Maybe you were taken by surprise when you saw that strip turn pink. Or maybe you’ve been dreaming about this moment for weeks, months, years. Now it’s finally here: you’re pregnant. And you want to celebrate this moment by capturing the beauty of the tiny little miracle your body is growing! Few things make your baby’s imminent arrival feel more real than maternity portraits. It’s the perfect opportunity to document the excitement of impending parenthood. Still, you may have questions about the best time to schedule your photo session. That’s where I come in! Here are some of my best tips about when to schedule your maternity session.

Scheduling Based on Your Pregnancy

The rule of thumb I prefer to offer my clients is this: schedule your photos for a moment when I can capture your beautiful growing baby bump, but not so late that you’re too uncomfortable to feel beautiful! The general rule of wisdom is that you should schedule between 28 and 36 weeks (between the beginning of month 7 and the end of month 8).

If you’re hoping to use the images from your maternity session to announce the arrival of your little one, you should schedule your session as close to 28 weeks as possible.

There are exceptions to every rule.

If you’re expecting multiples or you’re experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, your timeline may look a little different, and that’s okay! I generally advise clients who are carrying multiples or experiencing high risk pregnancies to schedule their maternity session during their second trimester (between 13 and 24) weeks, when your baby bump may still be prominent, but you won’t be so uncomfortable or bed-bound that you can’t move freely and enjoy being photographed.

Don’t be afraid to express your needs to your photographer. If your doctor advises bed rest, you can still have a gorgeous maternity session. It may just look a little different than you had originally planned! Envision a beautiful neutral studio or in-home session full of light and a big comfy cozy bed where you and your sweetheart can cuddle up!

Time of Year Matters

You may have heard that pregnancy during the summer is miserable. I’m here to confirm that it is. If you’re due in the fall or late summer (meaning your maternity session would be scheduled in the heat of the summer) scheduling a session at an outdoor location during midday is NOT a great idea. Instead, opt for a studio or indoor portrait session so your photographer can keep you as comfortable as possible!

Time of Day Matters

If you have your heart set on an outdoor location for your summer maternity photos, consider a sunrise or sunset session to avoid the midday heat.

If you’ve scheduled your maternity session outdoors during colder months, make sure it’s during the warmest part of the day and that you have plenty of warm layers. Bonus points if your layers are photographable, but don’t worry if they’re not! You can still bundle up between shots.

Ready to book a maternity photographer who genuinely cares about your journey to parenthood?

This is potentially the biggest moment in your life! So don’t choose just any photographer. Choose someone who will walk you through the intricacies involved in capturing authentic, genuine images that breathe life into your journey.

Contact me today!

Need some help deciding what to wear to your maternity session? Here is a link to my maternity outfit inspiration board.