When Should You Take Maternity Photos? An Austin Photographer’s Guide
One of the first things people wonder when they start thinking about maternity photos is when they’re actually supposed to take them. You want to be far enough along that your belly is really there but not so far that getting dressed and walking through a field sounds like an absolutely terrible idea.
For most people, I love somewhere around 28-34 weeks. There isn’t one magical week that works for everyone though. Your pregnancy, your body, the season, and what you want your photos to feel like all matter.
If you want a really visible bump -
If the belly is a big part of what you want to remember, waiting until the beginning of your third trimester usually gives you that beautiful, unmistakably pregnant shape without having to wait until the very end. That being said, you do not need to look a certain amount pregnant to “deserve” maternity photos. Take them when you feel good and whenever you want to remember yourself this way.
Don’t wait until the last possible second!!
Babies are not particularly interested in our calendars. If maternity photos matter to you, I would not plan them for the week before your due date. Aside from the obvious possibility of baby arriving early, you may just be more uncomfortable, swollen, tired, or completely over the idea of putting on an outfit and taking pictures (enter nesting mode). Giving yourself a little breathing room makes the whole thing sooo much easier!
Think about the season!
Being 32 weeks pregnant outside in August is a very different experience from being 32 weeks pregnant in November. if your ideal maternity window lands in the middle of the Texas summer, we can work around it with a sunrise shoot, a very late sunset session, an indoor home session, or even a studio session. And if you’ve been dreaming about wildflowers, tall grass, fall color, or another specific look, that can factor into when to schedule too.
Yes, your partner and kids can come.
Maternity photos don’t have to be an hour of you standing alone holding your belly! this is also the last chapter of your family before someone new joins it. for this session, we photographed Mom with her husband and little one at golden hour. There was walking, playing, holding hands, belly snuggling, and plenty of moments that weren’t really “poses” at all.
When should you actually book?
Earlier than you think. You don’t need to wait until you are 28 weeks along to contact a photographer just because that is when you want to take photos. Actually, you really don’t want to wait just to find out your photographer is booked throughout the rest of your pregnancy. If you want maternity pictures, id reach out during your second trimester. That gives us time to choose a date, plan what you’re wearing, figure out a location, and build a backup date if Texas decides to do something ridiculous with the weather.
And if you’re reading this at 35 weeks thinking you missed your chance you probably didnt! Reach out and we will figure it out!