When to take maternity photos

Expecting a bundle of joy in a few months? The overwhelming feeling of happiness and contentment is natural, so you will wish to share it with the world as well. Preparing for your newborn to arrive can be stressful but a maternity photo session can ease this stress, while serving as a reminder of how beautiful your belly. Pictures in different maternity poses are essential for documenting this wonderful journey that you can look back upon for years to tome.

When is the best time to take maternity pictures?

The preferable time is 7-8 months

Ideally, it is advisable to schedule the pregnancy shoot in your 7^th or 8^th month. Your belly has a nice, round shape during this time, which is perfect for clicking amazing photographs. If you are counting by weeks, arrange the session when you are around 30 weeks pregnant. If you wish to take these photos for custom baby shower invitations, you might want to start brainstorming maternity photography ideas slightly early. In such cases, the shoot can be scheduled as early as 28 weeks. This allows you to use your photos at the very start of the 8^th month for your baby shower. Although baby showers typically occur during month six or seven, a late baby shower is fine if those maternity photos are a must-have for your invitees.

7^th or 8^th month is great for different maternity poses

When you are in the earlier stages of pregnancy, there are fewer signs of exhaustion, lesser likelihood of retaining water and having stretch marks, and greater ability to get up and down, move around, and work with the photographer for various looks in your maternity photo shoot poses.

(the copyright of all the pictures are reserved, NO copy without permission)

(the copyright of all the pictures are reserved, NO copy without permission)

The 7^th or 8^th month is great for showing your belly

The whole point of a pregnancy shoot is that your belly looks round and gorgeous, but it shouldn’t be so large that posing and holding different positions for any length of time becomes taxing. The reason why photographers suggest expecting mommies to finish the shoot by the 8^th month, is because the belly gets really round, but isn’t overly heavy. Yes, every expecting mother is a little different, and some might be ready for their photo shoot early or wait past the prime window and get their photos taken in the 9^th month. But it is best to exercise caution and get the maternity photos taken too early rather than too late.

(the copyright of all the pictures are reserved, NO copy without permission)

(the copyright of all the pictures are reserved, NO copy without permission)

7^th or 8^th month allows you to travel without getting tired

It is easier to travel during the 7^th or 8^th month as opposed to the last month when you might feel too tired to go to the beach or photographer’s studio. Some women are put on bed rest as well, so moving around or taking photos might not be an option. Schedule the session while you still possess the energy to go to various locales.

Where to take maternity photos?

While you are thinking about pregnancy photography poses, don’t forget to zero in on a good location. Here are some ideas:

(the copyright of all the pictures are reserved, NO copy without permission)

(the copyright of all the pictures are reserved, NO copy without permission)

Beach maternity photos are extremely popular these days. As you can see from these pictures above, the backdrop consisting of sandy shores, waves crashing against rocks or the serene and calm waters, and light blue sky dotted with flecks of clouds, look picturesque and enhance the joyful ambience. The mommy-to-bes are absolutely glowing!

(the copyright of all the pictures are reserved, NO copy without permission)

It is necessary to avoid clutter in the backdrop or it can completely spoil the photo.  If the beach isn’t your favorite destination, you can opt for a beautiful garden instead. Pick a tranquil spot in your backyard, set up camp in your friend’s garden, or go to a park – this type of scenery depicts the expecting mother basking in the glory of Mother Nature. Lovely maternity gowns for photos are available online or at brick-and-mortar stores.

If you want more of a boudoir theme, you can wear maternity lingerie, which fabulously shows off your round belly. These photos can be taken in a studio, your bedroom, or outdoors, based on your preference.

Tips to remember

After scheduling the maternity photo session, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Don’t wear large and distracting patterns – opt for stretchy maternity gowns or dresses in bright colors or pastel shades.
• It is always a good idea to pose in natural light.
• Your belly should be moisturized before the shoot.
• Avoid wearing overly tight clothing right before you session to avoid marks on your belly.
• Work with your photographer ahead of time to come up with a concept.

What if you are carrying multiples?

For those carrying multiples, it means getting exhausted quickly, while your bump grows faster and bigger as compared to women expecting one baby. The shoot should be scheduled during the 2^nd trimester since your baby bump looks cute, while you are still comfortable and can move around without hassle.

To put it in a nutshell, the longer you wait, the more likely it will be that you miss that ideal window in which your belly looks magnificent and you still feel pretty good.