"When should I book my maternity photos?" It sounds like a simple question, but in over 14 years of photographing expecting mothers across Hampton Roads, I can tell you it is one of the most important decisions you will make about your maternity session. Book too early and there is no bump to show. Wait too long and you are uncomfortable, exhausted, and racing against the clock. The difference between a good maternity photo and a breathtaking one often comes down to timing.
I have worked with moms at every stage of pregnancy -- from the barely-showing 10-week announcement shoot to the 38-week "I almost didn't make it" session. Each trimester offers something unique, and each comes with its own set of challenges. This guide walks you through every stage so you can make the best decision for your body, your schedule, and your vision.
If you have already read my general guide on the best time for maternity photos, think of this post as the deep dive. That guide covers timing broadly -- time of day, season, and general recommendations. This post goes week by week, trimester by trimester, so you know exactly what to expect at every stage of your pregnancy when it comes to photography.
First Trimester Maternity Photos (Weeks 1-12)
Let me be straightforward: the first trimester is not the traditional window for maternity photos, and there is a good reason for that. At this stage, your bump is either nonexistent or just barely beginning to show. For most women, the physical changes of pregnancy are happening internally -- and the external signs are more about fatigue and nausea than a beautiful round belly.
That said, first trimester sessions have their place. Here is when they make sense:
Pros of First Trimester Photos
- Pregnancy announcement photos: If you want to share your news with a stunning professional image rather than a phone photo of a positive test, a first trimester session delivers exactly that. Couples portraits with subtle props -- a pair of baby shoes, an ultrasound image, a "coming soon" sign -- can be incredibly powerful even without a visible bump.
- "Before the bump" documentation: Some moms want to capture the very beginning of the journey. There is something intimate about photos taken when the secret is still new and the anticipation is building.
- Starting a bump progression series: If you plan to document your pregnancy across all three trimesters, the first trimester is your starting point. These early images gain meaning when viewed alongside the later sessions.
- You still fit in all your favorite outfits: Some women want portraits in their regular wardrobe before their body changes, creating a "before and after" narrative.
Cons of First Trimester Photos
- No visible bump: The signature element of maternity photography -- that beautiful round belly -- simply is not there yet. Without the bump, the photos read more as portrait photography than maternity photography.
- Morning sickness and fatigue: The first trimester is notorious for nausea, exhaustion, and general discomfort. Spending 1-3 hours in a photo session while fighting the urge to vomit is nobody's idea of a good time. I have had clients who booked early and then needed to reschedule because they simply were not feeling well enough.
- Higher-risk period: Many couples prefer to wait until after the first trimester to share their news or invest in pregnancy-related experiences. The risk of complications is statistically higher in the first 12 weeks, and some families prefer to wait before committing to a maternity session.
- Skin and hair changes: Hormonal fluctuations in the first trimester can cause breakouts, dull skin, and hair texture changes. While I handle retouching in post-production, you will feel more confident during your session if your skin is cooperating -- and for many women, that happens later in pregnancy.
My verdict on first trimester sessions: I recommend them only if you are planning a multi-session bump progression series or need announcement photos. For your primary maternity session -- the one that produces the signature portraits for your wall -- wait.
Second Trimester Maternity Photos (Weeks 13-27): The Goldilocks Zone
If pregnancy had a greatest-hits album, the second trimester would be every track on it. This is the sweet spot, and here is why I call it the Goldilocks zone -- not too early, not too late, but just right.
Why the Second Trimester Works So Well
For most women, the second trimester is when you genuinely start to feel good. The morning sickness has faded (or at least eased up). Your energy levels are back. The pregnancy glow people talk about? It usually kicks in around week 14-16, when increased blood volume gives your skin that luminous quality. Your hair is thicker and shinier thanks to hormonal changes that slow hair shedding. And most importantly, your bump is starting to show.
By weeks 20-24, the bump is typically visible enough to be unmistakable in photos, but you are still comfortable enough to move freely, hold poses, and enjoy the experience without physical strain. You can still get down on the floor, recline comfortably, stand for extended periods, and move between locations without needing frequent breaks.
The Ideal Booking Window: Weeks 24-27
While the entire second trimester is favorable, the tail end -- weeks 24 through 27 -- is where I see the best results. At this point:
- The bump is round, defined, and photographs beautifully
- You have not yet entered the phase of significant swelling or water retention
- Energy levels are still relatively high
- You can still comfortably wear flowing gowns and maternity robes without feeling restricted
- There is minimal risk of early delivery disrupting your session plans
However -- and this is important -- I am talking about when to have the session, not when to book it. More on that distinction below.
