Where to Take Maternity Photos in Ventura County and What to Wear for Each Location
There’s something really special about maternity sessions in Ventura County.
The light here has a softness to it that is truly magical. The coast feels open and calm, the hills turn golden just before sunset, and everything slows down just enough to let you actually feel this season you’re in. It really is a special place to live and photograph in because it has all the beauty of what makes California special without all the crazy traffic vibes. Below are all the details you need to know on where to take maternity photos in Ventura County and what to wear for each location.
Most of the time, the mamas I work with don’t come in unsure about if they want photos… they come in unsure about how to make it all feel natural.
Where do we go?
What do I wear?
How do I make this feel like me?
So this guide is here to take all of that off your shoulders so you can relax.
These are some of my favorite Ventura County locations for maternity sessions, along with exactly what I typically recommend wearing so everything feels effortless, flattering, and completely you.
Ventura Pier and Downtown Ventura
Ventura Pier has this quiet coastal charm that feels both nostalgic and alive at the same time. The sound of the ocean, the wooden textures, the palms…it’s simple in the best way and provides for different textures and background so you have variety in your photos.
I love this location for clients who want something relaxed but still visually interesting. It feels like a slow evening walk by the water more than a “photoshoot,” which is exactly the point because my goal is to make sure that you feel like were hanging out and not in a stiff, uncomfortable photoshoot.
What I recommend wearing here:
Soft, flowing pieces that move gently with the wind always work best. I am here for the movement!!
- Neutral tones like ivory, sand, warm beige, or soft blush
- Flowy dresses that catch movement without feeling too formal
- Barefoot on the sand or simple sandals you can easily slip off
- Optional second outfit: something a little more structured but still minimal just something that provides variety
This is the kind of place where you don’t want to overthink anything. The simplicity is what makes it feel beautiful.
Reach out here if you would like to get in touch!
Ventura Harbor Village
Ventura Harbor Village has a slightly more styled coastal feel..think boats in the background, reflections on the water, soft movement everywhere you look.
It’s perfect if you want something that feels coastal but a little more “lifestyle editorial” at the same time.
What I typically suggest wearing:
Think elevated casual…nothing too fussy, nothing too loud.
- Soft blues, creams, and warm whites
- Simple, fitted dresses or knit sets (doesn’t have to be a dress for this type of location)
- Linen fabrics that feel breathable and natural
- Minimal jewelry, barely-there makeup, clean hair styling
This location photographs best when everything feels effortless and undone in a really intentional way. Loveeee this vibe, it’s casual but cute and very relaxed.
Surfers Point at Seaside Park
Surfers Point at Seaside Park is where Ventura really feels like California. Wide skies, open coastline, waves rolling in, there’s a bit more drama and action here but still in a very natural way.
What I recommend wearing here:
This is where we lean into flow and texture.
- Long, draping maternity gowns that move with the wind
- Earth tones like rust, olive, sand, or cream (don’t be afraid of subtle prints)
- Barefoot whenever possible
- Fabrics that photograph well in motion (nothing stiff or structured)
Everything here is about feeling. The wind, the light, the movement, it all becomes part of the story and reflects in the photos.
Marina Park Beach
Oxnard Beach Park feels softer and more intimate than many of the busier beaches. It has space, quiet, and a kind of ease that works beautifully for maternity sessions.
I often recommend this for clients who want privacy or who feel more comfortable in open, uncrowded spaces.
What to wear here:
Soft, romantic, and simple always wins here.
- Creams, soft neutrals, muted blush tones
- Flowy dresses with movement or soft texture
- Barefoot in the sand for a natural feel
- Optional layering pieces like sheer wraps or oversized shirts
This location works best when nothing feels forced. Just soft presence and natural connection with candid moments of you and your family.
Mandalay Beach
Mandalay Beach is quiet, minimal, and incredibly peaceful. There’s something grounding about it, the dunes, the open sky, the softness of the coastline. The dunes are probably my favorite highlight of this location.
It’s one of those locations that doesn’t need much. It already does most of the work for us which we love!
Here is another blog about a beautiful beach session in Ventura if you are looking for family photos!
