capturing this moment

Carlsbad Maternity Photographer

I have a passion for helping women feel empowered through their maternity session images.

Lovely Baby Photography Studio is based in Carlsbad, CA – just outside of San Diego

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In Studio Session Details

Pregnant woman in a sheer white gown stands barefoot on a studio backdrop, with one arm raised and looking to the side. Lovely Baby Photography by Stacey Marsh
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About in studio maternity sessions

Studio Maternity Portraits are beautiful and classic. Studio maternity photography sessions are held in our private studio in Carlsbad, a North County suburb of San Diego, and we work closely with you to design your session. We use simplicity and many contrasting dark and light shades in our studio sessions. Our gorgeous maternity wardrobe is available for you to use during your session.

Studio Details

What’s included in an in studio maternity session?

We do not put a time limit on our Studio Maternity Portrait sessions.  With hair & makeup included, you will be completely pampered.  We have a variety of stunning backdrop options as well as a full gorgeous wardrobe of over 150 gowns, wraps, dresses for moms to wear.  We do also have limited wardrobe for children up to age 8. Stacey is an expert at posing you to show off your belly, and she will make you look gorgeous for your session!  After your session is over you will be able to select your favorite images from the session and you can purchase what you love the most!

Investment Details

Outdoor Session Details

About outdoor maternity sessions

Outdoor Maternity Portraits are relaxed, romantic and full of natural light. Our outdoor maternity sessions take place at the beautiful beaches and coastal spots around Carlsbad and North County San Diego, from the soft sands of Terramar Beach to sun washed sandstone cliffs. We time your session for the prettiest light of the day and let the ocean breeze, golden sky and open space do the rest, capturing your pregnancy in the setting that makes Southern California so special.

Studio Details

What’s included in an outdoor maternity session?

Just like our studio sessions, our outdoor maternity sessions are never rushed.  You are welcome to choose from our gorgeous maternity wardrobe of flowing gowns, wraps and dresses that look stunning against the sand and sea, or bring your own favorite outfit.  Partners and older siblings are always welcome to join in, and Stacey will guide you through every pose so you feel relaxed, confident and beautiful.  After your session you will select your favorite images and purchase the ones you love the most!

Investment Details
Pregnant woman in a burgundy gown standing beside sandstone cliffs on a Carlsbad beach during an outdoor maternity session
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Gallery…

