If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you are already pregnant (and if so-congratulations). Now you’re probably wondering what to do next. When do you book your maternity session?
Industry wide, many photographers aim to shoot maternity sessions when the client is around 30-32 weeks (sometimes 28-34 weeks depending on the photographer). Exactly when to book can be a little tricky because it depends on how far booked in advance your photographer is. As a general guideline, I’d recommend reaching out quite early in the second trimester. That gives about two months for a photographer to work you in. (But also keep in mind really popular photographers may require earlier contact).
Now you are probably wondering why we aren’t trying to shoot your maternity session later in the pregnancy-like 36-37 weeks. There’s several reasons for this.
- It often gets harder to move the later in your pregnancy it gets. Especially if you have a lot of swelling. Also, many women simply feel increasingly more uncomfortable in their bodies as the pregnancy nears the end. Let’s shoot your session while you have that pregnant glow!
- Medical conditions may make a traditional maternity session more difficult (looking at you, pre-eclampsia). And you may be put on bed rest for any variety of conditions.
- Babies sometimes come early. I once shot a maternity session when the client was about 30-32 weeks pregnant. The baby came about a week later.
So to sum it up: reach out early, plan to shoot your session when you’re around 30-34 weeks, and trust your photographer to capture this moment for you.
