There are moments in life so profound and so filled with light, you know you’ll want to revisit them forever. Pregnancy is one of these moments. It’s a period of anticipation, of growing love, and of a beauty that is both ephemeral and deeply eternal.
A maternity photoshoot in Kolkata is a living tribute to this precious chapter, an artistic pause to honor the incredible journey you are on. Finding the right Kolkata maternity photographer is the first step in creating these cherished maternity photos in Kolkata that you will treasure for a lifetime.
This guide is your curated journey through Kolkata’s most breathtaking and meaningful settings for a maternity photoshoot.
From the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden natural havens to its serene gardens and professional studios, we’ve gathered the top Kolkata photography spots to help you create a visual story as unique as your own.
This guide is designed to help you find the perfect backdrop for your story. We’ve explored the very soul of Kolkata to bring you a list of locations that offer a diverse range of moods and aesthetics.
Kolkata is a city of character, a living canvas for your memories. Here are some of the most sought-after outdoor locations for a maternity photoshoot, each offering a distinct mood and aesthetic:
1. Victoria Memorial - The Regal Canvas
- Vibe: Grand, historical, and undeniably majestic. The pristine white marble and expansive gardens create a timeless, classic backdrop.
- Best time: Early morning, right after sunrise, to capture the soft, golden light and avoid the large crowds that gather later in the day.
- Cost: A nominal entry fee applies, but a specific photography permit may be required for professional shoots.
- Pro-Tip: Lean into the elegance of the location with a sweeping gown or a beautifully draped saree.
- Benefits & Unique Features: You get multiple backdrops in one location—from the main memorial building to the statues, lush lawns, and tranquil water-lily ponds.
2. Eco Park, New Town - The Modern Paradise
- Vibe: A photographer’s dream with a wide variety of themed backdrops, from a tranquil Japanese garden to a replica of the Seven Wonders. The vast, manicured lawns and serene lake offer endless possibilities.
- Best time: Golden hour, just before sunset (4:00–6:00 PM), for soft, flattering light. Avoid the weekend rush, ensuring a more private experience.
- Cost: Professional photoshoots require a significant fee.
- Pro-Tip: The diverse settings allow for multiple outfit changes and creative themes in a single location.
- Benefits & Unique Features: The diversity of its landscapes means you can achieve multiple looks and maternity photoshoot ideas Kolkata without changing locations.
3. Princep Ghat - The Romantic Waterfront
- Vibe: A beautiful blend of colonial architecture and a vibrant riverside atmosphere. The Palladian-style memorial and the view of the Vidyasagar Setu make for an iconic Kolkata shot.
- Best time: The magical golden hour during sunrise photoshoot Kolkata or sunset provides the most flattering light, giving the photographs a soft, romantic glow.
- Cost: It is one of the best free locations in the city for photoshoots.
- Pro-Tip: Perfect for capturing silhouettes against the setting sun and for relaxed, candid moments by the water.
- Benefits & Unique Features: It’s a highly accessible and budget-friendly option with a timeless appeal that creates a calming and picturesque backdrop.
4. Rabindra Sarobar Lake - Kolkata's Green Sanctuary
- Vibe: A peaceful, natural retreat with a large lake, lush greenery, and charming bridges. It offers a calm escape from the city’s hustle.
- Best time: Sunrise or sunset offers the best natural lighting, with the sun casting a soft glow over the water and foliage.
- Cost: This is an affordable maternity photoshoot Kolkata option, as entry to the park is free.
- Pro-Tip: Embrace a relaxed, casual style here to match the natural ambiance.
- Benefits & Unique Features: It’s a quiet oasis that feels miles away from the city, perfect for a relaxed and introspective shoot.
5. Mullick Ghat Flower Market - A Feast for the Senses
- Vibe: Bursting with color, energy, and life, this bustling market offers a unique, raw, and authentic backdrop.
- Best time: The best time is before dawn, when the market is at its most active and the light is soft, allowing you to capture the raw energy of the place.
- Cost: Free.
- Pro-Tip: Let the riot of colors in the background be the star by wearing a simple, solid-colored outfit.
- Benefits & Unique Features: It’s an ideal spot for a candid, lifestyle-focused maternity shoot, capturing genuine emotion and movement against an unparalleled visual backdrop.
