When Is the Best Time to Book Your Maternity Photos?
If you’re thinking about booking a maternity photoshoot, one of the biggest questions you probably have is when is the best time to have maternity photos taken?
As a Sydney maternity photographer, I generally recommend scheduling your session between 30 and 36 weeks pregnant — but the perfect timing can look a little different depending on whether this is your first baby or you’ve done this all before.
First-time mums: around 33–35 weeks
If this is your first pregnancy, I usually recommend scheduling your maternity photos for around 33–35 weeks.
By this point, your bump is beautifully round and prominent, but you’re hopefully still feeling comfortable enough to move around and enjoy the experience without feeling too heavily pregnant.
This window also gives us a little wiggle room if we need to reschedule. My outdoor maternity sessions take place at sunrise or sunset, so if Sydney weather has other plans for us, we still have time to find another date.
And, of course, babies have a habit of making their own plans too!
Second, third (or fourth!) pregnancies: around 30–36 weeks
If this isn’t your first baby, anywhere from 30–36 weeks can be perfect.
I find that second-time mamas often show much earlier than they did during their first pregnancy, so there’s usually no need to wait quite as long for that beautiful round bump.
It can also be nice to book a little earlier when you already have little ones at home...especially when you’re running around after a toddler while growing a whole human!
When should I actually book my maternity photographer?
While your session might not take place until 30–36 weeks, I recommend reaching out much earlier to secure your date.
My sunset maternity sessions can book out weeks — and sometimes months — in advance, particularly for weekends and during the warmer months.
You don’t need to wait until you have a big bump before getting in touch. Once you know you’d love to capture your pregnancy, we can secure your booking and choose a date within the ideal window for you.
What if I've left it until the last minute?
Still reach out!
Pregnancy can fly by, and sometimes maternity photos are something you suddenly realise you really want as your due date gets closer. I always do my best to accommodate last-minute bookings where I can.
We may have a little less flexibility, but if I have something available, I’d absolutely love to capture it for you.
What happens during a maternity photoshoot?
My maternity sessions are relaxed, natural and all about capturing this season exactly as it feels. Whether we’re barefoot at the beach at sunset, wandering through a grassy field or tucked amongst the trees, you don’t need to know how to pose, I’ll gently guide you while leaving plenty of room for those beautiful, in-between moments.
Partners and little ones are always welcome, and you’ll also have access to my client wardrobe, with a beautiful collection of dresses and pieces carefully chosen to photograph beautifully with a growing bump.
Ready to book your Sydney maternity photos?
Pregnancy can feel like such a long season while you’re in it, but somehow that beautiful bump is gone before you know it!
If you’re expecting and looking for a Sydney maternity photographer, I’d absolutely love to capture this chapter for you. Get in touch early and we can find the perfect date, dream up your session together and capture all the magic before your newest little love arrives.
