Ellwood Bluffs and Goleta Beach. At home, I work by the window light you already have.
At your pace
You can pause or stop any time for rest, water or comfort, and I'll never ask you to take a pose you're not comfortable with. If your baby arrives early or a medical issue gets in the way, tell me before your start time and you get one courtesy reschedule, to a date we agree on within six months of your original date. It's available once per booking. If we can't find a date in that time, the retainer is kept and anything you paid beyond it is refunded.
When to book
Tell me your due date when you inquire and we'll pick a date that fits, so the session lands between 30 and 36 weeks.
Booking, in three steps
- 1
Inquire
Tell me what you have in mind and a few dates that suit. I reply within 24 hours, often much sooner, with availability and ideas for a location.
- 2
Reserve
Choose your date, sign a short agreement and pay the retainer online, all in one sitting.
- 3
Your session & gallery
We meet in good light and take our time. Your private gallery follows in about two weeks.
Questions
I don't know how to pose. Is that a problem?
Not at all; most people don't. I'll guide you the whole way with small, simple directions, and give you time to relax into it. The best frames usually come once you've forgotten about the camera.
Where do sessions take place?
On location: the bluffs and beaches, oak groves, downtown Santa Barbara, your workplace or your home. Travel within 25 miles of Goleta is included; I'm happy to suggest a spot that suits your session and the time of year.
When is the best time of day?
For most outdoor sessions, the hour or so before sunset, when the light is soft and warm. Headshots work well earlier in the day, in open shade or by a window.
What should we wear?
Comfortable clothes you feel like yourself in, in soft, natural tones; avoid large logos and busy patterns.
How and when do we receive our photos?
I go through every frame myself and edit the strongest ones by hand, so you receive a curated gallery rather than a set number; how many depends on the session. Your private gallery follows in about two weeks (always within three). Holiday Mini Sessions include 10 hand-edited images, delivered within 14 days. You can download everything in high resolution and print wherever you like.
What happens if the weather is bad?
I watch the forecast, the wind and the air quality for you, and I make the call. If rain, strong wind or smoke move in, I'll let you know by the evening before when I can, or that morning if the sky is undecided, and we'll find another date that suits you. Weather moves are always free. Our usual coastal fog and soft overcast skies aren't a reason to postpone; they make some of the loveliest light.
What if we need to change our date?
Life happens. You can move your session once, free, with at least 72 hours' notice, to a date that works for both of us within six months. If someone gets sick or there's an emergency closer to the day, just let me know before your start time and I'll offer one courtesy reschedule. Holiday Mini Sessions move to another open time on the mini session dates.
How do I reserve a date?
Send an inquiry through the form on my homepage and I'll reply within 24 hours, often much sooner, with open dates. Once you've chosen one, you'll sign the agreement and pay a 50% retainer online, which holds your date and is nonrefundable. The balance is due two days before your session. Holiday Mini Sessions are $150, paid in full when you book on the Holiday Mini Sessions page.
Let's find a date, and the light
Tell me your due date and when suits you. I'll reply personally, within 24 hours, often much sooner.
Send an inquiry All sessions and prices
Also: Couples sessions, $325