Pregnancy is such a special and fleeting time. Your body changes quickly, your baby grows every day, and before you know it, your due date is right around the corner.
One of the questions I hear most often as a Memphis maternity photographer is, “When should I schedule maternity photos?”
The short answer is that I recommend planning your maternity session well before the last few weeks of pregnancy. For most expecting mothers, the ideal time for maternity photos falls between 28 and 32 weeks.
However, every pregnancy is different. The best time for your session can depend on your comfort level, your pregnancy, and whether you are expecting one baby or multiples.
When Is the Best Time for Maternity Photos?
Most expecting mothers schedule their maternity photography session between 28 and 32 weeks pregnant.
During this stage of pregnancy, your baby bump is usually beautifully visible. At the same time, many mothers still feel more comfortable than they do during the final weeks before delivery.
Scheduling your session during this window also gives you some flexibility. Babies do not always follow their due dates, and pregnancy can become more physically demanding as the weeks go on.
As a Memphis maternity photographer, I generally recommend avoiding waiting until the very last minute. You do not want to schedule your dream maternity session for week 38 only to discover that you feel uncomfortable, have unexpected pregnancy-related restrictions, or welcome your baby earlier than expected.
Planning ahead gives you more options and allows you to enjoy the experience.
Why You Should Schedule Your Maternity Session Early
While your actual photography session may take place around 28 to 34 weeks, I recommend booking your maternity session much earlier.
Popular dates, especially weekends and fall dates, can fill quickly. If you know that you want a maternity session, booking early gives you the best chance of securing your preferred date.
This is especially important if you are interested in my Bump to Baby package, which combines your maternity and newborn photography sessions.
By planning ahead, you can reserve both experiences before your baby arrives.
Early planning also gives us plenty of time to discuss your vision, choose the right session location, and prepare for your maternity photos.
What If You Are Expecting Twins or Multiples?
If you are expecting twins or multiples, you may want to schedule your maternity photography session earlier.
Many mothers carrying multiples begin feeling uncomfortable sooner, and babies may arrive earlier than expected.
In these situations, I often recommend planning your session closer to 26 to 30 weeks, depending on how you feel and what your doctor recommends.
Your comfort and safety always come first. If you have questions about physical activity or timing during pregnancy, speak with your healthcare provider before your session.
What Should You Wear for Your Maternity Photos?
One of the biggest sources of stress for expecting mothers is deciding what to wear.
That is why I offer a carefully curated client wardrobe with beautiful options designed specifically for maternity photography. My wardrobe is the largest in the Mid-South and includes a variety of gowns and dresses to help create a beautiful, elevated look for your session.
You do not have to spend hours shopping for the perfect dress or wondering what photographs well.
I will help guide you through the process.
Your session can also include professional in-house hair and makeup. Simply let me know that you would like to add it to your session, and I will take care of scheduling it for you.
My goal is to make your Memphis maternity photography experience as easy and stress-free as possible.
Should Your Partner and Children Be Included?
Absolutely.
Maternity photos can include your partner, children, or the entire family. Including the people who are about to welcome your new baby can create some of the most meaningful images from your session.
Your maternity session can include a combination of individual portraits, images with your partner, and family photographs with your children.
I will guide everyone throughout the session, including little ones who may need a little extra patience and direction.
The result is a beautiful variety of images that celebrate both your pregnancy and your growing family.
Studio or Outdoor Maternity Photos?
The perfect setting depends on the look you love.
My studio offers a beautiful, controlled environment for timeless and elegant maternity portraits. Studio sessions also work well year-round and eliminate concerns about weather.
Outdoor maternity photography offers a different experience. Natural light, open fields, and beautiful landscapes can create a softer and more organic feel.
As your Memphis maternity photographer, I can help you decide which option best fits your vision and the style of images you want to create.
Looking for a Memphis Maternity Photographer?
If you are searching for a Memphis maternity photographer, I would love to help you capture this incredible season.
At Karen Waits Photography, I create luxury, fine-art maternity portraits that celebrate the beauty of pregnancy and the excitement of welcoming a new baby.
From access to the largest client wardrobes in the Mid-South to professional in-house hair and makeup, I take care of the details so you can focus on enjoying your experience.
Whether you envision a beautiful studio maternity session or an outdoor session surrounded by natural light, I will guide you every step of the way.
Karen Waits Photography serves expecting families throughout Memphis, Arlington, Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, Olive Branch, Hernando, and the surrounding Mid-South area.
Your pregnancy is a chapter you will never experience in exactly the same way again.
Relax, mama! I’ll take it from here🤍
