When to Schedule Your Maternity Session
The honest version, from someone who's done this hundreds of times. The right window depends on your body, your due date, and what you want the images to look like. Here's how to think about it.
"When should I schedule my maternity session?"
It's the second most common question I get from clients, right behind "what should I wear." And like the wardrobe question, the standard advice you'll find online is generic, oversimplified, and often wrong.
Most articles tell you to book between 28 and 32 weeks and call it a day. That works for a lot of pregnancies. But here's the thing nobody tells you: you can't really have too big of a bump for photos. You can have too small.
The pregnant belly has a specific shape, an exquisite roundness and fullness that doesn't really exist anywhere else in the human form. Bigger bumps mean more pronounced curves, more drama, more unmistakable pregnancy in the frame. Smaller bumps can still photograph beautifully, but they read curvy and cute rather than powerful and full.
That principle drives most of my timing recommendations. When in doubt, lean later. And if you're a last-minute planner, don't count yourself out. My current record for a session booked late in pregnancy is 17 hours before delivery. We made it work. The images were stunning.
The Short Answer:
30-34 Weeks.
Schedule at by 24 weeks to get your preferred date, time, and session type.
The Long Answer
For a typical singleton pregnancy with a stable due date, the most common window is 30 to 36 weeks, with a sweet spot for many mothers around 32 to 34.
Before 28 weeks,
the bump often reads more like a food baby than an unmistakably pregnant body. You can still get beautiful images at 26 weeks, especially with the right wardrobe and direction, but the visual difference between 26 and 32 is significant. If you have a choice, lean later.
At 30 to 36 weeks,
the bump is round, full, and defined. You look unmistakably pregnant. Most mothers still have energy, comfort, and mobility. This is where the highest concentration of my sessions happens.
After 36 weeks,
you're closer to delivery, but the bump is at its visual peak. Round, full, dramatic. The images at this stage have a different energy than mid-third-trimester sessions. If you're feeling good and your body is cooperating, this window can produce some of the most striking work.
When to Shoot Earlier
You're carrying twins or multiples
Twin and multiple pregnancies show earlier and faster. By 26 to 28 weeks, you'll have the kind of defined bump a singleton mother has at 32 weeks. Twin mamas should plan to shoot 4 to 6 weeks earlier than singleton mothers.
Twin pregnancies also have a higher rate of early delivery. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that the average twin pregnancy delivers around 36 weeks. Booking at 26 to 28 weeks gives you a buffer.
These two beautiful moms both carried twins and did their maternity photos at 34 weeks!
Your due date is unstable
Some pregnancies have due dates that shift during the second and third trimester due to growth scans, medical reassessment, or ultrasound corrections. For unstable due dates, lean toward 28 to 30 weeks instead of 32 to 34.
You have a history of early delivery
Mothers who've delivered early in previous pregnancies are at higher risk of doing it again. If your first child arrived at 36 weeks, plan your session 4 weeks earlier than the standard window.
You're at high risk for preterm delivery
If your provider has flagged risk factors, don't wait for the standard window. Shoot when your provider clears you to be active for an hour or two.
You're aiming for a specific outdoor window
If you want to plan your photos around a season rather than your due date, some moms shoot just before the third trimester to maximize Colorado’s natural beauty during the fall. Or hedge their bets by doing an outdoor session when there’s snow in the forecast. We will plan accordingly! Mamas often choose to do two sessions with this strategy: outdoor to capture the season they want, studio to capture the bump size they want.
You're shooting at high altitude or doing a destination trip
Travel and altitude get harder later in pregnancy. If you're flying to Colorado, doing a Sand Dunes session, or planning a high-altitude shoot, lean toward earlier.
You've had a difficult pregnancy
If you finally hit a stretch where you feel okay, take that window when you have it. Visual peak is less important than emotional readiness.
Savannah did an outdoor session at 28 weeks so she could catch the fall color, but wanted studio photos when she was full term at 34 weeks pregnant.
When to Shoot Later
You're a pregnant athlete
Most of my athletic session work has been shot between 32 and 38 weeks specifically for visual impact. The bigger, fuller belly against the body still doing the sport is the entire visual point of the series.
If your athletic identity is part of why you're booking, lean later, not earlier.
Natalie was 35 weeks when she did her pregnant diving shoot!
You're carrying a singleton and feel great
If you're 34+ weeks and still energetic, comfortable, and not in any distress, there's no reason to rush. I've shot beautiful sessions at 38 and even 40 weeks. The bump at that stage is dramatic. The images can be stunning.
You delivered late in previous pregnancies
If your first kid arrived at 41 weeks, your second is statistically likely to do the same. Mothers with late-delivery histories have more flexibility on the back end of the window.
You want a Bump-to-Baby pair shoot
Some clients book maternity sessions in late pregnancy with the intent of doing a newborn session immediately after delivery. Late maternity sessions (36-38 weeks) work well for this because they're emotionally close to the newborn session.
You're a last-minute planner
I work with last-minute mothers up to 41 weeks. Some of my favorite sessions have been booked within days of delivery. My current record is 17 hours before birth. We pulled it off. The images were spectacular.
If you're in your third trimester, didn't think you wanted a session, and now suddenly do, reach out. Don't count yourself out.
I worked with Estefania all the way up till 37 weeks for this stunning studio session.
Secondary Timing Considerations
Season
Colorado seasons transform what your outdoor images look like. If you’re due in the following seasons, I’ll tell you when is best to schedule your maternity session.
Spring babies (March, April, May).
You'll be in peak photo window during winter or early spring. Studio sessions dominate.
Summer babies (June, July, August).
