Here’s why I think the best time to take maternity photos is between week 28-34
Wondering how far in advance you need to book your maternity session, or the best week in your pregnancy to take professional photos? Read this!
From my experience as a maternity photographer in Rochester NY, there IS a sweet spot when it comes to the best time to take maternity photos. But it can vary person to person!
These are the top reasons why I recommend taking your pregnancy photos before week 34.
1. You want to feel good and have energy during your maternity session
This is the most important consideration, in my opinion. It’s also where personal preferences can and should come into play because as you know, pregnancy affects everyone differently. Only you know your body, how you’re feeling, and what your limitations are now or might become in the future.
A full maternity sessions can feel like a workout! Apologies in advance! You’re moving around, sitting down, getting up, changing outfits, etc etc for about 1.5 hrs! And if we’re doing all of that outdoors, (my favorite), that requires more walking, maybe even hiking
Have you tried walking on sand lately? It’s hard on a normal day, let alone 8 months pregnant!
You might be one of the lucky ones and have been feeling GREAT through pregnancy. Then maybe you can give it more time!
But if you’re like so many and pregnancy has been HARD, I might recommend an earlier session for you. Depending on your situation, I’d recommend later than pregnancy week 32.
Even if pregnancy has been a breeze, after week 35, you could start experiencing pelvic floor pain and/or lower back pain. You might not be sleeping well and have low energy. Swelling could be an issue, too! It’s very common to have swelling in the feet and legs later into your 3rd trimester.
So, all that’s to say, the exact sweet might be different for you vs. someone else. In general, the earlier the better and before week 34 is my honest recommendation.
2. You’ll have more time in case you need to reschedule your session
Life happens! So my advice is to book your maternity photos earlier rather than later so you have wiggle room to reschedule, if something comes up!
Also, let’s face it, babies make their appearance whether you’re ready or not. But in the final month, it could truly happen any day. If maternity photos are important to you, plan ahead and make sure your session happens before baby (and you) start to get antsy.
3. You’ll have more time to get ready for your maternity photos.
It absolutely kills me when people reach out after 35 weeks and we have to rush to plan their maternity photos within a week or two.
Often, you’ll end up having to settle for a whatever outfits you can pull together in a short amount of time or try on something from my maternity client closet.
If you want professional hair and makeup, we may not be able to find an available stylist, or at the very least, book your preferred one.
Planning ahead will give you more time to really think about what you want your maternity photos to look like and it will give us more time to work together to make that vision a reality.
You are capturing one of the most unique and special times in your life and these photos will become family heirlooms. You don’t want to feel rushed or unprepared for something as important as maternity photos.
4. You can book your preferred maternity photographer!
Did you know that most babies are born in July, August, September? If you’re expecting in those months, you definitely want to be aware of this!
As a maternity & newborn photographer in Rochester NY, my busiest months are May-October.
A majority of my clients book me for both maternity photos and newborn photos (I offer a bundle package), so my busy season begins a little earlier than others. It really gets going in May with lots of maternity photos and the season winds down around November after all the of July-September babies are born.
I imagine the same goes for most maternity photographers in the area!
That’s why, if you have a favorite maternity photographer in Rochester that you want to take your maternity photos, than I recommend reaching out well BEFORE the end of your second trimester.
I strongly recommend booking and reserving your session date no later than week 25.
Other tricky times of the year for availability are the Holidays or Summer vacation time. Play it safe, reach out ASAP.
That way, you’ll have more flexibility when it comes to dates to choose from and you won’t miss your chance to work with your first choice maternity photographer.
And hey, if you’re interested in working with me, you can Inquire here! <3
5. BONUS reason why you should take maternity photos by week 34: You can still fit into your favorite pair of jeans (well, kind of)
I understand wanting to make sure that you’re belly is fully grown for maternity photos, but the longer you wait, the less options you’ll have for what to wear.
If you love the classic jeans look, like the photo below, I recommend before week 34 because the obvious fact that as your belly grows, so do your hips!
Making jeans terribly uncomfortable and that’s not fun for anyone.
And before you ask, no, maternity jeans won’t look the same, sorry!
What am I missing? Do you agree that maternity photos are best done earlier rather than later in your pregnancy? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
More Resources for Planning your Maternity Photos:
Best Locations for Photos in Rochester NY & The Finger Lakes
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