As a South Florida Maternity Photographer, a question I get asked all the time is “When should I schedule my maternity session?” This is such a great question because you want to capture your growing belly at just the right time. Or, you may want to take advantage of the cooler spring air and get your photos done before the heat of Florida summer kicks in. Or maybe you want to do them while your energy is still up, before the 3rd trimester. All important things to consider!

When to Book a Maternity Photographer

As a photographer, my schedule usually fills up 3-6 weeks in advance (Between client sessions and my own personal schedule). For example, I can only take on a limited amount of clients per week. So, while I do not shoot every day, my capacity for sessions is limited to a set amount per week. Once I hit that amount, I consider myself ‘booked up’. So my best advice is to book a photographer for your maternity session as soon as possible.

Another thing to consider is peak times such as fall and spring. Here in Florida, those are our ‘busy seasons’ and dates are extremely limited. So, I recommend booking your photographer right after the first trimester, the earlier you can book your maternity photographer, the better! Contact me for your session :)

The Best Timeframe for Maternity Photos

Typically, between the 2nd and beginning of the 3rd trimester. So somewhere between 26-34ish weeks. Factors to consider: Are you a first-time mom? How do you feel? Are there any health concerns?

If you’re a first-time mom, your belly might ‘pop’ out later than second-time moms. With the second pregnancy, moms show much sooner. From my personal experience, my belly didn’t ‘pop’ till I was 34 weeks with my first child. But, with my second pregnancy, I was able to show much sooner!

How do you feel? Ideally, having your maternity photos taken while you’re still in the 2nd trimester would best guarantee that you will have energy before it starts to slump again in the 3rd trimester. (Personal side note: my second pregnancy kept me feeling tired the entire time so this doesn’t always apply, but it’s a good general rule of thumb!)

Are there any health concerns that would prevent you from scheduling your photos into your 3rd trimester? You want to those into consideration when you think about the timeframe. Consider things like bedrest or a complicated pregnancy. You’re better off scheduling your session in the 2nd trimester if you’ve had any health concerns.

Consider Your Family’s Schedule

You’ll also want to consider what your family’s schedule looks like and schedule your session during a time when your calendar is a little bit lighter. For example, take advantage of spring break, summer breaks and school holidays. After daylight savings in the spring is a great option because if you work a 9-5, a weekday sunset session is definitely possible. In the summertime sunset sessions begin at 7pm!

Flexibility and Back up Plans for Maternity Photo Sessions

What if someone gets sick?

If someone gets sick, no problem! We can easily reschedule. As mentioned earlier, I only book a set number of sessions per week and once I hit that number I ‘cap’ myself because I know that life happens! Sickness happens. So, I love being flexible and not overcommiting myself helps me serve clients and myself better.

What if it rains?

No worries! I have a flexible schedule and we will work together to find the next available date. The week of sessions, I watch the weather like a hawk. Living in South Florida, like clockwork, that afternoon summer thunderstorm is bound to show up. Consider scheduling your session in the morning. One of my favorite things about scheduling maternity sessions in the morning is that we can avoid that pesky afternoon thunderstorm altogether!

How Long Does a Maternity Photo Session Take?

Generally speaking, maternity sessions take about 45 minutes - 1 hour. Give or take. Sometimes a maternity session will be combined with a family session. In that case, up to 1 hour of time is perfect. Most of my sessions really only take 45 minutes. Clients love that I can capture magical moments and forever memories in such a small amount of time.

Conclusion: When to Schedule Your Maternity Photo Session

In conclusion, the best time to have your maternity photos taken is sometime between the 2nd and 3rd trimester. But, reach out to your photographer as soon as possible to ensure that you have a spot on their calendar. Consider your family’s schedule and choose a day that is not in a busy season for your family. Setbacks like illness, and rain happen from time to time. But, sessions can easily be rescheduled.

You may also be interested in the following:

Our Babymoon to Charleston, SC

Top 10 Date Night Ideas for Expecting Mamas

Where to Shop in WPB for Maternity Clothes (plus, my favorite online boutiques!)