When Is the Best Time to Book a Maternity Photo Session?

The answer might be sooner than you think — and here's exactly what you need to know.

You're pregnant, you're glowing, and somewhere between setting up the nursery and picking a name, the thought crosses your mind: I want to document this. A maternity photo session sounds beautiful in theory — but when exactly should you book? When should the session actually happen? And is it too late if you're already in your third trimester?

These are the questions I hear from expecting mothers every single week at Imagine That Photography, and I want to give you clear, honest answers so you can plan ahead with confidence.

The Ideal Time for Your Maternity Session: 28–36 Weeks

The sweet spot for maternity photography is between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy — that's roughly the seventh and eighth month of your third trimester.

Here's why this window works so beautifully:

Your bump is at its most photogenic. By 28 weeks, your belly has that gorgeous, full, round shape that photographs so elegantly. It's unmistakably pregnant, beautifully proportioned, and stunning under studio lighting. Before this point, bumps can appear less defined in photographs — especially in clothing.

You still feel comfortable enough to move and pose. This is the part many mamas don't think about until it's too late. At 32–34 weeks, most women still have enough mobility and energy to try different positions, change outfits a couple of times, and genuinely enjoy the experience. By 37 or 38 weeks, even sitting comfortably for an extended period can become a challenge.

Your pregnancy glow is in full effect. The combination of increased blood flow, hormonal changes, and the sheer radiance of late pregnancy creates something truly special on camera during this window. Many of my clients tell me they've never felt more beautiful in photos than they did at their maternity session.

There's still a comfortable buffer before your due date. Scheduling at 32–34 weeks means you have several weeks before your baby is due, which gives us flexibility if we need to reschedule and removes any stress about timing being too close.

When Should You Actually Book Your Session?

This is where most first-time moms get caught off guard: book your session by 20 weeks, ideally earlier.

Your session date and your booking date are two very different things. Even if your photos won't be taken until you're 32 weeks along, you should be securing that date on the calendar around the halfway point of your pregnancy — or even sooner.

Here's why early booking matters:

Availability fills up fast. Sessions at Imagine That Photography are in high demand, and popular dates — especially weekends — book out weeks or even months in advance. Waiting until your third trimester to start reaching out often means limited options.

You'll want time to plan. A truly beautiful maternity session involves more than just showing up. There's wardrobe to consider, creative direction to discuss, and a design consultation to complete. Starting those conversations early means your session day feels effortless rather than rushed.

Life gets unpredictable late in pregnancy. Energy levels shift, doctor's appointments multiply, and the unexpected happens. Having your session booked and on the calendar well in advance is one less thing to stress about in those final weeks.

What If You're Already in Your Third Trimester?

First of all — don't panic. It's not too late.

If you're reading this at 30, 32, or even 35 weeks, I can almost certainly still fit you in. Reach out as soon as possible and we'll look at the calendar together. Sessions can be beautifully executed even at 36 weeks with the right pacing and posing.

What I'd encourage you to avoid is waiting past 36–37 weeks. At this stage, a few things can complicate the session:

— Physical discomfort makes extended posing difficult

— The risk of early labor increases, and we never want you far from home or your birth team

— Swelling in the hands and feet, very common in late pregnancy, can affect how certain poses and wardrobe choices photograph

If you're past 36 weeks and set on a maternity session, let's have an honest conversation. In many cases we can absolutely make it work — but I want to ensure your comfort and safety come first, always.

What About Twins or High-Risk Pregnancies?

If you're expecting multiples or have been classified as high-risk, the timeline shifts earlier.

For twin pregnancies, I recommend scheduling your session between 24 and 30 weeks. Multiples tend to arrive earlier than singleton pregnancies, and your bump will be beautifully full and pronounced well ahead of the typical timeline. By 32 weeks, many twin mamas find posing and mobility significantly more challenging.

For high-risk pregnancies, always consult your OB or midwife before booking and attending any photo session. I am happy to work around any restrictions your care team recommends — whether that means shorter session times, specific posing adjustments, or keeping the session very close to your home. Your health and your baby's wellbeing come first, full stop.

Can You Do a Maternity Session in Your Second Trimester?

 Occasionally, yes — but it's not ideal for most people.

Second trimester bumps, before 24 weeks, can photograph beautifully in person but sometimes appear less defined in images, depending on your body type and how you're carrying. There are exceptions — every pregnancy and every body is different — but in general, waiting until the third trimester produces the most stunning, unmistakably maternity results.

That said, if you have a medical reason to shoot earlier, or if you know from experience that you carry small and want to capture your bump before it becomes uncomfortable, let's talk. I can advise based on your specific situation.

A Simple Timeline to Save and Share

 Here's a quick reference to bookmark or screenshot:

8–12 weeks pregnant → Start researching photographers, browse galleries, follow studios you love

16–20 weeks pregnant → Reach out to your chosen photographer and secure your date

20–26 weeks pregnant → Complete your design consultation, discuss wardrobe and creative direction

28–36 weeks pregnant → Your maternity session takes place — the sweet spot

After 36 weeks → Still possible, but reach out as soon as possible to discuss options

NOTE FOR WIX: You can format this as a simple table with two columns (Pregnancy Stage / What to Do) or leave it as a list — both work beautifully.

The Honest Truth About Waiting

 Every week I speak with a mama who says some version of the same thing: "I wish I had done it sooner."

Not because the photos weren't beautiful — they almost always are. But because the stress of rushing, of squeezing a session in at 37 weeks when you're exhausted and swollen, of missing your ideal window because dates were already gone — that's a feeling worth avoiding entirely.

Your pregnancy is happening right now. It is fleeting in the most profound way. These weeks, this bump, this anticipation — they will not come back. A maternity session is how you honor that, preserve it, and give yourself something tangible to hold onto when the newborn haze sets in and you can barely remember what your belly looked like.

Book early. Book when you have the time and energy to enjoy the experience. And then show up and let me do the rest.

Ready to Check Your Date?

If you're between 12 and 30 weeks pregnant and thinking about a maternity session, now is the perfect time to reach out. I'd love to chat about your vision, walk you through what a session at Imagine That Photography looks like, and find a date that works beautifully for where you are in your pregnancy.

BOOK YOUR SESSION

I can't wait to meet you — and that beautiful bump.