When is the Best Time to Take Maternity Photos
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Are you pregnant and expecting a new baby sometime shortly? If so, congratulations! One of the most exciting things about becoming a mom is documenting your pregnancy journey and new arrival through maternity photography. As an Indianapolis maternity photographer, I’m going to share with you when is the best time to take maternity photos, helpful tips, and more for your pregnancy photo session!
When is the Best Time to Take Maternity Photos?
In general, the best time to take maternity pictures is between 28-34 weeks of pregnancy. You’ll likely be showing but not yet uncomfortable at this point, and you’ll still have plenty of energy to smile and pose for photos. Your belly will be nice and round, making for some beautiful images. If you are expecting twins, 26-28 weeks is ideal because the your belly will already have a nice round shape and you may be delivering earlier. For those expecting multiples, schedule earlier as you’ll be showing earlier! For those moms-to-be that have a high risk pregnancy, you may consider doing a maternity photo session earlier to document your growing baby bump.
Of course, every pregnancy is different, so if you’re earlier or later in your pregnancy and still feeling good, don’t hesitate to book a session. Remember that different pregnancy stages can produce different results in photos, so it’s always best to consult with your photographer before booking. If you’re considering a session, the best time to book maternity photos in the second trimester of your pregnancy, which gives us time to prepare. However, if you’re in your third trimester, I recommend scheduling soon as most photographers book in advance and you don’t want to miss capturing this special moment.
Why Maternity Photography is Important
Maternity photography is a niche within the photography world that documents the emotions and physical changes a woman goes through during pregnancy. It is a compelling and intimate moment to document, yet many women are hesitant about getting in front of the camera while pregnant. Here are a few reasons why maternity photography is essential.
First, it’s a beautiful way to document the magical experience of pregnancy. Pregnancy is such a special time, and it’s significant to look back on photos that capture those emotions and changes. Second, maternity photography can help you feel more confident about your body during pregnancy. Feeling self-conscious about your changing body is normal, but seeing yourself documented in timeless images can help you appreciate your body for all it’s doing during this time.
Third, professional maternity photos are a fantastic way to share your pregnancy with family and friends who may not be able to be there with you in person. And finally, they make for some pretty fantastic wall art! Whether you choose to display them in your home or give them as gifts, a maternity photo is something you’ll cherish forever.
What to Wear for a Maternity Session
Maternity photography sessions are a great way to capture the beauty of pregnancy. Whether you’re expecting your first baby or your fifth, a professional photographer can help document your beautiful baby bump. But what should you wear to your session? Here are a few tips to help you look your best.
For starters, the most flattering clothes for maternity photo sessions are midi and maxi dresses. Avoid super tight fitting clothing and distracting patterns. Instead, opt for clothing that’s form-fitting but still allows you to move and breathe easily. The goal is to feel confident and beautiful.
Regarding colors and patterns, neutral tones are always a good choice, and they won’t distract from your face or the baby bump and provide a timeless look that will never go out of style. Light colors, like blue and pink, and floral patterns are also beautiful for maternity photography.
Finally, some photographers (like me) offer a client closet of dresses that flatter the maternity figure. You can borrow 2 dresses from my studio wardrobe for your session. Since pregnancy is such a short time, it’s a fun experience to get dressed up and not have to buy an expensive maternity dress you may not wear again. Below are a few examples of the dresses in my closet.
How will a Session Go with a Photographer?
The maternity portrait session will go great! I’ll lead you through specific maternity poses that flatter your figure and your growing sweet baby bump. Bring along lots of water to stay hydrated. My moms usually wear 1-2 dresses depending on an outdoor or studio location. I am confident you will love the pregnancy photos we document during your maternity shoot! My past clients felt amazing taking photos and I’m sure you will too.
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What to Expect after a Maternity Photo Shoot
Each photographer has their own way of handling the editing of images. But for me – here are a few things to expect after your session. I pick the best of the best pictures and hand-edit each photograph. After about 2 weeks, you’ll receive an online gallery of edited images where you can choose to purchase what you love: a heirloom album, framed wall artwork, and digital files with print release. So sit back, relax, and enjoy reliving one of the most memorable moments of your life!
The Best Time for a Maternity Photo Session
When is the best time to take maternity photos is 28-34 weeks of pregnancy. As a full service Indianapolis maternity photographer, I have a limited number of spots available in my schedule in order to focus on my mothers, and they tend to fill up quickly. Contact me today to reserve your spot! I offer memberships for bundling maternity photographs and newborn sessions. Also, you may enjoy reading:
- 7 Tips to Maternity Photos by Indianapolis Professional Photographer
- Indianapolis Baby Photographer: Document Your Baby’s Milestones
- 5 Tips for Preparing for Maternity Photography Indiana
- Indianapolis Birthing Center or Hospital: Which is Right for You?
Don’t forget to check out Lydia Fine’s recommendations on What to wear for in-home family photos. She’s sharing all about in home session wardrobe!
Till next time,
Aleah
Reading through this and I’m wishing I’d known ALL of this good stuff when I had my maternity photos. Such great guidance that makes for beautiful photos!
Same here! When I did my first maternity photos, before I became a photographer, they were done way too late. I should have done them before 34 weeks!
Oh my goodness, I love those 2 Client Wardrobe maternity gowns you have featured here. Just gorgeous! I tell my clients the same, do the maternity session before 34 weeks so you aren’t too uncomfortable yet. It can make such a difference. Furthermore, I don’t like getting too close to the due date, just in case mom goes into labor before expected.
These are great points! You don’t want to miss out on maternity photos because of complications later in pregnancy.
Yes, I completely agree! It’s a busy time for moms with a lot going on and it’s important to prioritize documenting the maternity photos.
Love this post about when & why to book your maternity session. So many moms have told me that they regret not getting maternity photos after they had their baby. I love that you talk about why maternity photography is so essential!
This is such an incredible guide you have put together for expecting mamas! Maternity photos are so special and I’m so glad I got them done with both of my boys. They are photos I will cherish forever. Especially the ones of my second pregnancy – I included my oldest in those photos and they are the last photo we got done as family of three. SO special to me!
So much good advice here on maternity sessions, especially when someone should book it!