When to Take Pregnancy Photos for the Best Results
Pregnancy is a special season filled with anticipation and change. Capturing this time with maternity photos allows you to celebrate the life growing within you and the connection you share with your partner or family. It's a time to embrace the last weeks before your world changes, a chance to document quiet, tender moments together and the excitement of what’s to come. But when is the best time to take pregnancy photos?
While every pregnancy is unique, most maternity photographers recommend scheduling your session between 28-36 weeks. During this time, your baby bump is beautifully round, and you can move comfortably, making it the perfect stage to capture the love, laughter, and joy of this chapter before your little one arrives.
How Far Along Should You Be for Pregnancy Photos?
The ideal window is typically the third trimester, between 7-8 months. Here’s why:
Your baby bump is well-defined – By this stage, your belly has a full, round shape, which photographs beautifully.
You still feel comfortable – Waiting too long (beyond 36 weeks) can make it harder to move around and pose comfortably.
Lower risk of early labor – While rare, some moms deliver earlier than expected, so scheduling your session earlier in the third trimester ensures you don’t miss the opportunity.
How Far in Advance to Book Pregnancy Photos
If you’re considering a maternity session, it’s important to book early. Many photographers schedule sessions 2-3 months ahead, especially during peak seasons (spring and fall). Booking in advance allows you to:
- Secure your preferred photographer’s availability
- Plan your wardrobe and location
- Have something special to look forward to during the final weeks of pregnancy
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Time for Pregnancy Photos
While 28-36 weeks is the general recommendation, personal factors may influence your timing:
- First-time moms vs. experienced moms – If this is your first pregnancy, your bump may take longer to show, so waiting closer to 34-36 weeks may be ideal. If you’ve had previous pregnancies, your bump may appear earlier, making 28-32 weeks a great choice.
- Multiples or high-risk pregnancies – Expecting twins? Your belly will likely be more pronounced earlier, so consider scheduling between 24-30 weeks.
- Personal comfort and mobility – If you’re experiencing swelling or discomfort in the later months, aim for the earlier end of the 28-36 week range.
Pregnancy Photos in Each Season
No matter the season, I love golden hour for outdoor sessions (the last hour before sunset) - The light is warm and flattering and just wonderful all around!
Spring and Summer: Soft neutral colors, cheery yellows, floral prints, etc., are beautiful wardrobe options for these seasons. Capturing your photos in the midst of dogwoods, lilac, wildflowers, and lush green meadows are dreamy settings for Spring and Summer sessions.
Fall: Autumnal colors and cooler weather is the highlight of this season, leaning into that and embracing warm earthy tones and cozy cardigans for your session is a great choice.
Winter: For winter, I know it is chilly, but there can be some stunning maternity photos made outside. Cades Cove (in Townsend) is usually less busy in the winter months and has stunning views. I also really love indoor sessions for winter sessions - The Holmstead Studio and Bleak House are two of my favorite indoor options.
Final Thoughts: Book Your Maternity Session Today
Your pregnancy is a journey worth remembering, and maternity photos allow you to cherish these moments forever. The best time to take pregnancy photos is between 28-36 weeks, but ultimately, the perfect time is when you feel most beautiful and comfortable.
Are you looking for a photographer?
Visit my maternity photography page to learn more about working with me.
Your pregnancy is such a special time, I want to encourage you to take some time to connect with your baby and allow yourself to appreciate the incredible miracle of pregnancy!
Both of my boys weren't born until almost two weeks after their due date, it was SO hard to wait - Every day felt so long, I heard this advice somewhere and it was so helpful to me, so I wanted to share it with you too:
Find ways to make the final weeks special, go on a babymoon or have a special date night, go on a fun adventure with your other kids (remember, they are about to have a lot less of your attention for a time as you care for the newborn), and maybe get yourself the milkshake you've been craving. ;-)
You are doing this! Isn't it incredible? Baby will be here before you know it!
heartfelt & joyful photography
Hi, my name is
Susannah!
There are too many beautiful little moments to family life and motherhood to let them pass by undocumented.
I crave authenticity, thrive on emotional connection, and see life through a romanticized lens—especially when it comes to capturing the love and chaos of family life.
As a wife, mama, and lover of photographs, I know how quickly these moments pass—the snuggles, the giggles, the fleeting seasons of motherhood. That’s why I’m passionate about creating images that don’t just capture how your family looks but how these moments feel.
Moments like the way your newborn nestles against you to, the laughter on your bouncing toddler's face, the shifting dynamic as you pull your no-longer-little child into your embrace one more time and you laugh together, my sessions are about preserving the stories you’ll hold onto forever.
Let’s create something timeless, meaningful, and uniquely yours—images that will bring you right back to the love and connection of this season, over and over again.
