When To Schedule Your Maternity Photos
If you are newly pregnant, planning your maternity photos is such an exciting part of the journey to welcoming your little one. It was one of the first things I scheduled when I found out I was expecting twins!
At Livejoy Photography in Salem, Oregon, we help capture those special, fleeting moments before your family grows, and celebrate the incredible accomplishment that pregnancy is! Every mama knows that pregnancy is hard, and beautiful at the same time. It is also worth celebrating and remembering.
A common question from our clients is, “When should I schedule my maternity photo session?” Here’s everything you need to know to ensure you get the best timing for your maternity portraits.
The Ideal Time for Maternity Photos
Generally, maternity photos are best captured between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. Here’s why this range is ideal:
Comfort and Mobility: Around 28-34 weeks, most expecting mothers are still comfortable moving and posing, and the baby bump is beautifully round and prominent without causing too much discomfort. Also, sometimes babies come early and it is important to get your session in before baby comes.
Safety First: As you approach the final weeks of pregnancy, it’s common to experience more fatigue and discomfort. Capturing your maternity photos a bit earlier ensures you’re able to enjoy the session without any added strain. It is also common to swell up toward the end of pregnancy, and you won’t feel your best.
Perfect Belly Shape: By 28-34 weeks, the baby bump has a lovely, well-defined shape—perfect for those glowing maternity photos that focus on the miracle of new life. For multiple pregnancies, I always recommend around 30 weeks along, as twins and triplets generally come early.
Beautiful Mama and Dad at their Maternity Photoshoot before welcoming their baby boy!
Book Your Maternity Photographer Early
If you’re in the Salem or Portland area, it’s best to book your maternity session three months in advance. At Livejoy Photography, we take a limited number of clients each month to ensure a personalized, relaxed experience for each family. This advanced booking guarantees you’ll secure your ideal timing during your second or early third trimester. I offer both on location or in Studio Maternity Photoshoots, depending on time of year, and preference.
Ready to welcome her baby girl! This family also did a gender reveal for their older kids during their session! How fun is that?
Why Consider a Maternity Photo Session?
Maternity photography allows you to embrace and capture the beauty of pregnancy. It’s a wonderful way to document this moment in your family’s story, providing beautiful keepsakes for you and your little one to cherish. Let’s be honest. Getting Maternity Photos done is something that you might have to really talk yourself into. I sure did, and I’m a photographer! When I was pregnant with my twins, the last thing I wanted to do was get out of my pjs, do my hair and makeup, and get all dressed up. I was exhausted and I think a lot of moms can relate with that. I promise to make your experience lovely and easy, and you will say “I am so glad I did that”
This Family is welcoming a baby boy, after having twin identical girls! Here they are with their hands on mama’s belly. This is one of my favorite images to get!
Tips for Planning Your Maternity Session
Choose a Scenic Location: Salem, Oregon, offers beautiful locations for outdoor maternity sessions. We have beautiful parks, and I have a few secret locations too :) Or, for a cozy, intimate feel, you might opt for an in-studio session. I typically choose the best location for us, but am open to ideas!
Coordinate Outfits in Advance: Pick outfits that highlight your belly and make you feel radiant. Consider flowy dresses, cozy knits, or classic attire in soft tones.
Involve Family Members: Many parents choose to include their partner or children in maternity photos, creating a loving family memory.
This is from a Studio Lifestyle Maternity Photoshoot . Love the intimacy in these pictures!
What to Wear at your Maternity Photoshoot
I always recommend a flowy dress with movement and comfortability. Neutral tones, or muted Jewel tones, Fall colors are beautiful. You may also bring more than one outfit, but keep in mind that some of the location do not have areas to change, so you may need to change behind a blanket or in your car.
If you wear a fitted dress, try to avoid a fabric with reflection or shininess to it as it can accentuate areas you may not think about. A matte/cotton/textured fabric photographs best for fitted. Also consider going without underwear if possible to avoid any lines.
Shape wear is great: but you’ll want it long enough so the seams don’t show on the thighs. (recommend shape wear that goes to the knee area)
Take a mirror and look at your dress from all angles, and make sure that it looks how you want and seams and bras are hidden.
If it’s a sheer dress, just make sure there’s an under layer, or just keep in mind that the sun will be behind you during your session and there may be some see-through.
Go outside in your dress and have someone snap some pictures of you with your phone. This will help you get a visual! Outdoor lighting is much different than indoor bathroom lighting.
Gorgeous mama really looks incredible in this fitted hot pink dress!
Ready to Book Your Maternity Session?
If you’re approaching your third trimester, now’s the perfect time to schedule your maternity photoshoot.
Reach out to Livejoy Photography in Salem, Oregon to reserve your spot and capture this special time with elegance and care. Let us help you create beautiful, lasting memories of your pregnancy journey!
