Deciding when to take maternity photos seems like it should be simple. Pick the recommended week of pregnancy, put a date on the calendar, and you’re done. But the ideal timing can depend on everything from your pregnancy and comfort level to the season, weather, and type of maternity session you’re planning.
I’ve seen firsthand why those factors matter. One client planned to schedule maternity photos later in her pregnancy, but her baby arrived early and she missed the opportunity altogether. Another worried that she would feel uncomfortable if she waited too long, so we planned her session earlier than is typical. She felt confident and comfortable, and the timing was exactly right for her.
So, when should you book your photographer, and when is the best time to actually take maternity photos? While there’s no single perfect week for every pregnancy, a little planning can help you find the sweet spot between a beautifully visible bump and still feeling comfortable enough to enjoy the experience. Here’s what I recommend when deciding on the best timing for your maternity photos in Atlanta.
When Is the Best Time to Take Maternity Photos?
For most expectant mothers, the best time to take maternity photos is between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. By this point, your bump is usually beautifully visible, but you’re hopefully still comfortable enough to move around easily and enjoy the experience.
That doesn’t mean there’s one magical week that works for everyone. Every pregnancy is different, and factors like whether this is your first pregnancy, how quickly you’re showing, and how you’re feeling physically can all affect the ideal timing. Some mothers may feel their best and have a beautifully defined bump at 28 weeks, while others may prefer to wait until 32 or 34 weeks.
The goal isn’t necessarily to wait until your bump is as large as possible. It’s to find the window when you look visibly pregnant, feel comfortable and confident, and can fully enjoy your maternity session. That’s why I typically recommend planning your maternity session for sometime between 28 and 34 weeks, then adjusting that timeline based on your unique pregnancy and what will help guarantee you feel your best for your maternity photos.
When Should You Book Your Maternity Photographer?
While the best time to take maternity photos is usually between 28 and 34 weeks, the best time to book your photographer is much earlier. In fact, there’s really no reason to wait. Once you know you’d like to take maternity photos, I recommend reaching out to your preferred photographer and getting your session on the calendar.
Booking early gives you the best chance of securing your preferred date with the photographer you want, especially if your maternity session will fall during a busy photography season. Spring and fall are particularly popular for outdoor photos in Atlanta, and calendars can fill well in advance.
Booking early simply gives you more options, more time to prepare, and one less thing to worry about as your due date gets closer.
Why the Perfect Timing Is Different for Every Pregnancy
While 28 to 34 weeks is a helpful guideline, pregnancy rarely follows a perfectly predictable schedule. The best time for your maternity photos depends on your pregnancy, your comfort level, and even the type of session you’re planning.
If this is your first pregnancy, it may take a little longer for your bump to become prominent, while mothers who have been pregnant before can sometimes begin showing earlier. If you’re expecting twins or multiples, have a history of early delivery, or are experiencing a higher-risk pregnancy, scheduling your photos earlier may make more sense.
It’s also worth considering how you’re feeling physically. An outdoor maternity session may involve more walking and movement than a studio session, and the season your maternity photos fall during can add another layer to the decision. If you know you tend to become uncomfortable later in pregnancy, or worry about the seasonal weather, there’s nothing wrong with choosing an earlier date.
Ultimately, the best time to take maternity photos is not determined by reaching one specific week. You’ll want to consider the overall look and feel you want from your maternity photos and your comfort level alongside other factors such as seasonal weather or medical history.
Should You Take Maternity Photos Earlier Than 28 Weeks?
There are plenty of situations when taking maternity photos earlier than 28 weeks may be the better choice for you. If you’re expecting multiples, have a history of early delivery, or are experiencing a higher-risk pregnancy, an earlier maternity session might be more practical.
You might also simply prefer an earlier session. Maybe your maternity photos fall during the hottest part of the Atlanta summer, or you know from a previous pregnancy that you felt significantly less comfortable during your third trimester.
Taking maternity photos earlier doesn’t mean your bump won’t be “big enough.” Every pregnancy and every body is different, and beautiful maternity portraits aren’t dependent on reaching a particular week or bump size. If scheduling your session earlier allows you to feel more comfortable, confident, and present for the experience, it may be exactly the right choice for you.
Is 35 Weeks Too Late for Maternity Photos?
No, 35 weeks isn’t necessarily too late for maternity photos. If you’re feeling well, your photographer has availability, and your baby is still happily settled in, you can absolutely have a beautiful maternity session later in your third trimester.
That said, I wouldn’t recommend intentionally waiting until 35 weeks or later to schedule your session. Babies sometimes arrive earlier than expected, and the final weeks of pregnancy can bring increased discomfort, swelling, fatigue, or limited mobility. Waiting also leaves less flexibility if bad weather, illness, or another unexpected circumstance forces you to reschedule.
But here’s the good news: if you’re already at or past 35 weeks pregnant and haven’t scheduled maternity photos, don’t assume you’ve missed your chance! Reach out to your preferred photographer and see what’s possible. I’ve had moms reach out later in pregnancy to schedule their maternity sessions, and we still made it happen. These photos are important and you deserve a beautiful reminder of this stage of life.
