Maternity Photos on the Saanich Peninsula
Three very different landscapes, and how to choose the one that feels most like you.
The Saanich Peninsula packs a lot of scenery into a small space. In one afternoon you could stand on a forested hilltop, walk through grassy dunes by the sea and wander a country lane between farm fields. For maternity photos, that variety is a real gift.
I’m Alyssa, a maternity photographer who lives in North Saanich, and I specialize in emotive, romantic and modest maternity photos. I’m here to help you slow down and soak in this season, whether it’s your first pregnancy or your fifth.
Instead of a list of every park, this page is about one question: what kind of landscape do you want your maternity photos to feel like?
Hilltop, dunes or fields? Three Peninsula looks
Each of these is a spot I love suggesting. They feel completely different, and each suits a different energy level and style.
Before you decide, think about two things. First, how much walking feels good right now? Second, which photos do you picture on your wall in ten years? Some moms see themselves silhouetted against a wide view, others in a field of grass with the sun behind them, others barefoot by the water. There’s no wrong answer, and you can always tell me about your Pinterest saves and we’ll find the closest match.
- Hilltop views: Horth Hill Regional Park, North Saanich
- Sand and dune grasses: Island View Beach Regional Park, Central Saanich
- Farmland and country lanes: the Lochside Regional Trail
Choosing your backdrop
Horth Hill is for the mom who wants big, sweeping views. The Summit Trail opens up to panoramas of the Peninsula, the Gulf Islands and the San Juan Islands. The trail is rated moderate, so I suggest it for earlier in pregnancy or for anyone who’s still enjoying a good walk. If the summit feels like too much, the forest lower down is beautiful on its own, especially in the afternoon when sun filters through the trees. I wrote more about it in my Horth Hill guide.
Island View Beach is for the mom who wants soft sand, sea air and golden grasses. The park has a long sandy beach backed by foredunes and back dunes, plus a wide, packed-gravel beachfront trail of about 1 km with benches. That firm trail is a real help late in pregnancy, and the open sky gives lovely, even light. The dunes are fragile habitat, so we’ll stay on the trails and the beach itself.
The Lochside Regional Trail is for the mom who loves a pastoral, country feel. The CRD describes it running alongside beaches, farmland and wetlands on its 29 km route from Swartz Bay to Victoria, through North Saanich, Sidney, Central Saanich and Saanich. Long grass and open fields in evening light are perfect for a flowing gown. Some sections share quiet roads with cars and farm vehicles, so we’ll pick a calm stretch.
Matching your outfit to the landscape
Once you’ve picked a place, the outfit falls into line. Against Horth Hill’s greens and rock, warm rust, cream or deep blue look rich. At Island View Beach, whites, sand tones and soft blues feel airy and light. In the fields, dusty rose, sage and ivory glow in the evening sun.
I offer a free style consult and keep a few outfits in my client closet, so you don’t need to buy anything new. A flowy dress or a skirt with a fitted top usually shows off your bump beautifully. I can also share hair and makeup referrals.
I had a maternity and brand new baby photo shoot and before that I hadn’t had my pictures taken much, so I was pretty nervous because I didn’t know how to pose or how to really get my picture taken. But Alyssa was so amazing and made me feel so comfortable and pretty and told me what to do which was great! She even let me do some things I thought were cute and was very kind and flexible and the pictures came out so magical. She captured so many beautiful moments and I couldn’t be happier!
Lizzie P.
Questions families ask
How long is a maternity session?
Typically about an hour, with breaks whenever you need them. Afterwards, you’ll view your edited photos in a private online gallery, with black and white versions of each one included.
What if it’s too windy or rainy?
A little breeze looks lovely in a gown. If the weather is truly wild, we can reschedule or move your session into your home.
Can my partner and kids be in the photos?
Yes, please. Your growing family’s connection is at the heart of these photos. Learn more on my maternity photography page.
Which Peninsula towns do you cover?
All of them, including Sidney, North Saanich, Central Saanich, Brentwood Bay and Saanichton. See my Saanich Peninsula photographer page for more.
Let’s connect
Tell me a little about your family and the session you have in mind, and I’ll get back to you with dates and ideas.