What I recommend wearing here:
We keep everything soft and tonal. Similar to our other locations/
- Ivory, sand, warm beige, or muted earth tones
- Light, breathable fabrics like chiffon or gauze
- Simple silhouettes that don’t distract from the environment
- Barefoot or minimal sandals
Channel Islands Harbor
Channel Islands Harbor has a slightly more refined coastal feel. Boats, still water, soft light reflecting off the marina, this feels a little more elevated and structured here.
If you want something that feels a little more polished without losing that Ventura County ease, this is a beautiful option.
What I typically suggest wearing:
- Clean monochromatic looks (all ivory, all beige, or soft tone-on-tone outfits)
- Satin, silk, or structured knits
- Simple, elegant dresses that flatter without feeling overdone
- Minimal, intentional jewelry
It’s a quietly luxurious location without ever feeling staged.
Here is a blog that of a beautiful maternity session at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel, a gorgeous spot in Santa Barbara, CA..just outside of Ventura County.
Point Mugu State Park
Point Mugu State Park is where the coastline opens up into something a little more cinematic. Cliffs, rolling hills, ocean views, the cliffs really provide for an emotional feel. They are beautiful and photograph really well.
This is for clients who want that “wow” feeling in their gallery with those massive cliffs.
What I recommend wearing here:
This is where we can be a little more expressive.
- Flowing gowns with movement or longer trains
- Warm earthy tones like terracotta, olive, or deep neutrals
- Barefoot or natural-toned footwear
- Pieces that feel like they belong in the landscape, not on top of it
Everything here feels a bit more editorial, but still deeply natural and not overly planned out.
Contact us here if you want to learn more!
Ojai
Ojai is one of those places that slows everything down the moment you arrive, it is such a cute spot that is so special and different than most surrounding cities. The light is warm, the air feels softer, and there’s a quiet kind of beauty in every direction.
What I recommend wearing here:
- Soft, romantic dresses with movement- I could also see a matching set here looking really cute
- Warm neutrals, sage, cream, or muted floral tones
- Simple sandals
- Lightweight fabrics that feel easy and natural
Ojai always photographs best when we keep things effortless and unforced, it’s a very natural care-free place.
Libbey Park (Ojai)
Libbey Park feels a little more structured but still very organic since it’s located in Ojai. Shaded trees, soft pathways, and a quiet sense of calm make it perfect for a more grounded, intimate session.
What I recommend wearing here:
- Soft florals or subtle prints
- Light neutrals or muted pastels
- Simple, timeless silhouettes
- Light layering pieces if needed
It’s gentle, easy, and very natural in tone. You could also keep the same color tones and do some cute flowy pants as well.
Let’s get in touch here!
Camarillo Ranch House
Camarillo Ranch House brings a different kind of charm. It’s historic, slightly romantic, and beautifully textured. It feels a little more styled without losing warmth.
What I recommend wearing here:
- Elevated dresses with lace, structure, or soft detail
- Muted jewel tones or classic neutrals
- More intentional styling (this is where we can lean slightly dressy)
- Elegant, minimal accessories
It’s perfect if you want something timeless with a hint of sophistication. If you like a more dressed up look, this would be where you would want to capture it.
Underwood Family Farms (Seasonal)
Underwood Family Farms is a seasonal favorite when clients want something playful, natural, and a little more lifestyle-driven. Orchards, fields, and open space give it a very organic feel.
What I recommend wearing here:
- Soft casual dresses or coordinated neutral outfits
- Earth tones, warm creams, or soft greens
- Comfortable, movement-friendly pieces
- Simple sandals
It feels relaxed, warm, and very real-life in the best way.
My Last Thoughts
The most beautiful maternity sessions are never about doing everything perfectly. Really the goal is imperfect, real and natural.
They’re about choosing a location that feels like a breath of fresh air, and wearing something that lets you forget about everything else for a while and makes you feel like the best version of you as cheesy as that sounds.
When those two things come together. The place and how you feel in it, that’s when the images start to feel like something you’ll hold onto forever because you feel the most comfortable.
If you’re planning your maternity session in Ventura County, I always help my clients with both location and wardrobe so it feels completely seamless from start to finish. Reach out below if you are interested in learning more!
I hope that this blog about where to take maternity photos in Ventura county and what to wear for reach location was helpful to you. If you would like to learn more or book maternity photos with my studio, let’s connect below!
