Updated at: 12-10-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Maternity images should be taken at what point in the pregnancy? When they learn they’re expecting a child, many couples wonder this same thing. In this blog post, we’ll go through when and how to plan a photo shoot, as well as a few ideas for creative poses.

Trying to find a decent time can be tough because there are so many various variables that go into it.

Think about when your baby will be born before anything else. If their birthday falls on the same day as the shoot, you want to make sure they have ample time to recuperate.

As a parent, you want to be sure that your child is healthy and ready to enter the world when they arrive. If you have a general idea of when you’re due, but not an exact date, consider having a photo shoot two weeks before and one week after. If something occurs and you go into labor early or late, there will be plenty of time between shots so there’s no need to rush anything!

Because of Florida’s year-round ideal outdoor lighting, this may appear to be an easy choice in terms of the weather. However, it can be difficult to get excellent shots outside during our rainier months (November-April) without being soaked from head to toe by the conclusion of the session.

While photographing several pregnant maternity sessions indoors when it was pouring, we would occasionally grab a few fast outdoor shots when the sun came out.

When To Take Maternity Photos?

As a maternity photographer, I receive a lot of questions about when to take pregnant images. Let me start by saying that the answer will be different for every pregnant woman, but I will give you some useful guidelines so you can make an educated guess as to when it will be the greatest time for you to have your baby.

Try and schedule your maternity photo session in your seventh or eighth month of pregnancy

During this time, your stomach will be perfectly round, making it ideal for snapping pictures. At 28 to 34 weeks of pregnancy is the ideal time for a photo session.

After the eighth month of pregnancy, your maternity could be painful if you take maternity photos. After 35 weeks, you should avoid taking pictures of yourself because your belly will be too huge to move around..

When is the Best Time for a Maternity Photo Session? - Nightingale Photography | Bay Area Family Photographer

You should also keep in mind that babies can arrive “early” on occasion. As a photographer, I’ve had clients miss out on a few weeks of recording their pregnancy when their baby arrived a few weeks early.

Not all Pregnancies are the Same

Most expectant mothers find that the 7th or 8th month of pregnancy works best for them. While this may work for some women, it may not work for you. If you’re pregnant, the best time to schedule a maternity photo shoot is up to you and how you’re feeling at that given moment. If you want to know whether you’re ready for a photo shoot, pay attention to your physique and your baby bump’s changes. Every pregnancy is unique, whether it’s your first or your tenth. Second-time moms-to-be may have a completely different experience at 36 weeks than first-time moms-to-be. Booking a session should be done when you are in a good mood and ready to make the appropriate decision for yourself.

For your baby shower invites, you can start taking your maternity images as early as 28 weeks.

In order to use your images for your baby shower, you should do this at the beginning of month eight. It’s quite acceptable to hold your baby shower a few weeks late if your maternity images are essential for the invitations.

When To Take Maternity Photos With Multiples?

Pregnancy images are best taken in the second trimester if you’re expecting multiples. In the second trimester, your stomach will appear larger due to the fact that you’re carrying two babies instead of one.

At 24 weeks, I recommend taking pictures while you’re still comfortable and able to move freely.

Tips for Taking Maternity Portraits

Once you’ve arranged your maternity session, you’ll want to think about a few things as you prepare for the shoot.

Take these simple steps to ensure that your pregnancy photos are stunning, along with thinking about what to wear, where to shoot, and other relevant factors.

Avoid wearing patterns that are too big or too distracting.

– Make sure your belly is moisturized. For best results, use lotion as least an hour before your session to prevent your clothes from getting stained.

If you don’t want to get marks on your belly, don’t wear tight clothing before your workout.

Make sure you moisturize your knees and elbows if you’re going bare-chested.

– Your hands are just as vital as the rest of your body! Get a manicure or a light polish for a more finished look in a close up of your hands around your belly.

Two hours before your session, take off any jewelry or clothing that can restrict your range of motion.

A few baby items, like a pair of adorable shoes or an antique from your family’s history, could be a fun addition to your shot.

Work with your photographer to develop an idea before the shoot.

When to Take Maternity Photos

Schedule your session in your third trimester

During your seventh or eighth month of pregnancy, or around 30 weeks, the greatest time to take maternity photos is. When you’re in your third trimester, your belly begins to take on a more round shape that’s ideal for photographing. In addition, your baby will not yet have begun to descend, so your belly will be higher and provide the perfect maternity silhouette at this time in your pregnancy.

Your bump may not be as noticeable if you schedule your appointment too early. After the eighth month, it’s likely that you won’t be able to smile for the camera. As a result, do not have your maternity photos taken when you are nearing the conclusion of your pregnancy, around week 35.

