One of the most common questions I get from expecting moms is, “When should I book my maternity session?” It makes sense. Pregnancy moves fast, and once you’re in your third trimester, everything from doctor’s appointments to nursery prep starts filling up the calendar. Knowing the right timing takes the guesswork out of planning and helps you feel confident that your photos will capture this season exactly the way you’re picturing it.
The Ideal Time for Maternity Portraits: 28 to 32 Weeks
The sweet spot for maternity portraits is between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. By this point, your bump is beautifully round and full, but you likely still have the energy and comfort to move, pose, and enjoy the session without feeling rushed or worn out. Waiting much longer can mean more swelling, less mobility, and a higher chance that baby decides to make an early appearance before your session even happens.
Every pregnancy is different, so if you’re carrying multiples, have a history of early delivery, or your care provider has flagged any concerns, we can always talk through adjusting that timeline together. ACOG has a helpful overview of the physical changes that show up in the third trimester, like swelling and reduced mobility, which is part of why this window tends to work so well for portraits.
Why Booking During Your Second Trimester Matters
To make sure we can lock in that ideal 28 to 32 week window, it’s best to reach out during your second trimester, ideally between weeks 13 and 20. Maternity sessions tend to book up quickly, especially during popular fall and spring months, so reaching out early gives us the best shot at finding a date that works for both of us.
Booking early also gives us time to actually plan your session together. We can talk through your vision, whether that’s a cozy studio session with timeless backdrops and soft, romantic light, or an outdoor shoot timed around golden hour with warm, glowing tones. We’ll also have plenty of time to coordinate outfits, talk through who you’d like included in the session (partner, kids, or just you and your bump), and answer any questions along the way.
A Studio Serving Metro Detroit Moms-to-Be
My studio is located in Shelby Township, Michigan, and I welcome clients from all across Metro Detroit, including Rochester Hills, Macomb, Utica, Sterling Heights, and beyond. Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, I want your session to feel relaxed and completely taken care of from the moment you walk in.
Inside the studio, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated client closet filled with flowing maternity gowns, fitted bodysuits, and a variety of fabric and color options so we can create a look that feels uniquely you. There’s no need to shop for an outfit or stress over what to wear. We’ll figure that out together once you arrive.
Consider Booking Your Maternity and Newborn Sessions Together
Many of my clients choose to book both their maternity and newborn sessions at the same time, and it’s one of my favorite recommendations for expecting families. Booking both sessions together guarantees your spot on my calendar for that all-important newborn window, which can be tricky to schedule once baby actually arrives.
It also creates a seamless, stress-free experience from bump to baby. By the time you come in for your newborn session, you’ll already be familiar with the studio and with me, which makes it so much easier to relax and simply soak in those first portraits with your new little one.
What to Expect When You Reach Out
If you’re expecting and starting to think about maternity photography, I’d love to hear what you’re envisioning. When you send an inquiry, we’ll set up a time to talk through your ideas, your due date, and the best possible timeline for your session. From there, I’ll walk you through everything, from wardrobe options to what a typical session looks like from start to finish.
Pregnancy goes by faster than anyone tells you it will. Booking early means one less thing to think about, so you can spend these last few months soaking in the anticipation instead of scrambling to find a photographer. You can send me a message any time. I’m here to help create a session that feels effortless, beautiful, and completely memorable.