Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | By: Carrie Howland Photography
When clients inquire about maternity photography in Charlotte, one of the most common questions I hear is "Where do you photograph sessions?" The answer often surprises them.
Some of the most breathtaking maternity portraits are created in places that most people would walk right past — locations that, to the naked eye, don’t look like much at all. This blog post highlights three maternity sessions, all photographed at the exact same Charlotte location, yet each one feels unique thanks to seasonality, light, and intentional artistic choices.
As a Charlotte maternity photographer specializing in elevated, custom experiences, I believe it’s not about the location itself — it’s about how it’s seen.
This particular spot is a simple, overgrown lot tucked near an elementary school in Charlotte, NC. There are no manicured gardens, no grand architecture, and no obvious “wow” factor at first glance.
But what it does have is magic.
The wildness of the space, combined with incredible backlight at the right time of day, creates the perfect canvas for timeless, artistic maternity photography. With thoughtful composition, flattering angles, and creative tools like smoke bombs, this unassuming lot transforms into something extraordinary.
This is a perfect example of how luxury maternity photography in Charlotte is less about the backdrop and more about vision, experience, and expertise.
The first maternity session took place in late summer, just as fall was beginning to whisper its arrival.
At this time of year, the grasses are still full, the light is warm, and the sun sits lower in the sky — producing a soft, glowing backlight that flatters every expecting mother. The slightly overgrown nature of the lot adds texture and movement, making images feel organic and effortless.
For this Charlotte maternity session, the environment worked in harmony with flowing gowns, natural movement, and golden light to create images that feel warm, romantic, and timeless.
Late summer is an ideal season for maternity photography in Charlotte for clients who want warmth without the peak heat of mid-summer.
The second maternity session was photographed in winter — a season that is often overlooked for maternity photography in Charlotte, NC.
Winter light is incredibly flattering. The sun stays lower all day, creating soft, directional light that adds depth and dimension without harsh shadows. The brown grass and neutral tones of the lot offered a beautifully understated backdrop, allowing the focus to remain entirely on the mother-to-be.
This session proves that winter maternity photography can feel elegant, editorial, and refined. The muted palette creates a luxurious, minimalist look that many of my Charlotte maternity clients love.
Winter sessions are perfect for expecting mothers who want something calm, intimate, and timeless.
The third maternity session took place in early spring, when the weeds — often dismissed as “just weeds” — begin to bud and bloom like wildflowers.
Spring brings renewal, softness, and a sense of anticipation, making it a meaningful season for maternity photography. The same overgrown lot transformed yet again, this time feeling fresh, hopeful, and alive.
For this session, creative elements like smoke bombs were used to add movement, drama, and an artistic edge. These tools help elevate the session beyond traditional maternity portraits, creating images that feel bold, intentional, and unique.
This approach is part of what defines my work as a luxury maternity photographer in Charlotte — every session is custom, artistic, and designed to feel unlike anyone else’s.
What ties these three Charlotte maternity sessions together is not the season, the wardrobe, or even the client — it’s vision.
To someone driving past, this location is just an overgrown lot. But with the right light, the right timing, and over a decade of experience photographing maternity clients in Charlotte, it becomes something extraordinary.
This is the difference between simply taking photos and creating an experience.
If you’re searching for a Charlotte maternity photographer who knows how to find beauty where others don’t, who understands light, and who creates custom, elevated maternity portraits, I would love to work with you.
Every maternity session is thoughtfully planned, fully guided, and tailored to you — from wardrobe styling to location selection and artistic direction.
To learn more about maternity photography in Charlotte, NC, or to inquire about availability, visit
👉 www.carriehowlandphotography.com
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