Best Time for Maternity Photos: 30-36 Weeks Explained

A Call from Maria: When to Book Maternity Photos

A few weeks ago, I received a call from Maria, a first-time mom to be at 33 weeks pregnant. She sounded both excited and hesitant. Her biggest worry? “I’ve gained so much weight in the last few weeks….I have puffy cheeks and I just don’t look like me. Maybe I should just wait, or skip the photos all together. Basically, what is the best time for maternity photos?”

Her words carried a mix of joy and self-doubt – a feeling that so many expectant mothers can relate to. Maria wanted to capture her pregnancy but had reservations because her body did not look the same and she was worried her body would not look good in photos. This is exafcftly why conversations about the best time for maternity photos matter. Timing is so much more than calendars and weeks – it’s about comfort, confidence, and honoring your journey into motherhood.

The Conversation – Why Timing Matters

As we spoke, I reassured Maria that weight gain during pregnancy is very normal and is a sign of strength and growth. “It is just a part of being pregnant. I will guide you through the session, show you the best poses, and help you choose wardrobe that flatters your body.” I reminded Maria that pregnancy isn’t about fitting into a narrow idea of beauty. It’s about celebrating transformation. With the right guidance, any mom can feel radiant in front of the camera. I also explained that waiting too long could be more challenging because the final weeks of pregnancy most women feel fatigued, swelling and can all around feel discomfort. This is something I emphasize with every client: Maternity photography isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.

That’s why 30-36 weeks is widely considered the sweet spot!

–The bump is beautifully round and visible.
–Most women feel comfortable moving around and enjoying the session.
–There’s enough flexibility to do almost any pose without issue.