Get Ready for Your Maternity Session!

What month is best for maternity photos?

Wondering what month is best for maternity photos? Generally, the best time to capture your bump is around 28-34 weeks. This also happens to be the time frame in which you feel comfortable enough to move around and pose for cute belly pictures before you’re a little too close to your delivery date. My priority is that you are feeling confident, glowing, and easily able to walk around and have a blast. But there are no hard and fast rules here!

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.

What to wear for maternity photos

When it comes to choosing your outfits, moms look great in maxi dresses. Long sleeves and a plunging neckline bring the focus to your beautiful face and a full belly. My pregnancy portraits involve movement, and the skirt on a dress provides an element of motion and beauty. It also allows you to move around comfortably, reduces belly restriction, and shows off your mega cute bump. Generally, you will want to avoid large or distracting patterns. Depending on the location of your portraits, colors may range from muted pastels to bolder jewel tones.

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 in the fall, you will want to contact your photographer earlier rather than later because that is usually the busiest season for photographers.

Are maternity portraits worth it?

Wondering if maternity photos are important and worth it? I say they are. This usually marks a huge milestone in the relationship with your partner and it’s something to celebrate. Already have a child? These offer special moments for family portraits and a way to make your kid feel special before the baby arrives. 

Even though pregnancy is hard, it is undeniably magical. You’re growing a new life, and you’re the only one your child is depending on. You feel their every hiccup, every kick, and every headbutt to your ribs. You’re completely connected.

Once it’s over and done with, you’ll find yourself wandering down nostalgia lane and remembering all those baby kicks (and the ability to eat whatever you wanted guilt-free). So, it’s especially important to capture these moments because you won’t be pregnant forever, and your pregnancy will fly by quicker than you anticipated.

Having maternity photos to look back on will be a standing reminder of that magical time when new life was gestating inside your belly. When you see those beautiful pictures of yourself, you will always smile.

So, before your life takes a dramatic turn with a newborn, take time to stop and document this journey. I guarantee that they will be cherished for a lifetime and by generations to come. Through your maternity photos, you can show how incredible your body is and what it is capable of. More importantly, these photos capture such a special moment in your life, allowing you to look back and enjoy them in the future. 

So, if you are convinced that you need a maternity photos session and love the natural, lifestyle approach, contact me soon. Whether you are in Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, Palo Alto, Marin, or beyond, I would love to chat about your ideas. Looking for some of my favorite locations for maternity portraits? Check this post HERE. Pregnancy is a miracle, so I hope you consider documenting it for your family’s archives.