When to take maternity photos?

Planning and booking a maternity photo session is a must-do for every pregnant mommy.  It will help you capture the beauty of your growing baby bump and forever remind you of this special time. As a maternity photographer, I often get asked when is the right time to take maternity photos. In my opinion, the best time to schedule this shoot is anywhere between 30 to 34 weeks. However, remember that it may vary for different women depending on their health condition and the number of babies they carry. 

It goes without saying that pregnancy is the most wonderful time in a woman’s life. Seeing your body change as the baby grows inside you is a magical experience. The gestation period is split into 3 trimesters, with 3 months or 13 weeks per trimester. A maternity session is usually held between the second and third trimesters because:


  1. The baby bump is visible during this time. And it looks super cute!
  2. The pregnancy glow is real!
  3. Your belly appears round and beautiful during this period, which helps capture the essence of pregnancy.


I always suggest that the best time to schedule the maternity photo session is when the mommy feels comfortable and energetic. Depending on your energy levels, you can schedule it anywhere between 30-34 weeks. Usually, the start of your third trimester is the ideal time to organize the session. Why? Because during 30-34 weeks, your belly becomes more noticeable and appears higher than usual, which looks stunning in photos.  


If you are a soon-to-be mommy, here are some tips that you must consider before scheduling your maternity photoshoot:


Don’t wait till the due date

Please don’t wait till the last moment to book your maternity session. You may feel more tired and uncomfortable as the due date comes closer. Plus, there’s always a chance that your baby will arrive earlier than you expect. Scheduling the photo session near the due date is never a good idea.

Always schedule your maternity photography session timely, ideally between 30-34 weeks.


Timely consult your maternity photographer

Another mistake that expectant mommies tend to make is that they don’t timely consult their photographer. I usually suggest that you do this after your 12-week appointment. Why? Because this gives you both enough time to prepare for the special maternity session without feeling rushed or stressed. Moreover, booking your photographer earlier can also help you secure the dates you actually want! You can discuss the theme with your photographer and plan out everything accordingly, making it a win-win situation.


What to do if you are expecting twins?

For mothers expecting twins or triplets, your bump will begin to show earlier. So you must schedule your maternity photography session earlier than other pregnancies. The best time is to book it somewhere around 24-28 weeks.


I hope the above tips prove to be helpful for you while you are planning your maternity photo session. As a photographer, I love capturing these beautiful moments. This miracle needs to be captured so you can cherish these memories forever. So, momma, what are you waiting for? Visit my website to book your slot. I would love to photograph your gorgeous baby bump and provide you with lovely pictures!