The Best Time for Your Maternity Photography Session: When to Book and Why
By Elizabeth Lang Photography, Surrey, BC
Maternity photography is one of the most beautiful ways to capture the glowing, magical journey of pregnancy. As an experienced maternity photographer here in Surrey (near Vancouver), I’ve had the privilege of working with so many incredible expecting families, and one question I’m often asked is: When is the best time to book your maternity session?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there is an ideal window of time that tends to work best for most moms-to-be. In this post, I’ll walk you through the best time to schedule your maternity session, plus some tips to help you plan around important dates, like baby showers, gender reveal parties, and more!
When to Book: The Ideal Time for Your Maternity Session
Generally, the best time to schedule your maternity photography session is between 28 to 34 weeks of pregnancy. Here's why:
- Perfect Baby Bump, Perfect Glow
- By 28 weeks, your baby bump will have developed enough to showcase that beautiful curve, but you’ll still have a little more time before the final weeks of pregnancy set in. This is often the sweet spot where you’re glowing with that pregnancy radiance, but you’re still able to move around comfortably.
- Comfort and Relaxation
- As you near the end of your pregnancy (around 36-38 weeks), you may start feeling more uncomfortable due to the added weight, swelling, and the anticipation of your baby’s arrival. While I’ve worked with many women in those final weeks, I always find that most moms-to-be feel their best and most relaxed around 30-34 weeks, making it easier to get those peaceful, beautiful shots.
Timing Your Session Around Important Dates
When planning your maternity shoot, timing it around important milestones can make the experience even more special. Consider scheduling your session before, during, or after these key moments:
- Baby Shower or Gender Reveal Party
- Your maternity session can be a beautiful prelude to these celebrations! If possible, I recommend scheduling the shoot a few weeks before your baby shower or gender reveal so you can showcase your bump and share the joy with friends and family. Having your photos ready to display at these events is a lovely way to celebrate this exciting chapter.
- Avoid Overlapping with Your Due Date
- While you may want to schedule your session as close to your due date as possible, it’s important to keep in mind that babies don’t always arrive on schedule! To be safe, aim for your maternity session at least 3 to 4 weeks before your due date. This gives enough time for potential reschedules, and you won’t feel rushed if your baby arrives early.
How Your Pregnancy Stage Affects the Timing of Your Session
Pregnancy is a unique experience for every woman, and the timing of when you’ll start showing can vary based on several factors. Here are some things to consider when determining when to schedule your session:
- First Pregnancy: You Might Show Later
- If this is your first pregnancy, your baby bump may not be as prominent early on compared to subsequent pregnancies. For first-time moms, the bump often doesn’t “pop” until closer to 25-30 weeks. This means you might want to schedule your maternity session closer to 32-34 weeks to ensure you have that perfectly round belly that’s so beautiful in photos. A small bump is also beautiful in photos!
- Second or Subsequent Pregnancy: You’ll Show Sooner
- If you’ve had a baby before, you may notice your bump starting to show earlier than in your first pregnancy. Your body has already gone through the process once, and the muscles and skin tend to stretch more easily, leading to a visible baby bump earlier in the pregnancy. In this case, scheduling your session a bit earlier (around 28-32 weeks) can capture the bump at just the right time, before you feel too heavy or uncomfortable.
- Twins or Multiples: You’ll Show Much Sooner
- If you’re expecting twins or multiples, it’s likely that your bump will appear earlier, and you may not carry to full term. Most moms of multiples begin showing significantly earlier, often around 16-20 weeks. In this case, I recommend scheduling your maternity session closer to 26-30 weeks. This timing allows us to capture the beauty of your pregnancy while you still have some energy and comfort, but also ensures we don’t wait too long, as multiple pregnancies often result in earlier delivery.
Flexibility is Key: What to Do if You’re Uncertain
If you’re uncertain about when to schedule your maternity session due to your pregnancy’s unique course, don’t worry—I’m here to help! We can discuss your pregnancy journey and decide on the best timing together. Sometimes a little flexibility is necessary, as every pregnancy progresses differently.
For example, if you’re experiencing some discomfort or unexpected health concerns, we can always adjust the timing. I’ll be there to support you through it all and help you capture stunning maternity portraits at the perfect moment.
In Conclusion: Finding Your Sweet Spot
The best time for your maternity photography session is typically between 28-34 weeks, but there are many factors that can influence the ideal timing. By understanding your body’s unique pregnancy journey—whether it’s your first baby, you’re expecting multiples, or you’ve been through pregnancy before—you can determine the perfect window for capturing your glowing bump.
Ultimately, the goal is to schedule a session that allows you to feel relaxed, comfortable, and radiant. I’ll work with you every step of the way to ensure that your maternity photos are everything you’ve dreamed of, no matter what stage you’re at in your pregnancy.
Ready to book your maternity session with Elizabeth Lang Photography? Reach out today to discuss the perfect time to capture your pregnancy journey and create timeless memories of this special moment!
YOUR MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION WITH ELIZABETH LANG PHOTOGRAPHY