6. Kumartuli - The Artistic Soul of the City
- Vibe: Step into the artists’ quarter where skilled artisans bring clay idols to life. The rustic lanes and half-finished statues provide a cultural and deeply soulful backdrop.
- Best time: Mornings are best, when the artists are at work and the natural light filters through the narrow lanes.
- Cost: Free, though a small token of appreciation for the artisans is always welcome.
- Pro-Tip: This is the perfect place to celebrate your heritage with traditional attire.
- Benefits & Unique Features: This location is perfect for capturing the essence of Kolkata maternity shoot ideas with a strong connection to the city’s rich artistic heritage.
7. Botanical Gardens, Howrah - A Tropical Escape
- Vibe: A vast, lush garden home to the Great Banyan Tree. It offers a tropical feel with lotus ponds and verdant trails.
- Best time: Winter months (November–February) for pleasant weather.
- Cost: Entry fees and a potential photography permit may apply.
- Pro-Tip: Earthy tones and natural fabrics will complement the vibrant greenery.
- Benefit & Unique Feature: A serene escape into lush greenery where the majestic Great Banyan Tree, with its sprawling aerial roots, creates a natural wonder—perfect for peaceful walks, nature photography, and a tropical garden experience unlike any other.
8. Maidan - The Heartbeat of Kolkata
- Vibe: A sprawling urban park with a sense of freedom and open space. It’s perfect for capturing the city’s spirit and for wide-angle shots.
- Best time: Early morning is recommended to capture the morning light and avoid the crowds.
- Cost: Free.
- Pro-Tip: Ideal for candid, lifestyle shots that feel natural and unposed.
- Benefits & Unique Features: The raw, unfiltered vibe and the sense of freedom make it a unique choice for a candid, lifestyle-focused maternity shoot.
9. St. Paul's Cathedral - Gothic Grandeur
- Vibe: A majestic Gothic-style cathedral with stunning architecture and peaceful gardens. The arches and stone work provide a timeless, elegant backdrop.
- Best time: Weekday mornings to avoid crowds.
- Cost: Free, but professional photography permission is a must.
- Pro-Tip: A classic, simple gown will shine against the ornate architecture.
- Benefit & Unique Feature: Experience timeless elegance in a majestic Gothic-style cathedral, where intricate arches and detailed stonework create a stunning, peaceful backdrop perfect for classic, romantic photography that blends architectural grandeur with serene gardens.
10. Howrah Bridge & the Ghats - The Iconic Urban Narrative
- Vibe: This is Kolkata’s enduring symbol. The bridge itself and the bustling ghats below offer a powerful, urban, and industrial backdrop.
- Best time: Pre-dawn is ideal for a quiet, misty atmosphere, while the late afternoon and sunset photoshoot Kolkata allow for dramatic silhouettes against a painted sky.
- Cost: While the public space is free, commercial photography requires a permit from the Kolkata Port Trust.
- Pro-Tip: Best for cinematic and dramatic shots that tell a story.
- Benefits & Unique Features: The location’s raw, industrial charm tells a completely different story, representing the lifeblood and enduring spirit of Kolkata.
11. Jorasanko Thakur Bari - A Literary Legacy
- Vibe: The ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore, this historical mansion with its grand courtyards offers a rich, cultural heritage backdrop.
- Best time: Weekday mornings.
- Cost: Entry fee applies.
- Pro-Tip: Traditional Bengali sarees or vintage-inspired outfits are a perfect match.
- Benefit & Unique Feature: Step into the cultural legacy of Rabindranath Tagore’s ancestral home, where grand courtyards and heritage architecture provide a timeless, elegant backdrop ideal for capturing sophisticated, culturally rich photography with a touch of history.
12. New Town Central Park - Modern & Manicured
- Vibe: A contemporary park with fountains, sculptures, and immaculate lawns. It provides a clean, polished setting for your photos.
- Best time: Morning or evening.
- Cost: A nominal entry fee.
- Pro-Tip: Great for including family members and playful, modern props.
- Benefit & Unique Feature: Enjoy a contemporary, well-maintained park where fountains, sculptures, and pristine lawns offer a clean, polished backdrop perfect for playful, modern photography that includes family moments and creative props.
13. South Park Street Cemetery - A Rustic Dream
- Vibe: A hidden gem with old tombs and moss-covered structures, offering a rustic, vintage, and serene atmosphere.
