Choosing the right location is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your maternity shoot, right up there with picking the perfect outfit. The backdrop doesn't just sit behind you; it shapes the whole feeling of your photos. A wild, salt-air coastline tells a different story than a quiet, glassy lake at sunset, and both are beautiful in their own way. At Letthe Lightin, we've spent years as a maternity photographer in Perth, photographing growing bellies across the western suburbs, from the heritage laneways of Fremantle to the calm waters of Mandurah and the leafy reserves of Joondalup. Here are our favourite spots, and the local know-how to help you choose the one that feels like you.
Fremantle: Heritage Charm Meets Coastal Light
Fremantle has a soul all its own — weathered limestone, maritime history, and some of the most flattering golden-hour light on the coast. It's a fantastic choice for mums who want a mix of romantic, timeless backdrops and relaxed beach vibes in the same session.
Bathers Beach is a firm favourite. Tucked beside the Round House, this small, sheltered cove catches the last of the afternoon sun beautifully, and the old stone buildings behind you add texture and warmth without overpowering the shot. It's also one of the calmer beaches in Freo, which makes it easier to move around comfortably in the later trimester.
South Beach offers a wider, wilder stretch of coastline with dunes, Norfolk pines, and long sightlines that are perfect for those dreamy, silhouette-style shots as the sun dips toward the water. If you're after that soft, glowing golden hour look with the horizon stretching out behind you, this is the spot.
For something a little different, Monument Hill and Fremantle Park give you elevated views, established gardens, and a mix of open lawn and shaded, leafy corners. The greenery here photographs beautifully against a soft bump, and it's a lovely option if you'd rather avoid sand entirely.
Mandurah: Calm Water and Golden Reflections
Mandurah's still, mirror-like waterways are made for maternity photography. There's something about the calm that suits this season of life — and the reflections you get here are hard to replicate anywhere else in Perth.
Mandurah Foreshore is the easiest starting point, with its boardwalks, palm trees, and open water views. The paved paths make it accessible even if walking long distances feels tricky right now, and the late-afternoon light bouncing off the estuary is gorgeous.
Halls Head, particularly around the foreshore and coastal parks, offers a quieter, more intimate feel with soft grassy areas and ocean glimpses — a lovely option if you want a gentle, breezy backdrop without the crowds.
For couples chasing something truly striking, the Dawesville Cut delivers dramatic, wide-open water views and a real sense of scale. It's a little further out, but the payoff is a set of images that feel expansive and cinematic, especially in the early evening light.
Joondalup: Lush Greenery and Reflective Waters
Joondalup's parks and lakes offer a softer, more sheltered feel — ideal if you're drawn to nature-rich, family-friendly settings rather than open coastline.
Lake Joondalup is the standout here. The still water creates beautiful reflections at sunrise and sunset, and the surrounding reeds and native bushland give the images a soft, natural frame. It's peaceful, private, and rarely crowded.
The Joondalup Boardwalk, winding along the lake's edge, is perfect for walking shots and candid moments between you and your partner (or your other little ones, if this isn't your first rodeo). The timber boardwalk itself adds a lovely natural leading line through the frame.
Neil Hawkins Park rounds things out with expansive lawns, established trees, and easy lake access — a genuinely relaxed, family-friendly setting that works well if you're bringing older children along for part of the session.
Practical Tips for Your Shoot
Timing is everything. Golden hour — the hour after sunrise or before sunset — gives you that soft, warm light that flatters a pregnant glow beautifully. In Fremantle and Mandurah, sunset sessions tend to work best thanks to the west-facing coastline. At Lake Joondalup, both sunrise and sunset offer beautiful reflective light, so it often comes down to your own energy levels — many mums-to-be find mornings easier as pregnancy progresses.
Season matters too. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for standing and walking outdoors for an extended shoot, while summer sessions are best scheduled right at sunset to avoid the heat.
Parking and access are worth checking ahead of time. Bathers Beach and the Mandurah Foreshore both have nearby paid parking with short walks to the shoot location, which is ideal if mobility is a consideration. Lake Joondalup and Neil Hawkins Park have free parking close to the lake edge, making them some of the most convenient options logistically.
What to wear can be tailored to each setting. Flowing dresses in soft neutrals or muted earth tones suit the coastal locations at Fremantle and Mandurah, echoing the sand and sea. At Lake Joondalup, richer, warmer tones and textured fabrics stand out beautifully against the greenery without competing with it. As a general rule, simple, comfortable silhouettes photograph better than busy patterns — and comfort matters most when you're on your feet for an hour or so.
Ready to Capture This Season?
Wherever you're drawn to — the heritage streets of Fremantle, the glassy waters of Mandurah, or the peaceful lakes of Joondalup — we'd love to help you find the perfect setting for your story. Browse our maternity photography for inspiration, or head to our services page for session details and pricing. Every booking starts with a friendly consultation, so we can talk through your vision, your due date, and which location will suit you best. Get in touch today and let's plan a session you'll treasure forever.
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