Cuesta Inlet maternity session

A Joyful Maternity Session at Cuesta Inlet Bay in Los Osos

Cuesta Inlet on the Bay in Los Osos, California, is one of my favorite spots for maternity sessions. Its natural beauty, with views of the bay and surrounding grasses, creates a serene and timeless setting. This Cuesta Inlet maternity session, featuring a glowing mama, her partner, and their energetic two-year-old, was filled with playful, candid moments that celebrated their growing family.

With little ones, I always lean into the natural energy of the session. We focused on movement, exploration, and letting their two-year-old lead the way for fun, spontaneous moments. The result? A relaxed session that captured authentic family connection and the joy of this special season of life.

Cuesta Inlet is especially beautiful in the fall when the pampas grass is at its peak—typically between late July and early November. However, the bay views and grasses offer a stunning backdrop no matter the season.

For maternity sessions, timing is essential. The best time to shoot at Cuesta Inlet is within two hours of sunset, when the golden light bathes the scene in a soft, flattering glow. This golden hour lighting complements both the natural surroundings and the warmth of family moments.

If you have young children, their comfort is key! Scheduling the session around their most rested time of day can make all the difference for sweet, relaxed photos. If naps or early bedtimes are a factor, let me know, and I can recommend locations with great lighting earlier in the day.

Planning ahead is also essential, especially for fall sessions. If you’re hoping for photos in time for holiday cards, booking in late summer or early fall is ideal. Dates fill quickly, and this timing ensures you’ll have plenty of time to take advantage of holiday sales.

An image of small boy running away on a path through iceplant next to the cuesta Inlet bay with pampas grass growing and low tide at sunset in Los Osos California at a maternity session by Tayler Enerle photography los osos A pregnant mother, a father and their young child swinging the child by the hands and playing together at their los osos maternity session at Cuesta inlet in Los Osos California. They are standing on iceplant in front of pampas grass at sunset overlooking the cuesta inlet Bay A small child holding his toy car to his mom's pregnant belly playing with little sister while dad holds him from behind. They are standing on wild grass and iceplant on the Cuesta inlet bay in Los Osos California with pampas grass behind them for their sunset maternity session with Tayler Enerle Photography Sweet image of a young boy hugging his father as the father kneels down on the iceplant and wild grass they are on at the Cuesta Inlet with Pampas grass in the background in Los osos California at their maternity session by tayler enerle photography