When Is the Best Time for a Maternity Photoshoot in London?
Hopefully you are expecting a baby and are now considering having a maternity photoshoot. Congratulations on your exciting news!
One of the first questions you may be asking is: when is the best time for a maternity photoshoot?
As a maternity photographer in London, this is one of the questions I am asked most often. The answer varies slightly from one pregnancy to another, but there is definitely a window that tends to work particularly well.
What Week of Pregnancy Is Best for Maternity Photos?
Every pregnancy is different. Some women develop a defined bump much earlier, while others may prefer to wait a little longer.
Every pregnancy is different. Some women develop a beautifully defined bump much earlier, while others don't really start to show until later. Height and body shape can make a difference too — taller women or those with a longer torso can sometimes carry their bump less prominently at first, while petite women may appear to show earlier. This is why I prefer to use 28–34 weeks as a guide rather than a strict rule.
The most important thing is that you feel happy with your pregnancy shape and comfortable enough to enjoy your photoshoot.
Why I Usually Recommend 28–34 Weeks
By this stage, you have been pregnant for quite a while and your baby bump will usually be beautifully rounded and clearly visible in photographs.
I also think a maternity photoshoot can be a lovely distraction during those final few months of pregnancy. It gives you something special to look forward to that is completely about celebrating you and this extraordinary stage of your life.
At around 28–34 weeks, most mums-to-be are also still comfortable enough to stand, move between poses and enjoy the session without feeling too tired.
My maternity sessions are fully guided, so you don't need to know how to pose or worry about what to do in front of the camera.
Can I Have Maternity Photos After 34 Weeks?
Absolutely.
I regularly photograph women after 34 weeks.
Many mums-to-be don't seriously start thinking about their maternity photographs until they begin maternity leave. By then, work has slowed down, there is a little more time to breathe, and suddenly the arrival of the baby feels very close.
If you are feeling well and comfortable, there is no reason why we cannot create beautiful pregnancy portraits later in your third trimester.
In fact, a fuller, beautifully rounded bump can look absolutely wonderful in photographs.
When Should You Have Maternity Photos When Expecting Twins?
If you are expecting twins, I generally recommend arranging your maternity photographs earlier.
A twin pregnancy will often show earlier and your bump may become considerably larger than with a single pregnancy. You may therefore find that you are more comfortable having your photoshoot during the second trimester or early third trimester.
For mums expecting twins, I would normally suggest considering maternity photographs at around 20–28 weeks, depending on how you are feeling and how your pregnancy is progressing.
Twin babies also frequently arrive earlier than a single baby, so leaving a little more time gives you the best chance of having your maternity photoshoot before they make their appearance.
What If I Have Left It Until the Last Minute?
Don't panic!
My current record holder is a mum expecting her second baby who booked her maternity photoshoot only a few days beforehand.
What she didn't tell me until afterwards was that she had actually been experiencing contractions during the session.
She gave birth the following day!
She knew it was going to be her final pregnancy and was determined to capture her pregnancy shape before the opportunity disappeared.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend cutting it quite that fine, but it does show that if you think you've left maternity photographs too late, it is always worth asking.
Planning Your London Maternity Photography Session
Because I specialise in maternity photography, sessions can often be organised surprisingly quickly.
You don't need weeks of preparation.
Many of the expectant mums I photograph don't have professional hair or make-up at all. If you would like to, of course you can arrange both, but it certainly isn't essential.
For clothing, you can keep things extremely simple.
Bring some favourite underwear or lingerie and I also have a client wardrobe for maternity photography, including simple timeless pieces, shirts, bodysuits and beautiful fabrics that photograph wonderfully.
Your session can include anything from relaxed clothed pregnancy portraits to elegant black-and-white images and fine-art nude or semi-nude maternity photography.
Partners and children are also very welcome to join you.
The most important thing is that the photographs still feel like you.
Ready to Book Your Maternity Photoshoot in London?
If you're expecting a baby and would like to arrange your maternity photography session, simply send me your due date and preferred session date below.
I usually recommend maternity photographs between 28–34 weeks, but every pregnancy is different. If your due date is approaching, please still get in touch — I may have a suitable session available at my private West London studio.
You can also explore my maternity photography in London and view my maternity photoshoot pricing before enquiring.