Maternity photos are essential to many pregnant women.
It’s a great way to honor and commemorate the time you spent pregnant before your baby arrives. You get to have photo memories of your growing baby bump, and you can share those images with your child later in life.
But knowing when to book your maternity photo session is tricky.
Timing is also of the essence.
A maternity photo shoot shouldn’t be done too early, or you won’t look pregnant. But you don’t want to wait too long to book maternity photos because competent photographers fill up their appointment slots quickly, and you don’t want to miss out on your maternity session because you waited too long to book.
This article will cover the best time to take maternity pictures, when to book maternity photos, how to choose a maternity photographer, and much more.
Best time to take maternity pictures
No two pregnancies are the same. There are several things to consider when it comes to knowing when you should book your maternity session with a photographer.
The following are some of the things you may want to consider:
Is this your first baby?
Women expecting their first baby typically take longer to get a noticeable baby bump. This is because your body is not used to the changes that have to take place.
If this is your first baby, you may be able to wait until the beginning of the third trimester or even later to book your maternity photo shoot.
If, on the other hand, you have had a baby before, you may be able to expect that baby bump to make its appearance sooner than a first-time mom-to-be would.
This means that you may want to book your maternity photo session earlier this time.
Are you expecting twins?
Being pregnant with multiples means you may deliver earlier than someone pregnant with a single baby. You will also have a visible baby bump earlier than other women.
In this case, you may want to book a session with your maternity photographer earlier.
Some photographers suggest that these moms should have their maternity photos taken at the end of the second trimester or the very beginning of the third trimester.
Are you high-risk?
Some women struggle to decide on maternity photos, especially if it’s a high-risk pregnancy.
While it may be a scary pregnancy, remember that you are pregnant, and no matter what happens, the memories and the bump are something you may want to cherish.
Most photographers suggest booking your maternity session in the second trimester if you’re a high-risk mom-to-be, as this is usually the most stable stage of pregnancy for these moms.
When to schedule pregnancy photos
Soon-to-be mums should contact a photographer at around twelve weeks gestation for their maternity shoot. While this seems early, there are reasons for this, which are as follows.
1. Chances of miscarriage drop after twelve weeks
Miscarriages happen to as few as ten and as many as 20 percent of pregnancies. While it’s a devastating loss, calling and canceling your maternity photoshoot after getting the news is incredibly painful.
This is why it’s not suggested to schedule earlier than twelve weeks.
2. Photographers book fast
If you want professional maternity photos, you must book ahead of time.
Your pregnancy photo session may not get scheduled and happen until well into the third trimester, but having your name down in your photographer’s date book secures that spot for you.
Waiting means you may have to take last-minute photos before you show or book with a different photographer.
3. You may be able to get a package deal
Booking your maternity photo session early in pregnancy may give you the option to get more than just maternity pictures.
You may also be able to choose from packages that will give you lots of opportunities to take maternity photos that you can use for many different things.
Some photographers offer the basic maternity shoot but also pregnancy announcement photos, baby shower photos, delivery photos, and even newborn photos.
Not all pregnancies are the same, and you may not want or need all of that, but it’s always a good idea to see what you can secure with your maternity photoshoot by booking it with lots of time to spare.
Tips for a successful maternity photo session
So you’ve booked your maternity photos well in advance, and the big deal to take maternity photos has nearly arrived.
The following are some tips that will help you to make sure you get the best photos possible.
1. Wear clothing that highlights your nice round shape
Hopefully, by the time the photo shoot comes around, you’ll show nicely and have a nice round shape.
If you are expecting twins, your maternity photoshoot should take place a few weeks early, compared to someone with a single-baby pregnancy.
Wear clothing that is form-fitting and flatters your shape. Flowy and long dresses that are solid colors are a popular choice. Distracting patterns and clothing details take away from your pregnant belly.
Don’t try to make your beautiful baby bump look smaller if you expect multiples. Showing earlier and being a bit bigger means taking photos will be more accessible, and you’ll have many memories to look back on!
2. Dress for the setting and season
Tight-fitting clothing is not advised if you need to maneuver or hike to the location. You don’t want your special moment on film to be ruined by sweat stains and ripped clothing.
Because they are professional photos, your photographer will do their best to edit what needs to be edited, but no one can work miracles if you tear your clothing.
3. Communicate with your photographer
The most helpful tip in dealing with anyone serving you will always be communicating well.
These are your photos. Without you voicing your wants and needs, all the photographer can do is take an educated guess based primarily on past clients.
If you want family photos, say it. Say it if you want pictures of you sitting in high grass instead of near a creek.
Your photographer is great with a camera, not with reading minds.
Maternity poses
While your photographer will most likely help you get into poses they are familiar with; you can take maternity photos in the poses you prefer.
The following are a few tips on choosing great poses for your last trimester photo session to look good and have a fun experience.
1. Try to feel comfortable and natural
If you’ve waited until the ideal time to take photos (the 7th or 8th month), then there’s very little you’ll be able to do to detract from the fact that you are expecting.
Your posing should feel fairly natural, and you should be comfortable. If that means being relaxed, ask your photographer for that vibe.
If you would rather have technically challenging or artistic poses, tell your photographer so that all the critical aspects of safety can be addressed.
2. Hands and props
Keeping your hands near or on your belly will help to draw attention and the eye to the bump.
Around the eighth month, your bump and pregnancy are relatively prominent, but putting your hands, baby shoes that you’re using as a prop, letter board, or other props on or near the bump will draw the eye right to it.
3. Photos with a partner or other children
As your due date approaches, remember that you aren’t the only one who is over the moon about your pregnancy.
Including your partner or other children when you take maternity photos is a great way to make them feel like a part of the pregnancy, and it makes for a lovely keepsake.
For maternity photo ideas that involve other children, look online or ask your photographer what they may recommend based on the ages and sizes of your kids.
Your maternity photoshoot
Maternity photos should be a magical experience for you.
Booking your maternity photoshoot should be done around twelve weeks gestation so that you can secure your date and possibly even secure a package that will showcase the incredible changes that occur with your body and life in the time that you are pregnant.
Photographers recommend scheduling for an earlier time frame if you are expecting twins, and the professional will also provide you with the top tips they know to make sure you look great. You can say afterward that being photographed felt terrific!