Third Trimester Maternity Photos (Weeks 28-40)
The third trimester is where the magic and the challenge collide. This is when your bump reaches its most dramatic, photogenic peak -- and it is also when your body starts reminding you that growing a human being is serious work.
Pros of Third Trimester Photos
- The full, dramatic bump: There is no mistaking a third trimester belly. The bump is round, prominent, and absolutely stunning in photographs. When draped in flowing fabric or silhouetted against studio lighting, a full third trimester bump creates images with incredible visual impact. This is what most people picture when they imagine maternity photography.
- Emotional depth: By the third trimester, the reality of your baby's arrival is imminent. That emotional weight -- the anticipation, the nervousness, the overwhelming love -- shows in your eyes and your body language. Third trimester portraits often carry a deeper emotional resonance than earlier sessions.
- The "golden window" of weeks 28-34: This is what I recommend to virtually every client. Your bump is full and beautiful, but you have not yet reached the point of significant discomfort. Weeks 30-32 are particularly ideal -- the bump is dramatic, your energy is still manageable, and you are far enough from your due date to avoid the stress of "what if baby comes early."
- Clothing and fabric drape beautifully: Maternity gowns, tulle robes, and flowing fabrics look their absolute best when there is a full bump creating shape and structure underneath. The silhouettes at this stage are simply more striking.
Cons of Third Trimester Photos
- Physical discomfort after week 34: Back pain, pelvic pressure, Braxton Hicks contractions, and general heaviness can make a photo session challenging. I always build in plenty of breaks, but the later you go, the harder it is to hold poses comfortably.
- Swelling and water retention: Edema in the feet, ankles, hands, and face is common in the late third trimester. While some swelling is completely normal and does not affect the beauty of your photos, significant puffiness can make some women feel self-conscious.
- Risk of early delivery: About 10-12% of babies are born before 37 weeks. If you schedule your session for 36 or 37 weeks, there is a real chance your baby may have other plans. I have had clients go into labor the day before their scheduled session. Booking earlier in the third trimester eliminates this concern.
- Harder to pose: Certain poses that work beautifully at 28 weeks become difficult or impossible at 38 weeks. Lying on your back, reclining at certain angles, and standing for extended periods all become more challenging as you approach your due date.
- Fatigue and breathlessness: The combination of carrying extra weight, reduced lung capacity (as baby pushes against your diaphragm), and general third trimester tiredness means you may need more breaks and a shorter overall session.
My Recommendation: The 28-34 Week Sweet Spot
After photographing hundreds of expecting mothers across Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, and Williamsburg, my professional recommendation is consistent: schedule your maternity session for weeks 28-34, ideally around the 7-month mark (weeks 30-32).
Here is why this window works so well:
- Your bump is full and photogenic without being so large that it causes significant discomfort
- You still have enough energy and mobility to enjoy the session
- Swelling is typically minimal compared to weeks 36+
- You are far enough from your due date that early labor is unlikely to interfere
- You have time to receive your edited images before baby arrives
But here is the critical part: reach out at 4-5 months pregnant (weeks 16-20) to book your session. This gives you time to secure your preferred date, take advantage of our flexible payment plan (just a $100 retainer to hold your spot), and plan wardrobe, location, and creative direction without any rush. The best dates -- particularly golden hour sunset slots and weekend availability -- fill up weeks in advance, especially during Hampton Roads' peak seasons.
What About Multiple Sessions? The Bump Progression Series
One of the most rewarding approaches I offer is the bump progression series -- multiple sessions across your pregnancy that document the full arc of your journey. Rather than choosing one trimester, you capture them all.
A typical bump progression timeline looks like this:
- Session 1 (weeks 14-16): Early bump or pre-bump portraits. Same outfit, same pose, same lighting -- establishing the baseline.
- Session 2 (weeks 24-26): The mid-pregnancy session. The bump is clearly visible and growing. Same setup for comparison, plus some creative variety.
- Session 3 (weeks 30-32): The full signature session. This is the main event -- the dramatic bump, the flowing gowns, the composite artwork, the complete 3-hour experience.
The result is a visual story that shows your body's incredible transformation from early pregnancy to nearly full term. When displayed side by side -- same outfit, same angle, same lighting -- the progression images are absolutely breathtaking. Many of my clients frame them as a triptych for the nursery wall.
