Are you excitedly anticipating your maternity photoshoot but feeling uncertain about the perfect timing? As a seasoned maternity photographer at dfphoto.net, I understand this common dilemma. From my experience, the ideal window for capturing those precious baby bump moments is when you’re feeling radiant and your beautiful curve is nicely defined. For most expectant mothers, this sweet spot falls during your 7th or 8th month of pregnancy, approximately between 28 to 34 weeks.
Around this time, your baby bump typically takes on a lovely, rounded shape, becoming prominently visible and perfect for photographs. Often, the bump appears higher during these weeks as well, because your baby hasn’t descended too far down yet in preparation for birth. Crucially, in this timeframe, most moms-to-be still feel comfortable and energetic enough to genuinely enjoy the maternity photoshoot experience.
Expecting parents in a golden field, father embracing mother from behind, during a maternity session.
Captured beautifully at 32 weeks of pregnancy
Key Factors Influencing Your Maternity Photoshoot Timing
While the 28-34 week range is a great guideline, several personalized factors can further refine the best time for your maternity photos. Let’s explore these in detail:
First Pregnancy vs. Subsequent Pregnancies
It’s often observed that first-time moms tend to show a bit later in their pregnancy compared to moms who have been pregnant before. Conversely, with subsequent pregnancies, the baby bump might become noticeable earlier.
To illustrate this, consider the wonderful mother featured in the images below. I had the joy of photographing her maternity and newborn sessions for both of her daughters. It’s always a privilege to document families as they grow!
For her first baby (pictured on the left), we scheduled her maternity session at 34 weeks. However, for her second baby (on the right), we moved the session to 28 weeks. This earlier timing was chosen to coincide with the peak fall foliage, creating a stunning seasonal backdrop. Interestingly, despite a six-week difference in timing, her baby bump appears quite similar in both photoshoots. While not every mother experiences such a significant difference between pregnancies, it’s definitely a factor to keep in mind when planning your maternity photos.
First pregnancy maternity photo at 34 weeks in a golden field at sunset, mother in white dress.
1st Baby – Gorgeous maternity photo captured at 34 weeks
Second pregnancy maternity photo at 28 weeks on a bridge in fall foliage at sunset, mother in floral dress.
2nd Baby – Stunning maternity photo captured at 28 weeks
Location Preferences for Your Maternity Session
While you can’t choose your baby’s exact arrival date, you do have some flexibility within the 28-34 week window to select a location that resonates with your vision for your maternity photos. The location itself can play a role in determining the ideal timing for your session.
Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of maternity photos surrounded by blooming spring flowers. Or maybe you’re captivated by the idea of capturing the vibrant colors of fall foliage. You might need to consider holiday schedules in winter or wish to avoid the intense summer heat.
In the example below, the mother was due in winter but envisioned her maternity photos bathed in beautiful fall colors. It being her third baby, we anticipated she would show earlier. Therefore, we scheduled their session at 28 weeks, and the resulting images were truly magical, showcasing the desired autumnal ambiance.
Maternity photo at 28 weeks in fall setting with pond, mother kneeling, daughter touching belly.
Magical maternity moment captured at 28 weeks
Conversely, the mother in the next image was expecting her first baby in the spring and had her heart set on maternity photos amidst blooming cherry blossoms. Cherry blossoms in our area are fleeting, typically lasting only 1-2 weeks in early spring. To fulfill her vision, we extended slightly beyond the usual timeframe and scheduled her session at 36 weeks. This perfectly illustrates how a specific location and seasonal element can influence the best time for maternity photos, sometimes even justifying adjusting the recommended window to realize a new mom’s dream.
Maternity photo at 36 weeks under cherry blossoms, mother cradling belly in white dress.
Cherry blossom dream maternity session captured at 36 weeks
Expecting Twins or Multiples? Adjust Your Timeline
If you’re joyfully expecting twins (or more!), the maternity photoshoot timeline shifts considerably! Carrying multiples means your baby bump will likely appear sooner and grow larger compared to a singleton pregnancy. Moms expecting twins often feel most comfortable and relaxed for their maternity photos during the second trimester. For twin pregnancies, I recommend scheduling your maternity photoshoot around 20-28 weeks. Since twins are frequently born earlier than their due date, booking your session earlier provides a comfortable buffer and ensures you don’t miss the opportunity to capture these special memories.
