Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life, and what better way to celebrate the anticipation of your baby’s birth than with a maternity photoshoot? These photos can capture a moment in time that you and your family can look back on for years to come.
But how do you know when to do your maternity photoshoot? There are many factors to consider, including your own comfort, how visible your baby bump is, and your personal preferences. You want to make sure you capture the best possible images while you’re feeling your best.
This guide will provide you with all the information you need to decide when to schedule your maternity photos, including tips on how to ensure you create lasting memories of this special time.
The Ideal Window: 28-34 Weeks
Most photographers agree that weeks 28 to 34 of your pregnancy is the sweet spot for maternity photos. That’s usually the seventh or eighth month, when your baby bump is nice and round, but you’re (hopefully) still feeling relatively good.
Scheduling your shoot during this window also gives you some wiggle room. If something unexpected pops up, or you need to reschedule for any reason, you have some time to play with.
Now, that 28-34 week timeframe is just a guideline. Everyone’s different, and there are a few things that might make you want to adjust things a bit.
Some photographers even suggest aiming for the second trimester. The idea is that you’ll definitely have the energy for the shoot, and you won’t be quite as swollen or uncomfortable. It’s a trade-off, though, because your bump might not be quite as pronounced as it would be a bit later on.
Factors influencing the best time
While the 28- to 34-week window is a good guideline, several factors can influence when you should schedule your maternity photoshoot. Here’s what to keep in mind.
First Pregnancy vs. Subsequent Pregnancies
First-time moms often show later in their pregnancies compared to mothers who have been pregnant before. If this is your first pregnancy, you might want to schedule your photoshoot closer to the 34-week mark. Mothers expecting their second or subsequent child may show earlier, making 28 weeks a good time.
Personally, my belly didn’t really “pop” until I was 34 weeks along with my first child. But, with my second pregnancy, I was showing much sooner!
Expecting Multiples (Twins, Triplets, etc.)
Mothers expecting twins or other multiples tend to show earlier and grow faster than those carrying a single baby. Because of this, if you’re expecting twins, scheduling the photoshoot between 20 and 28 weeks is often recommended.
Taking photos earlier ensures that you’ll be more comfortable and accounts for the higher likelihood of premature delivery when you’re carrying multiples.
Personal Comfort and Energy Levels
It’s important to prioritize your comfort and energy levels when planning the photoshoot. If you’re feeling anxious or self-conscious about your body changes, scheduling the session earlier can give you peace of mind and more flexibility.
Consider scheduling morning sessions to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, especially if you’re planning an outdoor shoot!
Location, season, and theme
Where you want to shoot and what season it is can change when you should schedule your maternity photoshoot.
If you want to be photographed in a specific location that only looks its best for a short time each year (think cherry blossoms!), you may have to schedule your photoshoot based on when the flowers are in bloom, even if that’s outside the usual 28-34 week window. For example, if cherry blossoms only last a week or two, you might have to schedule a photoshoot at 36 weeks to capture them.
Think about when your area experiences peak seasons, like fall foliage or spring blooms. If you want to take advantage of the scenery, it’s important to book your photographer three to six weeks in advance, especially because they tend to be in high demand during these times.
Also, work with your photographer to pick out outfits and locations that match your due date and the overall vibe you’re going for.
Booking your photographer and planning logistics
Book your maternity photographer as soon as possible. Photographers’ schedules fill up quickly, so try to book at least 3 to 6 weeks in advance.
Talk with your photographer about potential dates, locations, and the style of photos you want. Make sure you and your photographer are on the same page. When choosing a date, remember to think about your family’s schedule and any potential conflicts.
Ask your photographer how long the session will last. Maternity photoshoots typically take between 45 minutes and an hour.
Also, ask about the photographer’s rescheduling policy, in case you get sick or the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start planning my maternity shoot?
It’s a good idea to start researching photographers and locations around the beginning of your second trimester (around 13-14 weeks). This gives you plenty of time to find a photographer whose style you love and who is available during your ideal timeframe. Many photographers book up weeks or even months in advance, especially for weekend slots.
What week of pregnancy should I do a photoshoot?
The best time for a maternity photoshoot is generally between 28 and 36 weeks. By this point, your baby bump is usually nice and round, and you’re far enough along that you’re visibly pregnant, but hopefully not so far along that you’re feeling too uncomfortable to move around and pose. However, every pregnancy is different, so it’s really about when you feel most comfortable and beautiful. If you’re carrying twins or multiples, you might consider scheduling your shoot a bit earlier, around 24-32 weeks, as you might start feeling more tired sooner.
Wrapping Up
The best time for your maternity photoshoot depends on several things: how far along you are, how comfortable you feel, and what kind of pictures you want to take.
The window between 28 and 34 weeks is a good rule of thumb, but everyone is different. You may want to adjust the schedule based on your own body and your pregnancy.
It’s important to talk with your photographer about what you want and need. They can help you create a photoshoot that’s personal and memorable.
With some careful planning, you can ensure your maternity photos beautifully capture this special time in your life.