There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of waiting for your baby to arrive. With so many things to do to prepare, scheduling your maternity photo session may seem like just another item on your to-do list. But trust me, maternity sessions are such a special way to document this precious time in your life. As YOUR top Northern VA Maternity Photographer, I’m discussing the best times to schedule your maternity photo session.
Scheduling your maternity photo session: Wait Until The Third Trimester
First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure that you schedule your maternity session far enough in advance. You don’t want to wait until the last minute and risk not being able to get an appointment with your photographer of choice, and you don’t want to push it too close to your due date in case the baby decides to make an early appearance. I recommend scheduling your pregnancy photoshoot during the third trimester, around 30-32 weeks. By this point, you’ll have a nice round belly, but you’ll still be relatively comfortable. Now, this isn’t a hard and fast rule, and you definitely have some flexibility both before and after this time frame.
When Should I Hold An Earlier Maternity Photo Session?
While 30-32 weeks is the ideal time frame for your maternity session, there are always exceptions. Here are a few reasons why you might want to schedule your pregnancy photoshoot a bit earlier:
If You’re Carrying Multiples
You may want to schedule your session a bit earlier if you’re pregnant with twins, triplets, or more. Carrying multiple babies often means that you’ll start to show sooner and can get uncomfortable more quickly. If this is you, you can begin scheduling your pregnancy photoshoot between 20 to 24 weeks to get the best photos while you’re still feeling good.
Announcement Photos
Some clients like to do a special maternity photo shoot to announce their pregnancy on social media or with family and friends. If this is something you’re interested in, then you can schedule your session any time after that initial 12-week mark when you’re feeling comfortable posing for photos.
High-Risk Pregnancies
If you’re considered high-risk during your pregnancy, you may also want to schedule your maternity photo session earlier. It’s best to get the photos while you’re still feeling good and before any complications arise. However, it’s entirely up to you and whatever feels the most comfortable to you.
Final Thoughts
There’s no doubt about it; pregnancy is a fantastic time in a woman’s life. Capturing that feeling of excitement and anticipation through beautiful maternity photos is something that you’ll cherish forever. By following these simple tips, you can be sure that you’ll get stunning photos that perfectly document this fantastic time.
As a Northern Virginia Maternity Photographer, I have had the pleasure of photographing many amazing maternity sessions. The featured session was captured at 48 Fields in Leesburg, which is one of my personal favorites in the area. If you’re interested in booking a session or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me! I would love to chat with you and discuss your vision for your perfect maternity photos.
Want even more resources? Check out some of my other posts below:
- What to Expect During a Boudoir Maternity Session In Northern Virginia
- When Should You Schedule Your Newborn Photo Session?
- How to Prepare Your Pets for A New Baby In The House
Stephanie Honikel is a distinguished DC & Northern Virginia newborn photographer, specializing in maternity, baby, and family photography. With a keen eye for capturing timeless moments, she has been recognized as one of the Best Maternity Photographers in DC for 2024 and Best Newborn Photographers in Alexandria, VA in 2024. Stephanie’s work emphasizes safety and emotional connection, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed session experience. She offers a full-service approach, including professional hair and makeup, wardrobe options, and custom artwork. Reach out today to book your session!
