When To Take Maternity Photos

Pregnancy is fleeting, beautiful, and full of change. One of the most common questions I hear from expecting parents is when to take maternity photos so that they look and feel their best. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the ideal timing, what to expect during your maternity photo session, and how to prepare — including wardrobe tips from my client closet and why outdoor locations like Woodward Park make such a difference for your final images.

why timing matters for maternity photos

Many photographers and guides recommend scheduling maternity photos between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage, your bump is visible but most of the discomfort of late pregnancy has not yet set in.  

This window tends to allow:

• a beautifully rounded belly

• better energy and comfort

• smoother movement during your session

• clothing that fits well without extreme stretching

Of course, every body and every pregnancy is unique. If you show earlier or feel most comfortable earlier than 28 weeks, that’s okay too. What matters most is that you feel good so your photos reflect real connection and calm.

when to take maternity photos by trimester

Many expecting parents wonder if timing changes depending on how far along they are. While the general recommendation is between 28 and 36 weeks, the right window can look different depending on your body and pregnancy experience.

In the early third trimester, many parents still feel energetic and mobile. This is often a great time for outdoor maternity photos, especially if you prefer more movement or longer walking paths. Dresses tend to fit comfortably, and swelling is often minimal.

As pregnancy progresses later into the third trimester, the belly becomes more pronounced, which some parents love. However, energy levels can shift quickly. Heat, sleep changes, and physical discomfort can make longer sessions feel harder. Planning earlier gives you more flexibility and helps avoid last-minute stress.

This is why I always encourage parents to book their maternity session sooner than they think they need to. You can always adjust slightly, but having a plan in place brings peace of mind.

first pregnancy vs later pregnancies

Another factor that influences when to take maternity photos is whether this is your first pregnancy or a later one.

During a first pregnancy, bumps sometimes show later. Some parents prefer to wait closer to 32 or 34 weeks to see a more defined shape. Energy levels may stay steady longer, which allows for more flexibility with timing.

With second or third pregnancies, bumps often appear earlier. Many parents also feel physical changes sooner. In these cases, scheduling maternity photos closer to 28 or 30 weeks often feels more comfortable and relaxed.

There is no universal rule here. The most important thing is honoring your body and choosing a time that feels supportive rather than rushed.

timing maternity photos with medical considerations

Every pregnancy is different, and medical considerations can play an important role in deciding when to take maternity photos. Some parents experience high-risk pregnancies, increased monitoring, or physical limitations that affect energy and comfort.

If you are navigating medical appointments, bed rest recommendations, gestational diabetes, blood pressure concerns, or other health-related factors, earlier scheduling often provides more flexibility. Planning maternity photos closer to the start of the third trimester can help ensure the session happens before fatigue or restrictions increase.

Comfort always comes first. Sessions can be paced slowly, kept close to parking areas, or adjusted to include more seated moments. Outdoor locations like Woodward Park offer a variety of paths and shaded spaces, which allows us to adapt the session without sacrificing beauty or calm.

I also encourage open communication. Sharing what your body needs helps me plan a session that feels supportive rather than demanding. This is not about pushing through discomfort. It is about honoring where you are and documenting this season in a way that feels safe and affirming.

If medical circumstances shift your timeline unexpectedly, flexibility matters. That is why booking earlier and building in options can reduce stress and allow space for change.

why comfort matters more than perfection

One of the biggest misconceptions about maternity photos is that everything needs to feel perfectly styled. In reality, comfort plays a much bigger role in how your photos turn out.

When you feel physically comfortable, your posture softens. Your shoulders relax. Your expressions look natural. This matters far more than forcing a look that does not feel like you.

That is why outdoor maternity photos work so well for many parents. You can walk, pause, lean, and breathe without feeling confined. Movement allows connection to unfold naturally, especially when photographing maternity photos with your partner.

seasonal timing considerations for outdoor maternity photos

Because this session took place outdoors, season plays an important role in deciding when to take maternity photos.

