If you’re looking for the best spots for maternity photos in Kansas City, you’re in the right place.
As a photographer who grew up in Kansas City, this city holds a special place in my heart. And I can tell you firsthand, there is no shortage of gorgeous settings for a maternity session.
Below, I’ll walk you through my favorite locations, how maternity photography works, and everything you need to know to feel prepared and excited for your session.
Where to Take Maternity Photos in Kansas City
Kansas City is full of variety — from picture-perfect gardens to wide-open nature preserves. Here are some of my favorite spots for maternity pictures in Kansas City.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Best for a polished, unique look
If you love art and architecture, the Nelson-Atkins Museum is the perfect maternity session backdrop. The outdoor grounds feature manicured gardens, open lawns, and iconic architecture for a timeless look.
Outdoor professional photography is allowed at the museum as long as a photography sign-in and consent form is required. Best of all, general admission is always free.
James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area
Best for nature and wide open spaces
James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area is the perfect place for maternity photos in Kansas City if you want to get in nature. The area spans over 3,000 acres in Jackson County near Lee’s Summit and features 12 lakes, wooded trails, open fields, and native grasslands. It’s ideal for a peaceful, relaxed session away from the crowds.
A special-use permit is required through the Missouri Department of Conservation and must be requested at least 30 days before your session date.
Loose Park
Best for a lush, romantic look
Loose Park is one of Kansas City’s most popular parks and for great reason. The park has a scenic pond, a classic rose garden, and a charming fountain. If you’re doing a maternity session in late spring, the roses are in full bloom. Fall is also beautiful with deep reds and golds.
A photography permit for $25 per hour is required at Loose Park.
Shawnee Mission Park
Best for versatile scenery and bringing pets
Shawnee Mission Park spans 1,655 acres and includes a 120-acre lake, wooded nature trails, open picnic areas, and hiking paths — plenty of variety for a maternity session.
No photography permit is required for most areas of the park. And if you want your pet to join, this is the perfect spot. The park has a large off-leash area and leashed access throughout.
Union Station & WWI Museum
Best for variety and an urban, architectural look
Union Station and the WWI Museum offer a dramatic city backdrop for maternity photos in Kansas City. The two locations are right next to each other, so it’s easy to shoot at both for variety in your photos. The grand exterior, open plaza, and sweeping skyline views make for unique pictures.
Outdoor photo shoots on the WWI Museum grounds are welcome anytime — no special arrangements needed. Just note that Union Station requires advance permission for professional sessions.
In-Home Maternity Photography in Kansas City
In-home maternity sessions are perfect for couples who want their photo session to feel authentic and extra special. At home, you can incorporate sentimental value as we capture this sweet season of life for your family. For example, you might have your portraits captured in your garden. Year after year, that same garden can be a cherished backdrop where we return to document the beautiful milestones of your growing family.
Process for Maternity Photos in Kansas City
My goal is to make your maternity session feel easy and enjoyable from start to finish. Here’s what to expect when we work together:
- Initial consultation – Reach out to get in touch, and we’ll talk through package options and available dates.
- Session planning – We’ll iron out the details: your package, session timeline, and location.
- Picture day – I’ll guide you through every moment so you feel comfortable and at ease, even if it’s your first time in front of a camera.
- Final gallery – Your complete gallery will be delivered within four weeks of your session.
Meet Your Kansas City Maternity Photographer
I’m Brooke, your maternity photographer! I’m now based in Colorado, but Kansas City is where my story began. Getting to photograph families and expecting mamas in a city I love is one of the best parts of my work.
I specialize in outdoor photography and love creating a fun experience for every client. My goal on session day is to help you feel present, comfortable, and like yourself — so the photos reflect who you actually are.
When I’m not behind the camera, I’m spending time with my husband, daughter, and our dog. Family is everything to me, and that’s exactly the energy I bring to every session.
Maternity Photos in Kansas City: FAQs
How much do maternity photos cost?
Maternity photography typically ranges from $100 to $1,500, depending on the photographer’s experience, location, and package. My maternity packages start at $750, and I’m happy to create a custom option that fits your needs.
What week should you do a maternity shoot?
Most photographers recommend scheduling your session between 28 and 36 weeks. Your bump is \visible at this stage, and you’re typically past the early discomfort but not yet in the final stretch of fatigue. It also gives you plenty of time to enjoy your photos before the baby arrives.
When is the best time for maternity photos in Kansas City?
Maternity photos can be taken year-round in Kansas City, but golden hour just after sunrise or before sunset offers the most flattering natural light for outdoor sessions. Weekday sessions are also a great way to avoid crowds at popular spots like Loose Park or the Nelson-Atkins.
How far in advance should I book a maternity session?
Plan to book one to three months in advance. Spring and fall tend to be the busiest seasons in Kansas City, so the earlier you reach out, the better.
What should I wear for maternity photos?
Neutral tones tend to photograph beautifully in outdoor settings and keep the focus on you. If you want to add a pop of color, accessories like jewelry and hats are a fun way to do it. If family members are joining your session, aim for coordinating colors and avoid mixing busy patterns. For example, you might wear florals while your partner wears a solid color.
