WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TAKE MATERNITY PHOTOS ?
- Alice Prenat
- Feb 23
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 11
In short:
The best time to take maternity photos is typically between the seventh and eighth month of pregnancy / 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. During this period, your baby bump is beautifully visible while you still feel comfortable enough to move, pose, and enjoy the experience.
For many expecting mothers in New York City, planning a maternity photoshoot also means finding the right moment between busy schedules, doctor appointments, and preparing for the baby’s arrival.
So at Portrait Madame, we usually recommend the “sweet spot” between weeks 32 and 35, especially for a studio maternity photoshoot in NYC, where you can relax in a comfortable environment and enjoy a guided portrait experience.
BUSY WOMEN TIP:
When should you get in touch with your photographer and make your booking ?
In New York City, maternity photographers often get their schedule fully booked several weeks in advance, especially during busy seasons. Getting in touch and making your reservation early and ensures you can choose a date that falls within the ideal window for your portraits.
KEY TAKE AWAY
✔️ The ideal maternity photoshoot window is 28–36 weeks.
✔️ The “sweet spot” for most mothers is 32–35 weeks.
✔️ In NYC, maternity photographers are usually fully booked several weeks in advance so get in touch and book early to make sure you can have a spot in your 28-36 weeks window
✔️ This timing usually means you still have enough energy, comfort, and mobility for posing & outfit changes.
✔️ Including a partner or loved ones can add support, comfort, and intimacy to the session.
✔️ NYC Maternity portraits in studio (indoor) are ideal because they’re weather-proof, private, and super comfortable.
INTERACTIVE TABLE OF CONTENT
1 - THE IDEAL TIMING TO DO A MATERNITY PHOTOSHOOT
The ideal time to do a maternity photoshoot is a window period between the 28th to the 36th weeks.
Expert tip:
At Portrait Madame maternity photography studio, we even go further as we usually advise for the sweet spot, between the 32nd to 35th week.
Why we recommend weeks 32–35
In New York City, many mothers also choose this window because it allows enough time to plan their maternity portraits before the final weeks of pregnancy, when commuting, walking, and daily activities can become more physically demanding.
And by that point:
your belly is beautifully round and clearly visible
you’re often still comfortable standing and moving
you’ll usually have enough energy to enjoy the session
2 - WHY THIS TIMING WORKS BEST FOR PREGNANCY PHOTOS
This is the best time for pregnancy photos simply because the mother-to-be is usually safe enough to move around with ease and still has enough energy to stand while being photographed — and is not as tired as she may be in the following weeks.
In my experience as a maternity & portrait photographer, this is the most ideal moment to capture the expecting mother's adorable round belly.
You’ll still have energy for variety
During a nyc studio maternity photoshoot, you are often given the opportunity to be captured in different settings and outfits / maternity dresses of your choice — and this is much easier when you still feel comfortable moving.
3 - NYC CONSIDERATIONS: STUDIO VS AT-HOME TIMING TIPS
Because Portrait Madame photographs maternity portraits in studio as well as at a client’s home (not outdoors), timing can vary slightly depending on the session style you choose.
Studio maternity photos in NYC
A studio session is ideal if you want:
Controlled and sophisticated lighting
images with an editorial fees
photo background that feels like really "you
Studio maternity photography is also weather-proof (a big win in NYC!), and it’s easier to plan outfits and styling.
Studio maternity is the option if you are planning a bit ahead and are not too far advanced in your pregnancy as you have to handle coming to the studio.
At-home maternity photos in NYC
At-home maternity portraits can feel intimate and personal:
They may involve a bit of movement around your space
They give an editorial and very unique look to your maternity images
The photo environment will feel personal, very "You"
The At Home / On Location is ideal if you want the complete comfort of having a team coming directly to you (Manhattan & Brooklyn) and if you are experiencing fatigue and wants an experience that feel seamless.
If you’re choosing an at-home session or if you’re experiencing fatigue sooner, booking closer to 28–33 weeks can sometimes feel better — especially if your pregnancy is physically demanding.
(Every pregnancy is different. The right window is the one where you feel most comfortable.)
4 - WHY HAVING LOVED ONES CAN HELP YOU DURING YOUR MATERNITY PHOTOSHOOT
Something that can also bring comfort and physical support during a maternity photoshoot is the inclusion of loved ones. It makes the experience more personal and intimate.
Couples maternity photos, couples with children embracing the mother-to-be in a loving and joyful manner.
Partner or family support can make the session easier
Especially later in pregnancy, it can help to have:
someone to steady you between poses
someone who keeps the experience emotionally warm and relaxed
a shared moment captured as part of your family story
Someone that can help you changing in the different outfits.
5 - OUTFIT CHANGES: WHY TIMING IMPACTS YOUR COMFORT
The 28 to 36 weeks is also that time up until which you will still feel comfortable changing outfits.
Last but not least: we always advise mothers-to-be to wear what feels right for you and your body.
During a personalised maternity photo session, you will usually be able to wear different outfits. Around weeks 32–35, most mothers still have enough energy to change from one maternity dress to a more casual outfit or another style.
A maternity session should feel empowering
Overall, we want our mothers-to-be to feel empowered, in control, and most importantly, feel beautiful. Because this is your body, your milestone, and one of the most defining experiences of your life.
FAQ
What week is best for maternity photos?
Most maternity photographers recommend scheduling maternity photos between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, with the ideal timing often falling around 32–35 weeks when the belly is clearly visible and mothers typically still feel comfortable.
Should I schedule earlier if it’s my second pregnancy?
Often, yes. Many mothers notice the belly shows earlier in subsequent pregnancies, so scheduling closer to 28–33 weeks can be a great option depending on how you feel.
Is a maternity photoshoot in studio better in NYC?
For many NYC mothers, studio maternity photography offers a comfortable and private environment that avoids weather concerns and busy outdoor locations. A studio also allows photographers to create timeless portraits with carefully controlled lighting.
Can I include my partner or children in the session?
Yes, absolutely ! Including loved ones can add emotional depth and also provide physical support during your session.
When should you book your maternity photoshoot in NYC ?
Although maternity photos are usually taken between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, many photographers recommend booking your session earlier. In NYC, maternity photographers are usually fully booked several weeks in advance so get in touch and book early to make sure you can have a spot in your 28-36 weeks window.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: ALICE PRENAT, TOP MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER IN NYC
Alice Prenat is the sought-after NYC photographer you want to get photographed by: the excellence of her craft mixed with her big warm personality & french accent gets her to create the type of portraits of yourself or executive headshots that you most probably haven't seen before.
You won't walk out of a portrait session with her feeling the same way than you came in:
she curates a safe & very empowering portrait experience
that will truly impact the way you feel about yourself.
You want experience a Maternity photoshoot with Alice?
Portrait Madame is a New York City maternity portrait studio specialising in elegant studio maternity photography and at-home maternity portraits. The studio’s Portrait Madame Chic Maternity Experience is designed to create timeless editorial-style maternity portraits that celebrates pregnancy with simplicity and sophistication.
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