When Should You Take Maternity Photos?
I always say, the best time for maternity pictures is when you feel good and are still feeling comfortable. In most cases this is during your 7th or 8th month of pregnancy, between 30-36 weeks. I recommend earlier in the 3rd trimester, if it's not your first, and towards the middle later if it is your first pregnancy.
During this time, your belly will start to be nice and round and generally will not have dropped yet which makes your belly appear higher. If you schedule your photoshoot at the last minute or around your due date, you may find that you start to feel uncomfortable and tired. You also need to be mindful that babies sometimes make an unexpected "early" arrival.
Not all Pregnancies are the Same
Generally, the 7th or 8th month works for most soon-to-be-moms. However, since every woman and pregnancy is different, this may not work for you. The best time for a maternity session still depends on you and how you are feeling. So to know if you are ready to face the camera, pay close attention to the changes in your body and your growing baby bump. Whether this be your first baby or your 10th, every pregnancy is different. You may have felt amazing at 36 weeks with your first baby but second time round you may have a totally different experience. It's best to make the right choice for you and I suggest that when you are feeling good, that's when you reach out to book your session.
When to book maternity photos when expecting twins or triplets
Another exception is if you are expecting twins or triplets. If this is the case with you, I suggest you schedule your maternity photoshoot earlier. If you’re left pondering about what week to get your maternity photos taken, I suggest around your second trimester or at 20-24 weeks of pregnancy. This is because your baby bump will be well established by your second trimester if you are carrying more than one baby. You will generally also still be feeling good and comfortable, and can still freely move around. Generally most multiple pregnancies will deliver earlier so you should also consider that when booking your photoshoot.
What to wear?
Buying a maternity dress can be expensive. Especially for a dress you may only wear once! This is why I offer every client access to my incredible client wardrobe which is filled with beautiful maternity dresses that will flatter you and make you feel special. My wardrobe flatters every woman offering a vast array of sizes and styles. These dresses come from popular vendors such as Baltic Born and Free people, as well as hand-made specialty dresses from designers such as Reclamation.
Let's be real, pregnancy isn't always a glamorous experience. It can be filled with nausea, swelling, and fatigue. However, my goal during each maternity session is to empower expectant mothers to feel confident, stunning, and powerful, even if it's just for a brief moment. You'll cherish these memories forever, and we can document this special time for you and your children to look back on.