How do I book a session?

You can book by calling or texting 317-867-3723 or by filling out the contact form on our website. We'll chat about your vision and find a date that works for you.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking 4-6 weeks in advance, especially for newborns. Newborn sessions should ideally be scheduled before your baby arrives since the best window is within the first 2 weeks of birth.

Where are you located?

Our studio is at 101 Monon Blvd Unit 1B, Carmel, IN 46032. We also offer outdoor sessions at various locations around the Carmel and Indianapolis area.

What should I wear to my session?

We'll send you a styling guide after you book! Generally, soft neutrals and coordinating (not matching) outfits photograph beautifully. Avoid busy patterns and large logos.

How long does a session take?

It depends on the type of session. Newborn sessions typically take 2-3 hours, family sessions run about 1-1.5 hours, and senior and maternity sessions are usually around 1 hour.

Do you shoot indoors, outdoors, or both?

Both! We have a fully equipped studio in Carmel and also shoot at beautiful outdoor locations throughout the Indianapolis area.

How long until I get my photos?

Your gallery will be ready within 2-3 weeks of your session. You'll receive a private online gallery to view, share, and order from.

How many photos will I receive?

The number varies by session type, but you'll receive a generous collection of fully edited, professional images.

Do you offer prints and products?

Yes! In addition to digital images, we offer professional print products including wall art, albums, and more. We'll walk you through your options at your ordering appointment.

How long have you been a photographer?

Leah has been serving families in the Carmel and Indianapolis area for over 20 years and is a proud member of Portrait Photographers of America.

What areas do you serve?

We primarily serve Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, Fishers, Noblesville, and Zionsville, but are happy to travel for the right session!

Indianapolis Top Maternity Photographer for 25 Years

You Deserve the Best Maternity Photographer in Indianapolis

Photography Featured In

Indianapolis Maternity Photography | Studio & Outdoor Sessions in Carmel & Beyond

With 25 years of experience photographing maternity sessions throughout Central Indiana, I know how to make you feel beautiful, relaxed, and completely at ease in front of the camera. Pregnancy is fleeting — and whether this is your first baby or your fourth, these portraits will be among the most treasured photos you ever take. My portrait studio is located near Carmel, convenient to Indianapolis, Westfield, Noblesville, Fishers, and Zionsville.

Every maternity photoshoot is as unique as your pregnancy. Some moms love the idea of a studio session with soft, timeless lighting. Others want to be surrounded by Indiana’s natural beauty — golden fields, blooming gardens, or one of my favorite hidden gems around the Indianapolis area. I shoot at some of the most beautiful outdoor locations in Central Indiana, including Coxhall Gardens, the Japanese Garden, and the Palladium in Carmel. Weather, season, and your personal style all play a role in finding the perfect setting for your maternity portraits.

As your Indianapolis maternity photographer, my job is simple — make you look and feel incredible while we capture this incredible chapter of your life. Whether you’re looking for elegant studio portraits, a dreamy outdoor maternity photoshoot, or a mix of both, I’ll guide you every step of the way. Expecting moms from Indianapolis, Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, Fishers, and Zionsville trust me to deliver maternity photos they’ll cherish forever. Many of my maternity clients go on to book their newborn photoshoot with me as well. I’ll guide you every step of the way. Contact the studio to get started.

pregnant woman snuggling with husband in the grass

mom smiles at son and holds her pregnant belly during photoshoot

Maternity Photography & Baby’s First Year Collections

Whether you’re booking a maternity session or want to document the entire first year, there’s a package made for your family.

Full Maternity Session

$549

The complete experience

Studio or outdoor session
Partner & siblings welcome
24 digital photographs
Private online gallery
Full reprint rights

Book This Session

Simple & Sweet

Mini Maternity Session

$399

Sweet and simple

Studio or outdoor session
One outfit
10 digital photographs
Private online gallery
Full reprint rights

Book This Session

Best Value

Watch Me Grow Collection

$1,996

Save $200 compared to booking individually

Document every milestone from pregnancy through your baby’s first birthday.

Maternity photoshoot
Newborn photoshoot
Baby milestone photoshoot
Cake smash photoshoot
Four 11×14 portraits included

Reserve Your Bundle

Simple & Sweet

Watch Me Grow Mini Collection

$1,396

Save $200 compared to booking individually

Perfect for families who want to capture every milestone while keeping things simple.

Mini maternity photoshoot
Mini newborn photoshoot
Mini baby milestone photoshoot
Mini cake smash photoshoot
Four 11×14 portraits included

Reserve Your Bundle

Not sure which is right for you? Contact the studio — I’ve been doing this for 25 years and I’d love to help you find the perfect fit.

What Indianapolis Moms Say About Their Maternity Photoshoots with Leah

★★★★★

“My husband and I had a great experience with Leah for our maternity and newborn photoshoot. She made us feel really comfortable and handled our newborn with so much care and love. All the pictures turned out so beautiful.”

— Tarunika Kancharla

Google Review

★★★★★

“My husband and I had the most wonderful experience working with Leah for our maternity photo shoot. She was incredibly kind and made us feel completely at ease. She went above and beyond and even discussed outfits with me on the phone prior to the shoot. The photos are stunning and we will cherish them for years to come.”

— Lauren Pupko

Google Review

★★★★★

“Leah did both our maternity and newborn photo shoots and did an amazing job with both! She is friendly and easy to work with, and she makes you feel comfortable in front of the camera. We will cherish our photos forever!”

— Ciara Bounds

Google Review

★★★★★

“Leah did a wonderful job with our maternity photoshoot! She exceeded my expectations with incredible quality edited photos and her professionalism. We will treasure our pictures forever.”

