When is the best time during pregnancy to schedule a maternity session?

Between 30 and 36 weeks is the sweet spot for most expectant mothers. The belly is beautifully full and round, but you're still comfortable enough to move freely in the studio and try different looks. Some moms closer to 37 or 38 weeks have had equally beautiful sessions — reach out and we'll talk through your timeline together.

What do I wear for a maternity portrait session?

You don't need to go shopping. Julie Irene Photography maintains a studio wardrobe of flowing gowns, fitted dresses, and draped fabrics specifically chosen for maternity sessions. You'll also receive a full styling guide before your session. If you have something meaningful you want to wear — a robe, a partner's shirt, something personal — bring it. Some of the most striking portraits come from those moments.

Can my partner or other children be included in the maternity session?

Absolutely. Partner images and sibling moments are some of the most cherished from a maternity session. We'll plan for a portion of your time to include whoever you want in the frame, and make sure there are also portraits of you on your own — because this chapter is yours too.

Should I book my maternity and newborn sessions at the same time?

Yes, and this is strongly recommended. Newborn sessions are best held within the first 5 to 14 days after birth, when babies are sleepiest and easiest to work with. That window goes fast. Booking both sessions during your pregnancy means your newborn spot is secured before you're fielding middle-of-the-night wake-up calls. Many clients receive a discount when booking both sessions together — reach out for current availability and details.

How far in advance should I book a maternity session in San Clemente?

Most expectant mothers book during the second trimester — around 18 to 22 weeks. This gives plenty of time to plan your styling, secure your preferred session date, and ensure there's no rush. If you're further along, reach out right away and we'll do everything we can to fit you in.

Do you serve cities outside of San Clemente for maternity photography?

The studio is based in San Clemente, and clients regularly travel in from throughout Orange County — Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, and beyond. The studio experience is worth the drive. If you have questions about travel, just ask.

What's included in a portrait session?

The session fee covers your time in studio, use of the wardrobe and props, a style consultation beforehand, and an ordering and design appointment afterward where you select your portraits and wall art. Digital files are included with every collection.

How far in advance should I book?

Most clients book 4 to 8 weeks out. Newborn sessions are booked by due date — the retainer holds your month, and you call to schedule the exact date once the baby arrives.

Do you shoot on location or only in the studio?

Both. The studio is in San Clemente, fully equipped with wardrobe, props, and controlled lighting. On-location sessions are available throughout South Orange County — Dana Point, Laguna Beach, San Juan Capistrano, and beyond.

How long until I see my photos?

Your ordering appointment is scheduled shortly after your session. Digital files are delivered within two weeks of that appointment once payment is complete.

What is the investment?

Sessions start at $395 weekday and $495 weekend. Collections start at $1,590. Most families invest between $2,500 and $10,000 on portraits, wall art, and albums. Everything is reviewed at your consultation — no surprises at the ordering appointment.

Do you work with newborns and young children?

Yes — newborns and babies are a specialty. Sessions are fully guided and paced around the baby. Parents relax while I work. Kids consistently leave saying it was the most fun photo session they've ever had.

san clemente • cajulie irene
Photography

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san clemente • cajulie irene
Photography

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March 31, 2020

Orange County Maternity Photographer

This adorable couple is expecting their first little one in very shortly. We had a such a great time at their maternity session in San Clemente at the beach. We had quite the adventure as well. With all this rain lately, I stepped in what I thought was a shallow puddle to get the perfect shot and my shoe got stuck in the muck and I was covered in a thick mud…. but guess what, the shot was amazing so it was all worthwhile!

The beaches are always great after a rain storm. The skies are usually nice and clear with a gorgeous sunset for some unique, and beautiful maternity beach images.

I’m looking forward to seeing these two again soon when we do their little ones newborn photos. I can’t wait to meet little girl!

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Tags: Beach Sunset photos, Oc Maternity Photography, Orange County Maternity Photography, San Diego maternity photography, San Diego maternity photos, South Orange County Maternity Photographer, sunset photos

Julie Irene Photography, a luxury portrait studio in San Clemente, California. Newborn, family, maternity, headshots and personal branding for Orange County

san clemente, ca

Follow @JULIEIRENE

julieirene

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Luxury portrait studio in San Clemente, Orange County. Newborn • Maternity • Family • Seniors • Headshots. Full-service, fully guided.

Two summer weekends left available on my calendar. If this is the summer your family is all together, reach out. It doesn`t happen as often as we think it will

#orangecountyphotographer #extendedfamilyphotos #ocfamilyphotographer #sanclementephotographer #legacyportraits

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Two summer weekends left available on my calendar. If this is the summer your family is all together, reach out. It doesn't happen as often as we think it will

#orangecountyphotographer #extendedfamilyphotos #ocfamilyphotographer #sanclementephotographer #legacyportraits

Dr. Christina Jenkins is a board-certified colorectal surgeon who also runs an aesthetic medicine clinic in Irvine. She built both practices around one idea: that patients deserve to feel heard, safe, and genuinely cared for.

