Maternity photos are a beautiful way to commemorate your pregnancy. They can also be a great way to capture the emotions and feelings you experience during this time in your life. But when is the best time to take maternity photos? And what tips should you keep in mind? In this article, we will answer these questions and provide some useful tips for taking maternity photos.
When Are You Normally Expected to Take a Maternity Photo
Maternity photos are a great way to document your pregnancy journey and preserve the memories of this amazing time. Many women choose to take maternity photos around 28-36 weeks when they are feeling their best and their baby bump is nice and round. This time frame allows you to capture the baby bump before the baby starts to move around too much, but still gives you plenty of time to schedule and plan the shoot.
Some women opt to do a studio shoot with a professional photographer, while others prefer a more natural setting such as at home or in a nearby park. No matter where you decide to take your maternity photos, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure that the experience is enjoyable and the results are beautiful.
If you want to do a more unique shoot, consider timing it around your due date. This can make for some really beautiful and meaningful photos as you approach motherhood. [1], [2][2]
Why Would You Need to Take a Maternity Photo Earlier
Still, there are some instances where you may need to take your maternity photos earlier than 28-36 weeks. Let’s discuss a few of those scenarios now.
If you’re expecting multiples
One common reason to take maternity photos sooner than that is if you’re expecting multiples. That is because carrying multiples generally comes with a higher risk for preterm labor.
Scheduling early not only will give you time to get the photo shoot done before your babies arrive, and it will also allow you to document your pregnancy at a point when you’re feeling good and still have energy for a fun photo session.
Of course, every pregnancy is different. So be sure to talk to your doctor about their specific recommendations for when to take maternity photos if you’re expecting more than one baby. [1], [2], [3], [4]
If you have a high-risk pregnancy
A high-risk pregnancy is one in which there are complications that could threaten the health or life of the mother or baby. These can include conditions like diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, and premature birth. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, your doctor will likely recommend that you have more frequent prenatal visits and may even admit you to the hospital for closer monitoring. For this reason, you may need to take your maternity photos earlier.
If you are starting to feel unwell
Pregnancy is an amazing time, but it can also be draining. As your due date approaches, you may start to feel more tired and even a little bit unwell. This is perfectly normal! Your body is working hard to grow a baby (or babies!) and you deserve to take it easy.
If you start to feel unwell, it may be a good idea to take your maternity photos sooner rather than later. This way, you can document your pregnancy at a time when you’re feeling good and still have the energy for a fun photo session. Of course, if you are feeling very unwell, it’s always best to listen to your body and rest as much as possible. [2], [4]
If you want to make an announcement earlier
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with taking your maternity photos and keeping them to yourself until you’re ready to make a big announcement. But if you want to share the news of your pregnancy with friends and family earlier, taking maternity photos can be a great way to do that.
You may want to take your maternity photos as early as 12 weeks if you want to announce your pregnancy right away. Alternatively, you may want to wait until 20 weeks or so. This is when many women have their anatomy scan, which can be a fun time to announce that you’re expecting. [1]
Cons of Scheduling a Photoshoot too Early in Your Pregnancy
There’s nothing wrong with taking your maternity photos early in your pregnancy. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about scheduling a photo shoot before you’re 28-36 weeks along.
The biggest downside of scheduling a photoshoot too early is that your baby bump may not be as pronounced as you’d like. This can be frustrating if you’re hoping to capture some beautiful photos of your growing belly. However, by trying around different poses and angles, you may be able to find some ways to flaunt your baby bump, even if it’s not as big as you’d like. [3]
Cons of Scheduling a Photoshoot too Late in Your Pregnancy
While there are benefits to taking your maternity photos later in your pregnancy, there are also some drawbacks you should be aware of.
One downside is that you may start to feel uncomfortable as your pregnancy progresses and your belly gets bigger. This can make it difficult to find poses that are comfortable for you and make you look good in photos. Additionally, if you’re hoping to capture some images of you and your partner together, it may be more challenging to find a time when both of you are available (and feeling up for it) later in your pregnancy.
