Maternity Photoshoot at the Wedding Bowl

La Jolla has no shortage of epic views, but if you’re looking for a spot that feels equal parts peaceful and jaw-dropping, the Wedding Bowl at Cuvier Park is the place. This little cliffside nook is famous for elopements and small weddings, but it also happens to be an unreal spot for a maternity photoshoot in La Jolla. Ocean waves, golden skies, and that salty breeze it’s got all the right vibes for celebrating such a special season of life.

Chasing the Light Before Golden Hour

For this session, we kicked things off about 30 minutes before golden hour. That’s prime time for catching soft, flattering light while still holding onto those vibrant sky tones before the sun dips. Shooting here can be a little tricky—the cliffs throw some heavy shadows, and the sky can blow out quick if you’re not careful.

That’s why I rolled with gear that can handle it. I brought the Nikon Z8 with the 85mm 1.8S for those dreamy close-up portraits and the Nikon Zf with the 24-70mm 2.8S to grab wide shots that show off the coastline. I kept it locked at base ISO and wasn’t afraid to underexpose a bit so we didn’t lose those epic colors in the sky. Dynamic range for the win.

Getting Around the Wedding Bowl

Now, here’s the thing about the Wedding Bowl: it’s stunning, but it’s not exactly the smoothest terrain. You’ve got grass slopes, uneven paths, and rocks that can get slippery—especially if you’re rocking sandals or dress shoes. For a maternity shoot, safety’s key.

Here’s my pro tip:

• Scout the routes ahead of time so your clients don’t have to guess where to step.
• Bring a comfy pair of shoes for walking between spots (you can always swap into something photo-ready).
• Give yourself a little extra time to move slow and steady—it’s worth it to keep everyone relaxed and safe.