How many weeks pregnant should I be for maternity photos? | Spokane, Washington

Believe it or not, it’s maternity season in Spokane, Wa. More babies are born in the fall than any other time of year in Spokane. My nurse friends who work in the mom and baby wards of the hospitals always joke about the fall baby boom that happens each year. This means that there are a lot of pregnant mamas out wandering around right now.

I recommend having pregnancy (maternity) photos taken at 30 weeks pregnant. Really anywhere between 29 and 32 weeks is ideal.

Here’s why.

Plenty of bump to show off.

At 30 weeks you’ll have plenty of bump to show off in your pictures, but still be comfortable enough to move around.

Swelling hasn’t set in yet.

Most of the swelling hasn’t set in yet which means you’ll feel lighter and more confident in your photos. You may have some ankle and foot swelling at this point, but it continues to get quite a bit worse after week 35 especially as your body prepares to deliver. Week 30 is the sweet spot of comfort and plenty of baby to show.

Plenty of time before baby arrives.

The exciting and wild part about pregnancy is that it is unpredictable. Some moms deliver earlier than their due date, so this is a big part of why I say week 30 is the best time. The longer you wait into your pregnancy, the higher the possibility is that you’ll deliver before you get the chance to get your photos taken.

Plenty of time to get photos back from your photographer

Having your photos taken at 30 weeks allows for plenty of time for your photographer to edit your photos and deliver them back to you. This way you’ll be able to enjoy the photos for several weeks before your baby arrives and it’s time for your newborn photos. I generally turn sessions around in about 2 weeks, but some photographers aren’t so quick, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

So 30 weeks is the best time to take the photos, and now you may be asking “when should I book my maternity photos?” Usually the second trimester is the best time to reach out and book your session. I only take a limited number of photoshoots each month to ensure everyone gets the best possible service, so more notice is usually better when possible.

Ready to book your lifestyle maternity photos?

• How many weeks pregnant should I be for maternity photos?

  Short answer: 30 weeks.

• When should I book maternity photos?

  Short answer: In the second trimester

• Can my partner and kids join?

  Yes. I am a lifestyle maternity photographer, so I include your spouse and other children in your maternity session. Think of it like a family session with a little extra photo attention for mom and her baby bump.

• Where should we take maternity photos?

  Short answer: there are many beautiful places and parks outside in Spokane. Or you can opt for a more intimate maternity photoshoot and have the photos taken within your home. Either is great for me.

• What if I don't feel camera ready?

  That’s completely understandable, because so much change happens during pregnancy. What your body is doing is beautiful and amazing and worthy of documenting. I’m here to support you and help you feel confident. I have special poses to flatter any bump. Maternity photos are not about looking a certain way, they are about preserving the memory of this short journey into motherhood and documenting the beauty and strength that is motherhood.