Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Time for Maternity Photos

Soak it all in, Mama.

You won’t pass this way again — not in quite the same way.

This moment is yours.

Your life is already changing, and this fleeting season deserves to be remembered with beauty. Check out my maternity page for my portfolio, and maternity session pricing!

So when is the best time for maternity photos?

Maternity photos aren’t about checking one more thing off your list. They’re about telling your story the way you feel it — honoring this moment when life is stirring within you and anticipation quietly builds with every passing week.

“I’d like to have maternity photos taken,” I told my husband. He agreed.

While my own three pregnancies (all boys) tend to run together a little in my memory, the one I recall most clearly is naturally the last. It was the only time I had professional maternity photos taken. Knowing it would be my final pregnancy, I wanted to remember it. Especially because it was too late to go back and document the first two. I wanted to have photos so I could remember not just how I looked — but how it felt to be waiting, hoping, and cherishing the time we had left before the excitement of meeting our third son.

You can read more about me loving being a boy mom here.

One of the most common questions I hear is: “When should I book my Maternity Photoshoot?”

Whether you’re considering a family a maternity session, a session for just mama, or a session with the two of you, this post will help guide you choose the best time for maternity photos — and remind you why these images can mean so much.

Your Pregnancy Story Matters

Pregnancy invites us to slow down and pay attention to moments that might otherwise slip by unnoticed:

• The quiet anticipation
• The gentle shift of your changing body
• The wonder and awe of the miracle you’re a part of

Photos are the story you cannot put into words. And while you’ll always carry these special days in your heart, there is something powerful and sentimental about seeing them reflected back to you through images that capture how you’re feeling and that will tell your story in a special way.

The Sweet Spot for Maternity Photos

I’ve discovered there is a window in pregnancy when maternity photos sing — for most mamas, this window falls between 30 and 32 weeks. This is true for outdoor sessions, home sessions, or studio sessions. This is the best time for maternity photos!

At this point:
Your baby bump is beautifully defined and photographs with gorgeous curves and softness.

You are (hopefully) still feeling comfortable enough to move, walk, and enjoy being photographed.

You can relax and take your time at the session, without the fatigue that sometimes comes in the final few weeks.

Wardrobe options tend to fit and flatter beautifully at this stage.

And while it’s possible to photograph a maternity session outside this window, planning for 30–32 weeks helps create the most relaxed and natural experience possible.

Why Not Photos Too Early?

In the earlier months of pregnancy, it can be tempting to want photos right away — especially if this is a long-awaited or first pregnancy.

But before 30 weeks, your bump may not yet have the fullness or definition that truly highlights this season.

Why Not Photos Too Late?

You may already be past the 32 week mark. This is ok! It’s never too late. Let’s get you booked!

Life doesn’t always follow a perfectly planned calendar. But if you’re choosing your ideal time for maternity photos, earlier is often better than later.

In the very final weeks of pregnancy, it’s common to experience shifts in energy — and standing or moving for an extended session can feel tiring. Your body may also be preparing for birth in ways that make the session less comfortable. Earlier is the best time for maternity photos.

When Should You Book Your Maternity Session?

The best time is now! I recommend getting on my calendar to ensure there is space for you. You can reach out here.

Preparing for Your Maternity Session

I’ll walk you through every step, and you’ll receive a welcome guide with location options and wardrobe tips. Choose clothing that makes you feel beautiful and at ease — soft textures, flowing fabrics, and comfortable fits work beautifully. I love maternity gowns and other dresses for maternity sessions. I’ll even include a few links in the welcome guide to inspiration dresses!

When Is the Best Time for Maternity Photos Summary

In summary, 30-32 weeks is the best time for maternity photos. But if you’re further along, it’s time to book! It’s never too late.

Follow me on my Facebook page to see recent sessions. I’d love your follow.

Interested in booking a maternity session in or around Parker, Colorado? Find out more info and book your session here. I’d love to serve you!

Whether this season has been a walk in the park, or harder than you thought it would be, full of wonder, or quiet waiting — it is yours.

And that’s every reason you need to honor it.

Let’s tell your story the way you feel it. Let’s create something beautiful together.

If you enjoyed this post, we think you’d also enjoy visiting the maternity portfolio!