As a maternity and newborn photographer, I have the privilege to witness the most profoundly beautiful moments in the lives of my clients. I get to join them on their journey into parenthood, capturing the before and after of their transformative journey, time and time again. Pregnancy is a time of profound change, where a woman’s body grows, nurses and cradles the promise of new life, and her heart brims with love and anticipation. In each radiant smile, gentle caress of the belly, and tender glow in her eyes, I see the profound importance of capturing these moments in photographs. These images don't just freeze a moment in time, they encapsulate a woman’s strength, the intimacy of a growing family, and the extraordinary miracle of life itself. I know these moments that I have captured will bring immense joy and nostalgia to these mothers, children and families for the rest of their lives. But when is the best time to take maternity pictures? Is 30 weeks too early? Is 36 weeks too late for maternity pictures? Read on to find out what I recommend and why!

When is the best time to take maternity photos?

As a photographer specialising in capturing the beauty of pregnancy, I often find myself fielding one particular question from expectant mothers: “When is the best time to take maternity photos?” While the answer may seem straightforward - typically falling within the range of 30-36 weeks into pregnancy, there are a multitude of factors that can influence this decision. 

Timing is essential, but it's not the only consideration. In this blog post, I’ll share insights from a maternity photographer's perspective, shedding light on the optimal window for maternity photography sessions and the various reasons you might opt to book a maternity session sooner rather than later. Whether you’re an expectant mother planning your own photoshoot or a fellow photographer seeking guidance, this article will help you perfectly capture this incredible journey through the lens. 

Expectant mothers of twins or triplets often wonder if the standard timing guidelines apply to them. In such cases, it is advisable to plan your maternity photo session earlier than the typical 30-36 week mark due to the increased strain on your body and the possibility of an earlier delivery. I recommend the best time to schedule your session is between 24-30 weeks when expecting multiples. This window ensures that you capture the beauty of your pregnancy while still feeling comfortable and mobile, and of course, guarantees that your pregnancy will be captured just in case your babies decide to arrive earlier than expected. 

Personal Preferences and Comfort

When it comes to scheduling your maternity photoshoot, there is no one size fits all answer. Not all pregnancies are the same.Every expectant mother is unique, and personal comfort and preferences play a pivotal role in determining the best time to capture this special moment in your life. 

While general guidelines are helpful, they should always be adjusted to align with your individual needs and desires. Your comfort during the maternity photo shoot is paramount, and it’s essential to consider factors like energy levels, outdoor temperatures/seasons, physical comfort and how big you would like your bump to be in the photos. 

In the upcoming section of the blog, I will explore the different stages of pregnancy and the reasons why some soon to be moms prefer specific times to take maternity photos. Remember, this is your journey, your story, and your photos. Let’s make sure they reflect your vision and comfort every step of the way.

The First Trimester: Weeks 1-12

The first trimester of pregnancy is a time of profound change and anticipation, marked by the initial stages of motherhood. While it might seem unconventional to schedule a maternity photoshoot during this early phase, it also offers a unique opportunity to capture the raw emotions and excitement that accompany the beginning of this journey. 

Many choose to use the photos captured from this photoshoot as a pregnancy announcement for their friends and family. You may want to consider using ultrasounds as props during this session if this is the case. It is important to note that your baby bump will not be at all noticeable during this period. If you are looking to capture photos that prominently feature your belly, you may want to consider waiting until later. These photos will be more focused on celebrating the love, connection and excitement of this early stage.

The Second Trimester: Weeks 13-27

The second trimester of pregnancy is often a preferred time by some because it is often the easiest stage of the pregnancy where expectant mothers feel their best. During these weeks the baby bump becomes more pronounced which is perfect for capturing the glow and natural beauty of pregnancy. 

Many mothers-to-be experience a surge of energy during this stage and choose to capture their photos before they anticipate feeling uncomfortable and unwell in the final trimester. Others choose to wait to enter the third trimester before capturing maternity photos as they feel their belly is still not big enough during the second trimester.

The Third Trimester: Weeks 28-40+

The third trimester of pregnancy is a time when anticipation reaches its peak. As the due date draws near, your beautiful baby bump is at its fullest, growing by the week. This is my favourite stage to capture during pregnancy, and it is what I usually recommend to most mothers. It still offers a wide range of options and for those expectant mothers concerned about feeling uncomfortable or unwell, they can opt to capture their maternity photos during the beginning of the third trimester 30-32 weeks. Others much prefer a fuller bump and prefer to wait to capture their bump between 33-36 weeks. 

The fully developed baby bump, makes for dramatic and awe inspiring maternity photographs. The roundness of the belly is a testament to the incredible journey of pregnancy. As emotions run high in the lead up to your due date, this allows the photography experience to be a time of reflection capturing that overwhelming joy and eagerness. 

When deciding when in the third trimester to schedule your photoshoot, it is important to consider mobility. If you would like to be able to access a location such as a beach or a park that requires a little more walking, it would be wise to schedule it earlier in the third trimester.

Timing must also be considered, because with your due date fast approaching, there is always the chance that your baby may arrive earlier than expected. The closer you plan your maternity shoot, the more you risk missing out on the photos all together.

Is 36 weeks too late for maternity pictures?

I have photographed many mums who are 36-40 weeks pregnant! If you are having a straightforward and easy pregnancy, feeling good and mobile then it is truly beautiful to capture your growing baby bump and glow during these final days. These have been some of my favourite sessions ever.

Is 30 weeks too early for maternity pictures?

In short, no! This falls within the recommended range for capturing the beauty of the second trimester, when your tummy is round and beautiful, before you may start feeling uncomfortable and immobile. Many expectant mums choose to capture their pregnancy during this time for different reasons and the photos always turn out beautifully!

Tips for Timing Your Maternity Photoshoot

Getting the timing of your maternity photoshoot right is crucial to ensure a memorable and beautiful experience that captures the essence of your pregnancy journey. Here are some practical tips to help you choose the best timing:

1. Consult with your photographer: Begin by discussing your pregnancy, how you are feeling and your goals from the photoshoot with your photographer. They will be able to provide valuable insights into the best timing based on your individual circumstances. 
2. Consider your comfort: Understand the different stages of pregnancy, and whilst it may be hard to anticipate how you may feel later in your pregnancy when booking in the photoshoot, only you know your body. If you are worried about comfort opt to do the photos earlier rather than later. 
3. Plan Ahead: Maternity photographers can book up months in advance, book your maternity photos session well in advance to secure your preferred date and time. 
4. Wardrobe selection: Think about your wardrobe choices for your photoshoot ahead of time. Usually I recommend choosing 3-4 outfits for the photoshoot. Some outfits may look better with a more prominent bump, so keep this in mind.
5. Trust your instincts: Ultimately, trust your instincts and choose the timing that feels right for you. Your comfort and vision for the photos are paramount in creating a beautiful and memorable photoshoot. 

Conclusion

Choosing the ideal timing for your maternity photoshoot is a deeply personal decision, one that should reflect your unique journey and preferences. Whether you opt for the excitement of the first trimester, the radiance of the second, or the anticipation of the third, each stage of pregnancy has its own charm and significance. The key is to align your timing with your comfort, vision, and the practical considerations. 

If you have read all of this and are still unsure of when to schedule your maternity photos, please reach out to me. I will gladly talk you through all the options and help you select the perfect date just for you.