There’s nothing so beautiful as an expectant parent in the middle of nature. Pregnancy has a way of helping us feel connected to the world around us. When I was pregnant with my son, I spent a lot of time out in nature; hiking the trails around my home in Gainesville, visiting the beaches in St. Augustine, and swimming in the springs around High Springs. These experiences helped me center myself and anticipate doing these things again when my son would be present earthside. So it’s absolutely no surprise to me when my clients want a beautiful maternity session set somewhere outdoors.
Outdoor maternity sessions can definitely have some challenges, especially here in Florida! During the summer months, we contend with extreme heat and mosquitoes. Additionally, Florida is very flat, so it’s difficult to get those sweeping scenic views that are available in more mountainous states. However, if you aren’t afraid to venture outdoors, we can create some maternity magic together! Here’s a list of some of my favorite locations to shoot maternity clients.
Disclaimer: at the time of writing, these places are open to the public (some with fees). Please be a responsible photographer and follow Leave No Trace principles (LINK) so that we can all continue to enjoy these places as a community. Remember that we are also responsible for our clients’ behavior at these places, so we need to lead with a good example.
- Cellon Oak
This is a beautiful county-owned park located in NW Gainesville near Lake City?. Its crown jewel is that it contains one of the largest live oak trees in all of Florida. This massive tree stands at almost 90 feet tall and its trunk is 30 feet in circumference! This park does not have a fee to visit, nor does it have bathrooms. This is a great setting for maternity sessions that involve young children, as it’s located in a meadow without many other hazards nearby (just watch out for anthills!).
- Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
A staple in Gainesville and a must-see are our botanical gardens! These gardens cover a sprawling 68-acre property in SW Gainesville and is named for the former Lake Kanapaha. The gardens feature over 24 collections, and it’s impossible to cover the majority of them during a photoshoot. Some of my favorite places for maternity photos in the botanical gardens include the many gazebos, bamboo forest, and near the Giant Victorian Water Lilies (only in bloom from late Summer to mid-Fall). It’s $12 per adult (at the time of this writing) and their hours fluctuate with the seasons, so it’s important to verify that they are open prior to showing up. Photographers, please be prepared to fill out an additional form attesting that you will follow park rules. Unfortunately, they’ve had people behave poorly in the past- stepping off trail, damaging fragile plants, taking up public walkways, etc.
The gardens have an air-conditioned visitor center with clean bathrooms that’s located about equidistant from the two halves of the park. I suggest that you look at a map and plan your visit prior to arriving! There is simply so much to see, and it’s a large place. I try to limit how much walking my pregnant clients have to do so we prepare our route in advance, pack minimally, and take lots of breaks. Don’t forget the bug spray here (but if you do, they sell it at the counter)! Also, they have a newly installed playground at the children’s garden which is an excellent way to end a shoot for older children.
- Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
This place is absolutely fascinating and is open 7 days a week, year-round (with the exception of major hurricanes). Devil’s Millhopper park is located in NW Gainesville, FL, and contains a mini-rainforest found at the bottom of a 120 foot deep sinkhole. Depending on when you visit, you may see multiple small waterfalls cascading down the sides. It’s only $4 per vehicle and there is a beautiful trail around the top of the sinkhole, as well as steps down into the sinkhole. If you’re looking to get some steps in, and get pretty views, this is the place! There is also a visitor’s center with bathrooms and an interactive display at the entrance of the park. It is important to note that many people come here to exercise and enjoy, so please be mindful of not obstructing any paths.
- Paynes Prairie State Park
No list about scenic places in Gainesville would be complete without mentioning Paynes Prairie! It’s Florida’s first state preserve and has 8 major trails where one may see over 300 species of birds, wild horses, alligators, or our famous bison herd (yes, actual bison. In Florida. I know, it blew my mind too when I first moved here!). This park is located between the small town of Micanopy and Gainesville, treating visitors to a beautiful view as they enter our city. It costs $6 per vehicle and is open every day of the week, 365 days per year (except during major storms) from 8am until sunset. There is a newly renovated visitor’s center and a 50’ tall observation tower, if you feel like taking in some views. My best suggestions: wear good shoes, sunscreen/bugspray, and don’t forget water! There isn’t a lot of shade on the Prairie so plan your shoot accordingly.
- Sweetwater Wetlands Park
If Paynes Prairie is a bit too much of an adventure, Sweetwater Wetlands Park may offer a more accessible trip while still providing beautiful views. It sprawls over 125 acres and has a series of ponds framed with about 3.5 miles of flat gravel trails. Every time I visit I see tons of birds (and last time, baby alligators!). Entry is $5 per vehicle and they open slightly earlier (7am) than most parks to allow for birders. Photography, except for drones, is permitted. Once again, there isn’t much shade at these wetland parks, so please pack water, hats, sunscreen, etc. Sweetwater also features beautiful boardwalks over the water where you’ll be sure to get some stunning images.
- Alfred A. Ring Park
This park is currently closed until Spring 2025, however I still wanted to include it on my list of favorite places for maternity shoots because it’s so unique and pretty. This park is located on the NW side of Gainesville and features beautiful boardwalks (that are currently being replaced) over the Hogtown Creek. I love seeing the meandering creek- it allows for so many unique photos by all its twists and turns. There is also a playground that can serve as a great reward for your older kids at the end of the shoot.
- Dudley Farm Historic State Park
Located very close to the Water Bear Photography Studio, Dudley Farms is a staple on the NW side of Gainesville/Newberry. Dudley Farm is one of the oldest working farms in America (it pre-dates the Civil War!), and was made a National Historic Landmark in 2021. This is definitely a place where I recommend visiting several times, because there’s no way you’ll be able to appreciate all it has to offer during just one visit! From sprawling meadows with large live oak trees, to wooded trails, to historic buildings and gardens, there are a lot of beautiful backdrops for maternity photos here. It’s $5 per vehicle and their hours of operation change, so check before visiting! This is a great place if you have other children that will be involved in your shoot because they also have cows, horses, turkeys, and more. If staff are around, they’re usually wonderful about teaching children and letting them help with farm chores. In the past, my son has helped pump water for the horses and collect eggs from the chickens. They also host lots of special events where you can witness (or help) the making of sugar cane syrup!
I hope that this list was helpful if you’re planning an outdoor maternity session in or around Gainesville, Florida! I absolutely love my city and all our beautiful parks, so I hope that you’ll visit some of them even if you’re not doing a photoshoot. Please remember to always follow LNT principles: stay on marked paths, be considerate, pack out everything brought in, and more. Together, we can keep these places beautiful so that the little ones you’re carrying now, will someday be able to enjoy them too!