Plan an earlier shoot if you’re expecting multiples

Schedule your maternity session for the second trimester if you’re expecting twins or even triplets. If you’re expecting more than one child, your baby bump will appear larger in the second trimester. A decent rule of thumb is to take your maternity photos about 24 weeks, when you’re still able to walk around comfortably.

Keep an eye on that baby bump

Taking maternity photos around the seventh or eighth month is normally safe, but keep in mind that each woman and each pregnancy is unique. Observe how your body transforms as you get closer to becoming a mother and how the contour of your growing baby bump alters.

If you’re pregnant for the first time and don’t know what to look out for, take regular pictures of your belly to see how it progresses over time. Pregnant women often take regular baby bump photos to keep track of their changing bodies and better plan their maternity session.

Err on the side of caution

In the event that you’re unsure about when to arrange your maternity photo session, opt for an earlier one rather than a later one. Your fatigue and discomfort will increase in direct proportion to the stage of your pregnancy at which you are. For a picture shoot, it will be difficult for you to move around, change postures, and change costumes. You can take maternity photos when you’re six months along rather than seven or eight months along, so don’t wait! The earlier you shoot your photos, the better.

When it comes to maternity photographs, timing is everything. In order to get the most out of your maternity session and have the greatest possible photos to commemorate this momentous occasion in your family’s history, it’s important to time it correctly.

When is the best time to do a Maternity Photo Shoot – Ksenia Pro – Luxury Maternity and Newborn Baby Photography Studio

Reasons to Schedule Maternity Photography Sessions Between weeks 32 and 37

Maternity sessions are best scheduled between weeks 32 and 37. In addition to these factors, this time period is great for capturing the most beautiful and priceless photographs.

At the beginning of the second-trimester, the best time to book a session is; and while you’re at it, you can book your newborn photography session, which provides you a better value for your money.

Your belly is full enough to shine, but not so full that you don’t

It’s the purpose of a maternity photo session to capture the most unadulterated essence of your pregnant form—the glowing, the abundance, and the magic of a body that is capable of growing and nurturing a child. Our preference is for the third trimester of pregnancy.

The third trimester can be a bit of a yin and yang for most pregnant women. You still feel wonderful and can move around easily and experience the ultimate sensations of your baby’s movements during the yin portion, whereas the yang portion occurs when sleeping for lengthy periods of time becomes difficult and your body becomes a bit heavy.

Choosing a due date in the 32-37 week range allows us to enjoy the beauty of your body while you’re still in good health and unconcerned about going into labor.

You can move comfortably and safely

…you’ll be able to roam around the photography site with ease. Almost all of my Bay Area maternity sessions take place in stunning natural settings (no light is better than that provided by Mother Nature). As a result, we place a high value on your physical well-being and security.

I highlighted the yin/yang relationship that pregnant women have in the third trimester. Your ability to move and maintain postures with the same ease you had a few weeks prior will be compromised if your 36-week and onward tummy feels too big for your comfort. A typical maternity session lasts one hour. Since your safety comes first, your ability to move freely depends on having good footing.)

Lemonshoots also offers all of the stunning gowns and props you’ll need for your session, so you won’t have to buy anything special. This is all about convenience. Dress comfortably with a button-down shirt and set an appointment with your favorite hair and makeup artist. Our dresses will take care of the rest.

You’ll have plenty of time to receive gift certificates

It’s not uncommon to find gift cards for maternity and newborn photography services. And the majority of baby showers are held in the second or third trimester. As a result, you’ll be able to appreciate receiving gift cards from family, friends, coworkers, and other loved ones in time for you to spend them.

There will be additional money to spend on beautiful wall art and books if the gift cards surpass your booking fee.

To arrange your professional pregnancy session with an experienced, qualified newborn photographer who is passionate about mothers and their newborns, you must be ready to do so. Get in touch with Lemonshoots’ Marcela if you have any questions or concerns.

FAQs

Is 30 weeks too early for maternity pictures?

When a woman is 30 to 33 weeks pregnant, it is ideal to have a maternity session done. It’s not too close to the due date at this point, and the belly bump is showing well. Before 30 weeks, the stomach may not be as rounded and may not be seen in images.

Is 6 months too early for maternity pictures?

At roughly 30 weeks pregnant, the greatest time for maternity photos is in your seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. When you’re in your third trimester, your belly begins to take on a more round shape that’s ideal for photographing.

Is 32 weeks too early for maternity photos?

Between 26 and 34 weeks of pregnancy is the best time to schedule your maternity photo shoot (around the 7th and 8th month of pregnancy). Pregnant women’s bellies get increasingly prominent and round as they approach the end of their pregnancy. However, your body’s reaction time may be different than what is shown above.

What should I wear for a week pregnancy photos?

