A Dreamy Coastal Gender Reveal and Maternity Session at Mori Point | Pacifica, California

There is something insanely special about being invited into someone’s first moments of finding out the gender of their baby.

In January, I photographed the sweetest maternity and gender reveal session at Mori Point in Pacifica, California, and let me tell you… it was one of those sessions (and some of those clients) that remind me to the 10th degree why I absolutely LOVE being a photographer.

No big production. No confetti cannons. Just an envelope, a bouquet, and the ocean and cliffs behind them.

The Moment They Found Out

My clients were convinced they were having a boy. We stood on the cliffs with the wind coming off the water and their phone set up nearby to record the reaction. I stayed quiet and kept my distance so they could have their moment without feeling like it was being directed (or my voice getting in the way of their recording ◡̈ ) .

Chris opened the envelope and then there was this pause where you could see it register with surprise on his face. His eyebrows raised so high (check out the picture below).

Then he bent down, grabbed the pink bouquet, tapped Molly on the shoulder, and handed it to her.

A girl.

She looked genuinely shocked. The kind of surprised where you have to process it for a second before it feels real. It was simple and honest and exactly how I think these moments should be. There were so many laughs and smiles as their coming baby became just a little bit less of a mystery ◡̈

Why Mori Point Works So Well

If you’re considering a Bay Area maternity photoshoot or planning a gender reveal session somewhere scenic, Mori Point should be a strong contender.

Pros:

• Dramatic cliffs

• Ocean views

• Succulents and natural texture

• Beach access

• And if you’re lucky, a sunset that completely shows off (although not a guarantee at Mori Point)

We started up on the cliffs, then moved lower into the succulents for something softer, and finished photos on the beach. It was a winter session and we aimed for right before sunset, and somehow got clear skies and pink tones across the horizon. Pacifica weather can go either way, so we truly lucked out.

We did almost get surprised by one very ambitious wave that came way higher than expected. Quick reflexes saved us but it was a close one haha.

The Changing Tent Debut

I used a changing tent for the first time during this session so they could switch outfits halfway through and there wasn’t a close local bathroom. The setup? Great. Easy peasy. Taking it down? Questionable.

There was a solid few minutes of all of us trying to fold it back into its circular case while laughing on the side of the beach. Thankfully, they were incredibly kind and jumped in to help me.

Molly changed into a pink sweater for the second half of the session, which ended up pairing perfectly with the soft tones in the sky and also emphasizing the news of their baby girl.

Logistics (Because They Matter)

We parked in a nearby neighborhood and walked about 10 minutes out to the cliffs. It was busy, so arriving early made a big difference.

If you’re planning maternity or gender reveal photos at Mori Point:

• Plan for softer sunset light

• Give yourself extra time for parking

• Dress in layers, especially in winter and be prepared for potential wind chill

East Bay to the Coast

I’m a couples photographer based in Livermore, California and serve the East Bay Area, but I regularly travel across the Bay for sessions like this, often even out to Woodside and Half Moon Bay. Whether you’re envisioning cliffs in Pacifica or something closer to home in the East Bay, I’m always up for it!!

Why This Work Matters to Me

Being invited to photograph a moment like this… the FIRST time parents find out who they’re expecting, is something I don’t take lightly.

There’s no redo. No second take.

Just real reactions, real surprise, and the beginning of a new chapter.

If you’re planning a maternity session or gender reveal anywhere in the Bay Area, I’d love to help you document it in a way that feels natural and true to you. I’ve got pricing info on my investment page and am always ready to connect!