When Is the Best Time to Do Maternity Photos?

Pregnancy is one of life’s most transformative moments, and maternity photos capture that beauty permanently. The timing of your session matters more than you might think-schedule too early and your belly won’t show enough, too late and discomfort takes over.

At Kelly Tareski Photography, we’ve helped hundreds of expecting mothers find the perfect window for their maternity photos. We’ll walk you through exactly when to book your session for the most flattering results.

The 28 to 36 Week Sweet Spot

Why This Window Works Best

The third trimester maternity photography weeks 28 to 36 is when maternity photos truly shine. At this stage, your belly is undeniably prominent-there’s no question you’re expecting-but you’re not yet dealing with the intense swelling, back pain, and exhaustion that often arrive in the final weeks. Photographers often recommend waiting until the bump is clearly visible, but before swelling and fatigue set in, which helps you look and feel your best.

Timing for Multiples and High-Risk Pregnancies

If you’re carrying multiples, shift this timeline to 30-36 weeks instead. Your bump grows faster with twins or triplets, and you’ll naturally feel less comfortable sooner, so don’t wait. High-risk pregnancies require a conversation with your doctor before you book anything, but many expecting mothers in this situation find that shooting around 28 to 30 weeks works well. Your medical provider can help you determine what feels safe and manageable for your specific situation.

Why the Final Weeks Present Real Challenges

Don’t schedule too close to your due date. The last two to three weeks of pregnancy are unpredictable-labor can begin without warning, swelling intensifies, and the physical toll shows in photographs. Beyond 36 weeks, you’re gambling with availability and comfort. Movement and posing become genuinely difficult when your center of gravity shifts, and discomfort translates directly into your images. The window closes fast once you pass week 36, so timing matters more than you might initially realize.

Book Early to Secure Your Preferred Date

Lock in your session during your second trimester, ideally by week 20. This advance planning protects you from disappointment and ensures you capture this moment during the weeks when you’ll feel and look your best. Your photographer’s calendar fills quickly, especially during spring and fall when outdoor lighting conditions are ideal. The sooner you reach out, the better your chances of securing the exact date and time you want.

Now that you understand the optimal timing window, the next decision involves choosing the right season and location for your shoot.

Choosing the Right Season for Your Maternity Session

Spring and fall light Creates Flattering Results

Spring and fall dominate maternity photography for one concrete reason: the light. During these seasons, the sun sits lower on the horizon, creating soft, diffused illumination that flatters skin and eliminates harsh shadows across your face and belly. Spring brings blooming flowers and lush greens that complement flowing maternity dresses, while fall offers warm golden tones and texture through changing foliage. If you want an outdoor session, these two seasons give you the highest likelihood of stunning natural light without the intense midday glare of summer or the flat, dull conditions winter often brings.

Plan Around Peak Season Availability

This popularity means photographer calendars fill faster. Spring and fall dates book weeks in advance, particularly in regions where outdoor venues are highly sought after. If your due date falls in summer or winter, you simply need to adjust your expectations and planning strategy rather than postpone your session.

Summer Sessions Require Strategic Planning

Summer heat demands practical adjustments. For shoots around 32 to 34 weeks, choose breathable fabrics like gauze, crepe, or lightweight cotton that won’t cling uncomfortably to sweat. Plan your session for early morning or late evening when temperatures drop, and you’ll stay comfortable throughout the shoot. This timing protects both your physical comfort and the quality of your final images.

Winter Sessions Call for Layering and Preparation

Winter sessions require layering-wool leggings under your dress, proper footwear with traction, and a stylish cardigan or jacket that photographs well while keeping you warm between outfit changes. These additions work beautifully in images and solve the temperature problem without sacrificing style or comfort.

Studio sessions Eliminate Weather Concerns Entirely

Indoor studio sessions work brilliantly year-round and eliminate weather concerns completely. You control the temperature, lighting, and environment entirely, making them ideal if you’re uncomfortable with outdoor conditions or if your pregnancy falls during extreme weather months. At this stage in your pregnancy, physical comfort directly impacts how relaxed you appear in images, so choose a season and setting where you genuinely feel good rather than fighting the elements. Your outfit choices and location decisions shape not just the aesthetic of your photos but also your ability to move naturally and feel confident during the session.

Looking Your Best During Your Maternity Session

Hair, Makeup, and Personal Grooming

Your comfort and confidence during the session directly shape how you appear in the final images, which means the practical details matter enormously. Hair and makeup aren’t required, but they’re worth considering if they genuinely make you feel polished rather than adding stress to your day. Many expecting mothers skip professional services entirely, and that’s perfectly fine-flyaways and minor imperfections are easily edited afterward.

If you do want makeup, keep it natural and dewy rather than heavy; the goal is to enhance your features, not mask them. For hair, loose waves or a simple updo that shows your face works beautifully.

Clothing Choices That Flatter Your Bump

The real priority is wearing clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable, which means trying everything on weeks before your session and again a few days before to account for swelling. At around 30 weeks, expect your feet and face to puff slightly, so wear comfortable, walkable shoes and bring a backup pair for location changes. Form-fitting gowns that hug your curves showcase the bump best, while empire-waisted styles work wonderfully if you’re carrying multiples or prefer looser silhouettes. Avoid black, navy, and bright neons; instead, choose light to medium tones in fabrics with movement like gauze, crepe, or soft cotton that drape beautifully rather than cling. Seamless underwear and strapless bras prevent visible lines that might require retouching later. Bring hand lotion to combat dryness and lip balm for touch-ups between shots.

Selecting Your Session Location

Whether you choose an outdoor location or studio matters far less than selecting a setting where you feel genuinely comfortable. Outdoor sessions in spring and fall offer golden hour lighting, which occurs 1-2 hours before sunset and casts a warm, golden glow across the landscape. Studio sessions eliminate these variables entirely, giving you complete control over temperature and lighting while you focus on feeling relaxed. The physical reality is that discomfort shows in photographs; if you battle heat, cold, or uneven ground, that tension appears in your expressions and posture. Your session should feel enjoyable rather than physically demanding, so choose based on what actually feels manageable at your stage of pregnancy, not what sounds most romantic in theory. If outdoor conditions feel overwhelming, indoor options deliver equally stunning results without the physical toll.

Final Thoughts

The answer to when is the best time to do maternity photos comes down to one principle: schedule during the weeks when you feel your absolute best. The 28 to 36 week window offers that sweet spot where your bump shows unmistakably, your energy remains solid, and discomfort hasn’t yet taken over. Spring and fall provide ideal lighting conditions, but don’t let seasonal timing pressure you into waiting if your due date falls elsewhere-summer and winter sessions work beautifully with the right planning and location choices.

Book early and reach out during your second trimester to lock in your preferred date and photographer. This advance planning removes stress and guarantees you’ll capture this fleeting moment when you feel confident and comfortable. Your photographer’s calendar fills quickly, especially during peak seasons, so the sooner you commit, the better your options become.

At Kelly Tareski Photography, we’ve spent over 20 years helping expecting mothers feel relaxed and celebrated during their maternity sessions. We understand that pregnancy is temporary, but these photographs last forever-our personalized approach means we work with your timeline, your comfort level, and your vision to create images you’ll treasure. Schedule your session during the weeks when you’re genuinely comfortable, and you’ll see that confidence shine through in every frame.

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