June 9, 2026
One of the most beautiful things about living in Upstate New York is the landscape we get to work with. The North Country, between the Adirondacks, Lake Champlain, and the rolling farmland of Clinton County, offers some of the most stunning natural backdrops I’ve ever photographed. Here you will learn the best outdoor maternity photo locations in Plattsburgh, NY and surrounding areas. If you’re planning a maternity session in the Plattsburgh area, here are my favorite locations and what makes each one special.
Why Outdoor Maternity Sessions Work So Well
Natural light is the most flattering light there is, and the North Country has it in abundance — especially during golden hour, when the sky turns warm and everything glows. Outdoor sessions also allow for more movement and variety than indoor setups, which means a more dynamic gallery and photos that feel alive rather than posed.
My Favorite Locations Near Plattsburgh
Lake Champlain waterfront
The lake is probably my most-requested location, and for good reason. The wide open sky, the water reflections, the soft grasses along the shore, it’s a naturally beautiful setting that photographs beautifully in almost any season. Sunrise and sunset sessions here are particularly stunning.
Open fields and wildflower meadows
Clinton County has no shortage of open farmland and meadow spaces. In summer these fields are full of tall grasses and wildflowers; in fall they take on a golden, harvest-season quality that is absolutely dreamy. If you want that effortless, wide-open feel in your maternity gallery, a field session is hard to beat.
Adirondack foothills and wooded trails
For mamas who love a more lush, green, forested backdrop, the foothills just south and west of Plattsburgh are beautiful. Dappled light through the trees, mossy paths, ferns, it’s quiet and intimate in a way that suits certain personalities perfectly.
Private properties and farms
Some of my favorite sessions have happened on family properties, a grandparent’s farm, a backyard with a barn or old stone wall. If you have access to a meaningful property in the area, I love working with spaces that carry personal history.
The Best Seasons for Outdoor Maternity Photos in Upstate New York
Late spring through fall is peak season for outdoor sessions in the Plattsburgh area. May and June bring fresh greens and soft light. July and August offer long golden hours and lush fields. September and October are arguably the most beautiful, fall foliage along the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain is world-class. Winter sessions are available too, and can be hauntingly beautiful in the right conditions.
What to Know Before We Shoot Outdoors
I’ll always have a backup plan for weather. If conditions on your session day are genuinely difficult, we’ll assess together and reschedule if needed without any penalty. I also recommend scheduling your outdoor session during the last 60–90 minutes before sunset for the most flattering natural light. If you are interested you can look see further details here.
We’ll be in touch as your session approaches if weather looks uncertain. If conditions are poor, we’ll reschedule without penalty. Light rain can sometimes create beautiful atmospheric images, so if you’re adventurous, that’s always an option too.
No, session pricing covers the session regardless of location. Travel beyond 45 minutes from my Beekmantown studio may include a travel fee, but most locations in the Plattsburgh and Clinton County area fall within my standard travel zone.
Absolutely! I love hearing your ideas. If you have a location that’s meaningful to your family or that you’ve always thought would be beautiful for photos, bring it up when we connect. I’m always open to scouting somewhere new.
Golden hour — the last 60 to 90 minutes before sunset — is my favorite time for outdoor sessions. The light is warm, soft, and incredibly flattering. I’ll always recommend a late afternoon or early evening start time for outdoor shoots.
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