- Best time: Early morning.
- Cost: Entry fee applies.
- Pro-Tip: The moody, artistic setting is perfect for unique and artistic compositions.
- Benefit & Unique Feature: Discover a hidden gem of rustic charm, where moss-covered tombs and vintage structures create a serene, moody backdrop ideal for unique, artistic photography that captures timeless character and quiet beauty.
14. Millennium Park - Hooghly River's Edge
- Vibe: A beautifully landscaped park on the Hooghly River’s bank, with a stunning view of the Howrah Bridge.
- Best time: Late afternoon to night for shots of the lit-up bridge.
- Cost: Nominal entry fee.
- Pro-Tip: Excellent for romantic, evening, and night-time photography.
- Benefit & Unique Feature: Capture breathtaking moments by the Hooghly River, where landscaped gardens meet the iconic Howrah Bridge glowing brilliantly at night offering a romantic, scenic backdrop perfect for evening and night-time photography.
15. Shobhabazar Rajbari - A Touch of Royalty
- Vibe: A historic palace with stunning architecture and an ornate courtyard, perfect for a grand, royal-themed photoshoot.
- Best time: Early morning.
- Cost: Requires prior permission.
- Pro-Tip: This location demands elegant gowns or traditional attire to match its grandeur.
- Benefit & Unique Feature: Step into regal grandeur at Shobhabazar Rajbari, where majestic architecture and an ornate courtyard create a royal backdrop perfect for capturing elegant, timeless portraits that exude heritage and sophistication.
16. Elliot Park - A Quiet Escape
- Vibe: A calm, well-maintained park that offers a peaceful, private setting away from the city’s noise.
- Best time: Early morning.
- Cost: Free.
- Pro-Tip: Best for intimate, private, and relaxed shots.
- Benefit & Unique Feature: A serene retreat tucked away from the city’s chaos, this peaceful park offers privacy and tranquility making it the ideal backdrop for intimate, relaxed, and natural photography moments.
17. Nicco Park - Playful & Whimsical
- Vibe: The bright colors and playful rides of an amusement park.
- Best time: Weekdays to avoid large crowds.
- Cost: Entry fee applies.
- Pro-Tip: This is the perfect spot for a fun, energetic, and whimsical maternity shoot.
- Benefit & Unique Feature: Bursting with vibrant colors and playful rides, the amusement park offers a lively, whimsical backdrop perfect for fun-filled, energetic maternity shoots that capture joy, excitement, and childlike wonder
18. College Street (Boi Para) - The Intellectual's Corner
- Vibe: Known as “Book Street,” this unique location has old buildings, vintage charm, and countless bookstalls.
- Best time: Morning or late afternoon on a weekend.
- Cost: Free.
- Pro-Tip: An excellent choice for book-loving couples looking for a meaningful backdrop.
- Benefit & Unique Feature: With rows of bookstalls, vintage buildings, and old-world charm, “Book Street” offers a meaningful, character-rich backdrop perfect for book lovers who want their photos to reflect personality, passion, and timeless stories.
19. Marble Palace - A Museum of Memories
- Vibe: A private neoclassical mansion with an incredible collection of art and sculptures.
- Best time: Pre-approved slots.
- Cost: Requires permission.
- Pro-Tip: Provides a truly unique, museum-like feel for your photos.
- Benefit & Unique Feature: This private neoclassical mansion, adorned with exquisite art and sculptures, offers a museum-like elegance perfect for creating refined, one-of-a-kind photographs that blend history, culture, and sophistication.
20. Barasat Bortir Bill - The Serene Countryside
- Vibe: A tranquil wetland area with vast, open fields and rustic roads. A perfect offbeat location.
- Best time: Sunrise or sunset.
- Cost: Free.
- Pro Tip: Ideal for nature-focused and minimalist shots.
- Benefit & Unique Feature: A serene wetland escape with open fields and rustic trails, this offbeat spot offers raw natural beauty perfect for minimalist, nature-centered photography bathed in golden sunrise or sunset light
21. Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary - A Natural Haven
- Vibe: A lush, green sanctuary with a variety of trees and plants. Perfect for a natural, jungle-themed shoot.
- Best time: Early morning.
- Cost: Entry fee applies.
- Pro-Tip: The dense foliage provides a beautiful backdrop for earthy-toned outfits.
