Valley Forge National Historical Park is a solid choice for maternity photos if you’re looking for a mix of open space, natural light, and quiet. It’s big enough that we’re not dodging crowds, and the variety of landscapes means you can get multiple looks without driving around or needing an outfit change in the car.
Where It Is and Why People Know It
Valley Forge National Historical Park is about 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia, near King of Prussia. It’s known primarily for its Revolutionary War history—this is where Washington’s army camped during the winter of 1777. The park now covers over 3,000 acres of fields, woods, monuments, and preserved buildings.
Many people visit for walking, biking, or school field trips. However, if you steer clear of the main visitor center and the busier parking lots, numerous quiet pockets feel open and intimate. For maternity sessions, that balance of accessibility and calm makes it a good option, especially if you’re looking for a location that doesn’t require permits or complicated logistics.
What the Location Looks Like
There are vast fields, clusters of tall trees, old wood fences, stone paths, and buildings with texture. It’s not overly manicured. The park has a rich history and ample space, but it doesn’t feel like a tourist site once you move away from the main lot. There are shaded wooded trails if it’s hot, and open hills if we want backlight or sky. Most of the good photo spots are accessible on foot, requiring only a short walk.
Light and Time of Day
Golden hour works best here. The sun drops low over the hills and moves through the trees in a way that’s easy to work with. The light hits the open fields evenly, and you get a lot of usable background no matter what direction you’re facing. Cloudy days are fine too—Valley Forge holds light well even when it’s flat, and the neutral colors in the landscape make skin tones easy to work with.
We’ll usually plan to start about 90 minutes before sunset. That gives us time to move between a couple of locations without rushing.
What to Wear
Most people bring one or two outfits. Something that shows the shape of your pregnancy, and something with movement if that’s your style. Dresses, jeans, a fitted tank, button-downs—whatever feels comfortable and close to what you’d wear in real life. Earth tones, denim, neutrals, and soft textures work well here. Bright white can blow out a little in full sun, and super dark outfits can get lost in shadow, but if it’s something you feel good in, we’ll make it work.
Shoes matter more than you think. We might be walking through grass or uneven ground, so bring something easy to move in. If you want to wear something less practical for the photos themselves, that’s fine—have backup shoes for walking.
Can You Bring a Partner or Kids?
Yes. There’s plenty of space, and it doesn’t feel like a performance. We can schedule a time just for you, then loop in your partner or kids as needed. The open areas are great for letting young kids run around between shots. It’s not precious. It works.
A Few Specific Spots
The fields behind the Maurice Stephens House catch great light and aren’t usually crowded. The stone bridge near Yellow Springs Road gives you a clean structure with shaded access on both sides. Some of the tree-lined trails just off the main road have good leading lines and quiet backgrounds. You don’t have to cover the whole park—we usually focus on two or three areas within walking distance to keep the pace relaxed.
Why I Like Working Here
Valley Forge isn’t dramatic. It’s steady. The light is consistent, the space is open, and you can settle into the session without feeling rushed or crowded. That’s especially important during maternity sessions. You want time to breathe, space to move, and photos that feel like you, not like a styled shoot. This place gives us that.
If you’re considering booking a maternity session at Valley Forge, I’d be happy to discuss timing, logistics, and any other details that’ll help you feel prepared. Let me know when you’re ready.