Another potential issue with scheduling a photoshoot too close to your due date is that your baby could come early! This obviously isn’t something you can plan for, but it’s something to keep in mind. While there’s no guarantee that your baby will come early just because you took maternity photos close to your due date, it is a possibility. [3]
Tips During the Maternity Photo Shoot
Wear a comfortable outfit
You want to be comfortable during your maternity photo shoot, so make sure to choose an outfit that you feel good in. Maternity photos are all about capturing this special time in your life, so you want to make sure you’re feeling confident and beautiful. You may want to avoid tight-fitting clothes and opt for something with a bit more room to breathe. A flowy dress or skirt can be a great option, as it will allow you to move around easily and won’t constrict your growing belly.
If you’re not sure what to wear, there are plenty of resources available online. You can even ask your photographer for advice! They should have some great suggestions that will help you look and feel your best on the day of your shoot. [1]
Pay attention to your wellbeing
Pregnancy can be a wonderful time, but it’s also important to take care of yourself. Make sure to get plenty of rest before your maternity photo shoot, and drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Eating healthy foods will also give you the energy you need to make it through the day. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any major changes to your routine.
And don’t forget to schedule some time for yourself leading up to the big day. Whether it’s getting a prenatal massage or taking a leisurely stroll through the park, do whatever you need to do to feel relaxed and ready for your maternity photos.
Don’t forget to moisturize your skin as well! Pregnancy can cause your skin to become dry, so it’s important to keep it hydrated. This will help you avoid any uncomfortable itchiness and will also give you a healthy glow on the day of your shoot. [1]
Choose a photographer that you feel comfortable with
This is a big one. Maternity photos are intimate, so you want to make sure you’re working with a photographer that you feel comfortable with. You should be able to trust them and feel relaxed in their presence. This will help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera and allow your true personality to shine through in your photos.
Don’t be afraid to ask around for recommendations or look at online reviews before booking a photographer. This will help you find someone that others have had positive experiences with.
Once you’ve found a photographer that you like, be sure to communicate your vision for the shoot clearly. Discuss what kind of atmosphere you want to create and share any specific ideas that you have. This will help them understand your vision and make sure they’re on the same page as you are.
Book later if it’s your first pregnancy
If this is your first pregnancy, you may want to wait a bit longer before booking your maternity photos. You likely won’t start showing until at least 12 weeks, and you may not feel comfortable in front of the camera until later on. That’s completely normal!
Don’t worry about rushing to book your maternity photos as soon as you find out you’re pregnant. Instead, take your time and wait until you’re feeling ready. This way, you can enjoy the experience and make sure you get the results you want. [4]
FAQ
Is 25 weeks too early for maternity pictures?
This is a common question we get and our answer is always NO! Maternity pictures can be taken anytime during your pregnancy. The earlier the better, in our opinion. That way, you have them and they are done!
How do you hold a pregnant belly in pictures?
There are a few ways to hold your pregnant belly in pictures. One way is to put your hand on top of your belly and another way is to hold your belly from the bottom. If you want to show off your baby bump, then you can try wearing tight clothing that shows off your shape. You can also try different poses, such as leaning against a wall or lying down.
Are maternity photos worth it?
The answer to whether or not maternity photos are worth it is ultimately up to you. If you feel that capturing this momentous occasion is important, then by all means, go for it! Maternity photos are a way to document and capture your pregnant belly as well as the love and anticipation you feel for your unborn child. They can be beautiful, creative, and emotional. Many women choose to get maternity photos taken to remember this special time in their lives.
Useful Video: When to do your Maternity Photo Shoot
Final words
Ultimately, whether or not you choose to take your maternity photos early or late in your pregnancy is up to you. There are pros and cons to both timing options, so it’s important to weigh them carefully before making a decision. However in the majority of cases, you’d want to schedule your photo session between 28 to 36 weeks of your pregnancy. However, if you have a high risk pregnancy or are expecting twins, you may want to consider an earlier date. Finally, don’t forget that you can always go back and take maternity photos after your baby is born! These shoots are called “newborn” or “family” shoots, and they’re a great way to capture those early days with your new little one. If you have any other questions about maternity photography or when to take your photos, feel free to reach out to us. We’d be more than happy to chat with you and help you plan the perfect photo session for this special time in your life!
References:
- https://www.shootproof.com/blog/best-time-for-maternity-photos/
- https://www.reneejoannephotography.com/post/when-to-take-maternity-photos
- https://erinlassahn.com/2021/09/24/the-best-time-to-take-maternity-photos/
- https://beccajeanphotography.com/when-to-take-maternity-photos-portland-oregon-photographer
