When Should You Take Maternity Photos?

Pregnancy goes by so much faster than you think it will. One minute you’re staring at those two little lines, and the next you’re wondering where the time went and how you’re already getting so close to meeting your baby. That’s one of the reasons I love maternity photography so much. It gives you a chance to slow down for a minute and actually remember this season of your life.

If you’ve been thinking about maternity photos but aren’t sure when you should schedule them, when you should book your photographer, or what you’re even supposed to wear, don’t worry. I’ve got you.

When is the best time to take maternity photos?

For most of my clients, I recommend scheduling your maternity session somewhere around 28–34 weeks. Of course, every pregnancy is different. Some moms start showing earlier, some later, and some pregnancies are much more comfortable than others. The goal is to find that sweet spot where your belly is beautifully visible but you’re still feeling comfortable enough to enjoy your session. You don’t have to wait until you feel absolutely huge to take maternity photos. I usually prefer when my clients still have enough energy to move around, change outfits and enjoy the experience without feeling completely exhausted. And if you’re already past that point, don’t automatically count yourself out. There isn’t a magic week where you’re suddenly “too late.” If you’re feeling good and your doctor hasn’t given you any restrictions, we can usually find a way to make it work.

When should you book your maternity photographer?

This is something I get asked all the time: book earlier than you think. You don’t necessarily need to have your maternity session scheduled at 20 weeks, but I recommend reaching out several weeks ahead of time so we have more flexibility with dates and times. This is especially important if you have a specific photographer, weekend date or location in mind. I also like having some room to adjust your session if your pregnancy doesn’t go exactly according to plan. Babies don’t exactly follow calendars, so having some flexibility is always a good thing.

What should you wear for maternity photos?

This is probably the part that stresses moms out the most. And honestly? Don’t stress about it. You don’t need to go shopping for an entirely new wardrobe just for your maternity session. I have maternity gowns available for clients who want that beautiful, dressed up look, and we can also incorporate pieces you already have.

Some moms want something simple and fitted, while others want something dramatic and glamorous. There isn’t one “right” way to do maternity photos. Your session should look like you. If you love a fitted dress, wear it. If you want something flowy and dramatic, let’s do that. If you want simple and timeless, we can keep it simple. The most important thing is that you feel beautiful and comfortable.

Do I need to know how to pose?

Absolutely not. Please don’t worry about this one. You don’t have to know what to do with your hands, where to stand or how to make your belly look flattering. That’s my job.

I’ll guide you through your poses and little movements throughout the session so you don’t have to stand there wondering what you’re supposed to do next. And I promise, you don’t have to be a model to have beautiful maternity photos. Some of my favorite images come from the little in between moments when my clients stop thinking about the camera and just enjoy being pregnant.

What happens during a maternity session?

I want your maternity session to feel like more than just standing in front of a camera. We’ll move through different poses, outfits and backdrops depending on the package you choose. I’ll guide you throughout the entire session so you don’t have to come in with a Pinterest board full of poses memorized.

If you’re bringing your partner or children, we’ll also make sure we capture those connections with you. And yes, there will still be plenty of photos focused just on you and that beautiful belly. Because this is your maternity session, too. It’s easy for moms to spend an entire pregnancy thinking about the baby and forgetting that they are going through something pretty incredible themselves.

Your maternity photos don’t have to be perfect. Your body is changing. Your belly might not look exactly like someone else’s. You might have stretch marks, swelling, scars or things you’re not completely comfortable with. That’s okay. You don’t need to look like a maternity model to deserve beautiful photos. My job is to help you feel comfortable, guide you into flattering poses and create images that make you look back at this time and remember just how beautiful it really was.

Years from now, you probably won’t remember whether you thought your arms looked too big that day or whether you were worried about a stretch mark. You’ll remember your belly, your baby, your family and the person you were becoming. That’s what I want your photos to capture.

If you’ve been putting off booking your maternity photos because you aren’t sure when to do them, what to wear or whether you’ll know how to pose, I hope this makes the process feel a little less overwhelming. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you reach out. We’ll figure it out together. Whether you’re looking for a classic studio maternity session, something more glamorous with a beautiful gown, or an outdoor maternity session around Chicago, I’d love to help you create something that feels like you. And trust me, you’ll be so happy you have these photos later. This season may feel long while you’re living it, but once your baby is here, you’re going to wonder how it went by so fast.