Best Time of Day to do your Maternity Session

Arizona gives us some absolutely gorgeous light for maternity photography—but it also gives us heat, bright sun and approximately three months where walking outside feels a little like opening the oven door.

So when you're planning an outdoor maternity session in Buckeye or the West Valley, the time of day matters.

A lot.

Why I Love Golden Hour for Maternity Photos

For outdoor maternity sessions, one of my favorite times to photograph is during golden hour, the period leading up to sunset.

The sun is lower in the sky, the light becomes softer and everything starts taking on that warm Arizona glow.

It's especially beautiful for maternity photography because softer light is flattering and gives us that warm, romantic feeling that works so beautifully with a growing baby bump.

And let's be honest—Arizona knows how to put on a sunset.

Why We Usually Don't Photograph in the Middle of the Day

That gorgeous Arizona sunshine can actually be pretty harsh when the sun is directly overhead.

Midday light can create strong shadows under the eyes and nose, make everyone squint and give us fewer options for where and how we photograph.

It's also simply hotter.

When you're well into your third trimester, standing outside in the Arizona sun at 2:00 in the afternoon probably isn't how you envisioned celebrating your pregnancy.

Whenever possible, we'll work with the Arizona sun instead of fighting it.

Summer Maternity Sessions Need a Little Extra Planning

If your maternity session falls during the Arizona summer, we'll take the temperature seriously.

Beautiful pictures are important.

So is keeping Mom comfortable and safe.

That might mean photographing very close to sunset, choosing a location where we aren't walking long distances, taking breaks when needed or considering an indoor option when the heat is simply too much.

You never need to prove anything by pushing through an uncomfortable session.

What About Morning Maternity Sessions?

Morning can also be a wonderful option.

Depending on the location and season, early morning gives us cooler temperatures and softer light before the Arizona sun becomes intense.

If you're naturally more comfortable in the morning—or your pregnancy energy disappears by late afternoon—tell me.

There is no rule saying maternity photos have to happen at sunset.

The best session time is a combination of beautiful light and a comfortable mom.

What If My Partner or Children Are Joining Me?

Then we also need to think about them.

For families with toddlers or younger children, the technically “perfect” photography time isn't always the perfect family time.

If your three-year-old normally turns into a tiny exhausted tornado at 7:00 p.m., scheduling the entire family around a late summer sunset might not give us the experience we want.

Sometimes we adjust.

I would much rather photograph a happy child in slightly different light than spend the entire session trying to convince an exhausted toddler that family pictures are fun.

Arizona's Seasons Change Our Session Times

A winter maternity session may start much earlier in the afternoon because the sun sets earlier.

A summer session will usually happen later.

Spring and fall give us their own timing and weather considerations.

That's why I don't recommend choosing an exact maternity session time months in advance based only on what another photographer or blog says.

We'll look at your date, your location, sunset time, weather and family and choose accordingly.

The Goal Isn't Just Pretty Light

Yes, I want beautiful light.

But I also want you to remember your maternity session as something you actually enjoyed.

You should be able to move comfortably, breathe, laugh, take a break when you need one and enjoy this little pause before life changes again.

Because the best maternity photographs aren't created simply because we found the perfect sunset.

They're created when beautiful light meets a mom who feels comfortable enough to just be herself.

Next: Studio or Outdoor?

Now that you know when we might photograph your maternity session, the next question is where.

Do you want the warm Arizona landscape and sunset behind you?

Or would you rather have a more controlled indoor maternity experience?

Both can be beautiful—and they're very different.

Next: Studio vs. Outdoor Maternity Photos: Which Is Right for You?

TAQ Photography offers maternity, newborn and family photography for families throughout Buckeye, Verrado, Goodyear and Arizona's West Valley.