Maternity picture in garden with leaf frame Maternity picture in garden with leaf frame

The Best Time to do Your Maternity Photo Session

Written by Amber Sehrt on May 12, 2019. Posted in Maternity.

After photographing gorgeous mamas and sweet little babies professionally for over five years (and after having four fun kiddos myself), I’ve come to know the stages of pregnancy quite well. I know about when the majority of expecting mothers look their best to show off their growing bump without feeling overly strained or tired.

So when should you schedule your maternity session?

I recommend maternity photos be scheduled between 32-36 weeks. This is the ideal time because the mama-to-be will have a perfectly nice, round baby belly – meant that in the very best way possible – and she can show off that special bump. I know it’s tempting to schedule it early in the second trimester when most of us feel our best, but some expecting mothers still aren’t quite fully showing (you don’t want pictures that look like you just ate a big cheeseburger – wait to show off that lovely bump!).

At 32-36 weeks, most women have not yet started to swell in the face, arms, or ankles and become uncomfortable either. We want to capture the beautiful changes that the baby and mom are experiencing together – that bond during pregnancy is already so strong! – which echo all of the exciting changes that will happen in their family very soon.

No need to stress about wardrobe for the session! I know how tricky it can be to accommodate for and beautifully accentuate a growing bump, so I provide gowns. And if the session is scheduled a month in advance, I can order the exact gown that the mother-to-be wants in her specific color and size to wear during the shoot (if I do not already have it in the studio).

For the sessions, maternity shoots can be about Mom and baby only, or they can include Dad and the baby’s siblings. Just let me know ahead of time so we can plan our time accordingly.