When to Take Maternity Photos: Best & Worst Times
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Time to read 5 min
Introduction: When To Take Maternity Photos
Wondering when to take maternity photos? Congratulations, mama-to-be, you came to the right place! The journey of pregnancy is a ride of emotions, weird cravings, and a belly that seems to have a growth spurt every day. This is an incredible journey, best captured with the right photos at the right time.
Best Time To Take Maternity Photos
The best time to take your maternity photoshoot is between 30-36 weeks (seventh or eighth month) of your pregnancy.
This window of time is recommended because the baby bump is prominently visible, highlighting the beauty of motherhood. Additionally, it ensures that the mother-to-be is still comfortable and mobile enough to try different poses and settings for the shoot.
Waiting beyond this period may present challenges, as the final weeks of pregnancy can be more tiring and pose certain restrictions in terms of movement and endurance. To ensure both comfort and aesthetic appeal, planning your maternity shoot within this window is ideal.
Factors to consider when deciding when to take maternity photos
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Your Belly Size: Each woman's body undergoes distinct changes throughout the various stages of pregnancy. As we mentioned above, booking a maternity photo shoot between 30 to 36 weeks is a general guideline, as this period is when your belly takes on a beautifully rounded shape, resulting in more picturesque photos.
Comfort Level: As your belly grows, you will encounter more discomfort such as back pains and fatigue. Depending on the type of maternity photo shoot you are planning, you want to make sure you can stand on your feet for a long period of time and are able to move your body comfortably.
Weather: To ensure everything goes smoothly, make sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast. Depending on where you live, rain or strong winds can unexpectedly ruin your maternity photoshoot experience. We recommend taking your maternity photos indoors if you live anywhere tropical as the weather can be very unpredictable. Planning a maternity shoot in the Fall? Check out these 13 fun and timeless maternity shoot ideas for the fall season.
Location: Taking your maternity photos in a location that is significant to you, like a beach or a picturesque park, will make you maternity photos more memorable. For example, some moms will take their maternity photos where they met their partner. Other moms will do a pink or blue color theme, depending on whether they're expecting a boy or girl. The options are endless!
Choosing The Right Outfit
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Choosing the right outfit for your maternity photo shoot is key. When it comes to picking the perfect outfit for your maternity shoot, keep in mind that the goal is to accentuate your belly while making you feel confident and beautiful. Try to choose an outfit that really shows off your belly!
Body-con dresses or a fitted maxi dress can do the trick, letting you proudly show off that beautiful baby bump. These black maternity dresses for a maternity photoshoot have some really nice body-con and maxi dresses to choose from! If maternity dresses aren’t your thing, opt for low rise jeans and a cute crop top!
To set the right tone and maintain a timeless look in your maternity photos, we highly recommend solid colors, soft pastels, or earthy tones. These colors can really elevate the overall mood. While funky patterns and bold colors are fun, they might end up taking away attention from you and your growing baby bump! But, hey, no pressure – these are just our suggestions.
If you are planning to involve your partner or family members in your maternity photos, consider syncing up the colors and styles of your outfits. This will create a seamless look that adds visual flair to your maternity photos!
Lastly, prioritize comfort. This is a special moment for you, so wear something that makes you feel at ease and allows you to move freely. The more comfortable you are during your maternity photo sessions, the more natural and relaxed your photos will look.
Remember, the outfit you choose is a reflection of who you are and and how you feel through your maternity shoot. Whether you go for classic elegance, casual chic, or something in between, the most important thing is that your outfit makes you feel beautiful and confident during this photo session.
What if I am having twins or expecting multiples?
Not all pregnancies are equal! If you are expecting twins or expecting multiples, your baby bump will probably grow at a quicker rate. But, not to worry! Most professionals recommend to schedule your maternity photo session earlier, typically between 28-32 weeks. Of course, every women's body is different, and we always recommend consulting with your doctor or your maternity photographer.
Digital vs. Printed Maternity Photos
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When it comes to displaying your maternity photos, you have the option to print and frame them or create a digital album of your photo shoot. In todays digital world, creating a digital album is super easy to share with friends and family. You can also edit and play with the lighting.
On the flip side, there's the timeless charm of printed photos. When you frame and display them at home, you create a chance to admire them daily bringing a comforting warmth and nostalgia into your living space.
If it were up to us, we would do both! You can create digital albums to easily share with friends and family, and select your favorite images to print and frame at home.
When Should I Book My Maternity Photos?
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Most maternity photographers get booked up pretty quickly, so we highly recommend to book your maternity session as soon as possible and not last minute! This will give you ample time to brainstorm the type of photos you are aiming for, the maternity photo shoot location, maternity outfits, etc. Your maternity photographer can also share a few tips and recommendations for a successful photoshoot and how to take maternity photos.
Picking a maternity photographer you're comfortable with is vital, especially since maternity pictures often show more skin. We recommend chatting with a few maternity photographers to see who you feel most connected and comfortable with. That way, when it's time for your maternity photo session, you'll be hanging out with someone who gets you and will provide a fun experience!
Final Thoughts on Timing For Your Maternity Shoot
As you journey through pregnancy, remember that your maternity session will capture a moment you will cherish and look back at for the rest of your life. The timing, location, and outfits should be a perfect representation of who you are and how you feel in that moment.
Whether you choose an outdoor or indoor location, timeless colors or bold patterns, the most important part is that you enjoy the process and show off that growing baby bump! Need inspiration for some photoshoot ideas? Check out these 10 at-home maternity shoot ideas that will come out super professional.
Lastly, congratulations, soon to be moms! We wish you a lifetime of happiness with your baby or babies, and may your maternity photos remind you of this beautiful journey you embarked upon. Here's to a future filled with happiness, love, and laughter!
