The Best Time for a Maternity Photoshoot: Tips for Stunning Pregnancy Portraits

This is the million dollar question-the short answer is towards the end of your 2nd trimester/beginning of 3rd trimester. During your 2nd trimester is the time when you feel the best but your belly doesn't pop until the end, at least not the rounded belly bump we want to cherish and remember forever! This is why ideally you want to stay within the beginning of your 3rd trimester. Lastly to avoid risking you going into early delivery and missing out on capturing this amazing time of your life, the end of the pregnancy is when you want to focus just on resting before the arrival of your newborn.

Let me walk you thru a few of my sessions and within that explain what your experience would look like with me along with some tips for stunning pregnancy portraits!

This gorgeous expectant mom came to me all the way from Chicago, Illinois to my studio. She loved the simplicity of this type of maternity session plus the comfort of being indoors in the air conditioning is a plus while pregnant. During our initial consultation she mentioned she wanted purple and I immediately thought of this flowy fabric I use not only to toss and have those amazing flowy ethereal moments but also to drape around those amazing curbs to showcase the baby bump. I'm no fashion designer but for my clients I'll channel the best designer to give you amazing results.

This beautiful couple came to me from Des Plaines, Illinois for there outdoor maternity photoshoot. After paying there retainer fee to reserve her pregnancy photos we scheduled an in-person consultation for her to see my complimentary collection of maternity gowns and this simple yet striking golden sequined dress caught her attention. For confirmation purposes I had her try it on and she was sold-see this is one of those dresses that doesn't look good on the hanger. This is one of my favorite moments I created for them, from the location I chose to the guidance I gave them in the pose to the cue I gave dad to kiss her on the cheek-it was memorable. An old Hollywood glam look with a lot of love as this couple were awaiting the arrival of there baby boy who I got to meet at his newborn photoshoot!

This gorgeous mom-to-be came to my studio in Montgomery Illinois from Elmhurst, Illinois for me to capture her maternity glow. She had first contacted me a few years back but unfortunately she lost her baby and while booking fees are non-refundable I most certainly did not keep it and she was the most appreciative. I was very invested in her story as I am with all my clients and was sad for what had happened. I was elated to hear back from her and to hear that we would be commemorating her rainbow baby with a maternity photoshoot. She came into the studio saying she was no model but after a few moments and a few posing directed by me she fell into her own skin and was killing it. All my pregnant moms are gorgeous and given all that they are going thru it is hard for them to see the beauty they have but this is why I highly encourage a maternity session-not only to have amazing photos of this time but to own there maternity glow!

Another beautiful mom awaiting the arrival of her second child and at that a baby boy. She and her family came to me for there outdoor maternity photoshoot all the way from Elgin, Illinois and we had a lot of fun exploring this amazing park in Oswego, Illinois. Different scenery for different looks all while guiding her into the poses. She told me afterwards that I made her feel so special and left feeling like a model. I always tell my clients you don't have to be a model or know how to pose-you hire me to guide you into the most flattering poses that you leave feeling like a model but as I like to say like the goddess that you are!

This special mom-to-be was expecting her 1st baby-a baby girl and was ecstatic to be celebrating her pregnancy with a maternity photoshoot and upon on consultation did not have any specific vision so she gave me freedom to choose everything. In my studio I used my window for this breathtaking moment. When mom saw her gallery she was blown away and had the hardest time picking her final images. I helped her in choosing the best for her memories and gave guidance on where to place them in her home so she can always be reminded of this once in a lifetime moment.

My biggest tip is to not hesitate in celebrating this moment I know that while pregnant we may not feel our best but once that moment has passed this memories will be there to remind you of how magical you were in creating this life within your womb and plus is that our kiddos love feeling special seeing these memories of when once they were so close to us.

Also to put it into exact weeks I would say the best time for a maternity photoshoot: 29-36 weeks of pregnancy. To find out more of what your experience is with me and to schedule your maternity session go to my experience page and fill out an inquiry I am thrilled you want to take the next step in celebrating life!