Photographer: S M Imran Hassan | Purple Bird Photo & Video, Wollongong
Location: Ravensthorpe Estate, Albion Park, NSW
Few seasons in life feel as fleeting as pregnancy. One week you are getting used to the idea, and the next you are counting down the days until you meet your little one. A maternity photoshoot in Wollongong is a beautiful way to slow that moment down and keep it forever. With golden beaches, dramatic escarpment views and leafy gardens all within a short drive, Wollongong and the wider Illawarra are one of the most rewarding places in New South Wales to celebrate your bump.
At Purple Bird Photo & Video, photographer S M Imran Hassan photographs maternity sessions across Wollongong, the Illawarra and Sydney. In this guide we share our favourite local locations, the best time to book, what to wear and how to feel relaxed in front of the camera, so you can plan a session that feels natural and truly yours.
When to Book Your Wollongong Maternity Photoshoot
Most families book their maternity session between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. By then your bump is beautifully defined, yet you are usually still comfortable enough to walk along a beach or stand for a few minutes at a lookout. If you are expecting twins, or your doctor has suggested taking it easy, aim a little earlier, around 26 to 30 weeks.
We recommend reaching out a couple of months ahead, especially for spring and summer weekends, which fill quickly in the Illawarra. Booking early also gives you time to plan outfits and choose a location without any last-minute pressure.
Best Locations for a Maternity Photoshoot in Wollongong & the Illawarra
One of the best things about the Illawarra is how much variety sits within a short drive. Here are the spots we love for maternity portraits:
- Wollongong Botanic Garden (Keiraville): shady lawns, a duck pond, rose beds and the rainforest walk give you soft, natural light and plenty of privacy. Ideal if you prefer a calm, green setting.
- Flagstaff Point & Wollongong Head Lighthouse: sweeping ocean views, grassy headlands and the iconic white lighthouse create a classic coastal backdrop just minutes from the CBD.
- North Beach & Belmore Basin: easy, flat access with sand, sea pools and the colourful harbour fishing boats nearby, a great choice for later stages of pregnancy.
- Austinmer & Thirroul beaches: relaxed northern-suburbs beaches with golden sand, rock pools and the escarpment rising behind you. Sunset here is pure magic.
- Bald Hill Lookout (Stanwell Park): breathtaking views over the coastline and the Sea Cliff Bridge. Ask us about a nearby quieter spot if the lookout is busy with visitors.
- Mount Keira Lookout: a panoramic view across Wollongong and the ocean, perfect for a dramatic, elevated look with your partner.
- Illawarra Rhododendron Park (Mount Pleasant): in spring this garden bursts with colour, offering a fairytale woodland feel for floral maternity portraits.
- Your own home: cosy in-home sessions are wonderful for intimate moments, setting up the nursery, or including older siblings and pets.
Choosing the Right Time of Day
Light makes all the difference in maternity photography. For beach and headland locations, we usually plan your session for the hour before sunset, when the light is warm, soft and flattering. The coast is also quieter at that time, which helps you relax.
Early mornings work beautifully too, especially in summer when afternoons can be hot and windy along the coast. For garden sessions, overcast days are a hidden gift because the light is even and gentle on skin tones. We always keep an eye on the weather forecast and will chat with you about the best plan for the day.
What to Wear for Your Maternity Session
Your outfit should make you feel beautiful and comfortable. A few tips we share with every client:
- Flowing gowns and maxi dresses move gracefully in the coastal breeze and photograph wonderfully at the beach.
- Fitted dresses in soft neutrals, blush, sage or dusty blue highlight your bump and suit the Illawarra's natural colours.
- Cultural attire such as a saree, lehenga or shalwar kameez can be stunning and meaningful, particularly for families who want to honour their heritage.
- Coordinate, don't match: partners and children look best in complementary tones rather than identical outfits.
- Bring a second outfit if you would like a mix of formal and casual looks, plus comfortable shoes for walking to the location.
Avoid busy patterns and large logos, as they draw attention away from you. If you are unsure, send us a few photos of your options and we will happily help you choose.
Including Your Partner, Children and Pets
Maternity sessions are not only about the bump. Some of our favourite moments come from the people around you: a partner's hands resting on your belly, a toddler kissing the bump, or the family dog curled up beside you on a picnic rug. Let us know who will be joining so we can plan poses and timing. For younger children, a shorter session closer to their usual happy time of day keeps everyone smiling.
Tips to Feel Natural and Comfortable on Camera
Many of our clients tell us they feel nervous before their shoot. That is completely normal. Here is how we make the experience easy:
- We guide you gently with simple prompts, so you never have to guess what to do with your hands.
- We build in breaks for water, snacks and sitting down whenever you need.
- We focus on real connection, such as walking, laughing and quiet moments together, rather than stiff, posed shots.
- We choose locations with easy access and nearby parking, so you are not tired before we even begin.
Remember to stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes to the location, and bring a light jacket for breezy coastal evenings.
Why Choose Purple Bird Photo for Your Maternity Photoshoot
Purple Bird Photo & Video is led by S M Imran Hassan, who photographs weddings, families and maternity sessions across Sydney, Wollongong and the Illawarra, while photographer Sazzid Ahmed looks after clients in Adelaide. Here is what you can expect from us:
- Local knowledge of Wollongong's beaches, lookouts and gardens, including quieter spots away from the crowds.
- A relaxed, guided approach that helps you feel comfortable, even if you have never been in front of a camera.
- Culturally aware photography, with experience capturing South Asian and multicultural families, from traditional attire to family traditions.
- A natural, timeless editing style that you will love looking back on for years to come.
Many families also come back to us after the baby arrives. You can explore our maternity photoshoot and family photoshoot pages for more inspiration, or view our pricing guide to see the available options.
Book Your Maternity Photoshoot in Wollongong
Your pregnancy is a once-in-a-lifetime chapter, and it deserves to be remembered beautifully. Whether you dream of a sunset on Austinmer Beach, a quiet walk through the Botanic Garden or a cosy session at home, we would love to help you plan it.
Get in touch today through our contact page, call 0490 011 188 (NSW) or 0490 128 286 (SA), or email contact@purplebirdphoto.com.au. Spring and summer dates in the Illawarra book quickly, so reach out early to secure your preferred date.
Meet Your Photographer: S M Imran Hassan
Every photo in this maternity story was captured by S M Imran Hassan, lead photographer at Purple Bird Photo & Video. Imran photographs maternity, family, wedding and portrait sessions across Wollongong, the Illawarra and Sydney, with a relaxed, guided style that helps families feel at ease in front of the camera.
This maternity session was photographed at Ravensthorpe Estate in Albion Park, a heritage property in the Illawarra with tree-lined gardens, a classic homestead verandah and old stone walls that suited the warm, timeless look of these photos.
Photographer: S M Imran Hassan, Purple Bird Photo & Video
