When are maternity photos best to be taken? Expectant mothers frequently ask me this question. Let’s get right to the questions and get some answers before you book your extra special maternity photography session!
When Should Pregnancy Photos Be Taken?
The best time for maternity photos, as I always say, is when you feel good and are still at ease. Typically, this occurs between 30 and 36 weeks into your seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. Your belly will start to round out during this time, and typically, bub won’t have dropped too far, making your belly appear higher.
The best time for a maternity photoshoot is at the beginning of your third trimester. The size of your belly and whether you are satisfied with the size of your bump should be your only considerations if you decide to schedule your photos sooner. On the other hand, if you schedule your photoshoot at the last minute or around your due date, you may find that you start to feel uncomfortable and tired. You also need to be mindful that babies sometimes make an unexpected “early” arrival. It’s always best to be prepared, in my opinion. I’ve had previous clients miss out on capturing their pregnancies because their baby arrived a few weeks early.
Not All Pregnancies Are The Same
Most soon-to-be mothers find that the seventh or eighth month is ideal. This might not work for you, though, since every woman and pregnancy are unique. Still, you and how you are feeling determine the ideal time for your maternity session. Therefore, pay close attention to the changes in your body and your expanding baby bump to determine if you are ready to face the camera. Every pregnancy is unique, whether it’s your first or tenth. With your first child, you might have felt wonderful at 36 weeks, but with your second, you might feel entirely different. Making the best decision for yourself is important, so I advise you to book your session when you are in a good mood.
When To Book Maternity Photos When Expecting Twins Or Triplets
In the case of twins or triplets, there is yet another exception. If this is the case, I advise you to set up your maternity photoshoot earlier. If you’re still debating when to have your maternity photos taken, I advise doing so between 20 and 24 weeks of pregnancy or during your second trimester. This is due to the fact that, if you are expecting more than one child, your baby bump will be well established by the second trimester. In most cases, you will still feel good and comfortable and be able to move around without restriction. When scheduling your photo session, keep in mind that the majority of multiple pregnancies will deliver earlier.
When Is The Best Time To Take Maternity Photos?
Pregnancy is a unique experience for each expecting mother. If this is your first child, second child, or third child, your body will develop differently in each case.
It also depends on your body type, condition, and whether you’re expecting multiple births. All maternity photography sessions share a few crucial components, though.
It will undoubtedly be more obvious the longer you wait. You should, nevertheless, feel at ease while shooting. Because it feels awkward to strike attractive pregnancy poses after the 38th week of pregnancy, you shouldn’t be taking pictures after that.
So, if you’re wondering what trimester is ideal for a maternity session, it’s typically the third trimester (around the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy).
When Should You Take Maternity Pictures If You’re Expecting Twins Or More Babies?
You must take into account the possibility that you might deliver sooner. For expectant mothers of multiples, this is very likely. Therefore, if you want to take maternity pictures, keep that in mind.
Booking your maternity photo session in this situation before the eighth month is recommended.
In general, it’s a good idea to schedule your professional maternity photos for the end of the second trimester. You can postpone getting pregnant if you’re not displaying as much as you’d like until the third trimester starts. 25 to 32 weeks would be a good range.
If It’s A High-risk Pregnancy, When Should You Take Maternity Pictures?
In a high-risk pregnancy, the second trimester is typically the most stable. It is advised that you plan your photo shoot for this period. You should, of course, discuss what you can and cannot do with your doctor.
Discuss this with your photographer to see if any safety measures are necessary. Then, you can think of creative maternity photo ideas that are enjoyable and won’t endanger you or the unborn child.
For instance, if it’s advised that you not walk or stand for extended periods of time, you schedule maternity photos at home. You could, for instance, have a milk bath maternity photoshoot if you’re feeling particularly imaginative.
Just be mindful when using fragrances or hot water. I’m trying to say that you should enjoy yourself while doing this. The best time should therefore be chosen by you in light of your condition. Before undertaking anything unusual, consult your doctor as well.
Holding A Maternity Photo Session Earlier Than 36 Weeks
Every rule can be broken for a good reason, and maternity photos are no different. There is a recommended time frame for a maternity shoot, but because every woman’s body changes at a different rate, there are some circumstances in which maternity photos can be taken earlier.
- Expecting multiples: If your client is expecting multiple children, schedule the maternity shoot as early as the second trimester, or between 13 and 24 weeks of pregnancy, even if the baby is still weeks away from being born!
- High-risk pregnancies: High-risk pregnancies have increased in frequency as medical advancements allow people to choose parenthood later in life. Though most high-risk pregnancies go smoothly, the second trimester is the best window to take maternity photos of a high-risk client
- For announcements: If the family wants to use maternity photos for announcements or other printed products, do the maternity shoot no later than the beginning of their third trimester or around weeks 27 to 28. Modify the timeline according to your turnaround time.
Does The Term “too Late” Exist?
Hey, it’s totally fine if scheduling a maternity session wasn’t at the top of your “getting ready for baby” to-do list. Even if you wait until later in your third trimester to take maternity photos, if you’re feeling good, mobile, and up for photos, by all means, I will be prepared with my camera!
The drawbacks of scheduling later include the potential for fatigue and discomfort during your session. Even though everyone is eager to meet your new child, we’d hate to encounter an early delivery scenario before we’ve had a chance to document this stage of your journey.
Does Such A Thing As Too Early Exist?
The only downside of scheduling too early is simply that your baby bump won’t be as defined for that “full maternity” look. However, if there is a reason you definitely need to schedule earlier than 24 or 25 weeks, there are some posing tricks to help make that bump pop!
Maternity Photo Session Tips
Choosing the right time to take maternity photos also requires technical and artistic planning to highlight the client’s body and attractive belly.
Help The Mother Prepare For The Maternity Session
To ensure that your client has the greatest level of comfort and mobility, plan the maternity shoot during the most advantageous time period.
Don’t forget to remind moms to moisturize their lovely round belly bump for soft, glowing skin and to get a good night’s rest to ensure they feel comfortable moving around. Remind them not to arrive at their maternity photo shoot dressed in tight clothing. This might leave skin blemishes that are challenging to remove from your maternity photos.
Create a wardrobe with a range of cozy yet belly bump-friendly outfit options. To highlight the subject’s body, always wear simple clothing. So that the bump can truly shine, stay away from busy patterns and stick with small or solid prints.
No matter how many weeks are left in a mother’s pregnancy, you can provide hair and makeup styling services to help her look and feel her best for the photographs.
Use The Proper Equipment
The Rainiers use Canon and Profoto equipment to take fantastic maternity photos both inside and outside. Here’s their go-to gear list to make sure you can do the perfect pregnancy shoot:
- Canon 5D MarkIII
- Profoto B2 and A1
- 35mm f/1.4
- 24-70mm f/2.8
Final Thought
Life and connection are the main themes of maternity photo sessions, which are all about capturing the amazing changes that your body goes through. So when would be the ideal time to take your maternity photos? You know it’s the right time when you feel good, at ease, and prepared. While I believe that 30-36 weeks is the best window for maternity photos, it might not be ideal for you. Thus, the timing of your photo shoot is ultimately up to you, but if you want to make the most of it, I do advise booking an early appointment.