In Fresno, warmer months bring beautiful light but also heat. Planning sessions earlier in the day or closer to sunset helps keep things comfortable. Parks like Woodward Park offer shaded paths and open space, which allows for flexibility even on warmer evenings.

Fall and early spring often provide the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor maternity photos. The light stays soft longer, and sessions feel more leisurely. Winter sessions can also work beautifully, especially on mild days, with layered outfits and neutral tones.

When you book early, we can plan around light, weather, and your comfort level instead of reacting to last-minute changes.

what to expect during your maternity session

When you book a maternity session with me, I guide you through every step — from the moment you inquire to the delivery of your final gallery.

During your session you can expect:

• gentle prompts and natural posing to keep things comfortable

• breaks as needed so you don’t feel rushed

• time with your partner to interact, walk, or sit naturally together

• freedom to include children or pets if you desire

Rather than stiff or forced smiles, the goal is connection and ease. Many parents tell me after their session that they felt nervous at first but relaxed once we started moving, talking, and laughing together.

wardrobe and comfort tips — including client closet insights

One of the pieces that helped this lovely mom feel confident in her maternity photos was a dress from my client closet.

She did not have to shop while pregnant, which alone removed a major source of stress. The dress fit her comfortably without squeezing or pulling. The fabric moved easily as we walked through the park, and it adapted naturally to her changing body.

Most importantly, she felt confident. Instead of worrying about whether the dress worked, she could focus on being present with her partner. That confidence shows in every image.

This is exactly why I offer a client closet for maternity sessions. It supports comfort, reduces pressure, and allows you to arrive knowing you are already taken care of.

Choosing what to wear often becomes one of the biggest stressors for expecting parents. That’s why I curate maternity-friendly options in my client closet that are flattering, comfortable, and camera-ready. If you browse early, you can try on a few looks and choose what feels most you.

Here are a few additional wardrobe tips:

• Choose breathable fabrics that move with you

• Opt for solid tones or subtle patterns that won’t distract

• Coordinate with your partner for color harmony

• Bring layers for cooler evenings or shade

If you want more detailed guidance, you can also read my Maternity Session Prep Guide, which walks through planning, timing, and how to feel prepared before your session.

best time of day for photos

The light matters as much as the timing in pregnancy.

Outdoor sessions tend to be most flattering:

• Around golden hour, which is shortly before sunset

• In early morning light if your schedule leans that way

• On overcast days for soft, even lighting

Avoid midday sun when possible because harsh light can cause squinting and strong shadows.

why maternity photos are worth it

Maternity photos mark a once-in-a-lifetime moment of anticipation, love, and transition. They become a story you revisit long after the baby arrives. These images grace nurseries, inspire albums, and connect you back to a time that flies by too fast.

Outdoor sessions like those at Woodward Park allow for:

• candid movement

• genuine connection

• a setting you remember fondly

Capturing your journey helps you reflect on not just how you looked, but how you felt.

how maternity photos connect to newborn planning

Maternity photos often mark the beginning of documenting your growing family. Many parents who book maternity sessions also plan newborn photos shortly after their baby arrives.

Scheduling maternity photos earlier allows us to talk through newborn timing, expectations, and preferences without feeling rushed. It creates continuity in your story and ensures you have support during both seasons.

When families look back, maternity photos often become the bridge between anticipation and arrival. They hold a different emotional weight once your baby is here.

make your maternity session your own

Whether you’re wondering when to take maternity photos or how to plan what to wear, the answer always ties back to comfort and connection. When you feel at ease and cared for, your photos feel timeless and true.

If you’re ready to plan your maternity session or want help with wardrobe or timing, I’d love to chat. Expecting parents deserve guidance at every step of this season.

Thank you J&T for allowing me to capture this special moment at Woodward Park. I loved seeing your connection and the way you two moved through the session with grace and joy. You’re going to be incredible parents.

If you’re reading this and considering maternity portraits, I’d be honored to work with you. Visit my contact page to start planning, and don’t forget to explore my other blogs for tips on newborn sessions, family photos, and beyond.