When to Schedule Maternity Photos (and All Your Common Questions Answered)
If you’re pregnant and thinking about scheduling a maternity session, you might be wondering: When is the best time to do it? What if my due date changes? What if I’m expecting twins?
As a Raleigh-based maternity photographer (and a mom who’s been through this three times myself) I’ve learned there’s no single “perfect” answer for everyone. But there are guidelines that can help you get the most beautiful, comfortable, and meaningful photos.
Here’s my advice for when to schedule maternity photos, plus answers to some of the most common questions I get from expecting parents.
The Sweet Spot: 28–34 Weeks
For most pregnancies, the ideal time for maternity photos is between 28 and 34 weeks.
Here’s why:
Your bump is beautifully visible without being so late in pregnancy that you feel overly tired or uncomfortable.
You still have a good range of motion for sitting, walking, or posing in different ways.
It gives us a cushion in case your baby decides to arrive early.
Of course, this is just a guideline. I’ve photographed moms earlier or later than this window, depending on their unique situation.
If You’re Pregnant with Twins or Multiples
With multiples, it’s best to schedule earlier (around 24–28 weeks) because bumps often appear sooner and babies sometimes arrive earlier than in a single baby pregnancy. This timing helps us capture that sweet spot where you’re still comfortable and mobile.
What If I’m Already Past 34 Weeks?
You can absolutely still book maternity photos later in pregnancy. I’ve worked with moms who were 36–38 weeks pregnant, and while it can be a little more physically demanding, the results are still gorgeous. In fact, some moms love that “right before baby” feeling their later session captures.
We’ll simply choose poses and locations that keep you comfortable, and take breaks as needed.
Side note: With each pregnancy, your confidence and comfort often grow. I know that was true for me. When I was expecting my third child, I had my maternity photos taken at 36 weeks, and I felt far more comfortable in my body (and with my abilities) than I ever did the first time around. Trust your instincts and choose a time that feels right for you.
Planning Around Seasons and Light
Beyond your baby’s gestational age, you’ll also want to think about time of year and time of day.
Spring gives us mild temperatures and blooming flowers.
Summer means longer days, lush greenery, and—in some locations—sunflowers.
Fall brings rich colors and softer light.
Winter can be magical in its own quiet way, with bare trees and golden sunsets.
Obviously you can’t plan for the season in which you do your maternity photos but you can use your knowledge of the seasons to plan your outfits and choose what time you’d like to meet. Most of my maternity sessions happen during golden hour (the hour before sunset) because the light is soft, warm, and flattering. If golden hour doesn’t work with your schedule, we can choose a location with plenty of open shade for beautiful results at almost any time.
For ideas, see my blog on The Best Maternity Photo Locations Near Durham, it’s full of local spots that work beautifully in every season.
How Far in Advance to Book
I recommend booking your maternity session as soon as you’re ready, ideally by your second trimester. This ensures you have the widest choice of dates and that we can lock in your preferred timeframe.
Booking early also gives us more time to plan your location, wardrobe, and any special elements you want to include.
What to Wear for Your Session
The right outfit isn’t about following trends, it’s about choosing something that makes you feel incredible. When styling, I always recommend starting with mom’s outfit first, then building the rest of the family’s clothing around it. As a full session client, you’ll also get access to my exclusive digital styling service to help you plan and even purchase outfits that emphasize your story.
For more on wardrobe and overall experience, check out my blog: What to Expect at a Professional Maternity Photo Session.
Do I Need to Include My Partner or Kids?
That’s completely up to you. Some moms choose a solo session to focus solely on their pregnancy journey. Others bring partners, older children, or even pets to be part of the story.
If you do bring others, we’ll balance group shots with individual portraits so you have both.
Can I Book Maternity and Newborn Sessions At The Same Time?
Yes, and many families do. This is a beautiful way to create a connected visual story from pregnancy to those first days at home. If you’re interested, we can book both sessions together so your newborn photos are already on the calendar before life gets busier.
Why Timing Matters (But Isn’t Everything)
While there’s an ideal window for when to schedule maternity photos, the truth is the most important thing is that you have them taken. These weeks fly by, and photos let you revisit them for years to come.
When you look back, you won’t be thinking about whether you were 30 weeks or 35, you’ll be grateful you took the time to document this chapter.
Ready to Book Your Maternity Session?
The sooner we connect, the easier it is to get your preferred dates and the location you love most. You can explore my Maternity Photography Portfolio for inspiration.
When you’re ready, I’ll help you choose the perfect timeframe, location, and style so your maternity session feels comfortable, relaxed, and completely yours. Here’s how to contact me.