A question I get asked a lot as a maternity photographer is when to take pregnancy photos. I’ll start by saying that the answer is going to be different for every mom-to-be but I will give you some helpful tips so you can make an educated guess of when will be the best time for you.

How early do I need to schedule my maternity photographer?

Depending on what time of year it is, your photographer could book up if you wait too long. I usually suggest scheduling your maternity photos after your 12 week appointment. If you will be booking your maternity session for the fall, you will want to contact your photographer earlier rather than later because that is usually the busiest season for photographers.

Where will the maternity photo session take place?

I offer three locations for maternity photo sessions; my studio, a field or the beach. Outdoor sessions are scheduled May 1st- November 1st. During the winter months, all sessions are done in my studio.

What trimester is best to book a maternity photo session?

The ideal time to schedule your maternity photo session is usually in the third trimester, between 26 and 34 weeks (around the 7th and 8th month of pregnancy). Once you’re in your last trimester, your belly starts to become more pronounced, with a nice round shape. But this time can vary depending on your body. If you’re a first time mom, you typically won’t show as quickly, so you can book your session towards the end of that window. If you’ve been pregnant before, you usually show a bit faster, so you can book your session in the earlier timeframe.

When should I schedule my maternity session if I’m having twins?

If you’re expecting twins, you will be showing earlier than usual. You will also most likely be delivering earlier than most pregnancies, so you will want to schedule your maternity photo session earlier than if you were only having one baby. Generally, somewhere around 24-28 weeks is usually the best time to book your maternity pictures when you’re expecting twins.

Is 35 weeks too late for maternity pictures?

At this point, you may be having a harder time walking around and just be generally more uncomfortable. For that reason, I suggest planning your session for before this time. But everyone is different! If you have waited too long to schedule your photo and you’re wondering if it’s too late, it’s not. It’s always better to get them done late than to not have them at all. If you’re finding it harder to walk around at this point, ask your photographer to help find a location that doesn’t require much walking or opt for a studio session.

Is 25 weeks too early for maternity photos?

Some moms are already showing enough to get their maternity photos taken this early, and some are not. It’s better to have a more defined baby bump, but if you have some reason why you need to take them early, then there are ways to make your belly pop more in photos. You can arch your back a bit and bend your leg and that will help to define it more. You can also use your hands to bring attention to your belly. If you choose a photographer who knows how to pose you correctly, you will still be able to get amazing photos of your baby bump even at 25 weeks.

Tips for when to book maternity pictures

In the third trimester, between 26 and 34 weeks.
For twins, schedule earlier. Probably around 24-28 weeks.
Usually you will want to book later if this is your first pregnancy .
Moms typically show faster if they’ve already been pregnant before, so book earlier in the window in this case (probably before 30 weeks).
Pay attention to your body and when you feel would be the best time for you.
Waiting too long could result in you feeling tired and uncomfortable.
Taking maternity photos too early could make it difficult to see a defined bump.
Reach out to your photographer when you are around 12 weeks to book your maternity photos.

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