When Should You Book Your Maternity Session?
One of the most common questions I hear from expecting mamas is: "When is the right time to book my maternity session?" It's a great question and honestly, the timing matters more than you may realize. Let's walk through each trimester so you can plan with confidence on top of all the other appointments and milestones you need to focus on during pregnancy.
First Trimester Weeks 1 – 13
Congratulations! You likely recently discovered those 2 lines on the test and scheduled the first doctor appointments for this new little bean. Maybe you just saw the little bean in an ultrasound. This trimester is all about excitement, but it's also the season of morning sickness, exhaustion, and a belly that isn't quite showing yet. While your bump may still be hiding, this is actually the perfect time to start researching maternity photographers and exploring the options. It may not hurt to start reaching out and begin the conversation with the photographers you are interested in.
Most photographers have limited availability and can be fully booked months in advance. Booking early, even if your session is months away, ensures you lock in your preferred photographer while they have availability, especially for Spring and Fall when photographers are typically the busiest.
WHAT TO DO THIS TRIMESTER
Browse inspiration images, and start thinking about what you want your gallery to feel like.
Research & potentially book your maternity session date. Make sure to look for a photographer that matches/can do the style you are wanting to do.
This is also the ideal time to bundle with your newborn session.
Second Trimester Weeks 14 – 27
Welcome to the sweet spot of pregnancy! Most mamas feel their best during the second trimester. Energy is up, morning sickness has started to ease (hopefully), and the bump is starting to make its beautiful appearance. This is also the ideal time to pick your photographer and book your maternity session if you haven’t already. If you haven’t already, make sure to do it earlier in the second trimester opposed to later.
Use this trimester to consider your outfits, brainstorm your location (indoor, outdoor, do you want to take advantage of golden hour?), and complete any pre-session questionnaires. And if you haven't locked in your newborn session yet, now is the time. Newborn spots can fill up fast, and you'll want it secured as well before your due date.
WHAT TO DO THIS TRIMESTER
Book your session early in the second trimester if you haven’t yet.
Confirm your maternity session details, shop or rent your gown or other outfits.
Make sure to talk through your vision if you have a distinct vision for your session.
If your newborn session isn't booked yet, don't wait any longer!
Third Trimester - Weeks 28 – 40
It’s go time! The third trimester is when maternity photos truly shine. Your bump is full, round, and undeniably beautiful. The key is choosing the right window within this trimester for your session. It’s also time to make sure to finalize any details that you haven’t yet.
Too early and the bump may not be at its peak. Too late and you may be feeling very uncomfortable or surprise! The baby may arrive early. We want to find that beautiful middle ground. The maternity photo sweet spot to schedule your photos is around 28-34 weeks. Your bump is beautifully full, you're still comfortable enough to move and pose freely, and there's enough buffer in case the baby decides to arrive a little early.
But of course, that can be all unique to your own situation and vision as well. If you are having twins, you will likely want to have your session sooner. Maybe you have something going on in your pregnancy or are high-risk and you need to do it earlier. If you are in any of those situations, just let your photographer know. Communication is always key.
WHAT TO DO THIS TRIMESTER
Session time! Your maternity session should ideally fall around the early 30s week mark.
Stay hydrated, rest up the night before, and trust that you are going to look absolutely radiant.
Your newborn session should also be locked in at this point. If not, contact your photographer right away.
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You don't need to wait until the baby arrives. In fact, it’s better to book your newborn session before the little nugget is here since newborn photography has a narrow window for the sessions. You can also work on all the details of the newborn session beforehand so once baby is here, it’s easy to schedule and be ready for the session.
You may also have some bundling options with maternity and newborn sessions. Many photographers will also have bundles that go through the first year. At KCP, we have a few options on these packages from maternity through the first birthday. There are cost savings built into the KCP Milestone packages vs booking these sessions individually.
What if you're past week 34?
Don't panic! Later pregnancy sessions are still absolutely beautiful and possible. We'll prioritize your comfort, incorporate more supported poses, and find a location that works for where you are. Just reach out and we'll put a plan together.
Your complete planning checklist
Book your maternity session as early as possible ideally in your first to early second trimester
Reserve your newborn session at the same time before baby arrives
Aim to schedule your maternity shoot between weeks 28 and 34
Choose outfits that celebrate your bump — flowy gowns, form-fitting knits, or if you want to have bare belly photos
When baby arrives, notify your photographer within the first day or two to confirm your newborn date
Plan your newborn session for days 5–14 for the most sleepy, posed shots
Ready to capture it all — bump to baby?
Whether you're newly pregnant or counting down the weeks, I'd love to help you plan both sessions so nothing slips through the cracks. Reach out today to talk about the different options!