  • Pregnant woman in a black off-shoulder bodysuit sits on a white cube, holding her belly and looking upward against a bright, white background.
  • A pregnant woman in a long, burgundy dress poses against a dark background, holding her hands on her belly and looking at the camera.
  • A pregnant woman in a sheer, flowing white gown poses gracefully against a bright, white background.
  • A man gently embraces and kisses the forehead of a pregnant woman wearing a sheer white dress, set against a dark background.
  • A pregnant woman draped in sheer white fabric stands against a plain light background, looking to the side with one hand on her chest and the other holding the fabric.
  • A pregnant woman in a teal wrap stands with a man in black, both touching her bare belly and looking down, against a black background.
  • A woman, man, and young girl pose together in formal attire against a white background; the women wear ruffled dresses and the man wears a white shirt and black pants.
  • A pregnant woman in a mesh bodysuit lies on her side against a black background, with her head resting on her hands and her long hair spread out.
  • A pregnant woman with long hair stands in a flowing, mauve gown, one hand on her belly, against a white background.
  • Pregnant woman in a white shirt and ripped jeans sits on a white cube, looking down and smiling, with one hand on her belly. The background is plain and light-colored.
  • A pregnant woman in a flowing, strapless cream gown stands barefoot against a white background, gently cradling her belly and looking down.
  • A pregnant woman in a flowing, sheer beige gown stands against a textured blue background, holding her belly and looking down with a gentle smile.
  • A woman in a beige ruffled gown stands against a textured backdrop, holding the dress to reveal her leg and a hint of white lingerie.
  • A pregnant woman with long blonde hair poses in a see-through netted dress, holding her belly and smiling against a dark background.
  • A pregnant woman in a sheer, flowing gown stands indoors beside a wooden stool with a vase of pampas grass, posing for a maternity portrait.
  • A pregnant woman lies on the floor next to a man and a young child, all dressed in white tops and blue jeans, against a plain white background.
  • Pregnant woman lying on her side on a reflective surface, wearing a mesh top and underwear, with a dark background.
  • Woman lying on her back in a ruffled, cream-colored dress, surrounded by light pink flowers, with her eyes closed and a flower in her hair.
  • A pregnant woman stands barefoot, draped in a blue satin fabric, holding her belly and smiling against a dark, plain background.
  • Pregnant woman in a ruffled, off-the-shoulder gown stands smiling in front of large, cream-colored floral decorations and draped fabric.
  • A pregnant woman in a black off-shoulder outfit poses against a black background, looking down and holding her belly with both hands.
  • Pregnant woman in white top and ripped jeans lying on floor, head on man's lap; man in white t-shirt and jeans looks down at her. Both are barefoot against a plain background.
  • A pregnant woman stands barefoot in a flowing, sheer gray gown against a dark background, holding her belly and looking upward.
  • A pregnant woman in a sheer white gown holds hands with a man in black clothing, both standing against a white background and looking at each other.
  • A pregnant woman in a sheer, flowing fabric dress stands barefoot against a white background, holding her baby bump and looking to the side.
  • A man in a white shirt and pants stands next to a pregnant woman in a white lace dress, both smiling and posing against a neutral studio backdrop.
  • Pregnant woman in a sheer, off-shoulder white dress stands in profile against a bright white background, gently holding her belly.
  • A pregnant woman and a man, both in white tops and jeans, stand together holding and kissing a small child dressed similarly, against a plain background.
  • A pregnant woman in a blue tulle gown stands barefoot against a soft, cloud-like backdrop, holding her baby bump and looking to the side.
  • A man and a pregnant woman stand back to back, holding hands. Both wear white tops and blue jeans, barefoot, against a neutral background.
  • A pregnant woman in a white, flowing gown stands against a bright, white background, holding part of her dress and looking to the side.
  • Pregnant woman in a flowing teal fabric poses against a black background, holding her belly and looking down with a gentle smile.
  • Pregnant woman in a flowing, ruffled, off-shoulder gown stands against a white background, looking slightly upward with hands on her belly.
  • Pregnant woman in a sheer, white, off-shoulder gown poses barefoot against a plain background, with one hand resting on her head and the other on her belly.
  • Pregnant woman in a red, sheer, beaded gown poses with one hand on her hip and the other on her belly, standing against a neutral background.
  • A man, woman, and young girl pose together; the girl stands barefoot on a wooden stool, while the adults stand on either side, all dressed in coordinated neutral-colored outfits.
  • A pregnant woman in a ruffled, light-colored gown lies on her back with flowers in her hair and around her, one hand on her belly, eyes closed.
  • Pregnant woman in a sheer, beaded dress poses against a dark background, looking confidently at the camera.
  • Pregnant woman with long blonde hair wears white lingerie and large feathered angel wings, standing against a plain light background.
  • A man, pregnant woman in a sheer beige dress, and a young boy stand together, posing for a family portrait against a light background.
  • A pregnant woman in a flowing blue dress stands in front of a floral backdrop, while a man embraces her from behind, both looking peaceful.
  • A pregnant woman in a sheer, flowing gown stands with two young girls in cream dresses, one kissing her belly and the other hugging her leg, surrounded by white flowers.
  • A pregnant woman in a black outfit sits on a white block while a man stands beside her, gently kissing her forehead and holding her shoulders.
  • A pregnant woman in a flowing cream gown stands barefoot against a floral and butterfly backdrop, holding her dress with one hand and cradling her belly with the other.
  • Pregnant woman in a long white dress stands in a serene pose, hands on her belly, surrounded by dried plants and soft, golden light.
  • A pregnant woman in black maternity wear holds hands with a man dressed in black, standing together against a white background.
  • A pregnant woman in a flowing, light green dress stands in front of a floral background, smiling and holding her belly.
  • Pregnant woman in a flowing, light-colored gown stands in profile against a bright white background, with fabric billowing behind her.
  • A pregnant woman stands barefoot in a bright studio, draped in a sheer white fabric, holding her belly with one hand and looking to the side.
  • Pregnant woman in a flowing, cream-colored gown stands smiling in front of a neutral background, holding her belly with one hand above and one hand below.
  • A woman in an off-shoulder, flowing olive green gown poses against a textured dark background, with the fabric dramatically spread out.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have a collection of over 150 beautiful and unique maternity photoshoot dresses, wraps and gowns available for our clients to use during their maternity session. Stacey will guide you if you have any questions.  If your partner or children join for your session, Stacey can guide you in what they should wear in order to compliment your look. Neutral solid colors are the classic choice.  We do have some wardrobe for “big sister” and “big brother” to wear (depending on the age of your child).  Stacey also has gorgeous accessories – crowns, body jewelery, necklaces, etc to compliment your look during the session.

Hair and makeup with our amazing makeup artist is included in every session. We want you to feel pampered and gorgeous for your maternity session.  Our clients rave about having this high end service and experience.

Most expectant mothers in San Diego book their maternity session for weeks 30 through 34 of pregnancy, when the bump is beautifully rounded but you still feel comfortable enough to enjoy the experience. We recommend reserving your date at least 8 to 12 weeks in advance, as our luxury Carlsbad studio books months ahead — particularly during peak North County wedding and holiday seasons. If you are also planning a newborn session, booking both together secures continuity with Stacey and unlocks a maternity-newborn package.

Both options are exquisite. Our climate-controlled Carlsbad studio gives you creative freedom across 250+ backdrop and gown combinations regardless of weather, with consistent gallery-quality light. The controlled environment means every image has consistent, gallery-quality results regardless of season or weather.

Plan on around three hours total. That includes professional hair and makeup (approximately 45 minutes), a wardrobe consultation with up to five outfit changes, and the photography itself — typically 90 minutes of unhurried shooting. We never rush you. The pace is built around how you feel, with breaks, water, and snacks throughout. Partners and older children are warmly welcome for part of the session.