As a photographer, it’s important to wear clothes that fit well, so that the bump’s profile can be clearly seen and no superfluous fabric gets in the way. Stretchy t-shirts, camis, and dresses are ideal for pregnant women.

Is it worth getting maternity photos?

Since you’ll only be pregnant for a short time, it’s critical to document these precious times while you can. As a memento of your miraculous pregnancy, having maternity images to look back on will serve as a constant source of joy and peace of mind.

When should you schedule newborn photos?

The Best Time to Take Newborn Pictures? After your baby is born, most photographers recommend that you schedule a newborn photo session within the first five to 14 days. In the first two weeks of a baby’s life, it’s simpler to get the perfect shot of your sleeping newborn. In addition, it’s still early enough that your kid won’t have any acne on their face.

Is 37 weeks too late for maternity photos?

As long as pregnant women are not too near to their due dates and are still able to move around with their developing baby bumps, they can enjoy a maternity photo session. The optimal time range for maternity photography is between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.

When should I schedule maternity photos with twins?

Schedule your maternity session for the second trimester if you’re expecting twins or even triplets. If you’re expecting more than one child, your baby bump will appear larger in the second trimester. A decent rule of thumb is to take your maternity photos about 24 weeks, when you’re still able to walk around comfortably.

How do I take maternity pictures at home?

At-Home Maternity Photography Tips.

  1. Acquiring a basic knowledge of light.
  2. Using a remote control or a tripod with a timer.
  3. Keep an eye on the backdrop.
  4. The best way to hide your stomach is to wear clothes that is snugly tailored.
  5. A shot list is a must.
  6. Hair and make-up artistry.
  7. At least 6-8 weeks before the due date, schedule your session.

What should I wear for a maternity photoshoot?

Some of your items may no longer fit as well as they used to as your pregnancy grows. This means that once-loose-fitting clothes might now be excessively tight or short on top and expose a little skin.

Exactly what you’d expect! If you’re having trouble fitting into your pants because of your growing belly, we recommend that you check out our maternity clothes guide for lots of great tips and suggestions on what items will work best for photos throughout each trimester. If this sounds familiar to you, we encourage you to do so.

Since the last time you donned a pair of your favorite jeans, you may have noticed that they no longer fit as well as they once did. Instead, try pregnant jeans, a flowing top layered over leggings, or a pair of maternity sweaters.

With an expanding tummy, shirts might be the most difficult to fit into, since they tend to be too small around the chest and shoulders but too large around the bottom. With layers underneath, a shirt that falls just below the bust line can keep you warm while also enhancing the contour of what may otherwise be a slender figure.

Consider shopping at TJMaxx and Marshall’s for maternity clothing; they often have fantastic designer names at discounted prices while still retaining high-quality products.

However, this is not necessary when it comes to both comfort and style. Leggings, sweaters, or a loose blouse with a long cardigan are all good choices for a more casual look. Wearing your shirt untucked will give you more length at the bottom.

How do you prepare for a maternity photo shoot?

To begin, think about your physical characteristics.

For the next step, think about what kind of images you want to capture. Are you looking for more candid or artsy images? Theme-based events may even be possible, including props and backgrounds.

Finally, if we’re doing numerous locations or changing outfits, the shoot may take a while, so don’t forget to pack some food! As a precaution, bring something that won’t spoil if we’re on the run all day.

How long is your job protected after maternity leave?

One year is the normal length of maternity leave. If the employer can’t find a substitute for your position within that period, they may extend your contract and compensate you.

Preparation is key before taking any maternity leave so that there are no surprises when you return to work after your baby is born. Also, be aware that not all employers provide paid maternity leave.

Can I start maternity leave after the due date?

After the due date, yes, you can begin your maternity leave. But if your employer’s policy stipulates that employees must work until they take medical leave, you may need to work longer hours or utilize vacation time to be eligible for unpaid maternity/paternity leave.

Unpaid, job-protected leave is available to eligible employees of covered firms under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

When to Schedule Maternity Photos | Boston Family Photographer

Some businesses have enabled parents to take more than 12 weeks of FMLA per year when a baby is born prematurely and has medical difficulties that necessitate a prolonged hospital stay in order to care for the preterm baby.

Final Thought

When it comes to maternity photography, it’s all about documenting the remarkable changes that your body goes through during this time. For your maternity shots, when is the best time? What matters most is when you feel like you’re in the correct frame of mind to do so. While I recommend having your maternity photos taken between 30-36 weeks, this may not be the best time for you. Your photo session can be scheduled at any time, but I recommend arranging it early rather than later to get the most out of your photo session.

Considering booking a pregnancy photo session? See what I’ve got to offer in the way of bundles over at this page. Make yourself feel like a goddess and I’ll help you select the perfect place for your event!