How Atlanta Weather and Seasons Can Affect Your Maternity Photo Timing
As you’re deciding when to take maternity photos in Atlanta, it’s worth considering more than just how many weeks pregnant you’ll be at the time of your session. The season and type of session you’re planning should also play a role in choosing the right time for your maternity photos.
Do you prefer one season over another? Adjusting your maternity photoshoot timing to ensure your session falls during your favorite season is perfectly fine! My advice is to schedule photos earlier rather than trying to push them later in pregnancy.
Atlanta summers are notoriously hot and humid, which may make an outdoor session less comfortable later in pregnancy. If your ideal maternity photo window falls during the summer months, you might prefer to schedule your session a little earlier or consider an indoor studio session instead. If a specific season is important to you, booking early will also give you the best chance of finding photographer availability during the timeframe you want.
It’s also worth considering what you want to wear. Some outfits may be better suited to an indoor or outdoor session depending on the season and weather. Do you picture yourself in a gorgeous gown with lots of flowing fabric? An outdoor session during summer or early fall might be too warm, while a studio session with plenty of cold air conditioning could be perfect. Want to show off your bump with bare belly maternity photos? An outdoor session in Atlanta is possible during much of the year, but choosing a studio may be more comfortable during the coldest months.
For mamas with early spring or winter due dates, winter maternity sessions in Atlanta can offer more flexibility than you might expect. While outdoor locations may look different during the colder months, there are still beautiful spots that shine in any season. Or, a studio session can provide a timeless setting without worrying about cold temperatures or unpredictable weather.
Ultimately, the best season for maternity photos is the one that allows you to create the experience and images you want while still feeling comfortable. When you book your maternity photographer early, you’ll have more time to consider the season, setting, and timing together rather than simply taking whatever date is still available.
Explore more with this related article
Ideas and Inspiration for Bare Belly Maternity Photos You’ll Love
One of My Biggest Regrets
This advice is personal for me because I don’t have any maternity photos of my own.
During my first pregnancy to make it to the second trimester, I was expecting twins and genuinely looking forward to maternity photos. Instead, I was unexpectedly placed on bed rest at 17 weeks and delivered by emergency C-section at just 23 weeks. Sadly, my babies didn’t survive, and maternity photos were one of many things I never had the opportunity to do.
When I was pregnant with my daughter the next year, we were on a tight budget, and after my previous experience, I think part of me was afraid to plan too far ahead. So I still didn’t schedule maternity photos. At the time, I had plenty of reasons to put them off. But now, knowing I likely won’t have the opportunity to experience pregnancy again, I deeply wish I had made them a priority.
I know firsthand that pregnancy doesn’t always go according to plan. But I also know how it feels to look back and wish you had photographs from a season of your life you can never return to. That’s why I believe these photos are worth the investment, even when the timing, circumstances, or plans aren’t perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maternity Photo Timing
What is the best time to take maternity photos?
For most expectant mothers, the best time to take maternity photos is between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. During this time, your bump is usually beautifully visible while you’re still comfortable enough to move around and enjoy your session.
How far in advance should I book maternity photos?
It’s best to book your maternity photographer as early as possible, especially if you have a specific photographer in mind or your session will fall during the busy spring or fall photography seasons.
Is 28 weeks too early for maternity photos?
No! While every pregnancy is different, 28 weeks can be a wonderful time for maternity photos. Your bump may already be beautifully visible, and scheduling earlier can be especially helpful if you’re expecting multiples, have a history of early delivery, or simply feel more comfortable earlier in pregnancy.
Is 35 weeks too late for maternity photos?
Not necessarily. Beautiful maternity photos can still be taken at 35 weeks or later if you’re feeling well and your photographer has availability. However, scheduling your session earlier allows more flexibility in case of discomfort, illness, bad weather, or an unexpectedly early delivery.
Should I choose an indoor or outdoor maternity session in Atlanta?
Both can be beautiful! The right choice depends on the look you want, the season, what you plan to wear, and your comfort level. Atlanta’s hot, humid summers and colder winter days may make a studio session more comfortable, while spring and fall are especially popular for outdoor maternity photos.
Explore more with this related article:
Studio Maternity Photos: A Creative Alternative to Outdoor Sessions in Marietta
When should I take maternity photos if I’m expecting twins?
If you’re expecting twins or multiples, you may want to schedule your maternity photos earlier than the typical 28-to-34-week window. Every pregnancy is different, so consider your medical history, how you’re feeling, and any recommendations from your doctor when choosing a date. Booking your photographer early gives you plenty of flexibility to plan your session for the time that feels right for you.
Ready to Plan Your Atlanta Maternity Photography Experience?
Your maternity photos should be about more than finding the perfect week on the calendar. From planning your session and choosing what to wear to creating beautiful, finished artwork for your home, I’ll guide you through every step of the experience.
Learn more about working with me as your Atlanta maternity photographer, or reach out here to get more information and start planning your session..
