When to Book Your Maternity Photos (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)
Most people think about maternity photos sometime in the third trimester. Which is fine — but if you wait too long, you'll either rush to squeeze it in before the baby arrives or end up wishing you'd done it sooner.
Here's everything you need to know about timing your maternity session so you get the photos you actually want.
The Sweet Spot: 28 to 34 Weeks
If you're looking for a number, it's this: book your session between 28 and 34 weeks.
At 28 weeks, the bump is fully there and unmistakably pregnant. The shape is round and full, it photographs beautifully, and you still have enough energy and comfort to move around and enjoy the session.
By 35 or 36 weeks, some moms are starting to feel pretty uncomfortable — tired legs, back pain, swollen feet. None of that is going to stop us from getting great photos, but your experience during the session will be better if you're still in that sweet spot of feeling like yourself.
At 28 to 34 weeks, most moms tell me they feel confident, their skin is glowing, and they're excited. That energy translates directly into the photos.
Book Earlier Than You Think
Don't wait until you're 30 weeks to reach out. Book the session at 20 to 22 weeks and schedule it for 30 to 32 weeks.
Here's why: my calendar fills up. Hampton Roads has a lot going on, and the most popular times for outdoor sessions — spring and fall — book out fast. If you wait until you feel urgency, the date you want may already be gone.
You're also giving yourself time to plan outfits without stress, think about the location, and not be scrambling the week of the session. A little lead time makes everything easier.
What About an Earlier Session?
Some moms want to do photos earlier — around 24 to 26 weeks — and that's absolutely an option. The bump is showing but smaller, and the aesthetic is a little different. It's a personal choice.
What I'd say is this: if you're on the fence about whether to do maternity photos at all, err on the side of doing it sooner rather than later. The window for this season of your life is short, and more moms regret skipping it than regret doing it.
What About a Mommy and Me Session?
Maternity and mommy and me sessions are different things, and they work beautifully together.
A maternity session captures the anticipation — the before. A mommy and me session after the baby arrives captures that early bond — the after. They tell a complete story together, and looking at both sets of photos side by side is one of those experiences that genuinely stops people in their tracks.
If you're interested in a mommy and me session as well, let me know when we talk about your maternity session. We can plan both while you still have time and energy to think about it.
One Last Thing
There is no perfect time to do this. There's just the season you're in right now — and it's worth documenting.
Reach out whenever you're ready. I'll help you plan everything from there.
Rob Owens Photography — maternity and portrait photography across Hampton Roads, VA. Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, and surrounding areas.