Joyful Austin Maternity Photos at McKinney Falls State Park

There’s something so timeless about celebrating a growing family — that tender, fleeting chapter right before everything changes again. Kelsey and Brian’s maternity session at McKinney Falls State Park felt exactly like that: peaceful, full of anticipation, and grounded in the deep bond they’ve built as a family of three (soon to be four!).

Kelsey reached out wanting to capture their “last little bit as a family of three,” before welcoming their second baby this coming February. Their daughter, Winston, who’s five and full of personality, was over the moon to be a big sister — her excitement was contagious the entire session. You could see it in every laugh, every twirl, and the way she held her mom’s hand like she already knew what a special moment this was.

We met at golden hour at McKinney Falls State Park, one of my favorite spots for Austin maternity photos. Between the soft limestone, gentle falls, and warm sunset glow, it’s the perfect place to create a mix of heartfelt and editorial family portraits that still feel natural.

Kelsey and Brian’s energy together was easy and connected — the kind of chemistry that makes photographing them effortless. They wanted images that reflected real life: snuggles, giggles, and the everyday joy that defines their family. No stiff posing, just storytelling. And that’s what we did.

As the sun dipped below the trees, the park lit up in warm amber tones. Kelsey’s neutral-toned dress caught the light beautifully, pairing perfectly with the earthy tones of the landscape. Winston climbed up onto her dad’s shoulders and wrapped her arms around both parents — a little family cocoon of joy. It was the perfect ending to the day and the perfect snapshot of what their life looks like right now.

I love maternity sessions like this one because they remind me what photography is really about — not perfection, but connection. Kelsey and Brian wanted to bottle up the love and anticipation of this season, and now they have a tangible reminder of just how beautiful this moment in time was before welcoming their new baby.

If you’re expecting and dreaming of your own Austin maternity photos, McKinney Falls offers that magical mix of texture, warmth, and peace — the kind of backdrop that lets your family’s love take center stage.