When to Book Your Maternity Session (And Why Timing Matters More Than You Think)
Our in-studio maternity session create a comfortable, relaxed environment - with no weather stress.
One of the most common questions we get from expecting moms is:
“When should I book my maternity session?”
And the truth is - timing really matters.
Not just for how your photos look, but for how you feel during the experience.
The Ideal Time: 28–34 Weeks
The sweet spot for maternity photos is typically between 28 and 34 weeks.
At this stage:
Your bump is beautifully round and clearly visible
You’re still comfortable enough to move, pose, and enjoy the experience
You haven’t yet reached the stage where swelling, fatigue, or discomfort take over
For moms expecting twins or multiples, we recommend coming in a bit earlier - around 24–32 weeks.
Why Waiting Too Long Can Backfire
Our team has seen it happen more than once - clients who plan last minute.
By the final weeks of pregnancy:
Energy levels are lower
Swelling can be more noticeable
Movement becomes more limited
And sometimes… baby arrives early
When that happens, maternity photos either feel rushed - or get missed entirely.
Planning your session before 35 weeks gives you a comfortable buffer and a much better overall experience.
What About Booking Too Early?
While we haven’t had clients book too early for their session, we always recommend booking your photographer around 18–20 weeks.
Why?
Because most photographers (ourselves included) are booking 2–3 months in advance, and you want to secure a spot in that ideal 28–34 week window.
First-Time Moms vs. Second (or Third) Pregnancies
Every pregnancy is different - and that includes how your body shows.
First-time moms typically fit perfectly into that 28–34 week range
Second or third pregnancies tend to show earlier, so we often recommend booking closer to 28–30 weeks
This ensures your bump is beautifully defined without feeling too heavy or uncomfortable.
How Timing Affects How You Feel (Not Just How You Look)
This is something many moms don’t realize until after their session.
The right timing means:
You have the energy to enjoy the experience
There’s no rush when planning outfits
You feel more like yourself
And that translates directly into your photos.
Our clients often leave their sessions feeling:
happy, confident, and genuinely surprised at how beautiful they feel
The Studio Experience Makes All the Difference
All of our maternity sessions take place in-studio - and that’s intentional.
It allows for:
A comfortable, relaxed environment (no weather stress)
Year-round availability
Space to change outfits easily
Soft, natural ambient light that flatters every stage of pregnancy
Most clients bring a couple of casual looks, and we guide you through posing so you feel confident every step of the way.
A Real Insight From Experience
When clients book within that ideal window, everything feels easier:
There’s time to plan outfits without stress
Their bump is beautifully visible
And they’re still comfortable enough to truly enjoy the session
It’s a completely different experience compared to those last-minute bookings where everything feels rushed or physically challenging.
The Part No One Tells You
Here’s what we wish every expecting mom knew:
Maternity photos aren’t just about this moment - they’re about what you’ll feel when you look back on them.
This season is fleeting.
And while it may not always feel glamorous in the moment, having these images becomes something incredibly meaningful later - for you, and for your child.
Final Thoughts
If you’re currently expecting, here’s the simple plan:
Book your photographer: Around 18 - 20 weeks
Schedule your session: Between 28 - 34 weeks
Trust the process: You don’t have to feel “perfect” to look beautiful
Because the right timing, paired with the right experience, makes all the difference.
