Sharing the joy of your soon-to-be little one starts during your pregnancy. Preparing for your newborn to arrive can be stressful but your maternity photo session can ease this stress, serving as a reminder of how beautiful your belly is. Your maternity photos are an important part in documenting your journey and will be cherished for a long time. Whether you’re due over the holidays or over the summer, there are so many beautiful seasonal photo opportunities. In order to take successful photos, you should figure out when to take maternity photos so your belly is captured with a full shape. Find helpful tips and answers below on the best way to take maternity photos.
When to Take Maternity Photos?
Try and schedule your maternity photo session in your seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. Your belly will have a nice round shape during this time frame, perfect for taking photographs. If you’re counting by weeks, schedule your session when you’re around 30 weeks pregnant. If you take maternity photos after your eighth month of pregnancy, your maternity might be uncomfortable. You want to avoid taking photos when your belly feels too heavy, usually after 35 weeks.
If you’re looking to use your maternity photos for your custom baby shower invitations, you can take your photos as early as 28 weeks. This will allow you to use your photos at the very start of month eight for your baby shower. Although baby showers typically occur during month six or seven, you can still host your baby shower a few weeks late if your maternity photos are a must-have for your invites. Refer to our guide on when to throw a baby shower to answer all of your timeline needs.
When to Take Maternity Photos with Multiples?
If you’re expecting multiples, you should take maternity photos during your second trimester. Your belly will appear bigger during the second trimester since you’re carrying more than one. We suggest taking photos at 24 weeks while you’re still comfortable and can move around with ease.
- Precious Frame
- Sunny Safari
- Baby Chic
Maternity Photo Tips
Once you’ve scheduled your maternity session, there are a few tips to keep in mind when planning out your shoot. Are you taking shots around Christmas or New Year’s? Maybe in the spring? This will help you decide what sort of backdrops and decor to use.
In addition to considering maternity outfit ideas, location and decor ideas, and maternity photo ideas for locking down the perfect pose, follow these simple rules to make sure your photos are timeless.
- Avoid wearing large and distracting patterns.
- Opt for natural light instead of using a flash.
- Make sure your belly is moisturized.
- Avoid messy or complicated backgrounds or backdrops.
- Only take ‘Straight On’ shots if your baby bump is pronounced.
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing right before you session to avoid marks on your belly.
- Work with your photographer ahead of time to come up with a concept.
As the mama-to-be, you want to be completely happy with your maternity photos. Although it’s tempting to wait until the end of your pregnancy to capture your belly, you should stick with the suggested time frames above so your photos don’t seem uncomfortable. If you feel good during your maternity session, you can expect your maternity photos to be everything you dreamed of. Be sure to pick enough of your favorite shots to send out in your baby announcements as well!