Let’s Plan Your Maternity Session
I hope you found this guide helpful and feel excited about your maternity photos in Kansas City. Maternity photography is one of my favorite things to do because documenting this chapter is so special.
Ready to get started? I’d love to help you plan a session that feels personal, relaxed, and authentically you.
kinsley + caden
“Brooke was the perfect choice for our wedding day! We had a micro wedding at Sapphire Point in August. I had never been to Sapphire Point and Brooke was so helpful suggesting vendors, picture locations, parking, marriage license info etc. She was so kind and helpful before and during the whole process and was a large part of why the day went so smooth. She does so much more than just show up and take pictures, Brooke will truly go out of her way to make your wedding day perfect! The photos are gorgeous and I keep getting so many compliments! I truly cannot recommend her enough!”
"Brooke was a large part of why our day went so smooth and will truly go out of her way to make your wedding day perfect!"
We chose Brooke to capture our Colorado elopement and she did exactly that and more. She made it easy to plan our day out with locations and timelines so that we could focus on ourselves. We decided last minute to change our afternoon/evening elopement to a 6am sunrise one so beat the heat of the day. Brooke accommodated us without hesitation and even created a new timeline for us so that we knew where to be for the perfect sunrise. She was kind and understood what we wanted in terms of our elopement and we are so grateful to have her capture the day. Our photos turned out beautiful and truly helped us relive the day. I would recommend Brooke to anyone wanting their special day photographed.
"Brooke accommodated us without hesitation and even created a new timeline for us so that we knew where to be for the perfect sunrise."
erica + stacy
kirstie + colin
Brooke not only photographed our mountain elopement beautifully, but she put so much thought into the details and knew all of the answers the questions I didn’t even know to ask. She really puts a lot of thought into each photo and brings her expertise while still remaining very open to what we wanted and ideas we had. She even helped pick the perfect spot for us and advised us on the logistical details like securing a reservation at the mountain lake where we wanted our ceremony. She is SO easy to work with and very friendly and chill. My husband and I are super awkward in front of a camera but she made it so natural and easy - and the shots came out better than we could have imagined.
"She really puts a lot of thought into each photo and brings her expertise while still remaining very open to what we wanted and ideas we had."
amanda + jace
Brooke is many things; talented, calm, flexible, experienced/ knowledgeable, patient, incredibly responsive, organized, resourceful in a pinch, supportive, creative, professional yet a blast to work with, and goes above & beyond w her clients. Our wedding was a spectacular dream and we couldn't be more grateful that she made that single day last forever. Whether she's photographing nature or an intimate event, her pictures tell a story of peace, love, whatever your vision may be. We couldn't recommend her more and we look forward to booking with her for all of our vow renewals, seasonal and family pictures for as long as she'll have us.
"Whether she's photographing nature or an intimate event, her pictures tell a story of peace, love, whatever your vision may be."
linden + brent
Working with Brooke was a dream come true! Before we even met, my husband Brent and I were impressed by her portfolio. After meeting, we were even more convinced that her photography skills and knowledge, and her fun and easygoing personality were exactly what we were looking for in an elopement photographer. Brooke was able to take our vision and facilitate everything so that it worked out beautifully, especially when it came to finding the perfect location (the incredible mountains surrounding Ouray). Throughout the entire planning process, she was honest and flexible, and made it clear that her goal was for us to be 100% happy. In the end, her creativity and our happiness totally shine through in every single photo.
"Throughout the entire planning process, she was honest and flexible."
lauren + branden
I can't begin to express my gratitude for the intimacy and beauty behind Brooke's photographs. In capturing our wedding day, she went above and beyond to document our story, our families, and the depths of our love in ways that I'll forever be grateful for. Brooke has an eye for not only capturing the adventure and magic of your love, but deeply connects with your personal story, understands your relationship, and then gives that back in the most incredible way. She is truly an artist and tells your story in an authentic and creative way for you to look back on for years to come. We are forever grateful to Brooke for spending the time to get to know us, our story, and capturing the memories that we'll relive for years to come.
"Brooke deeply connects with your personal story, understands your relationship, and then gives that back in the most incredible way."
heather + jedd
“If you're contemplating which photographer to go with, THIS IS YOUR SIGN TO CHOOSE BROOKE!!!! She is so so so talented and was able to capture our elopement exactly how I pictured and wanted! We eloped in Ridgway, CO this past September and she was so helpful figuring out picture locations, recommendations of timeline for the day, and just made the whole day feel so smooth. She schedules multiple check ins, phone calls, etc., leading up to the big day to ensure everything is as you want it. Brooke has such a calming, down to earth presence and is one of those awesome people you feel like you've known forever after just the first time of meeting."
"Brooke has such a calming, down to earth presence and is one of those awesome people you feel like you've known forever."
christy + austin
Brooke is the absolute best. She truly went above and beyond for my fiancé and I to be able to get our engagement photos taken with the fall colors. Brooke is so sweet, fun, personable and incredibly talented. We could not be more in love with our engagement photos! Our engagement session with Brooke was such a special experience and a memory we will cherish forever.
"Our engagement session with Brooke was such a special experience and a memory we will cherish forever."
