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Fine Art Coastal Maternity Portraits, Jacksonville & St. Augustine Maternity Photographer

09/01/2025 | By: Rya Duncklee

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Expectant mother in a flowing slate blue maxi dress standing on St. Augustine Beach during a sunset maternity session with Ryaphotos.

Fine Art Sunset Maternity Portraits on St. Augustine Beach | Jacksonville & St. Augustine Maternity Photographer

There’s an art to capturing pregnancy — not just the glow, but the graceful stillness of a fleeting moment. On a soft, pastel-hued evening at St. Augustine Beach, the sun dipped low, painting the horizon in gold and blush. Against that canvas, a slate blue gown whispered in the breeze, and every detail of this session felt timeless, delicate, and full of quiet emotion.

This maternity session was my first time working with this beautiful mama-to-be, and together, we created an evening of portraits that feel as if they belong in a fine art gallery. It was more than a session; it was a celebration of her journey into motherhood and the quiet anticipation of meeting her first child — a baby boy.

Contact me to discuss your vision for your fine art maternity portrait session.

Expectant mother in a flowing slate blue maxi dress cradling her baby bump during a soft, golden sunset maternity session on St. Augustine Beach.Fine art maternity photo of mom-to-be in a slate blue gown on St. Augustine Beach at sunset.


A Fine Art Approach to Maternity Photography

As a Jacksonville and St. Augustine maternity photographer, my vision is always to create images that feel as timeless as they do elegant. For this sunset session, we embraced the soft, painterly light that only the coast can offer.

The result? Portraits with a fine art feel — soft movement, intentional framing, and tones that will look just as beautiful decades from now as they do today.

This session reminded me of why I love coastal maternity portraits so much: the wide-open beach becomes a canvas, and the glow of golden hour wraps every image in warmth and softness.

Contact me to discuss your vision for your maternity portrait session.

Couple sharing a tender moment during a St. Augustine Beach maternity session, with the expectant mother in a slate blue gown and soft sunset light in the background.


The Perfect Gown for Sunset Portraits

Mama’s choice of wardrobe — a slate blue maxi gown with flowing lines — was the perfect match for this setting. The color contrasted beautifully with the soft sand and subtle ocean tones, while the movement of the fabric created an almost ethereal quality as it caught the breeze.

Wardrobe is an essential part of the fine art maternity experience. Flowing dresses in soft tones allow for effortless movement, capturing the natural beauty of pregnancy while maintaining a refined, editorial feel.

A light filled fine art maternity portrait of a woman during a sunset portrait session with Rya Duncklee of Ryaphotos.


Quiet Joy and Connection

This evening wasn’t just about creating beautiful portraits — it was about telling a story. Every image reflects the quiet anticipation of two people waiting to meet their son, and the love and connection that will shape their growing family.

As I guided them through the session, there were moments of stillness, moments of laughter, and moments where the emotion was so palpable you could almost feel it through the lens.

A man and woman dance during sunset on the beach during their maternity portrait session.


Bump to Baby: A Seamless Journey

This family chose to invest in my combination maternity and newborn package, a favorite option for many of my clients. This approach creates a seamless experience — one that begins with the anticipation and beauty of pregnancy and continues into the fleeting newborn days.

Booking both sessions together not only ensures your dates are secured but also provides a cohesive, fine art style across your entire collection. From bump to baby, every moment is preserved with the same attention to artistry and detail.

A man and woman walk on St. Augustine Beach at sunset during their maternity portrait session.


Why St. Augustine is the Perfect Backdrop

The First Coast offers some of the most stunning locations for fine art maternity sessions:

St. Augustine Beach – Wide, quiet stretches of sand and pastel-hued skies that make for timeless images.

Vilano Beach – Rocky edges and dramatic views for those seeking a more editorial, high-fashion aesthetic.

Ponte Vedra Beach – Private, serene coastlines for an intimate, elevated experience.

Each location offers something unique, but all share the same ability to elevate your maternity session from simple portraits to fine art coastal imagery.

Expectant mother in a slate blue maternity gown standing in the ocean surf during a sunset maternity session on St. Augustine Beach, with soft waves and rocks in the background.


Your Luxury Maternity Experience

Every detail of my sessions is designed to feel effortless for you. From styling guidance to location planning, I ensure your session reflects your personality and the quiet elegance of this season.

With over 15 years of experience as a Jacksonville and St. Augustine maternity photographer, I’ve perfected an approach that allows for natural connection and relaxed movement while capturing every detail with a fine art sensibility.

An expecting couple laughs and runs on St. Augustine Beach during their sunset maternity portrait session with Ryaphotos.


FAQs for Your Fine Art Maternity Session

When should I book my maternity session?
The best time to book your maternity session is between 28 and 32 weeks, when your bump is beautifully round but you’re still comfortable for a relaxed session at the beach.

What is included in the combination maternity and newborn package?
This package includes both a sunset or sunrise maternity session and an in-home newborn session. You’ll receive full styling guidance, access to my curated client wardrobe, and consistent fine art editing across both sessions.

What should I wear for my fine art maternity session?
Flowing gowns in soft, neutral, or pastel tones always photograph beautifully. For clients looking for a polished look, I offer wardrobe consultation and access to a hand-selected collection of dresses perfect for the coast.

A sunset maternity portrait session with Rya Duncklee of Ryaphotos on St. Augustine Beach, FL.


From Bump to Baby — Your Story, Beautifully Told

Pregnancy is more than a season — it’s a journey, and it deserves to be documented with the care and artistry of fine art photography.

Whether you’re dreaming of a sunset maternity session on St. Augustine Beach or an in-home newborn session that captures those fleeting first days, my bump to baby package is designed to preserve every beautiful detail of your story.

View my maternity portfolio | View my newborn portfolio

Are you ready to create timeless, fine art portraits of your journey into motherhood?
Reserve your maternity and newborn sessions today. My calendar fills quickly, and I take a limited number of clients each month to ensure every family receives the luxury, boutique experience they deserve.

View More Fine Art Maternity Portraits

A fine art maternity portrait of a woman in a slate blue dress sitting on the rocks on St. Augustine Beach, FL. There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of welcoming your first child — a baby boy who will forever change your heart and your home.

Book Your Maternity Portraits

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