Scheduling - When to Schedule your Maternity Photos

Pregnancy has a funny way of feeling incredibly long and unbelievably fast at the exact same time. One minute you're staring at a positive pregnancy test, and the next you're wondering how you're already shopping for tiny clothes and trying to remember whether you actually packed everything in the hospital bag.

Somewhere in the middle of all of that is one of my favorite stages to photograph: the baby bump.

One of the questions expecting moms ask me most often is, “When should I schedule my maternity photos?”

The short answer? For most moms, I recommend planning your maternity session for somewhere around 28–34 weeks of pregnancy.

But there is a little more to it than simply choosing a week on the calendar.

Why 28–34 Weeks Is Usually the Sweet Spot

Around this point in pregnancy, your belly typically has that beautiful, unmistakable round shape that photographs so well, but you're hopefully still comfortable enough to move around, change positions and enjoy your session.

Waiting until the very end of pregnancy can sometimes make things more difficult. You may be dealing with more swelling, fatigue and general discomfort—and, of course, babies occasionally have their own plans about when they're going to arrive.

The goal isn't to photograph you when your belly is as big as humanly possible.

The goal is to photograph this season while you still feel comfortable enough to enjoy it.

Every Pregnancy Is Different

There isn't one magical week that works for every mom.

If you're expecting multiples, have a history of delivering early or your doctor expects your baby may arrive ahead of your due date, scheduling earlier may make more sense.

If this is your first pregnancy and everything is progressing normally, you may feel fantastic well into your third trimester.

That's why I don't believe maternity photography should feel like another rigid pregnancy rule.

We'll choose a timeframe that works for you, your pregnancy and the kind of session you're envisioning.

When Should You Actually BOOK the Session?

This is different from when we actually photograph it.

Ideally, reach out sometime during your second trimester.

Booking earlier gives us more flexibility with dates, especially if you want an outdoor maternity session during Arizona's more comfortable months or need a particular weekend because your partner or children will be joining you.

It also gives you plenty of time to think about clothing, location and the overall feel you'd like for your photographs.

You don't need to have everything figured out before contacting me.

That's part of what I'm here for.

What If I Already Waited?

Then please don't panic.

Seriously.

If you're 34, 35 or even 36 weeks pregnant and suddenly realize, “I really want maternity pictures,” reach out.

If I have an opening and you're feeling good, we may absolutely still be able to make it happen.

I'd much rather you ask than assume you've missed your chance.

Maternity Photography in Buckeye, Arizona

Being pregnant in Arizona comes with its own set of considerations—especially when your third trimester lands right in the middle of summer.

If you're expecting during our hotter months, we can plan around the heat instead of asking a very pregnant woman to stand outside in 110-degree weather pretending she's having a wonderful time.

Because let's be serious. Nobody needs that. 😂

Depending on the season, we can consider an indoor/studio maternity session or carefully choose an outdoor time and location that gives us beautiful light without making you miserable.

Don't Wait Until Your Baby Is Almost Here to Think About Newborn Photos

Your maternity session is also a great time to start planning newborn photography.

Newborn sessions are usually booked before baby arrives, using your due date as a placeholder. Once your little one makes their grand entrance, we finalize the actual session date.

That means your maternity session and newborn session can become two parts of the same story:

Waiting for you.

And then…

Finally meeting you.

Those photographs become even more meaningful when you see them together.

Your Next Step

Once you know approximately when you'd like your maternity photographs taken, the next question is usually:

What exactly happens during a maternity session?

That's what we'll talk about next.

Next: What to Expect at Your Maternity Photography Session

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