— Nerina DiSomma

Google Review

★★★★★

“Leah was absolutely wonderful! We had her take our maternity shots and they came out GREAT! We had our initial proofs within a week and our finals in less than 2 weeks. She’s such a pleasure to work with and I highly recommend her!”

— CC Wilson

Google Review

★★★★★

“This was my 2nd experience booking a photo shoot with Leah and I loved every minute of it! She is so creative and good at what she does. The best part is she made me feel so beautiful and comfortable during my photoshoot. The pictures turned out wonderful!”

— Lindy Fischer

Google Review

Meet Your Indianapolis Maternity Photographer — Leah Severson

I didn’t choose maternity photography — it chose me. There’s something about a woman in the final weeks of pregnancy that is genuinely breathtaking, and I’ve never gotten over the privilege of getting to document it.

For 25 years I’ve been photographing expecting moms throughout Indianapolis, Carmel, and Central Indiana — and I still feel the same excitement before every single session. Whether you’re glowing and confident in front of the camera or convinced you “don’t photograph well,” my job is to prove you wrong. Every time.

My sessions are relaxed, unhurried, and honestly — kind of fun. You’ll leave with portraits that make you stop scrolling every time you see them. The kind you print big and hang on the wall. The kind your child will look at someday and say “wow, that’s my mom.”

FAQs about your Maternity Portrait Session

When is the best time to take maternity photos?

The ideal time is between 30 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Your bump is beautifully round and well-defined, but you’re still comfortable enough to move around and enjoy the session.

That said, every pregnancy is different — if you’re carrying multiples or have a history of early delivery, scheduling earlier around 28 weeks is wise. The most important thing is booking sooner rather than later to secure your preferred date.

How much do maternity photos cost in Indianapolis?

At L. Severson Photography, maternity sessions start at $399 for a mini session and $549 for a full session. Both include beautifully retouched digital portraits, a private online gallery, and full reprint rights. We also offer maternity and newborn bundles starting at $699 — ask about those when you book.

How long does a maternity photoshoot take?

A full maternity session typically runs 60 to 90 minutes, giving us plenty of time for outfit changes, different poses, and family members if you’re including them. A mini session is shorter and more focused — perfect if you want beautiful portraits without the time commitment.

With 25 years of experience, I’ve learned exactly how to move through a session efficiently without ever feeling rushed. I know the poses that work, the lighting that flatters, and how to make you feel completely at ease — which means we spend less time figuring things out and more time creating beautiful images. Most moms are surprised by how many stunning portraits we capture in a single session.

When should I book my maternity photographer?

Book as early as possible — ideally in your second trimester. Popular dates fill up quickly, and booking early guarantees you get the timing that works best for your pregnancy. If you’re also planning a newborn session, booking both together at the same time locks in your newborn date before baby arrives. Book as early as possible — contact me here to check availability

What should I wear for maternity photos?

Flowing dresses, form-fitting gowns, and soft fabrics all photograph beautifully. Avoid busy patterns, logos, or stiff clothing. When you call to book, we’ll talk through outfit options together — I’ll guide you toward looks that will flatter you and complement the setting we choose. Many moms bring two or three outfits to create variety in their portraits.

Where should I have my maternity photos taken in Indianapolis?

You have two great options — my portrait studio near Carmel, or one of the many stunning outdoor locations around Central Indiana. For outdoor sessions I love shooting at Coxhall Gardens, the Japanese Garden, the Palladium area in Carmel, and several hidden gems around the Indianapolis area. Studio sessions offer beautiful, timeless lighting year-round regardless of weather. We’ll decide together based on your style and the season.

Can I do maternity photos indoors?

Absolutely. My portrait studio near Carmel is warm, private, and designed to create beautiful, timeless maternity portraits. Studio sessions are perfect if you want a controlled environment, prefer a more elegant or intimate look, or are scheduling during winter months. Many moms choose a mix — some studio shots and some outdoor — within the same full session.

Can I include my partner or children in maternity photos?

Yes! Many moms choose to include their spouse, partner, and children in their maternity session. I usually recommend starting with a few portraits of mom alone and then bringing everyone in for family photos. Children add so much joy and personality to the session, and these images often become some of a family’s most treasured family portraits. Immediate family members are always welcome at no additional charge.

Do you do full-nude maternity portraits?

Yes. Tasteful, artistic full-nude maternity sessions are available at my studio. These are among the most stunning and intimate portraits I create. Everything is handled with complete professionalism and privacy — your images will never be shared without your explicit permission.

How will I receive my maternity portraits?

Within a few weeks of your session you’ll receive a link to a private online gallery where you can view and select your favorite portraits. Once you’ve made your selections, your fully retouched images are delivered digitally with full reprint rights — meaning you can print them as many times as you like, wherever you like, forever.

call to action button to schedule photoshoot

Some of Our Favorite Maternity Portraits in Indianapolis

Pregnant woman in white lace dress holding her bump during studio maternity session

Maternity boudoir portrait of expecting mother in black lingerie

Ready to Book Your Maternity Photoshoot? Let’s Talk Newborns Too!

Many of my maternity clients go on to book their newborn session with me as well — and there’s something truly special about photographing the same family through both of these incredible milestones. If you’re interested in capturing both, visit my Indianapolis newborn photography page to learn more, or ask about our maternity and newborn photography bundles when you reach out.

Serving Expectant Families Throughout Central Indiana

My portrait studio is located near Carmel, Indiana — convenient to families throughout the Indianapolis metro area. I regularly photograph maternity sessions for expecting moms in Indianapolis, Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, Fishers, Zionsville, Geist, and beyond. If you’re not sure whether I serve your area, just ask — I’m happy to travel for the right session.

Whether you’re looking for an outdoor maternity photoshoot at one of Central Indiana’s beautiful parks and gardens, or a warm and elegant studio session near Carmel, I’d love to help you celebrate this incredible time in your life.