When to Schedule Maternity Photos?

Pregnancy is such a magical time—full of anticipation, excitement, and maybe a few extra snack cravings! It’s a season of change, growth (literally!), and sweet moments that deserve to be captured forever. But when is the perfect time to book your maternity session? As a Fort Collins maternity photographer, I generally recommend taking maternity photos around 28-32 weeks into your pregnancy. By then, your adorable baby bump is beautifully round, but you’re still feeling good enough to move around, laugh, and enjoy the experience. In this post, we’ll chat about why this timeframe is ideal and what you should consider when booking your maternity session!

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Table of Contents

• The Best Time for Maternity Photos
• Why 28-32 Weeks is Ideal
• Factors That Might Affect Your Timing
• What If You’re Expecting Multiples?
• What to Consider When Booking Your Session
• Conclusion
• Book Your Maternity Session Today

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The Best Time for Maternity Photos

The sweet spot for maternity photography is between 28-32 weeks. By this point, your belly has that perfect, photo-ready roundness, and you’re still feeling relatively comfortable. You can strike beautiful poses, embrace those glowing mama vibes, and maybe even dance a little without feeling too exhausted!

Waiting too long can mean extra discomfort, swollen feet, and a little less energy. On the flip side, booking too early might mean your bump hasn’t fully popped yet. That’s why the third trimester sweet spot is just right!

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Why 28-32 Weeks is Ideal

So, why is this the golden timeframe for maternity photos? Here’s the deal:

• Your bump is just right: By this stage, you’ve got that perfect round belly that makes for stunning portraits.
• You still have energy: Let’s be real—by the last few weeks, naps might sound more exciting than photos. This window gives you enough energy to enjoy your session without feeling wiped out.
• More posing options: Whether you want elegant, flowy-dress shots or casual, cozy moments with your partner, you’ll have the mobility to do it all.
• Plenty of time before baby arrives: If you schedule your session early enough, you’ll have your images in hand before your little one makes their grand debut.

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Factors That Might Affect Your Timing

Although 28-32 weeks is the general sweet spot, there are a few things that might shift your timeline a bit:

• First-time vs. experienced moms: First-time moms might not show as early, so they may prefer scheduling closer to 32 weeks. If this isn’t your first rodeo, your bump may pop sooner, meaning you could book a little earlier!
• High-risk pregnancies: If your doctor has recommended extra rest, consider booking earlier so you don’t miss your chance.
• Weather & seasons: If you’re dreaming of a golden-hour summer session, be mindful of the heat and schedule an early morning or evening shoot. Winter mamas may want to plan ahead for cozy studio sessions!

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What If You’re Expecting Multiples?

If you’re carrying twins (or more!), your belly will likely grow faster and bigger than with a single pregnancy. Many Northern Colorado maternity photographers recommend taking maternity photos between 26-30 weeks if you’re expecting multiples. This way, you can still enjoy the experience before the discomfort of carrying extra weight sets in. Plus, earlier sessions give you a bit of a buffer in case your little ones decide to make an early entrance!

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What to Consider When Booking Your Session

A little planning goes a long way when scheduling your maternity session. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Book early! Maternity photographers tend to book up fast, so aim to reserve your session by the end of your first or early in your second trimester.
• Think about your style: Do you envision a dreamy, flowing dress outdoors? Or a chic studio shoot? Let’s make it happen!
• Wardrobe magic: Choose outfits that make you feel beautiful, confident, and comfy. Think flowy gowns, fitted dresses, or even casual cozy vibes.
• Include your loved ones: Your partner, older children, or even fur babies can make the session even more special. Let’s capture those sweet connections!

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Plan Ahead

Maternity photos are such a beautiful way to celebrate and cherish the journey to motherhood. While every pregnancy is unique, the best time to schedule your session is typically between 28-32 weeks—giving you the perfect balance of a lovely baby bump and enough energy to enjoy the experience. If you’re expecting multiples, consider booking a little earlier, around 26-30 weeks, to capture the magic before things get too uncomfortable.

Planning ahead means you get to relax, enjoy, and create memories you’ll treasure forever. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to get dressed up and pamper yourself—you deserve it, mama!

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Book Your Maternity Session Today

If you’re looking for a Fort Collins maternity photographer to capture this special time, I’d love to help! My goal is to create gorgeous, timeless maternity portraits that make you feel like the glowing goddess you are. Let’s create something magical together—reach out today to book your session before my calendar fills up!