She came in a little camera-shy. She left with these.
That`s the job.

She Means Business sessions booking now. Link in bio.
@NuVieMD

#shemeansbusiness #sanclementephotographer #brandingphotographer #ocwomenentrepreneurs #orangecountyphotographer

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Open post by julieirene with ID 17875485918611116

Dr. Christina Jenkins is a board-certified colorectal surgeon who also runs an aesthetic medicine clinic in Irvine. She built both practices around one idea: that patients deserve to feel heard, safe, and genuinely cared for.

She came in a little camera-shy. She left with these.
That's the job.

She Means Business sessions booking now. Link in bio.
@NuVieMD

#shemeansbusiness #sanclementephotographer #brandingphotographer #ocwomenentrepreneurs #orangecountyphotographer

This is what an extended family session actually looks like before you see the final images.

Two strobes on the beach are a must with this many people if you plan on getting that gorgeous sunset perfect. Twenty-some people in eucalyptus trees requires hauling some stools.

Then you have me trying to get everyone to look the same direction at the same time, which never happens.... but good thing I know how to head swap!

Swipe to the last slide.
That`s the part they actually hang on the wall.

#extendedFamilyPhotography #SanClemente #OrangeCountyPhotographer #familyportraits #southOC

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Open post by julieirene with ID 18002407394930359

This is what an extended family session actually looks like before you see the final images.

Two strobes on the beach are a must with this many people if you plan on getting that gorgeous sunset perfect. Twenty-some people in eucalyptus trees requires hauling some stools.

Then you have me trying to get everyone to look the same direction at the same time, which never happens.... but good thing I know how to head swap!

Swipe to the last slide.
That's the part they actually hang on the wall.

#extendedFamilyPhotography #SanClemente #OrangeCountyPhotographer #familyportraits #southOC

Yesterday I took a mental break. I’ve been dealing with some perimenopause symptoms for the last few years and the worst part of it all has been my sleep.

2am. Wide awake. Again.

my mind goes from thing to thing – nothing important, not one clear thought I could actually grab onto. I’m laying there doing breathing exercises, hoping that will help but sometimes that just makes me more aware that I’m still awake. My heart’s going a little faster than it should be. I’ve read enough about cortisol at this point to understand why, but understanding something and being able to fix it are two different things.

I have been doing everything. Functional medicine appointments, every few months, bloodwork, daily workouts because they’re supposed to help, supplements I could fill a small cabinet with. I just received a cooling mattress pad last week in hopes that will help as well. I cut off all caffeine after 10 AM. Even warm showers at night. Next step I’m gonna consider acupuncture.

Some months are great. Then all of a sudden weeks will go by without one good night sleep.

The thing that nobody told me about Perry menopause is that it’s different for everybody. Nobody hands you and manual, and most of the advice you get doesn’t actually apply to you.

I’m figuring it out. Slowly. Some nights are better than others.

If you’re in the same place, I generally love to know what’s helping you. I’m sharing this for another reason then I know I’m not the only one lying awake at 2 AM doing math and how many hours of sleep I can still get.

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Open post by julieirene with ID 17976299307041579

Yesterday I took a mental break. I’ve been dealing with some perimenopause symptoms for the last few years and the worst part of it all has been my sleep.

2am. Wide awake. Again.

my mind goes from thing to thing – nothing important, not one clear thought I could actually grab onto. I’m laying there doing breathing exercises, hoping that will help but sometimes that just makes me more aware that I’m still awake. My heart’s going a little faster than it should be. I’ve read enough about cortisol at this point to understand why, but understanding something and being able to fix it are two different things.

I have been doing everything. Functional medicine appointments, every few months, bloodwork, daily workouts because they’re supposed to help, supplements I could fill a small cabinet with. I just received a cooling mattress pad last week in hopes that will help as well. I cut off all caffeine after 10 AM. Even warm showers at night. Next step I’m gonna consider acupuncture.

Some months are great. Then all of a sudden weeks will go by without one good night sleep.

The thing that nobody told me about Perry menopause is that it’s different for everybody. Nobody hands you and manual, and most of the advice you get doesn’t actually apply to you.

I’m figuring it out. Slowly. Some nights are better than others.

If you’re in the same place, I generally love to know what’s helping you. I’m sharing this for another reason then I know I’m not the only one lying awake at 2 AM doing math and how many hours of sleep I can still get.

The women who book She Means Business sessions are usually the ones who have been doing kick ass things for years and still don`t have images that show for it.

They`ve got speaking gigs, writing books, and clients who trust them — and a headshot from 2016 they`re quietly embarrassed by every time they have to use it.

The session is a full day at my San Clemente studio. Hair and makeup. Multiple looks. Behind-the-scenes footage they can use for their businesses. A feature in the She Means Business Orange County magazine at the end of the campaign. As well as an invitation to the campaign-end Gallery Exhibition.

We still have space for 17 more amazing women. If you`ve been meaning to do this, this is the one for you!

Link in bio to start the conversation.

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