When to Take Maternity Photos | Lansing MI
Pregnancy is a special and fleeting season, and maternity photos are a lovely way to celebrate it. The most common question I hear is when to take them. Here's the timing I recommend, and how to plan it alongside your newborn session.
The sweet spot: 28 to 34 weeks
Maternity sessions are typically photographed between 28 and 34 weeks. By then your bump is beautifully defined, and most moms are still comfortable enough to enjoy the session. It also leaves a little buffer in case baby decides to arrive early.
Why not earlier or later?
Earlier in pregnancy, your bump is often still small, so the images may not show as much of the season you're in. Later on, getting comfortable gets harder, and babies don't always wait for their due date. The 28 to 34 week window balances all of it.
Plan your maternity and newborn sessions together
Many families book both sessions at the same time. Newborn sessions are usually reserved during the second trimester to ensure availability for those first weeks after baby arrives, so planning both at once is the easiest way to do it. If you're considering both, reach out and I'll help you map out a timeline that works for your pregnancy and your baby's arrival. You can learn more about newborn sessions here →
What to expect at your session
Sessions take place indoors in my Laingsburg studio, with clean, minimal backdrops that keep the focus on you and your growing baby. It's calm and comfortable, and I guide you through posing so you can simply enjoy it. The focus is mom and her bump, and husbands and children are always welcome at no additional charge. Because my studio is small, I ask that only immediate family attend.
What to wear
My studio is very neutral, so most colors photograph beautifully. I recommend soft neutral tones and coordinated outfits. Dark colors, especially black, can hide your bump, so lighter tones often work best. I don't provide clothing, but once you book I'll send visual guidance to help you choose. Since hands often show in maternity portraits, trimmed, manicured nails for mom, dad, and children are a nice finishing touch.
Ready to plan your maternity session?
If you're outside the 28 to 34 week window or aren't sure about timing, reach out and we'll figure out what works. You can see session details and pricing on my maternity photography page, or read the Maternity Session FAQ.