Yes. Our Carlsbad studio at 2185 Faraday Avenue is centrally located for the entire San Diego region. Maternity clients regularly travel from Encinitas, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido, Del Mar, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach, and downtown San Diego. All sessions take place at the Carlsbad studio.

Every maternity session includes professional hair and makeup with our in-house artist, full access to our curated wardrobe of 250+ gowns, dresses, wraps, and accessories, personalized art direction from Stacey Marsh (17+ years experience, APNPI accredited, PPA member), a relaxed three-hour studio experience, and a private in-person ordering appointment where you select your final artwork. Our goal is for you to leave the studio feeling pampered and confident — and later, to come home to wall art and albums you will treasure for a lifetime.

I welcome expecting moms from across the greater San Diego area to my Carlsbad studio for maternity sessions. Everything you need is here — over 150 gowns, professional hair and makeup, and a private, relaxed space designed for comfort at 30 to 34 weeks. Families come to me from Carlsbad, Carmel Valley, Coronado, Del Mar, Encinitas, La Jolla, Oceanside, Rancho Santa Fe, San Clemente, San Diego, and Solana Beach. Click your area to see more about maternity photography near you.

HUNDREDS and hundreds OF FAMILIES HAVE TRUSTED US WITH THEIR PRECIOUS MEMORIES

from past clients

  • I really wanted editorial-style newborn photos and Stacey exceeded my expectations! Throughout the entire process, Stacey was very communicative and great to work with. She listens to her clients and runs a well-organized business. As first-time parents, my husband and I were concerned about baby’s exposure to germs. I also appreciated the fact that Stacey goes through the photo selection process in person. It’s so much easier, and it was nice to have her professional input. The photos arrived digitally to us in less than a week and they were gorgeous. I will definitely be using her services again for future family photo shoots!
    Eliza Jane Smith
  • Our experience with Stacey was wonderful! We came in for a cake smash photo with an added family session, and had so many great photos to choose from. The hardest part was picking only a handful because we loved so many. Stacey was really great with the kids – I was nervous that we weren’t going to be able to get genuine smiles, but she made them feel comfortable and made it fun. She is very responsive in her communication and it was easy to talk through my vision and get scheduled for the shoot. Highly recommend!
    Caroline Belen
  • Stacey is truly the best baby photographer. Both my girls have taken their cake smash photos with her and each image is beautiful. She has a huge selection of background choices and will even customize one for you if she doesn’t have what you’re looking for, as she did for us. We will definitely be returning for family portraits.
    Mayra Escobosa
  • Stacey was so wonderful to work with to photograph our son and daughter. It was our son’s first birthday and she did a great job working with him as he was on the move during the photoshoot. She handled a one year old and three year old really well, and we loved how our pictures turned out.

    Her studio has so many outfit options and back drops so it was fun to choose. Plus, she provided the outfits that aesthetically work with the backdrop so that was great that we only had to show up with the kiddos. I would hire her again. Highly recommend!
    Monica Fallone
  • We had an absolutely incredible experience with Lovely Baby Photography!! Stacey captured both our maternity & newborn sessions perfectly – our galleries are absolutely gorgeous & way beyond our expectations. Her skill at working with newborns was extra impressive – she nailed every pose & we have such fun + unique photos. I would highly recommend her & will be reaching out to her again in the near future. Thank you for sharing your talents, Stacey!!
    Stephanie Baker
  • Definitely will be back when we have baby #2 to have Stacey take the photos for maternity and newborn. Very professional and would recommend anyone and everyone to her.
    Brianna M.

  • Stacey is literally the baby whisperer. I had also brought my son to her for his newborn photos, cake smash, halloween and holiday photos. I am a repeat customer so that should say a lot!
    Michelle R
  • She has a wonderful collection of dresses so you don’t need to stress out about the wardrobe. She worked amazingly with my entire family of 5 (kids 5,15,19) and captured so many great shots!
    Chanel J

Ready to Connect

Fill out our contact form OR CALL US FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION SO WE CAN GET TO KNOW YOU AND ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE

760-271-0725 

I can’t wait to hear from you

  • A woman in a white dress holds a sleeping newborn dressed in pink, both facing the camera against a light, neutral background. Lovely Baby Photography by Stacey Marsh
  • Newborn baby wrapped in a light blue blanket, sleeping inside a round basket on a soft blue background.
  • Pregnant woman in a sheer white gown sits sideways, holding her belly, with flowing fabric extending behind her against a white background.
  • Newborn baby sleeping on a crescent moon prop, surrounded by white flowers and soft fabrics, against a neutral background.
  • Baby in a khaki outfit and crown sits next to a white cake, with jungle-themed first birthday decorations in the background.

Lovely Baby Photography is a maternity and baby photography studio in Carlsbad, CA, a North County suburb of San Diego and proud member of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. We specialize in natural newborn photography, outdoor and studio maternity photography, cake smash sessions, and family photography. Let us capture those precious timeless moments to cherish forever. Call us for a free no-obligation consultation so we can get to know you.