- Benefit & Unique Feature: Immerse yourself in a jungle-like haven, where dense greenery and diverse plant life create a raw, natural backdrop perfect for earthy, nature-inspired photoshoots that radiate freshness and vitality.
22. Biswa Bangla Gate - The City's New Icon
- Vibe: A modern architectural marvel with a viewing gallery and a cafe. Offers a stunning panoramic view of New Town.
- Best time: Evening, for beautiful sunset and city lights shots.
- Cost: Ticket fee for the gallery.
- Pro-Tip: Great for a modern, dramatic, and cinematic feel.
- Benefit & Unique Feature: A contemporary landmark with striking architecture, this venue’s viewing gallery and café offer sweeping panoramas of New Town—perfect for cinematic, dramatic shots that capture both sunset hues and glittering city lights.
23. New Town MISTY - A Dedicated Photoshoot Destination
- Vibe: A professional shooting location with pre-designed sets and backdrops, from rustic huts to elegant swings.
- Best time: Flexible, as it is a dedicated location.
- Cost: A fixed fee for photoshoots.
- Pro-Tip: Offers a variety of looks without the need to travel to multiple places.
- Benefit & Unique Feature: A one-stop destination for diverse themes, this professional shooting space offers ready-made sets from rustic huts to elegant swings giving you multiple looks in a single spot without the hassle of traveling across location
24. Central Park, Salt Lake - The Community Park
- Vibe: A large, well-loved park with a variety of landscapes, including a lake, bridges, and open fields.
- Best time: Early morning.
- Cost: Nominal entry fee.
- Pro-Tip: Versatile for both candid and posed family shots.
- Benefit & Unique Feature: With its mix of lakes, bridges, and open fields, this expansive park offers a versatile backdrop perfect for everything from candid family moments to posed portraits in a natural, relaxed setting.
25. Professional Studio Sets - A World of Your Own
- Vibe: The ultimate in privacy, comfort, and control. These studios offer a variety of themes, lighting setups, and props.
- Best time: Flexible, as per your booking.
- Cost: Varies, from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 for a full package.
- Pro-Tip: Perfect for a stress-free session, as everything is provided for you
- Benefit & Unique Feature: Offering complete privacy and comfort, professional studios provide themed sets, custom lighting, and props all in one place, ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience with full creative control and premium results.
Indoor & Studio Maternity Photoshoots in Kolkata
For mothers-to-be who prioritize privacy, comfort, and professional results, indoor studio shoots are a fantastic choice.
Why a Studio Shoot is the Perfect Option for Your Beautiful Beginning
In a studio, you can escape the unpredictability of the weather and the public gaze. It’s a controlled, intimate environment where the focus is entirely on you and your comfort. Studios offer a world of possibilities, from dramatic lighting to custom-built sets that can bring your unique vision to life.
Premium Studio Collaboration via MaternityShoots
Why It’s Great:
- Curated Sessions: Gowns, props, and backdrops are carefully selected and tailored for maternity photography.
- Cultural Integration: Packages can be customized to support Bengali rituals like Annaprashan or baby showers.
- Complete Comfort: A climate-controlled, private studio ensures minimal stress.
- Professional Lighting & Equipment: High-quality lighting and equipment ensure flawless, timeless results.
Cost:
- Studio sessions in Kolkata typically range from ₹10,000 to ₹13,500 per session. This often includes multiple gown changes, professional makeup, props (such as baby shoes, floral hoops, or personalized signs), and a curated photo album or digital gallery.
Tips for an Indoor Studio Shoot
- Prioritize Comfort: Take breaks as needed. Studios provide full flexibility.
- Props & Outfits: Bring personal props or use the studio’s extensive collection.
- Planning: Book sessions in advance, especially weekends.
- Posing: Your photographer will guide you through safe poses that beautifully highlight your baby bump.
Gowns & Props – Crafting Your Perfect Indoor Maternity Shoot
- Elegant Maternity Gowns: Choose from flowing, lace, or fitted styles to celebrate your pregnancy silhouette.
- Thoughtful Props & Personal Touches: Personalize your photos with items like baby shoes, personalized signs, floral hoops, balloons, and more to make each picture memorable.