You'll be in peak window during late winter or early spring. Studio sessions work year-round.
Fall babies (September, October, November).
You'll be in peak window during summer. The aspens turn gold mid-September through early October.
Winter babies (December, January, February).
You'll be in peak window during fall. October sessions are some of my favorite of the year.
Time of day
Most outdoor sessions happen at golden hour, the hour before sunset. The light is the most flattering. In June, golden hour is around 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. In December, it's 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Plan around your energy levels at those times of day.
Studio sessions can happen any time of day. Most happen between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Golden hour maternity sessions in Colorado are something special. The quality of light is unlike anywhere on earth.
Day of week
Weekend sessions (Saturday and Sunday) are reserved for Signature Collection and Goddess Experience clients due to demand. Glow Sessions are weekday-only, which makes scheduling more flexible during the workweek.
Hair and makeup timing
If your package includes hair and makeup, build in 60 to 90 minutes before your session for the MUA. For Goddess clients, that means arriving at the studio about 90 minutes before your shoot start time.
For outdoor sessions, hair and makeup will take place in the convince of your home. My stylist will coordinate with you so you have plenty of time to get styled and time to drive to our outdoor location.
Trying to figure out when to book?
Send me a note with your due date, pregnancy type (singleton, twins, IVF), and any history that might affect timing. I'll respond within a few hours with a recommended window and availability.
The simple version:
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Peak season (May–October):
Book 6 to 8 weeks before your target session date.
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Off-season (November–April):
Book 3 to 4 weeks ahead.
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Out-of-state clients:
Add 2 to 4 weeks for travel coordination. Inquire 2 to 3 months out.
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Goddess Experience and double-session bundles:
Book 8 to 10 weeks ahead during peak season. These have priority scheduling but are also the most popular packages.
Why timing matters more than people think.
Saturday and Sunday slots fill first. Golden hour outdoor sessions fill faster. Specific weekend dates around holidays book months in advance.
Translation: if you want a specific Saturday in October, inquire by mid-August at the latest. Earlier is better.
Last-minute bookings are possible. I've already mentioned my 17-hour record. But the easier, lower-stress version of this experience is booking 6 to 8 weeks ahead, planning thoughtfully, and arriving at the studio without scramble.
Yes, 38 weeks still looks good →
Specific Pregnancy Types and Timing
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Singleton, low-risk, stable due date.
Standard 30 to 36 week window. Book 6 to 8 weeks ahead.
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Twins or multiples.
Shoot at 26 to 30 weeks. Book early (8 to 10 weeks ahead).
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IVF pregnancies.
IVF pregnancies typically have very stable due dates because the conception date is known. This means you can plan with more confidence than a standard pregnancy.
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Surrogacy.
Surrogacy timing varies widely based on contractual arrangement, intended parent involvement, and individual circumstances.
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High-risk pregnancies.
Talk to your provider about activity tolerance. Visual peak is secondary to medical safety.
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Plus-size pregnancies.
Same standard window. The bump shape and fullness are what we're photographing, regardless of body type.
Questions Clients Ask About Timing
Is 36 weeks too late?
1
No. Some of my favorite work happens at 36 weeks and beyond. The only consideration is delivery timing. If your body has a history of early delivery or you're carrying multiples, we'd lean earlier. Otherwise, late sessions are completely viable and the bump is at its most dramatic.
Is 38 weeks too late?
2
Still no, for most singleton pregnancies. Plenty of mothers shoot at 38, 39, or even 40 weeks. The trade-off is the risk that delivery comes early and we have to convert to a newborn session.
Can I shoot before 24 weeks?
3
You can, but most clients regret it. The bump usually doesn't read as obviously pregnant before 24 weeks. You can’t have too big of a bump for maternity photos, but you can have too small or one.
What if I haven't decided whether to do a session yet?
4
Inquire anyway. Most of my clients are uncertain at the inquiry stage. The conversation itself helps clarify what you want, and you can hold a date with a flat deposit while you decide.
What if I deliver before my session?
5
This happens occasionally. We have two options: convert your maternity deposit into a newborn session credit ($800 newborn sessions, available with any package), or refund the deposit if newborn isn't right for you.
Can my partner and kids be there for the whole session?
6
A lot of my mothers have partners and kids come for only part of the session, so they're not stuck waiting around the studio for 90 minutes (especially with toddlers in tow). The most common pattern: mom shoots solo for the first portion, partner and kids join for the second half. We coordinate timing during planning so nobody is bored or restless.
Can I book multiple sessions across my pregnancy?
7
Yes. The double-session bundle ($1,348 total via two Glow Sessions) is the most cost-effective way to do this. I’ve had moms book three separate shoots just to document their changing body. No one has ever looked back on their pregnancy and said “I wish I took fewer photos.”
What Not To Do.
Waiting until you "feel ready."
Most clients don't feel ready until after their session. Book the session and trust the process.
Booking too late and rushing.
Sessions feel different when you're scrambling. Book early, plan over weeks, and arrive calm.
Letting partner schedules drive timing.
If their work schedule is forcing you into a bad timing window for your body, prioritize your body.
Forgetting about hair and makeup ramp-up.
If you're doing your own hair and makeup, the night before a session matters.
Trying to lose pregnancy weight before the session.
Don't. Pregnancy weight is the subject of the photos. The images you'll love most are the ones where you stopped fighting your body and let it be photographed as it actually is, full and round and exactly as it should be.
Pregnancy is brief. The window for these images is small.
If you're trying to figure out when to book, send me a note. Tell me your due date, your pregnancy type, and any history that might affect timing.
