An El Yunque Maternity Photoshoot at the Waterfall You Have to Hike To
Life has been full lately. Work, the world, the noise of it all. But some sessions remind me exactly why I picked up a camera in the first place, and how I stay inspired. Karen and Anthony's maternity photoshoot at El Yunque rainforest is one of those.
When Karen first reached out, she'd found me through a babymoon session I blogged about back in 2021. A couple who, like her, wanted something wilder than a studio backdrop. She and Anthony are hikers, and overall outdoorsy. They didn't want the standard maternity session. They wanted to go deeper into the forest, and honestly? Besides feeling a bit intimidated by taking a very-pregnant woman deeper into the forest, so did I.
We were rewarded with something rare at El Yunque: an empty waterfall, all to ourselves. No crowds. No waiting. Just the sound of rushing water, the deep green of the forest, and two people on the edge of one of life's biggest adventures.
This one gave me so much joy. I hope it gives you some too.
Visiting the Rainforest for a Photoshoot
Karen and Anthony flew into Puerto Rico for their babymoon, staying in San Juan. They rented a car to get to the forest, which is the only way to do it right.
Rideshares don't go inside El Yunque, and tour companies bring crowds of visitors at the same time.
What made this session special from the start was that they came ready to hike. Most of my El Yunque clients are comfortable with a moderate trail. Karen and Anthony wanted more. So we went further in, past the usual stopping points, to a waterfall that rewards the effort to get there.
Karen wore a flowing cream dress that moved beautifully in the water and stood out against the deep forest greens, exactly what I recommend for this setting. Anthony kept it simple in white and light neutrals. Together they looked like they belonged there.
Why El Yunque for a Maternity Photoshoot
El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System, and it sits about an hour's drive east of San Juan. For maternity photography, it offers something no studio or manicured garden can: raw, living backdrop that makes every image feel like it exists outside of time.
The layered greens, the mossy rocks, the sound of moving water, the mist that rolls through the canopy. It all adds a sense of depth and intimacy to maternity portraits that is very hard to replicate anywhere else.
I have been shooting maternity sessions at El Yunque for years, and every single one has been different. The forest changes with the weather, the season, and the trail you choose. That variety is part of what keeps me coming back.
The Hike to the Waterfall
Most El Yunque maternity photoshoots happen at Juan Diego Falls. It is accessible, beautiful, and popular for good reason. But on weekend mornings it fills up fast, which means you are often sharing the space with other groups and working around tourists in your frame.
Karen and Anthony wanted to hike further, and I was happy to oblige. We ventured past the usual trail to a more advanced waterfall, one that requires more effort but offers a very different reward. When we arrived, it was completely empty.
That is rare. And it changes everything about how a session feels. We took our time. We moved slowly through the space. We got in the water. There was no rush and no audience, just the three of us and the sound of the falls.
The images from that location have a stillness to them that I think reflects exactly that.
We shot in two distinct spots. The first was a smaller, more intimate waterfall surrounded by ferns and fallen logs, perfect for close couple portraits and solo shots of Karen cradling her bump. The light filtered through the canopy in a way that felt soft and quiet.
The second was the taller, more dramatic waterfall we hiked to. Here we got into the water fully, the falls cascading behind them and the mist wrapping around everything. These images have a completely different energy: powerful, alive, a little wild. Just like the hike to get there.
Karen's cream dress photographed beautifully in both settings, catching the light and the movement of the water in a way that darker colors simply would not have.
Thank you Karen and Anthony, for making me a part of your parenthood journey, and for pusing me past our comfort levels to create gorgeous beauty!
xo,
Cami
FAQ: El Yunque Maternity Photoshoot
Where can I take maternity pictures in Puerto Rico?
El Yunque National Forest is one of the most stunning locations for maternity photography in Puerto Rico. The rainforest offers lush greenery, natural waterfalls, and a sense of privacy that is hard to find at more popular spots. Beach maternity sessions at sunset are also a beautiful option, and I often combine both into a full day experience for clients visiting from out of town.
Where to take pregnancy photos in El Yunque?
Juan Diego Falls is the most accessible waterfall for maternity sessions and a great starting point. For adventurous couples who are comfortable hiking, there are more secluded waterfalls further along the trail that offer more privacy and a more dramatic backdrop. I scout locations based on each client's comfort level and vision.
Which month is best for a pregnancy photoshoot?
Most photographers recommend booking your maternity session between 28 and 32 weeks, when the bump is beautifully visible but you are still comfortable moving around. For El Yunque specifically, the trails involve uneven terrain, so I always recommend booking on the earlier side of that window to allow plenty of flexibility.
What to wear to El Yunque rainforest for a maternity shoot?
Light neutrals photograph best in the forest. Think creams, soft beiges, dusty pastels, and light taupes. These tones stand out against the deep forest greens without competing with the backdrop. Avoid white whites, which can look purple-ish in the shade of the canopy, and avoid very dark colors like black or forest green, which tend to blend in. For footwear, tough mudder sneakers, beach shoes, or hiking shoes are essential. The trails are muddy, slippery and uneven, and flip flops are not safe.
Is El Yunque good for a maternity photoshoot?
It is one of my favorite locations in Puerto Rico for maternity sessions. The natural environment adds an intimacy and timelessness to the images that is very difficult to replicate in a more controlled setting. That said, it does require some planning: an early start, a rental car, comfortable footwear, and a willingness to get a little muddy. Clients who come prepared always leave with images they love.
Can I hike El Yunque while pregnant?
Yes, with the right preparation. The main trails to Juan Diego Falls are manageable for most moms-to-be in their second trimester. I always recommend consulting your doctor first, wearing proper footwear, bringing water, and starting early to avoid the heat of the day. For more advanced trails, I evaluate each situation individually based on the client's comfort and fitness level. As with all health and fitness related questions, your doctor should have the final say, but if you're not a regular hiker, you probably shouldn't start at 32 weeks.
What is the best waterfall in El Yunque for photos?
Juan Diego Falls is the most popular and accessible, and it is genuinely beautiful. For clients who want something more secluded and dramatic, there are deeper waterfalls along more advanced trails that offer more privacy and a wilder feel. The trade-off is that they require more hiking. For the right couple, absolutely worth it.
