The best outdoor locations in Cornwall for dreamy photoshoots
Locations Cornwall has to offer
When you picture your family photos, what comes to mind? Barefoot walks on the beach, little hands collecting treasures in the woods, or perhaps the wide-open skies of the Cornish moors?
Cornwall is one of the most magical places to call home, and it also happens to be the most beautiful backdrop for family and maternity photography. Whether you choose the coast or the moors each location has its own unique character.
When you book your family or maternity session, choosing the right setting can sometimes feel overwhelming but that’s where I step in. I’ll guide you to the perfect spot that suits your family’s personality, the season, and the kind of memories you want to hold onto. Together, we’ll choose the place that feels most like you.
Here are three of my favourite outdoor locations in Cornwall that never fail to deliver timeless, heartfelt images:
1. The Beach
The beach is beautiful in every season, and Cornwall’s coastline is a dream for family photography. There’s something about the sound of the waves, the space to run, and the fresh sea air that instantly relaxes everyone.
In summer, warm golden evenings bring the most magical light. Even in cooler months, wrapped up in knits with the wind in your hair, the beach feels raw and beautiful its truly perfect for creating unforgettable photographs. Families who love play and freedom feel at home here, whether they’re paddling in the shallows, racing across the sand, or collecting seashells.
Whether we’re wandering through the dunes at Holywell Bay or dipping toes in the waves at Gwithian, there’s always something special to capture. For maternity sessions, the shoreline offers such a sense of calm and connection. The simplicity of bare feet on the sand, a soft dress moving with the breeze, and the endless horizon behind you makes these images feel effortlessly timeless. The beach beautifully reflects the themes of motherhood, grounding, fluid, and ever-changing.
2. The Moors
Cornwall’s moorland has a wild, raw beauty that feels both powerful and grounding. Most of my sessions here take place on Bodmin Moor, where wide skies and rugged landscapes create striking backdrops.
Children love the adventure of it whether they’re climbing rocks, running through long grasses, or simply soaking up the open space. Parents often find themselves slowing down here, taking in the views and breathing in the stillness.
Maternity sessions on the moors feel bold and empowering, with the landscape echoing the strength of motherhood. There’s something grounding about standing with your bump against such a dramatic landscape creates photographs that feel elemental, it seems to echo the strength and resilience of motherhood itself. Late summer and autumn are particularly stunning, when the grasses turn golden and the light softens, but the moors have their own charm in every season.
If you love adventure, earthy tones, and wide-open skies, this might be your perfect space.
3. The Woods
If the moors are wild and open, woodlands are their calmer, gentler counterpart. Two of my favourite spots are Golitha Falls and Respryn Woods, both tucked away in the Cornish countryside.
Woodlands bring a sense of calm and closeness. They’re beautiful all year round with their vibrant greens in spring, golden tones in autumn, and simple, striking shapes in winter.
Children are usually in their element here, balancing on logs, splashing in shallow streams, or discovering little treasures among the leaves. For maternity sessions, woodland backdrops bring peace and intimacy. The trees naturally create little pockets of privacy, perfect for capturing quiet, tender moments. In autumn especially, the warm colours wrap softly around you, creating images that feel cocooned in nature’s embrace.
Choosing the Right Location
Each of these landscapes has its own personality. Some families know straight away they’re happiest by the sea, while others feel drawn to the wildness of the moors or the quiet of the woods. When we plan your session, I’ll talk through the options with you so we can choose the setting that feels most like your family.
What matters most isn’t the backdrop itself — it’s how you connect within it. Whether that’s chasing waves, climbing rocks, or holding hands under the trees, I’ll capture the real moments that tell your family’s story.