Quick Data Summary of Outdoor Locations in Kolkata
Location | Vibe | Best Time | Cost / Permit |
Victoria Memorial | Regal, Timeless, Classic | Early weekday mornings | Varies; professional shoots may require a permit (approx. ₹5,000) |
Eco Park, New Town | Modern, Diverse, Themed | Golden hour (4–6 PM) | High fee: Professional shoots require approx. ₹10,000 + GST |
Princep Ghat | Romantic, Riverside, Cinematic | Sunrise or sunset | Free |
Rabindra Sarobar Lake | Peaceful, Natural, Serene | Early morning / Late afternoon | Free |
Mullick Ghat Flower Market | Vibrant, Rustic, Cultural | Early morning (before 8 AM) | Free |
Kumartuli | Artistic, Cultural, Soulful | Mornings | Free, but tipping is customary |
Botanical Gardens | Tropical, Lush, Green | Winter months | Nominal entry fee; photography permit may apply |
Maidan | Open, Urban, Free-spirited | Early morning | Free |
St. Paul’s Cathedral | Gothic, Grand, Elegant | Weekday mornings | Free, but professional photography requires permission |
Howrah Bridge & Ghats | Iconic, Urban, Dramatic | Pre-dawn or sunset | Free |
Jorasanko Thakur Bari | Heritage, Literary, Timeless | Weekday mornings | Entry fee applies |
New Town Central Park | Modern, Manicured, Clean | Morning or evening | Nominal entry fee |
South Park Street Cemetery | Rustic, Vintage, Artistic | Early morning | Entry fee applies |
Millennium Park | Riverside, Landscaped, Romantic | Late afternoon to night | Nominal entry fee |
Shobhabazar Rajbari | Royal, Grand, Historical | Early morning | Permission required |
Elliot Park | Quiet, Private, Intimate | Early morning | Free |
Nicco Park | Playful, Fun, Whimsical | Weekdays | Entry fee applies |
College Street (Boi Para) | Intellectual, Rustic, Unique | Morning / Late afternoon | Free |
Marble Palace | Regal, Museum-like, Ornate | Pre-approved slots | Free, but permission required |
Barasat Bortir Bill | Serene, Countryside, Offbeat | Sunrise or sunset | Free |
Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary | Natural, Wild, Untouched | Early morning | Entry fee (approx. ₹100) |
Biswa Bangla Gate | Modern, Cinematic, Panoramic | Evening | Ticket fee for gallery (approx. ₹100) |
New Town MISTY | Themed, Dedicated, Controlled | Flexible booking | Fixed fee for photoshoots |
Central Park, Salt Lake | Versatile, Community, Open | Early morning | Nominal entry fee; camera fee of ₹300 may apply |
Indoor Studio Sets | Private, Controlled, Professional | Flexible booking | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 (package-based) |
FAQs: Answering Your Top Questions About Maternity Photoshoots Locations in Kolkata
Professional photography may require prior permission and a fee at certain locations like Victoria Memorial or Eco Park. Always respect park regulations and avoid obstructing public pathways.
Costs can vary widely depending on the location and the photographer. Freelance photographers may charge between ₹5,000 to ₹10,000, while studio photographers with outdoor packages can range from ₹8,000 to ₹15,000. Some locations may have their own entry or permit fees.
While you can do a DIY shoot, hiring a professional photographer is recommended for a comfortable and high-quality result. They possess expertise in lighting, posing, and editing to create stunning photos that ensure your safety during the shoot. You can contact us: https://maternityshoots.com/
Wear comfortable clothing, bring water and snacks, and choose a time of day with good lighting to avoid harsh shadows. Communicate your vision and any specific poses you want to try with your photographer beforehand.
Our comprehensive guide and checklist covers everything from choosing the perfect outfits and props to scheduling hair and makeup, helping you create timeless photos to cherish forever.
Conclusion
Your maternity photoshoot is a celebration of a beautiful beginning. Whether you choose the historical charm of a Kolkata landmark or the serene comfort of a professional studio, each setting will help you capture the love and anticipation of this incredible time.
With a little planning and the right photographer, your photos will become a cherished story you’ll be proud to share for years to come.
As Kasak Agarwal, an experienced photography assistant and writer for maternityshoots.com, I specialize in the art of maternity and newborn photography. With over two years of hands-on experience, I’ve worked closely with top photographers and clients, gaining deep insights into creating beautiful and safe photoshoots. My articles share this firsthand expertise, offering a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on the industry.
