When it comes to capturing your pregnancy journey through photos, timing truly is important! As a Nashville maternity photographer, a question I get asked often is when to book maternity photos? I love capturing mamas when they are between 28-32 weeks pregnant. This timeframe offers the perfect balance — ensuring your bump is beautifully visible, but also while you still feel comfortable. In this blog post, I’ll share more on why I love this timeframe and share tips for planning a maternity session that captures photos you’ll treasure forever!
When To Book Maternity Photos
Ideal Time Frame
By the time you reach 28 to 32 weeks, your baby bump is usually very much the sweetest of baby bumps! Waiting until the third trimester typically ensures that your bump is ready to be the focus of your maternity session. It’s the perfect time to showcase your pregnancy glow and the miracle of life growing inside you. If it is your first pregnancy, some mamas show later so if you feel like your bump still isn’t quite bumpin’, we can definitely wait a week or two until it is. And if this isn’t your first pregnancy and you are more than ready to take your photos, we can move up our time together, too!
All About Comfort
One of the main reasons I recommend scheduling your maternity session between 28 and 32 weeks it is because it when most mamas are comfortable. There comes a point in your pregnancy where things that were once simple aren’t quite as simple anymore. Mamas who have been pregnant, you know what I mean — like trying to get off the couch or out of bed in the middle of the night to pee for the fourth time — we all get there and this is the stage I would love to avoid for you!
That end of second trimester/beginning of third trimester is when most mamas feel their best and have a good amount of energy so this is why I love this timeframe (again, we need the bump to be fully there as well)!
Waiting Is Stressful
Booking your maternity session earlier than later makes everything less stressful. Pregnancy is a busy time filled with all the preparations for your new little one, and tying to squeeze in a last minute maternity session isn’t ideal. So I always recommend reaching out sooner than later — for both your maternity and newborn sessions. By securing our time together early on, you can check one more thing off your to-do list which all mamas love to do! If you are interested, this blog post shares 5 Reasons To Book Your Maternity and Newborn Photos Together.
Styling Your Session
One of the benefits of working with me as your photographer is that you have access to my client wardrobe that is full of dresses perfect for maternity sessions. You won’t have to go out and buy a dress that you most likely will never wear again! Along with providing you with a dress, I offer full family styling and wardrobe for you other littles as well.
High Risk Or Multiples
If you have a high-risk pregnancy or are expecting multiples, I highly recommend scheduling your maternity session closer to 30 weeks. Even a small belly is better than missing out on these precious photos, and it’s just not worth the risk of waiting. Since I don’t take on a lot of sessions each month, my schedule is flexible enough to reschedule if we need to move your session sooner!
See More of this stunning maternity session by Nashville Maternity Photographer Courtney Houk
When To Book Maternity Photos
Booking your maternity photos between 28 and 32 weeks is the perfect way to capture the beauty and joy of your pregnancy. During this time, your bump is beautifully visible, and you’re likely to feel comfortable and energetic. A maternity session is not just about taking photos — it’s about celebrating your journey and creating lasting memories.
By choosing me as your photographer, you can enjoy a stress-free and enjoyable experience from start to finish. From the initial planning stages to the final delivery of your images, every detail is taken care of, allowing you to focus on the excitement and anticipation of welcoming your new little one!
So, if you’re expecting, don’t hesitate to book your maternity session. Embrace this special time and create beautiful, timeless images that you and your family will treasure forever. After all, these moments are fleeting, and capturing them is a gift to your future self and your growing family.
This blog post I wrote is all about Making The Most of Your Nashville Maternity Session and would be a great read after this one!
Follow along my Instagram (@courtneyhoukphotography) to see the types of photos you can invest in for your family!
Courtney Houk Photography is a lifestyle Nashville family photographer serving Nashville and Franklin, TN and surrounding areas. Her work is for families who want joyful, connection-filled photographs that feel like their family. Through photography, family films, and meaningful artwork, Courtney helps families honestly remember the season they’re in. If you’re thinking “this is exactly what I’m looking for”, let’s chat!