The radiant mother pictured below was expecting twins but was concerned about the summer heat. Prioritizing her comfort, we scheduled their maternity session for late September when she was 28 weeks along.
Close-up maternity photo at 28 weeks with twins, mother in red dress cradling her belly.
Beautifully captured at 28 weeks, expecting twins
Easing Anxiety with Earlier Maternity Photos
If you feel any anxiety surrounding your maternity photos, scheduling your session a bit earlier can be a wonderful solution. This proactive approach can be reassuring for mothers concerned about potential early delivery, feeling self-conscious about bodily changes, worried about feeling awkward in front of the camera (which, I promise, almost never happens!), or wanting to avoid weather-related rescheduling stress. During pregnancy, comfort is paramount. Giving yourself a little extra time allows you to relax, trust your photographer, and fully embrace the experience. These moments on the threshold of a new chapter as a family are truly unique and deserve to be cherished.
Maternity Photos Inspiration: 28 – 30 Weeks
To give you a visual idea, here are some examples of stunning maternity photos captured between 28 and 30 weeks:
Maternity photo at 28 weeks in lavender field, mother in white dress cradling belly.
Serene maternity photo captured at 28 weeks
Maternity photo at 30 weeks in greenhouse, mother in pink dress smiling at belly.
Greenhouse glow maternity photo captured at 30 weeks
Family maternity photo at 28 weeks in grass field, parents holding hands with daughters.
Joyful family maternity moment captured at 28 weeks
Close-up maternity photo at 28 weeks, couple forehead to forehead, touching belly.
Intimate maternity moment captured at 28 weeks
Maternity photo at 29 weeks with daughter, mother in burgundy dress lifting daughter.
Playful maternity photo with daughter, captured at 29 weeks
Close-up maternity photo at 28 weeks in lavender field, mother cradling belly.
Lavender field close-up maternity photo at 28 weeks
Maternity Photos Inspiration: 31 – 34 Weeks
And here are some beautiful examples from the 31 to 34-week mark:
Maternity photo at 32 weeks at waterfall, parents embracing, smiling at belly.
Waterfall backdrop maternity photo captured at 32 weeks
Maternity photo at 31 weeks in city street with dog, couple looking back.
Urban chic maternity photo with dog, captured at 31 weeks
Close-up maternity photo at 31 weeks with daughter hugging mother in lavender field.
Heartwarming daughter-mother maternity moment at 31 weeks
Maternity photo at 33 weeks in flower garden, parents embracing, smiling at belly.
Blooming flower garden maternity photo captured at 33 weeks
Maternity photo at 33 weeks under white flower tree, parents embracing, smiling.
White blossom tree maternity photo captured at 33 weeks
Maternity photo at 34 weeks in golden field, couple resting heads, smiling at belly.
Golden field dreamy maternity photo captured at 34 weeks
Final Thoughts on Timing Your Maternity Photoshoot
Having photographed countless soon-to-be mothers over the years, I can attest that there’s nothing quite as captivating as the glow and excitement of an expecting mom! At dfphoto.net, I’m dedicated to helping you look and feel your absolute best. You’ll have full access to our Client Closet, featuring many of the stunning dresses you see in these examples and much more. I can also assist you in selecting the perfect location in our area for your maternity photos, tailored to your due date and preferences. Together, we can navigate these timing considerations, ensuring you receive beautiful, timeless memories of this extraordinary chapter.
Still Have Questions About When to Book Your Maternity Photoshoot?
I’d be delighted to personally guide you through the process and help you create cherished memories before your little one arrives! dfphoto.net specializes in natural light newborn and maternity photography, capturing authentic moments for growing families. Consider bundling your maternity session with a newborn session for a special discounted price.
Explore our Maternity Portfolio and Maternity Session Details for more inspiration. You can also browse our Featured Photo Sessions to view full galleries from recent maternity photoshoots. If you’re searching for a maternity photographer in the Greater Philadelphia area, please reach out!
For any inquiries or to check my availability for your maternity photoshoot, please email me at [email protected] (example email).
And if you’re also planning for newborn photos, be sure to read my guide on When To Take Newborn Photos for comprehensive advice on capturing those fleeting early moments.
dfphoto.net is a natural light maternity photographer based in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, serving clients throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. I specialize in capturing genuine and authentic moments in natural light maternity photography.
[email protected] (example email)
