
There is something about maternity photos in the Arizona desert that I will never get tired of. The beautiful mountains, warm golden light, and all those neutral desert colors make such a gorgeous backdrop for documenting this special season of life.
This maternity session at Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction, Arizona was seriously so beautiful! These two are getting ready to welcome their baby girl, and I loved getting to capture this exciting time before their family grows.
We had the prettiest evening at the Superstition Mountains, and I am already looking forward to seeing them again once their sweet baby girl arrives!
If you have been looking for a beautiful location for your maternity photos in Arizona, Lost Dutchman State Park is one of my favorites!
Located in Apache Junction, just outside of Mesa, this park has some of the most incredible views of the Superstition Mountains. Between the towering mountains, desert trails, cacti, and beautiful open spaces, there are so many opportunities for gorgeous photos.
One of my favorite things about photographing maternity sessions here is how the landscape adds so much beauty without taking away from the people in the photos.
And when the sun starts setting behind the desert? SO GOOD.
For this session, we explored the desert and took advantage of that gorgeous evening light. I loved how relaxed and natural everything felt, especially the sweet moments between these two as they soaked in the excitement of becoming parents.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, you can explore some of my other Arizona maternity photography sessions to see the beautiful locations and moments we’ve captured.
Maternity sessions are always so special to me because they capture such a short season of life.
There is so much anticipation, excitement, and change happening before a baby arrives. And while pregnancy can sometimes feel like it lasts forever (especially toward the end!), it really is such a small chapter in the bigger story of your family.
I loved how these two interacted throughout their session. From the sweet forehead kisses and snuggling together to walking hand in hand through the desert, there were so many genuine moments.
We also made sure to get plenty of photos showing off that beautiful baby bump!
I always encourage expecting moms to embrace their bump during maternity photos. Whether that means wearing a flowy dress, a more fitted outfit, or showing a little skin, I want you to feel beautiful and comfortable.
These are photos you’ll be able to look back on someday and remember what life looked like right before your baby arrived.
And how sweet will it be for their daughter to see these photos one day and know just how loved she was before she was even born?



One of the biggest questions I get when planning maternity photography sessions is what to wear.
And honestly, you don’t need anything complicated!
For this Lost Dutchman State Park maternity session, I loved the outfit choices. The simple white tops, denim, and beautiful white dress looked amazing against the warm desert colors.
Neutral colors photograph beautifully in the Arizona desert because they complement the landscape without competing with it.
Some of my favorite outfit choices for maternity photos include:
I also love when expecting moms bring more than one outfit to their session.
For this session, we were able to capture two different looks, which gave their gallery a little extra variety while keeping everything cohesive.
And please don’t feel like you need to wear something just because it’s considered a traditional maternity outfit. The most important thing is that you feel like yourself!
If you have followed my photography for a while, you probably already know how much I love golden hour!
Golden hour is the time shortly before sunset when the light becomes softer and warmer. It is especially beautiful for desert maternity photography because it creates such a pretty glow across the landscape.
At Lost Dutchman State Park, the Superstition Mountains make an incredible backdrop as the evening light changes.
I love the way the desert colors soften, and the mountains create so much depth in the photos.
We were able to capture a combination of close-up portraits, wider mountain views, and natural moments between these two.
If you’re planning maternity photos in Mesa, Apache Junction, Gilbert, or the surrounding East Valley, I almost always recommend scheduling your outdoor session around sunset.
Arizona can also be HOT, so choosing the right time of day makes a big difference in how comfortable you feel during your session.





One of the things I’m most excited about with this sweet couple is that I’ll also be photographing their newborn session once their baby girl arrives!
I absolutely love getting to document families through different stages of life, and maternity and newborn photography go together so beautifully.
That is why I offer a Motherhood Package, which allows families to document both their maternity session and their newborn photos.
I love the idea of capturing the anticipation before your baby arrives and then getting to photograph those first sweet days once they’re finally here.
Maternity photos tell the story of waiting for your baby, while newborn photos capture the beginning of life with them.
And trust me, those tiny newborn details change SO quickly!
Booking maternity and newborn photography together is such a wonderful way to preserve both seasons.
Instead of thinking about scheduling another photographer after your baby arrives, you can have a plan in place to document those first moments.
I’m already so excited to see these two again and meet their baby girl!
If you’re expecting and wondering when to schedule maternity photos, I typically recommend planning your session somewhere around 28–34 weeks of pregnancy.
This is usually a great time because your bump is beautifully visible, but you may still feel comfortable walking around and enjoying your session.
Of course, every pregnancy is different, and we can always plan around what feels best for you.
I also recommend reaching out before your third trimester if possible, especially if you are hoping to schedule your maternity session during Arizona’s cooler months.
Locations like Lost Dutchman State Park are especially beautiful during fall, winter, and spring, when the temperatures are generally more comfortable for outdoor photos.
And if you’re interested in booking my Motherhood Package, reaching out early gives us time to plan both your maternity and newborn sessions.




Lost Dutchman State Park is located in Apache Junction, Arizona, near Mesa and the East Valley. The park is known for its incredible views of the Superstition Mountains and beautiful Sonoran Desert scenery. It is a gorgeous location for outdoor maternity, family, and couples photography.
Photography rules and permit requirements can vary depending on the type of session and park policies. I recommend checking the current requirements with Lost Dutchman State Park before your session. Park entrance fees may also apply.
Fall, winter, and spring are generally wonderful times for outdoor maternity photography in Arizona because the temperatures are more comfortable. Summer sessions are still possible, but I recommend planning carefully around the heat and choosing an appropriate location and time of day.
I love neutral colors, flowy dresses, simple denim outfits, and anything that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful. Cream, white, beige, and other soft earth tones look especially pretty against the Arizona desert landscape.
I recommend reaching out during your second trimester if possible. Maternity photos are often scheduled around 28–34 weeks, so booking ahead gives us plenty of time to plan your location, outfits, and session date.
Yes! I offer a Motherhood Package for families who want to document their pregnancy and their baby’s arrival. It’s a beautiful way to capture everything from your growing bump to those first newborn moments.
If you’re expecting a little one and looking for a maternity photographer in Mesa, Gilbert, Apache Junction, Scottsdale, or the surrounding Phoenix area, I would love to document this season for you!
Whether you’re dreaming of golden-hour maternity photos at Lost Dutchman State Park, a beautiful desert session near the Superstition Mountains, or maternity and newborn photos through my Motherhood Package, we can create something that feels natural and true to you.
These moments go by so quickly, and I would love to help you remember them.
Ready to plan your maternity photos? Reach out to learn more about my maternity sessions and Motherhood Package. I can’t wait to hear from you!





CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE
Candace Shiflet Photography is an Arizona maternity, newborn, and family photographer serving Scottsdale, Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Mesa, Queen Creek, Mesa, Gilbert, San Tan Valley, Apache Junction, Chandler, and beyond.