When to Do a Maternity Photoshoot: The Best Timing and 7 Things Most People Don’t Talk About

Pregnancy often feels long while you’re living it, yet once it’s over, it seems to pass incredibly fast. Many women say the same thing after giving birth: “I didn’t expect those nine months to fly by so quickly.” That’s why the question when to do a maternity photoshoot comes up more often than you might think. Some worry they’ll miss the right moment, others aren’t sure if the timing they’ve chosen will work, and some keep postponing the decision until it’s suddenly too late – and then regret it.

That’s exactly why it helps to think in advance about when to do a maternity photoshoot, so the session feels calm, unhurried, and delivers the kind of images you’re hoping for.

This article is here to help you clearly understand when a maternity photoshoot feels most comfortable, looks its best, and becomes something truly memorable, along with the details that genuinely make a difference.

Over the years of working with expectant mothers, I’ve photographed dozens of maternity sessions in the studio and noticed the same pattern again and again: the final result almost never depends on poses or outfits alone. It depends far more on choosing the right stage of pregnancy – and on how relaxed and at ease a woman feels at that moment.

If you’re just starting to explore what a session involves, you can find a detailed overview of how a pregnancy photoshoot works on the service page.

Why Timing Matters for a Maternity Photoshoot

A maternity photoshoot is about much more than simply “photographing a baby bump.”
It’s about how you feel in your body, your mood, movement, self-confidence, and the ability to experience the session without rushing or tension.

At different stages of pregnancy, the body feels very different. Your walk changes, energy levels shift, sensitivity to light increases, and even how long you can comfortably hold a pose or wear certain outfits can vary. That’s why choosing the right timing has such a strong impact on both the final images and the overall experience of the photoshoot.

When to Do a Maternity Photoshoot: The Best Time

To put it simply, when to do a maternity photoshoot is, in most cases, best answered with a specific time frame: between weeks 28 and 34 of pregnancy.

This recommendation isn’t theoretical. It comes directly from experience. During these weeks, most women feel confident in front of the camera, move comfortably, and are able to enjoy the process without physical strain.

Several important factors usually come together during this period:

• The belly is clearly rounded and photographs beautifully.
• The body still feels relatively mobile.
• Energy levels are often stable.
• Posing feels comfortable rather than forced.
• There’s no strong sense of exhaustion from standing or changing positions.

Because of this balance, photos taken during this time tend to look natural and effortless, and the session itself feels calm, unrushed, and enjoyable.

When to Do a Maternity Photoshoot If Your Well-Being Changes

Every pregnancy is different. Sometimes the “ideal” weeks on paper don’t quite match how things feel in real life.

If you’re feeling better earlier than week 28, it’s absolutely fine to plan the session around weeks 24–26. The belly will appear more subtle, and the overall look often feels soft, clean, and minimalist.

If comfort comes later, the photoshoot can sometimes be scheduled closer to weeks 35–36. In that case, it’s important to adjust expectations – a slower pace, frequent breaks, and a gentler rhythm make all the difference.

There’s no universal rule here. The best timing is the one where you feel physically comfortable and emotionally at ease.

Why Putting the Photoshoot Off “Until Later” Often Doesn’t Work

One of the most common thoughts sounds like this:
“We’ll do it later, when the belly gets a bit bigger.”

In reality, “later” often turns into fatigue, swelling, and difficulty standing for long periods. The focus shifts away from the photoshoot itself and toward simply getting it over with.

The photos may still turn out beautiful, but the experience no longer feels as enjoyable as it was meant to be.

This often happens because there’s no clear understanding of when to do a maternity photoshoot, so the decision keeps being postponed.

A maternity photoshoot isn’t a test of endurance. It’s an experience meant to be lived with energy, presence, and a sense of ease.

When It’s Better NOT to Plan a Maternity Photoshoot

There are certain periods that rarely work well for a photoshoot, even if the desire is there.

• The final weeks before birth.
  The body may feel tense, movement can be limited, and your thoughts are often far from posing or photos.
• Times of poor well-being or medical restrictions.
  In these moments, health should always come first — not photographs.
• Days when you feel inner resistance.
  That feeling matters. A photoshoot shouldn’t feel like something you have to push through.

I always tell my clients this: if there are doubts about how you’re feeling, or if your doctor has given specific recommendations, it’s better to reschedule or cancel the session. A maternity photoshoot should never go against your safety or well-being.

Can You Do a Maternity Photoshoot Before Week 28?

Yes – if you’re feeling good earlier, planning the session around weeks 24–26 can work very well. The belly appears more delicate, and the overall look tends to feel soft, clean, and minimalist.

Can You Do a Maternity Photoshoot After Week 34?

It’s possible if your well-being is stable and there’s no inner tension. In this case, the session needs a more careful approach, with a slower pace, regular breaks, and a gentle rhythm.

Maternity Photoshoot by Weeks: How You Feel at Different Stages

Up to 24 weeks
The belly is still quite subtle, and the images tend to feel soft and very minimal. This stage works well for those who love simplicity and don’t want a strong visual focus on the belly yet.

24–28 weeks
A transitional phase. The belly is visible, but the body still feels light and flexible. A good option if there are scheduling limitations or if you’re still unsure about timing.

28–34 weeks
The most balanced stage. The belly shape is clearly defined, movement feels comfortable, and energy levels are often stable. This is the period most women choose.

An Important Detail That’s Rarely Talked About

Many people assume the most important factor is the size of the belly.
In reality, what matters far more is how a woman feels inside.

Relaxation or tension always shows in photographs – the camera picks up on it. Light doesn’t just shape the body; it also reveals mood and emotion. A maternity photoshoot looks its best when a woman feels safe, unhurried, and free from the feeling that something is “wrong.”

In my work, I always build the session around the expectant mother, not the other way around. The pace, posing, and length of the shoot are adjusted individually – and that approach makes a decisive difference in both comfort and the final result.

Why Planning Your Photoshoot in Advance Matters

The question of when to do a maternity photoshoot isn’t really about finding the “perfect” date. It’s about comfort, how you feel, and your inner readiness.

Booking ahead offers several clear advantages:

• You can choose a date that truly suits you, rather than adjusting to what’s left.
• There’s time to prepare calmly and without pressure.
• Outfits and styling can be chosen thoughtfully, not in a rush.
• Anxiety and the feeling of being pushed by deadlines are noticeably reduced.

Early booking doesn’t just help secure a comfortable stage of pregnancy – it also allows you to plan the format of the session in a relaxed way, without unnecessary stress or extra expenses.

Maternity Photoshoot and Its Connection to a Newborn Session

Many expectant mothers already think about a newborn photoshoot, yet hesitate when it comes to documenting pregnancy itself.

In practice, these two sessions naturally complement each other.
Pregnancy is the stage of anticipation.
The newborn session is the continuation of that story.

When both moments are captured, they form a complete visual narrative – one that feels meaningful and worth returning to years later.

This article is based on my experience working with studio maternity photoshoots and the real questions expectant mothers ask. My goal isn’t to persuade, but to gently guide you toward a moment when the session becomes a calm, meaningful memory you’ll want to return to.

Learn More About When To Do a Maternity Photoshoot at LasteFoto.ee