When to do maternity photoshoot is the most commonly asked question about maternity photoshoots!
In this blog post, I’ll share my recommendation for when to book your maternity session. And I’ll wrap up the article with some additional tips and resources for you.
When to do maternity photoshoot: your options
The typical timeframe
Typically, for most women, the ideal is during the first half of your third trimester, around weeks 28-34. But this is just a general rule of thumb that can easily be adapted to your unique situation.
The goal is to have your session when you have a nice, round belly to show in your images. And when you are likely feeling more energetic. But at the same time, a stage when you don’t feel too uncomfortable during your session.
Every pregnancy is different, and you should choose a time that works best for you and your schedule. Some women prefer to have their maternity session earlier in their pregnancy, while others prefer to wait until later. Ultimately, the most important thing is to capture these special memories in a way that makes you feel comfortable and happy.
During the second trimester
You might be showing your bump before 28 weeks, especially if this is not your first pregnancy. If that’s the case, doing your session early is a great option as you will be more energized. And you will likely have a wider variety of outfit options to choose from.
Also, this is a great option if your due date is during the cold months and you want an outdoor maternity session. While you can certainly do your maternity session outdoors when it is very cold outside (you can see an example of a session here), it is much more pleasant to do when the weather is warm.
After 34 weeks
You can also do your maternity session during the last month of your pregnancy. Perhaps you only decided to do a professional maternity session during the end of your pregnancy. First-time expecting moms usually feel overwhelmed by the other 1000 things they have to get done when preparing for the arrival of their baby. Booking a professional maternity photographer feels more like a luxury than a necessity. So it is very common to leave it until the end of the pregnancy to book the session.
Other expecting moms chose to DIY their pregnancy photos. But towards the end of the pregnancy, they start to realize that snapshots are not enough and might want to have a professional session instead.
You might also want to do your maternity session after 34 weeks if you want to do an outdoor session, and your due date is in the spring or early summer. And you prefer to have to do your session when the temperature is warm, with little chance of rain.
However, if you opt to do your maternity session towards the end of your pregnancy, you run the risk of missing it if the baby decides to arrive before his or her due date.
For instance, I did a series of self-portraits in my home on my first son’s due date as a way to celebrate the day, and not feel so anxious about it. I love those images the most as compared to another outdoor maternity photoshoot we did earlier. Because these images now always remind me of all the excitement and anticipation we were feeling on that special day. For my second son, I wanted to do the same. But he arrived exactly on his due date so I ended up missing those lovely photos.
Here are a few tips for planning your maternity session
- Choose a photographer you feel comfortable with: Your maternity session is a personal and intimate experience, so it’s important to choose a photographer who makes you feel comfortable and at ease.
- Consider the aesthetic of images you like: light-filled with neutral tones? Dark and “moody”? Earthy and desaturated tones? Skin tones true to life or overly warm/orange?
- Consider the approach: natural and candid? Formal with everyone smiling and looking into the camera?
- Consider the location: You can have your maternity session indoors or outdoors, depending on your preference and the weather. If you choose an outdoor location, be sure to choose a time of day when the lighting is most flattering.
- Wear comfortable clothing: Wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Avoid tight or restrictive clothing, and consider wearing something that shows off your baby bump. I typically recommend wearing a maxi or midi dress in neutral or soft colors. And if you want a completely stress-free experience, choose to work with a photographer who offers a studio wardrobe so you can borrow a beautiful dress.
- Relax and have fun: Above all, try to relax and have fun during your maternity session. These photos are meant to capture this special time in your life, so enjoy the experience and embrace your pregnancy!
About your family and baby photographer
Hi, there! My name is Mariana. I am so thankful you are looking at my work on my website and blog.
As a fine art maternity, baby, and family photographer, I specialize in families with young children. I am an award-winning photographer and rated among the top 50 family photographers in the world by the Photojournalist Family Association.
If you love my work, and you are looking for an English-speaker photographer in France, I would love for us to start planning your session.
Together, we will create a collection of fine art love-filled images through a stress-free experience. My approach to photography includes a mix of very natural posing and photojournalistic moments. This allows for an experience where your whole family feels comfortable and relaxed. So all you really have to do is to enjoy being with each other.
If you live in Toulouse, you can opt to have your session in the comfort of your own home. Also, at a beautiful park, open field, or even at my studio. For destination family sessions, I offer in-home and outdoor sessions. Because of my passion for traveling, I serve families worldwide, with regular trips to Paris, London, Marseille, Basel, and Zurich. I also love photographing in Dordogne and Pays-Basque.
What to do next
If you feel ready to reserve your session or would like to meet me to discuss your vision, please visit the contact page to learn the different ways to reach out.
If you’d like to see more of my work, I invite you to browse around my website to learn more about my style and get the feel of my images.
You can also check out some special free resources for expecting moms here.