If you’ve found yourself Googling when to book your maternity session, you’re definitely not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I get, and honestly, timing really does make a difference in how relaxed, prepared, and enjoyable your experience feels.
So let’s walk through it in a simple, no-stress way.
When to book your maternity session
If you’re wondering when to book your maternity session, the sweet spot is once you enter your second trimester.
Most photographers (myself included) tend to book out about 8–12 weeks in advance, especially during busy seasons like spring and fall. Reaching out in your second trimester gives you the best chance of securing a spot on the calendar and gives us plenty of time to plan all the beautiful details.
It also means:
- You’re not scrambling last minute
- You have time to coordinate wardrobe (which is a big part of the look and feel)
- Everything feels calm and intentional instead of rushed
When should your session actually take place?
While booking happens earlier, your actual session will typically be scheduled for between 26–32 weeks.
This is truly the magic window, and here’s why:
You have a noticeable bump
By this point, your bump is beautifully visible and photographs so well. You still have that elegant, defined shape without feeling overly uncomfortable.
It’s before those third trimester woes kick in
Let’s be honest, the third trimester can be… a lot. Scheduling your session during this earlier window means you’re more likely to feel energized, comfortable, and able to actually enjoy your session.
Whether we’re chasing soft morning light or soaking in a glowy sunset, you’ll be able to move, breathe, and be present in the moment.
We have flexibility if we need to reschedule
Life happens. Weather changes. Kids get sick. You might not feel your best one day.
Having your session in that 26–32 week window gives us a little breathing room to adjust if needed without feeling rushed or stressed.
You’ll receive your images before baby arrives
This is one of my favorite parts. You’ll have your images back in time to actually enjoy them before your world shifts (in the best way) with a newborn.
Many of my clients love using their maternity photos for:
- Nursery artwork
- Albums to flip through during those quiet newborn days
- Announcements or keepsakes before baby arrives
It gives us a buffer if baby comes early
Babies love to keep us on our toes. Planning your session earlier in the third trimester helps ensure we capture this season even if baby decides to make an early debut.
Final thoughts
If you’ve been thinking about when to book your maternity session, this is your sign to go ahead and reach out once you hit that second trimester mark.
It gives you the space to plan, the time to prepare, and the ability to truly enjoy the experience, which is exactly how this season should feel.
Washington DC Maternity Photographer | Marie Elizabeth Photography
Marie specializes in DC maternity photography and a luxurious, full-service portrait experience. From planning your session to delivering custom fine artwork to your home, Marie takes care of all of the details. All Marie Elizabeth Photography clients are pampered with included professional hair and make-up and an array of whimsical dresses from the client wardrobe. Marie then will create exquisite works of art, such as heirloom albums and fine art matted prints to grace your home and lay your legacy.
Interested in both a maternity and newborn session? Marie offers a luxury membership to best document that first year with your little one. With perks such as birth announcements and album credit, the luxury membership is the perfect way to remember this special time. Reach out to learn more.
Marie Elizabeth is a newborn photographer serving DC, MD and VA. She creates elegant, romantic, and whimsical fine art for nostalgic mothers with a full-service experience. Marie offers maternity, baby, family, milestones and motherhood photography.
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