So you just found out you’re pregnant. Or maybe you’re halfway there already, staring at your calendar thinking, “Wait…when am I supposed to schedule maternity photos?”
It’s one of the most common questions expecting moms ask. And for good reason. You don’t want to book too early before your belly really shows, but you also don’t want to wait until you’re uncomfortable, swollen, or worried baby might arrive before your session.
The good news? There truly is a sweet spot. And once you understand it, planning feels much simpler.
The Best Time for Maternity Photos
For most moms, the best time to take maternity photos is between 28 and 34 weeks.
During this window, your belly is beautifully round and unmistakably present, but you’re usually still comfortable enough to move naturally and enjoy your session. Swelling tends to be minimal for many women, and you’re less likely to feel rushed in case baby decides to arrive a little early.
If this is your first pregnancy, you may show later and feel great closer to 32–34 weeks. If it’s your second or third, you might feel ready sooner. For twins or higher-risk pregnancies, I often recommend scheduling earlier, around 26–30 weeks.
Every pregnancy is different. The goal isn’t hitting a perfect week number. The goal is photographing this season while you still feel comfortable enough to be present in it.
Is It Too Late to Book a Maternity Session?
This is another question I hear often: is 35 or 36 weeks too late for maternity photos?
The honest answer is, it depends.
Some moms feel wonderful at 36 weeks. Others are ready to rest by 32. I once had a client on her sixth pregnancy who wanted to wait until 39 weeks. She knew her body well and was confident we would be fine. I trusted her, and it worked out beautifully. But I want to be honest: that situation made me nervous, and I would not encourage just anyone to wait that close to their due date. The closer we get to 40 weeks, the more I hold my breath. The risk of needing to reschedule increases significantly in those final weeks.
If you’re unsure, reach out. I can help you decide quickly based on how far along you are and what availability looks like.
What If I Don’t Feel Ready Yet?
Sometimes the hesitation isn’t about timing. It’s about how you feel.
Maybe you’re more tired than you expected. Maybe you’re comparing your bump to someone else’s. Maybe you just don’t quite feel like yourself right now.
Maternity photos aren’t about perfection. They’re about preserving the quiet anticipation before everything changes. The way your hands naturally rest on your belly. The way your partner looks at you differently. The way this chapter feels before tiny kicks turn into sleepless nights.
With thoughtful posing, soft natural light, and carefully chosen wardrobe pieces, including options from my curated client closet, we create images that feel timeless and flattering without ever feeling forced.
If you’re wondering what to wear, I share more detailed styling guidance in my post on what to wear for maternity photos, which walks you through how to feel confident and coordinated without overthinking it.
You don’t have to feel perfect to deserve to remember this.
When Should You Book Your Maternity Session?
While maternity photos are typically taken between 28 and 34 weeks, I recommend booking much earlier, ideally during the beginning of your second trimester, if possible.
Popular dates fill quickly, especially weekend golden hour sessions. Booking early gives you flexibility, better seasonal options, and one less thing to think about as your due date approaches.
Planning ahead removes pressure later.
One More Thing Worth Planning Around: Your Baby Shower
Something a lot of moms don’t think about right away is timing their maternity session before their baby shower so their photos can be displayed as decorations. Honestly, I think this is such a beautiful idea. There is something really special about walking into your own shower and seeing your bump beautifully displayed. If this is something you want to do, just make sure you account for a turnaround time of up to four weeks when planning your session date so your photos are ready in time.
Should You Book Newborn Photos at the Same Time?
Many of my maternity clients already know they’ll want newborn photos, even if they haven’t finalized details yet. When you reserve both sessions together, we tentatively hold time around your due date with flexibility built in. Having everything planned before baby arrives allows you to simply settle into those first tender days without scrambling to coordinate.
The best time for maternity photos isn’t about hitting a perfect number on the calendar. It’s about choosing to remember this chapter before it slips quietly into the next one. Pregnancy can feel long while you’re in it, and then suddenly it’s over. One day you’re counting weeks and the next you’re holding the baby you’ve been growing. If you’re expecting and considering maternity photos, I would be honored to help you document this season in a way that feels calm, meaningful, and true to you.
If you are ready to start planning or just want to see if we are a good fit, I would love to hear from you. As a Northern Virginia maternity photographer, I would be honored to walk you through every step of the process and help you feel confident and excited about your session.
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Melissa Driggers is an award winning photographer in Northern Virginia. Her work has been featured in various magazines. She offers outdoor and studio maternity, lifestyle newborn, and family photography in her true to color, timeless style.
Melissa serves Fairfax, Springfield, Alexandria, Arlington, Manassas, Woodbridge and surrounding areas in Northern Virginia & Washington DC
