Best Time for a Maternity Photoshoot
As a glowing mama-to-be with a little human growing inside of you, you may worry about when the best time to schedule your maternity shoot is. You don’t want to schedule it too early when you only have a small baby bump, but you also don’t want to schedule it too late and risk missing the session because your baby arrives a few weeks early. So, what’s the magic window? Here are some tips on the best time for maternity photos.
Earlier Baby Bump: 16-20 Weeks
If you’d like to document your pregnancy in stages, consider scheduling two maternity sessions, so you’ll have professional maternity photos when your belly starts to pop at around 16 weeks and then later when you’re close to your due date. An early session in a bikini can make for stunning early maternity photos.
28-34 Weeks
All baby bumps are unique! But, if you’re a first-time mom, your belly will start to show a bit later. And for later pregnancies, you’ll start to show a little earlier. However, for most pregnant mothers, the ideal time is between 7-8 months, give or take a few weeks. When you’re deciding the right time for maternity photos, a growing baby bump isn’t the only detail to consider, though. Some mothers experience excruciating morning sickness right up until 30 weeks or so. If this is you, wait for your morning sickness to subside before planning your maternity shoot. Your session should be a joyful experience, not a miserable one!
26-32 Weeks
For second-time moms, you’ll start showing earlier, so planning a photoshoot for 26 weeks can be a great option, especially if you already have a nice baby bump. This time frame can also work well if you’re trying to match your maternity photo session with the season, like capturing beautiful fall colors, autumn leaves at their peak color, or blossoms in bloom. Nature doesn’t wait, so it’s okay to plan your session a little earlier to match a magic window.
30-36 weeks
The 30-36 week time frame is considered a sweet spot for maternity photos. By this time, you should have a well-rounded baby bump that photographs perfectly for those timeless family portraits. Around 30 weeks, you’re still physically comfortable, which can make your session fun. Waiting until 36 weeks can be cutting it close to the due date, but for some, it’s worth it. You may want to avoid the summer heat, skip the peak summer heatwaves, or postpone due to a busy holiday schedule. In other words, waiting until the last moment can be a bit of a gamble, but if you manage to clear your schedule and escape unfavorable weather conditions, you can get beautiful maternity shots that shine.
Twins or More Babies
If you’re a pregnant mother expecting twins or more babies, you’ll begin to show a lot earlier. Try to book a maternity shoot when you’re about 20-28 weeks, with an ideal time being 24-28 weeks. If you wait until after 30 weeks, you may be too uncomfortable to think about sitting for a maternity portrait session. Having twins usually means more discomfort and less mobility as the babies grow. Plus, twins are typically delivered earlier than their due date, so you may end up missing your shoot if you wait too long!
Think About Your Family’s Schedule
Scheduling a maternity shoot isn’t just about your schedule. You’ll need to think about your partner or your kids’ school schedule (if you want to take family photos). It may be a good idea to take advantage of spring break if you have other children and your bump is showing nicely at that time. Getting everyone’s schedule aligned can be challenging, so plan your maternity shoot months in advance, if possible. You should also have a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate or a family member gets sick.
When to Book a Maternity Photographer
The next step is to book a maternity photographer. Many maternity photographers book out weeks in advance, so the earlier you schedule a shoot, the better. To get some truly magical moments, let the photographer know what kind of photos you’d like. Do you prefer an intimate, personal experience of just you and your bump, or would you like a family session? If you’re intent on capturing the season as your backdrop, you’ll have about a two-week window for fall foliage or spring flowers. Timing is key, so be sure to share these details with your photographer.
Getting the Perfect Location
It’s hard to time a pregnancy by seasons because babies come when they’re ready! However, you can plan your maternity shoot against a gorgeous backdrop that you’ve had in mind. Still, the weather plays an important role, especially for outdoor maternity shoots.
So, keep your eye on the weather as your shoot date nears. The last thing you want is for a pesky afternoon thunderstorm to interrupt a session in a beautiful part, for instance. Remember that maternity sessions must be scheduled weeks in advance, which means there’s always a chance the weather could change. Try to maintain a flexible schedule and have a backup plan in case.
Shooting in a studio can be a perfect option! There you can create timeless images in very comfortable settings.
Consider Your Wardrobe
Your outfit choice will be heavily influenced by when you take your maternity photos, too. Once you have a well-rounded baby bump, your previous maternity clothes may no longer fit, so it’s a good idea to have an adaptable wardrobe as your belly expands. There are many stylish maternity dresses at every stage of a woman’s pregnancy, but it’s important to find one that fits comfortably by the time you’re ready to shoot.
Last But Not Least: Maternity Poses
While you’re so busy planning for your new baby and scheduling a session, you may have forgotten about something crucial – your maternity poses. But the way you pose during your maternity shoot can truly make a world of difference.
The classic pose emphasizes your lovely baby bump, of course. Photographers often take a series of profile shots to capture beautiful bump shots. You might also want to include some touching moments, like your kids or partner kissing or holding your belly.
Looking for a Maternity Photographer in Miami?
If you have questions about taking maternity photos, don’t hesitate to reach out. Besides helping with maternity sessions, we can also offer tips on how to prepare for a photo shoot or answer questions like “what is event photography?” Contact Miami photographer, Daria Koso, to schedule a shoot or discuss your ideas.
