Thinking About Maternity Photos? Here’s When to Book
- May 20
- 3 min read
Short answer? Before you reach the stage where rolling over in bed feels like an Olympic sport and putting shoes on becomes a full-body workout. Ha!
“When should I book my maternity photos?”
And honestly, there’s no one perfect answer because every pregnancy is different.
Some mums are thriving and glowing at 34 weeks. Some are just trying to breathe normally after putting socks on by 26 weeks. Both are completely valid.
BUT if you want the sweet spot?
I usually recommend booking your maternity session somewhere around 28–32 weeks.
That tends to be the magical little window where:
your bump is beautifully round and obvious
you still feel somewhat human
you can move around without needing a recovery nap afterwards
and you’re not yet at the “get this baby out of me immediately” stage
Why 25–30 Weeks Is The Best Time To Take Maternity Photos
By this point, your belly has usually popped properly, which photographs so beautifully and
You’ve got that soft, full and expectant look without feeling quite as physically uncomfortable as those final few weeks can bring.
Most mamas around this stage:
still have decent energy levels
can walk around locations comfortably
feel more confident in their bump
can actually enjoy the session instead of counting down until they can sit down again
And honestly? That matters.
We don’t want your maternity session to feel stiff, awkward, or like some weird pregnancy fitness challenge. I want it to feel relaxed, easy., A little emotional, A little fun and maybe slightly chaotic if siblings are involved!
Whether we’re shooting in my Raceview studio, out at golden hour somewhere around Ipswich, Brisbane or the Gold Coast, this timing usually gives us the best balance between comfort and that gorgeous round belly.
“But What If I Leave It Too Late?”
Firstly, don’t panic. I will absolutely still photograph you later in pregnancy if that’s where life lands.
But here’s the honest truth: once you hit those final weeks, things can get rough real quick.
So if you’re thinking about maternity photos, earlier is usually safer than later.
When Should You Actually Book?
The earlier, the better.
I recommend reaching out sometime in your second trimester if you know you’d love maternity photos done, especially during the busier seasons here in Queensland when those gorgeous warm sunset evenings book out fast.
Planning ahead means:
we can choose the perfect location
organise outfits
chat about styling
create something that actually feels like you
No stiff posing. No pressure to look “perfect.” Just honest, beautiful memories of this weird, emotional, exciting season you’re in.
Your maternity photos are not about having the “perfect” body or glowing like some ethereal earth goddess the entire time, They’re about remembering this season before it disappears.
One minute you’re counting kicks at 2am and complaining about heartburn… and the next you’re holding a tiny little person wondering how the hell time moved so fast.
And trust me........ one day your kids are going to love seeing these photos.
Even if you felt huge, even if you felt tired, even if you nearly cancelled because nothing fit properly.
You deserve to exist in the memories too.
So if you’ve been thinking about booking maternity photos, this is your sign to stop overthinking it and just do it.
Future you will be so glad you did.