When Is the Best Time to Book a Maternity Photoshoot?

If you’re pregnant and thinking about having maternity photographs, one of the first questions you’ll probably have is:

“When should I actually book my maternity photoshoot?”

And honestly, I get asked this a lot.

There’s already so much to think about when you’re expecting a baby. Appointments, shopping, nursery, hospital bags… and suddenly someone is telling you that you should also be thinking about booking a photoshoot.

So let me make this one a little easier for you.

When should you have your maternity photos taken?

For most of my clients, I recommend having your maternity photoshoot between around 30 and 34 weeks of pregnancy.

This is usually a lovely time because your bump is beautifully defined, but you may still feel relatively comfortable and able to move around the studio without too much effort.

Of course, every pregnancy is different.

Some women feel amazing at 34 weeks. Others would much rather have their photographs taken a little earlier. And that's completely fine.

There isn't one magical week that works for everyone.

What matters more is choosing a time when you feel comfortable enough to enjoy the experience.

And this is why I always recommend booking your maternity photography session a little earlier rather than leaving it until the last minute.

Ideally, get in touch around your second trimester so we can find a date that works for you.

That way, you don't have to worry about trying to fit a photoshoot into those final weeks when you might suddenly find yourself feeling very tired and ready to meet your baby.

“But I have never had professional photographs taken before…”

This is probably one of the things I hear most often.

And I completely understand it.

You might look at maternity photographs online and think:

“They all look so confident.”

“I would have no idea what to do.”

“I’m definitely not someone who knows how to pose.”

And that's exactly why you don't need to know how to pose before coming to my studio.

You really don't.

You don't need to practise in front of a mirror.

You don't need to know which side is your best side.

And you certainly don't need to arrive knowing what to do with your hands.

That's my job.

I'll guide you through the whole session

One of the things I really want women to know before they come to my studio is that they won't be left standing in front of the camera wondering what they're supposed to do.

I'll show you.

I'll guide you into the position.

I'll tell you where to look, where to put your hands and how to move.

And if something doesn't feel comfortable, we'll change it.

Sometimes it's as simple as turning your shoulders slightly, moving your hand onto your bump or taking a small step.

You don't need to remember any of it.

I'll be there with you throughout the session, guiding you step by step.

And once you relax, things usually become much easier.

You also don't have to worry about what to wear

This is another question I get quite often.

“What am I supposed to wear for my maternity photoshoot?”

You don't need to spend hours searching for the perfect outfit.

I have a selection of beautiful maternity gowns and styling pieces available in my studio, and I'll help you choose what works best for you.

We can talk about the look you like, what you feel comfortable in and the kind of photographs you would love to have.

Some women want something elegant and timeless.

Others prefer something softer and more relaxed.

And that's actually one of the reasons I've introduced two different maternity photography styles at my Dundee studio.

Studio portraits or a more relaxed lifestyle session?

Not every woman imagines her maternity photographs in the same way.

You might love the idea of beautiful, carefully styled portraits with elegant posing and gorgeous light.

Or perhaps you want something more relaxed.

More movement. More connection. Less feeling like you're being photographed.

For my Lifestyle Maternity Sessions, we keep things much more natural. You can move, sit, walk around the studio, cuddle your partner and simply enjoy being together.

I'll still guide you, but the photographs have a more relaxed feel.

And if you prefer something more polished and timeless, the Studio Portrait option gives you that beautiful editorial feel.

There isn't a right or wrong choice.

It's really about how you want to remember this part of your life.

And what if you don't feel particularly confident right now?

I think this is one of the most important things to say.

You don't have to arrive at my studio feeling beautiful.

Pregnancy can be wonderful, but it can also be a strange time to feel at home in your own body.

Your body is changing. Your clothes fit differently. You might be tired, uncomfortable or simply not feel like yourself.

I don't expect you to walk through the door feeling like a professional model.

You can just come as you are.

We'll take our time, I'll guide you, and we'll find the photographs that make you feel comfortable and confident.

And sometimes, when women see their photographs afterwards, they're genuinely surprised by what they see.

“I didn't realise I looked like that.”

Those are some of my favourite reactions.

Not because the photograph is perfect.

But because, for a moment, she gets to see herself differently.

Your maternity photographs don't have to stay on your phone

This is something I feel quite strongly about.

We take so many photographs now, but most of them never leave our phones.

I love the idea of maternity photographs becoming something you actually have around your home.

A beautiful framed photograph on the wall.

A few photographs in an album.

Something you can come back to years later.

Because your pregnancy is one of those chapters that feels like it will last forever when you're in it — and then suddenly your baby is here, and everything has changed.

The photographs give you something tangible from that time.

Something that's yours.

So, when should you book your maternity photoshoot?

If you're considering maternity photography in Dundee or elsewhere in Scotland, I would recommend getting in touch during your second trimester.

We can talk about your due date, find the best time for your session and decide which style feels right for you.

Your actual photoshoot will usually take place around 30–34 weeks, but we'll always consider how you're feeling and what works for your pregnancy.

And when you arrive at the studio, you don't need to know what you're doing.

I'll take care of that part.

You just need to arrive, take a breath and let me guide you through it.

And hopefully, enjoy being photographed a little more than you thought you would.