As an experienced maternity photographer on Long Island, one of the most common questions I get from expecting moms is “When should I schedule my maternity photos?” It’s such an important decision – you want to capture that beautiful baby bump at just the perfect moment. Not too early when you don’t quite have that gorgeous pregnancy glow yet, but also not too late when you’re feeling incredibly uncomfortable in those final weeks.
From my years of working with soon-to-be mamas, I’ve found there’s an ideal window of time that tends to work best for most pregnancies. In this blog post, I’ll share my professional advice on timing your maternity photoshoot in Long Island, along with some other tips to ensure you have an amazing experience.
The Prime Time for Maternity Photos: 28-34 Weeks
For most pregnancies, the best time for scheduling a maternity photoshoot in Long Island is when you’re around 28-34 weeks along. This is generally toward the end of the second trimester or the very start of the third trimester.
At this stage, your baby bump will be nice and rounded – that gorgeous, blossoming centerpiece we want to showcase. Yet you’ll likely still be feeling relatively comfortable and energized to move around and pose for photos.
Those final 4-6 weeks can be quite uncomfortable for many expectant mothers as that due date creeps up. The extra weight and changes in your body can make simple activities, let alone a photoshoot, more physically taxing. By capturing your maternity portraits a bit earlier, we can ensure you feel your absolute best.
But every pregnancy is unique, which is why I always have an initial consultation with clients before booking. If you have any specific concerns or circumstances, we can adjust the timing accordingly. For instance, if you’re carrying twins or multiples, we may want to bump the session forward a few weeks.
Other Factors to Consider for Maternity Photoshoot
In addition to how far along you’ll be, there are a few other considerations that can impact scheduling your ideal maternity session:
Season/Location
Do you have your heart set on a particular backdrop, like spring blossoms or fall foliage? Or perhaps avoiding a brutal summer heat wave? We can coordinate the best timing for the type of location setting you envision.
Due Date
For peace of mind, I generally recommend not going past 35 weeks, especially for first-time moms. That gives us a comfortable buffer before your expected due date.
Announcements/Printing
If you want to use your maternity photos for announcements or printed products, we’ll want to leave enough time for ordering and delivery. Aim for your session around 28-30 weeks if that’s the case.
Overall, the goal is to capture you feeling confident, beautiful, and overflowing with that incredible pregnancy radiance. The timing is flexible, but sticking in that 28-34-week window ensures we use the right time.
Whether you’re a long-time client or a new mama-to-be in the Long Island area, I would love to be the one to photograph this incredible transition into motherhood. Scheduling your maternity photoshoot during that ideal window of 28-34 weeks will ensure you have an amazing experience and a beautiful collection of portraits you’ll cherish forever.
So if that due date is rapidly approaching, reach out soon! I am excited to work with you to create a maternity photoshoot in Long Island that will celebrate your special maternity journey.