If a bump progression series interests you, reach out early in your second trimester so we can plan the full timeline together.
Hampton Roads Seasonal Considerations
Timing your maternity session is not just about which trimester you are in -- it is also about what the weather and light are doing in Hampton Roads when your ideal session window falls. Here is how the seasons play into your planning:
Beach and Outdoor Sessions: Best April Through October
If you are dreaming of a beach maternity session at Virginia Beach, a golden hour shoot at First Landing State Park, or an outdoor portrait at Norfolk Botanical Garden, the warmer months offer the best conditions. Spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) are particularly ideal -- comfortable temperatures, beautiful light, and fewer crowds.
Summer sessions (June-August) are gorgeous for golden hour beach shoots, but Hampton Roads heat and humidity can be intense. If your 28-34 week window falls in mid-summer, I recommend an early morning or sunset session and plenty of hydration breaks.
Studio Sessions: Available Year-Round
Our climate-controlled studio in Suffolk eliminates weather as a factor entirely. If your ideal maternity window lands in November through March -- or if a summer due date means your 30-week mark falls during the hottest part of the year -- a studio session delivers equally stunning results in complete comfort. No heat, no cold, no wind, no rain. Just beautiful light, flowing fabrics, and privacy.
Planning Around Your Due Date
Here is a quick reference. Find your due date season and work backward:
- Spring due date (March-May): Your 30-week window falls in winter (December-February). A studio session is your best bet for comfort and weather reliability.
- Summer due date (June-August): Your 30-week window falls in spring (March-May). Perfect for either outdoor or studio -- this is one of the most versatile windows in Hampton Roads.
- Fall due date (September-November): Your 30-week window falls in summer (June-August). Beach sessions are beautiful but plan for heat. Early morning or sunset timing is key.
- Winter due date (December-February): Your 30-week window falls in fall (September-November). Gorgeous natural light and comfortable temperatures make this ideal for outdoor sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maternity Photo Timing
What is the best trimester for maternity photos?
The late second trimester to early third trimester -- specifically weeks 28-34 -- is the ideal window. At this stage, your bump is beautifully round and visible, you still have good energy and mobility, and swelling has not yet become significant. This sweet spot gives the best combination of a dramatic bump and physical comfort.
Can I take maternity photos in my first trimester?
Yes, though first trimester maternity photos serve a different purpose. Since the bump is not yet visible at weeks 1-12, these sessions work best as announcement photos, intimate couple portraits celebrating the news, or the first installment of a bump progression series. Keep in mind that morning sickness and fatigue may affect your comfort level during a first trimester session.
Is 36 weeks too late for maternity photos?
36 weeks is not too late, but it does come with added challenges. Physical discomfort, swelling, and the risk of early delivery all increase at that stage. Some poses become more difficult, and you may tire more quickly. If you are past 34 weeks and have not yet booked, it is absolutely still worth doing -- but I recommend a studio session for maximum comfort and scheduling the shoot as soon as possible.
How far in advance should I book my maternity photographer?
Ideally, reach out to your maternity photographer at 4-5 months pregnant (around 16-20 weeks) and schedule the session for when you will be 7-8 months along (28-34 weeks). Booking early secures your preferred date, gives you time to take advantage of payment plans, and allows for proper planning of wardrobe, location, and creative direction.
Can I do maternity photo sessions in multiple trimesters?
Absolutely. A bump progression series across two or three trimesters is a beautiful way to document your entire pregnancy journey. Many of my clients book a brief early session around 14-16 weeks, a second around 24 weeks, and the full signature session at 30-32 weeks. The final set of progression images tells a powerful visual story of your baby's growth and makes a stunning display piece for your nursery.
Ready to Book Your Maternity Session at the Perfect Time?
Timing matters, but here is the most important thing I want you to take away from this guide: the "perfect" time is whenever you feel ready. Whether you are at 20 weeks or 36 weeks, I will work with you to create beautiful, meaningful portraits that celebrate this chapter of your life. I have produced some of my most powerful images at unexpected stages of pregnancy -- because what matters most is the connection between a mother and her growing baby, not a specific number on the calendar.
That said, if you are reading this early in your pregnancy, you have the luxury of planning. Reach out now, lock in your preferred date with a $100 retainer, and let's design the perfect session for when your bump is at its most beautiful.
Explore our maternity photography services to see what we offer, or check out our guides on what to wear to your maternity session and the best time of day and season for maternity photos for even more planning help.
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Last updated: February 2026