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If you’re thinking about booking a maternity photo session, the first question you probably have is “when is the best time to take maternity photos?” As a Los Angeles maternity photographer, I answer this question a lot!
Not sure when to schedule your pregnancy photos? Here are a few tips for choosing the perfect time to take maternity photos.
How Far Along In Your Pregnancy Should You Be For Maternity Pictures?
I recommend taking your maternity photographs between 30 and 35 weeks. This window falls between months 7 and 8 of pregnancy. Scheduling your maternity session for this time will give you the most flattering photographs. Your baby bump will be big enough that you look pregnant, but you will not yet be too swollen and uncomfortable. Usually, your baby will not have dropped yet, so your bump will still be riding high.
Another great reason to take maternity photos before 35 weeks? You won’t miss out on your maternity if your baby arrives a little bit early.
What trimester is best for a maternity photo session?
If you’re going by trimester, you’ll want to have your maternity session photographed in the third trimester. As discussed above, weeks 30-35 are generally the sweet spot for pregnancy photos. Too early in your 3rd trimester and you may not yet have a pronounced bump. Too late in your 3rd trimester and you may be feeling swollen and tired.
If you’re a first time mom, you may not show as quickly, so I recommend booking your session for weeks 33-35. If you’ve been pregnant before, you may “pop” a bit sooner. In that case, I recommend taking your pregnancy photos in week 30-32.
Is 36 weeks too late for maternity pictures?
I recommend taking your maternity photos before 36 weeks. At this point, you may feel tired, swollen, and uncomfortable. If you’re a little behind schedule booking your maternity session and wondering if it’s too late, it’s not. It’s always better to have maternity portraits taken a bit late than not to have them at all. Be sure to let your photographer know how you are feeling physically so that they can guide your in a session type and location that will work for you!
When should I take maternity photos if I’m having twins?
If you’re expecting twins, you will likely be showing a bit earlier than a singleton pregnancy and be delivering earlier than 40 weeks. You’ll want to schedule your maternity session for somewhere between 24 and 28 weeks if you’re having twins.
When to Book Your Maternity Photo Shoot
I recommend that my clients book their maternity phot shoot sometime between weeks 12 and 20. Booking early ensures that your photographer will be available for your session and that you can find a date and time that works for you. It will also ensure that you have plenty of time to plan your session with your photographer and figure out what to wear for your maternity session.
What’s Next?
Now that you know the ideal time for taking maternity photos, you may be ready to schedule your maternity session. Please feel free to reach out to book your session or request more information.
