When should you book your maternity photoshoot?

Is there actually a best time to book your maternity photos?

Pregnancy has this strange way of feeling both incredibly long and impossibly fast all at once.

One minute you’re navigating the challenges of the first trimester, just trying to keep down your last meal if you’re anything like me, and the next you’re nesting, washing tiny clothes, packing hospital bags, and wondering how you’re already this close to meeting them.

And somewhere in the middle of all of that, you might start thinking about maternity photos.

Usually followed by: "Wait… when am I actually supposed to book them?"

The honest answer? There’s no single “perfect” week. Every pregnancy, every body, and every experience is completely different.

Generally, maternity sessions can be photographed anywhere from around 28–38 weeks, with 32–36 weeks usually being the sweet spot for most mums. By then, your belly is normally nice and visible, but you’re often still comfortable enough to move around, cuddle your little ones, wander through paddocks at sunset, and actually enjoy the session without feeling completely exhausted.

Because trust me… growing a tiny human is already enough cardio.

It’s also worth keeping in mind whether you may be expecting your little one slightly earlier than your due date. I always recommend leaving yourself at least a few weeks beforehand where possible, just to allow a bit of flexibility for weather reschedules, sickness, or life generally doing its thing.

Another thing to take into account is whether this is your first baby or not. If you’ve been pregnant before, you may find you start showing much earlier this time around, so if you’re wanting to book your session a little sooner, that’s absolutely an option too.

At the end of the day, there really isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The most important thing is choosing a time where you still feel comfortable enough to slow down, connect, and enjoy the experience.