Capturing the beauty of pregnancy through maternity photos is a wonderful way to cherish one of the most special and unique times of your life. Thankfully, Indianapolis and the surrounding area has many diverse landscapes and picturesque locations that offer a variety of stunning backdrops for your photos.
After personally shooting at many locations around the city, I’ve found that these are some of the best places to take maternity photos in Indianapolis!
Spring & Summer Gems
Newfields at the Indianapolis Museum of Art
Newfields, located just north of Downtown Indianapolis, is a wonderful photo spot! The beautifully landscaped gardens, the Lily House and classic architecture of the Indianapolis Museum of Art offer amazing settings for your maternity shoot. In spring and summer, the gardens burst with vibrant colors, adding a magical touch to your photos.
Sessions can typically be scheduled from Tuesday-Sunday during certain parts of the year, but recommend sticking to Spring-early Fall before the chilly weather hits and they begin decorating for the holidays. The romantic gardens, gorgeous European style mansion, and iron gate entrance make the location one of the best places to take maternity photos in Indianapolis.
Coxhall Gardens
Coxhall Gardens in Carmel, Indiana is a stunning location, ideal for those looking for a mix of greenery, elegant architecture, and dreamy natural light for their maternity photos.
With a variety of picturesque spots, like the lush gardens, beautiful weeping willows, and rustic brick Coxhall Mansion, you’re sure to get the vibe you’re looking for in your pictures—from nature-inspired to stately elegance.
Flowing Well Park
Flowing Well Park, known for its artesian well, is located in Carmel, Indiana and is an idyllic location for spring and summer maternity photos, especially if you have toddlers in tow. This is one of the locations we can photograph at earlier in the evening since there is a lot of shade here. With trails, bridges, spring wildflowers, and a gently flowing creek, the park provides a peaceful and serene backdrop for capturing beautiful moments.
The scenic creekside spot is also great for families if you’re thinking about having older siblings join your maternity photo session.
Canal Walk & White River State Park
The Canal Walk and White River State Park area offers a scenic and dynamic backdrop for maternity photos.
You can stroll along the canal, capture moments by the water, or utilize the beautifully landscaped areas for your photos. The combination of urban and natural elements, beautiful limestone archways, and skyline views make this spot versatile and visually appealing.
100 Acre Woods
Located adjacent to the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, 100 Acre Woods is a beautiful 100-acre park that offers a number of premium photo locations that beautifully blend nature with art.
The park features endless gravel trails, a breathtaking field of tall grass in the fall, wildflowers and vibrant green pastures in the spring. There is also a quaint path that leads to a charming lakeside beach—a personal favorite spot of mine!
As one of the largest museum art parks in the country, the location also features ongoing commissions of site-specific artworks. So, whether you want some artistic inspiration or a serene retreat in nature, you’re sure to find the right setting for your special photoshoot.
Fall Favorites
Founders Park
Founders Park is a beautiful 37-acre park nestled in Carmel, Indiana that offers a scenic, tranquil escape that’s especially enchanting during the fall season.
With walking trails that wind through a canopy of colorful autumn leaves and tall grasses, the park can be both serene and picturesque as well as lively and vibrant. These atmospheres are perfect for capturing the beauty of maternity moments.
If capturing your special moments while surrounded by the beauty of nature is your vision, Founders Park should be on your list of photoshoot locations to take maternity photos around Indianapolis.
Lockerbie Square
Lockerbie Square is one of the most historic and charming neighborhoods in Indianapolis. With its cobblestone streets, quaint 19th-century homes, and lush tree-lined avenues, this area exudes a timeless and romantic atmosphere—especially during fall.
The unique architecture and vibrant gardens provide a picturesque and nostalgic backdrop for maternity photos and make it an ideal choice for those seeking a classic and serene setting.
Holliday Park
Historic brick ruins, a prairie habitat, green trails, fall foliage, and wildflowers are just some of the reasons Holliday Park makes my list as one of the best places to take maternity photos in Indianapolis!
The beautiful architecture paired with nature make a great backdrop for photos, and like many locations on this list, it is great for families if you want to include your other children in your maternity photoshoot.
Year-Round Locations
Indiana War Memorial
A photoshoot at the Indiana War Memorial is a great way to include the magic of the city in your photos. Located in downtown Indianapolis, the beautiful limestone, grand architecture, manicured grounds, and Indianapolis skyline make it a majestic site for photos any time of the year.
The Indianapolis Public library steps and other downtown locations are also not far away, adding even more photo opportunities within walking distance.
Cake Bake Shop
The Cake Bake Shop in Carmel, Indiana is a charming and whimsical location for your maternity photos.
With its enchanting decor, fairy-tale ambiance, and delicious treats, this spot offers a unique and delightful setting that adds a charming touch to your photoshoot.
Laurel Hall
Laurel Hall is an exquisite historic mansion offering stunning interiors and beautiful gardens.
Its stately architecture, grand staircases, floor-ceiling windows, classic black and white floor tiles, and lush greenery make it an ideal location for capturing elegant and timeless maternity photos.
The versatility of both indoor and outdoor settings provides plenty of creative options for your shoot and makes this a great location option any time of the year.
Studio Sessions
Studio sessions with a professional maternity photographer are a great option for any time of the year as they offer a controlled environment for your photoshoot.
No matter the weather or time of day, we’ll be able to create the best lighting and set-up to match your vision. And since studios provide a neutral backdrop, it makes it easier to experiment with different outfits, colors, props, and themes that reflect your unique style and personality.
Whether you prefer natural settings or studio versatility, there are so many great options to capture memories that celebrate your pregnancy journey. Explore a few of these best places to take maternity photos in Indianapolis to start planning your photoshoot today!
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