When Should I Do Maternity Photos | NH Maternity Photographer
Maternity photoshoots are such a special way to capture this exciting time in your life. That beautiful baby bump and the glow that everyone talks about (yes, it’s real!) and deserves to be documented. One of the most common questions I get from expecting moms is, “When should I schedule my maternity shoot?” It’s a great question because timing is everything when it comes to feeling comfortable and capturing the perfect bump. In this post, I’ll help you figure out the best time to plan your shoot, plus share a few tips and insights from my experience.
The Ideal Timeframe: 28-36 Weeks
For most moms, the sweet spot for maternity photos is between 28 and 36 weeks. Here’s why this range works so well:
Your bump is showing but not too heavy.
By 28 weeks, most women have a nice, well-defined bump, which is exactly what we want to showcase in your photos. However, you’re still comfortable enough to move around and pose without feeling too weighed down.
You still have energy.
This window is usually when moms-to-be feel their best. You’re past the exhaustion and nausea of the first trimester, and you haven’t hit the full-blown fatigue of the last few weeks.
That pregnancy glow!
Around this time, many women start to notice that famous pregnancy glow. Your skin is radiant, and you’re feeling excited and beautiful—perfect for photos!
I remember working with one mom, who was 34 weeks at her maternity session. She said she felt amazing, and her photos were filled with so much joy and energy. Her bump was perfectly round, and she still had the flexibility to try a few fun poses without feeling uncomfortable.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait Too Long
Let’s be honest—pregnancy can get pretty uncomfortable toward the end. While the idea of waiting until you’re closer to your due date might sound appealing, there are a few reasons why you may want to avoid waiting too long:
Comfort Levels
By 36 weeks or later, your bump can get heavy, and moving around for poses becomes more challenging. I know when I reached the last month of pregnancy, bBy 36 weeks or later, your bump can feel much heavier, making it harder to move around for different poses. I remember in my last month of pregnancy, even simple things like bending or getting up became a challenge, and that kind of discomfort can show in your photos.
Swelling and Fatigue
Swelling can also be more of an issue in the final weeks. Things like ankles, hands, and feet tend to get puffy, and that may not be the look you want in your photos. You might also feel more fatigued, which can take away some of the fun of the shoot.
Risk of Early Delivery
You never know when your little one will decide to make their grand entrance! Waiting too long increases the risk of going into labor before your scheduled photoshoot. I’ve had one couple who had her little baby girl just days after her maternity session!
While 28-36 weeks is a general guideline, what’s most important is how you feel. Some moms feel amazing at 30 weeks, while others might feel their best at 28 weeks or even earlier. Your energy levels, comfort, and confidence are the most important factors to consider when choosing your maternity shoot date.
Planning Ahead for the Best Results
Booking your maternity photoshoot early gives you plenty of time to prepare and ensure you get the exact date you want. Maternity sessions are popular, and slots can fill up fast, especially during peak seasons.
When booking your session, I always recommend planning a few months in advance to give us flexibility to choose the perfect date within that ideal timeframe. This also gives us time to plan out your vision for the shoot—whether it’s your wardrobe, the location, or the overall style you’re going for.
Tips for Planning:
- Wardrobe: Choose outfits that highlight your bump and make you feel beautiful. Flowing dresses or fitted gowns are popular choices. Where to shop: Joyfolie | Free People | Baltic Born
- Location: Whether it’s outdoors, at home, or a special location, we’ll plan something that fits your vibe and shows off your growing bump.
- Props or Themes: If you have any personal items or themes you want to incorporate (like baby’s first shoes, ultrasound photos, or meaningful locations), let’s plan ahead to make them part of your shoot.
So, when should I do maternity photos?
To sum it up, the ideal time to schedule your maternity photoshoot is between 28 and 36 weeks, but it really depends on how you feel and how your pregnancy is progressing. The most important thing is that you’re comfortable and excited to capture this special moment.
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