Starting Your Motherhood Story: When is the Best Time to Do Maternity Photos?
The Magic of “Before”
There’s this powerful beauty to pregnancy that’s hard to describe until you’ve lived it. You’re in that in-between space, already a mother yet anxiously waiting for your role to begin. Your body and brain are - quite literally - changing and growing everyday. As someone who’s been on both sides of the lens - pregnant mama and maternity photographer - I know what a sacred time this is. Capturing this chapter with maternity photography isn’t just about the photos of the bump; it’s about how you hold your partner’s hand a little tighter, how your toddler’s curiosity lights up your face, or how you laugh at the belly kicks when no one else can see what’s happening under your skin.
The images you create now are more than just beautiful reminders - they become part of a before-and-after gift you’ll give your future self. So let’s talk about when and how to do this in a way that feels most like you.
It’s Not Just a Photo Session - It’s a Story Starting Point
One of the questions I get most often is, “When should I schedule my maternity photos?” I love this question because it tells me you’re already thinking ahead, and that means we can plan something intentional and relaxed - not rushed or slapped together. The thing is, every pregnancy is different, but some consistent touchpoints can help you get the best experience (and photos) possible.
On top of timing, I often help clients decide between an outdoor location or a shoot at their home. Do you want to show skin or be more covered up? Do you want to wear a bold, flowing dress or keep things more casual? There are no wrong answers, but allowing yourself to have a vision and plan things out (with me, of course!) helps your session feel aligned with your family story and leaves you feeling seen and celebrated.
Let’s take a look at a few things to consider as you start planning.
What I Recommend as a Maternity Photographer (and Why It Works)
When to Schedule: Weeks 34 - 37
Timing is everything here. I typically recommend maternity sessions happen between weeks 34 and 37. At this point:
Your belly has a lovely, round shape that really shines in photos.
You’re usually still comfortable enough to enjoy walking or posing.
We avoid cutting it too close to your due date, which can add stress (and, let’s face it, swelling).
Doing your session too early can mean your bump isn’t as prominent. Too late? You risk going into labor before we’ve even charged our camera batteries.
Location Matters: Outdoors or At Home?
This choice depends on your personality, energy level, and the tone you want in your photos.
Outdoor shoots are great, especially if there’s a location that’s special to your relationship or family story. A sun-dappled garden, a Bay Area beach, a grove of trees, or a more urban/city-feeling location can give your session a unique and personal feeling that contrasts nicely with the intimate, cozy vibe of your newborn photos, which will happen at home. Outdoor settings also work beautifully when older siblings are involved, allowing lots of space to play and have spontaneous, real interactions. Luckily, we have SO many gorgeous outdoor locations in the Bay Area that make for epic session backdrops.
At-home sessions let us capture a quieter, more intimate energy. They’re perfect if you want to show more skin in a soft, elegant way. Think relaxed images of you and your partner at home, bathed in window light, embodying a space that is about to dramatically change.
Not sure which you prefer? I’m always available to chat with new clients to get a feel for the vibe they’re going for and help them choose settings that support that.
Include Siblings (They’re Already Part of the Story)
If this isn’t your first baby, your maternity session should feel less like “just mom in a dress” and more like a family session that celebrates your growing crew.
Big siblings don’t always pose, but they do show up with big feelings, and that’s part of the joy. Let them run, jump, be curious, and maybe tell the new baby a secret. We’re not aiming for perfection - we’re aiming for connection.
What to Wear: Fitted and Flowing (Not Tent-Like)
Whether we’re in the woods or in your living room, your clothing should highlight your shape while still flattering you and feeling comfortable.
Here are a few favorites we’ve seen work well:
Fitted dresses with stretch (especially those that cinch under the bust)
Flowy kimonos, drapey cardigans or oversized starched button-ups over a form-fitting base layer
Neutral or warm tones that harmonize with your environment
Avoid anything super loose from head to toe - it tends to hide your bump more than celebrate it and it’s hard to make tent-like garments look flattering. I’m always happy to help you pick outfits that align with your vision so you feel confident and radiant in front of the camera.
There’s Only One Now - Let’s Capture It
Maternity photos aren’t about being picture-perfect. They’re about documenting this very special (and fleeting!) time in you and your partner’s lives. The way your partner looks at you, the way your child hugs your belly, the way you cradle something that’s not yet visible to the world. Pregnancy is beautiful and vulnerable all at once, and I promise to honor all of it.
Ready to Schedule Your Maternity Session?
If you're in the San Francisco Bay Area and thinking about maternity photos, let’s connect. Whether you’re dreaming of an outdoor shoot at the beach or a quiet in-home session with soft light and intimate vibes, I’ll walk through all the details with you.
Every session is fully customized, and every client is treated like the only one on my calendar that day - because in that moment, you are. Let’s document this sacred in-between time together.