So you want to schedule your Houston Maternity photography session, but it’s hot outside and you are 30+ weeks pregnant and have a toddler or two. Morning sessions (even though they are REALLY early) are the hidden gem time for your maternity and family session. If you can handle being up, dressed and out ready to smile at 7am this is the perfect option for your family session in Houston.
A HOUSTON MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION DURING THE SUMMER
Let’s just be real—Houston summers are hot. Like stepping-into-a-sauna-at-8am hot. That’s why I always recommend early morning for summer sessions. The temps are lower, the humidity hasn’t hit its peak yet, and everyone—especially you, mama—is way more comfortable. You’ll look and feel fresh, and that makes all the difference in your photos.
Morning sessions aren’t just about surviving the heat—they’re about creating a relaxed experience that actually feels good. Because when you feel calm and comfortable, your photos reflect that. And trust me, no one wants to remember how sweaty they were trying to wrangle a toddler into a smile in the heat of the day in Houston, because even the perfection of golden hour during the summer is H-O-T.
TODDLERS ARE THE HAPPIEST IN THE MORNING
If you’ve spent any time with a toddler (especially your own), you already know: mornings are their magic hour. Right after breakfast and before that midday crash, toddlers are usually at their best—fed, rested, and full of energy in the good way. That sweet little window is gold for photos. By scheduling your maternity session early, we’re catching them when they’re most likely to be curious, cooperative, and maybe even smiling without bribery (although I’m always team snack pouch just in case).
Trying to take photos with a cranky, overtired toddler in the golden hour heat? Not ideal. And when mama is also pregnant, the whole experience can start to feel like a marathon. But a calm, cool (ok, not as blazing hot) morning? That’s when we get the giggles, the snuggles, the real connection—and that’s exactly what you’ll want to remember when you look back on these photos.
OH THAT SOFT HOUSTON MORNING LIGHT FOR YOUR MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY!
My entire career I have been “team golden hour”. And, for the most part, I still am, but morning light is seriously underrated, and I’m here to shout its praises from the rooftops (or at least from behind my camera). Early light has this soft, golden glow that wraps around you in the prettiest way—no harsh shadows, no squinting, and no weird color casts on your skin. It’s gentle, flattering, and perfect for that dreamy, light and airy look I love to capture. Especially in the summer, the sun rises fast, but if we start just after sunrise, we get the magic before things get too bright and contrasty.
I think that is the only downside to morning sessions in Houston during the summer. We have to start AT sunrise and at the end of June that is 6:22am! At this session, they park didn’t open until 7:00am, so we had to push it a little and we had to move fast because the light gets harsh quickly and the sun gets HOT quickly once the sun is up.
The morning light is especially kind to toddlers, too. They’re not squinting or rubbing their eyes, and they aren’t distracted by everything happening around them because most parks and spots are still pretty quiet. And let’s be honest, when you’re pregnant and chasing a two-year-old, you want everything working with you. Morning light does that. It’s like nature’s soft filter—and it helps you look and feel like your best, glowy self.
BEAT THE CROWDS FOR YOUR HOUSTON MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY
One of the biggest perks of a morning Houston maternity photography session? Peace and quiet. Popular spots like Hermann Park, Mercer Botanic Gardens, or the Arboretum can get packed later in the day—think joggers, picnickers, dog walkers, and even other photographers all trying to share the same space. But in the early morning? It’s calm, quiet, and feels like we have the whole place to ourselves. That slower pace makes such a difference, especially when you’re juggling a toddler and trying to enjoy the moment without an audience.
The first time I did a morning session at the Arboretum was a holiday weekend. I live in The Woodlands, driving to Houston is usually quite the adventure in the evening, at least an hour, if I’m lucky. But I-45 was empty, it was almost apocalyptical. I was forever changed. This kind of commute was amazing!
A more relaxed setting helps everyone breathe a little easier. Your toddler isn’t distracted by a crowd, and you’re not worrying about someone stepping into the background of your photos. It gives us the space to move at your family’s pace—whether that means stopping for a snack break or chasing a giggling little one through a field. And honestly, that peaceful, unhurried feeling? It shows up in your photos.
PREPPING FOR YOUR MORNING HOUSTON MATERNITY SESSION
The key to a smooth morning session is just a little prep the night before—nothing fancy, just a few small things that make a big difference. Lay out everyone’s outfits (including backup clothes for your toddler, just in case), pack snacks, water, wipes, and anything that keeps your little one happy. Keep breakfast simple and light, and plan to arrive just a few minutes early so no one feels rushed. I always build in time for breaks and snuggles, so if your toddler needs a minute or you need a breather, it’s no big deal. My goal is for the whole experience to feel calm and easy—like a sweet morning out together, with a little extra magic added in.
LET’S SCHEDULE YOUR MATERNITY SESSION
At Mollie Jane Photography, we have the premiere family and maternity session experience with the most amazing client experience guide that will help you with every aspect of your session. And I am here for you before, during and after! Are you ready to book your morning maternity session in Houston?
Click HERE to go to my website and learn more!
I have created a downloadable check-list for your morning session, it will help you prep the night before so you are prepared that morning! DOWNLOAD THAT HERE!
