Pregnancy moves fast — one week you’re just starting to show, and a few weeks later you’re counting down the days until your due date. If you’re wondering about the best time to book maternity photos, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we hear from moms-to-be here in Vancouver, and getting the timing right makes a real difference in how your photos turn out.
Here’s our honest, experience-based guide to picking the right week for your session.
Why Timing Matters More Than You’d Think
Your body changes quickly during pregnancy, and each stage photographs differently. Book too early and your bump may not be fully “shown” yet. Book too late and you risk being too uncomfortable to pose, or worse, going into labour before your session happens. The sweet spot balances a beautifully round belly with a mom who still feels good standing, sitting, and moving for an hour or two.
If you’d like a general overview of how your body changes trimester by trimester, the Mayo Clinic’s pregnancy week-by-week guide is a helpful outside resource — but when it comes to photography timing specifically, here’s what we’ve learned from years behind the camera.
Best Time to Book Maternity Photos: The 28–34 Week Window
For most first-time moms carrying a single baby, the best time to book maternity photos is between 28 and 34 weeks. At this stage:
- Your bump is full and round, which photographs beautifully in gowns and fitted silhouettes
- You’re usually still comfortable enough to hold poses for an extended session
- There’s enough buffer before your due date in case baby decides to arrive early
Many of our Vancouver clients book their gowns fitting and photoshoot around week 30, which tends to be the golden zone for both comfort and that unmistakable pregnancy glow.
Expecting Twins or This Isn’t Your First Pregnancy? Book Earlier
If you’re pregnant with twins or this is your second or third pregnancy, your body tends to show and change faster. We recommend booking a few weeks earlier than the standard window — think closer to 26–30 weeks — so you don’t miss the window while you’re still comfortable posing.
Indoor Studio vs. Outdoor Sessions: Timing Looks a Little Different
Where you shoot can shift your ideal timing slightly:
- In-studio Glam sessions (Solo, Couple, or Family) are available year-round at our Kingsway studio, so weather isn’t a factor — you have more flexibility on exact week.
- Outdoor sessions are only offered during a limited window in Spring and Summer here in Vancouver, so if you’re hoping for a golden-hour outdoor shoot, you’ll want to plan your pregnancy timeline (or at least your booking) around that season.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
Popular weeks fill up quickly, especially spring and summer weekends. We recommend reaching out and booking your session as soon as you know your rough due date, ideally by the end of your second trimester. This also gives you time to book a consultation with your photographer and plan your wardrobe from our gown collection ahead of time.
Don’t Forget: Bundle With Your Newborn Session
Once your maternity photos are booked, it’s worth thinking ahead to your baby’s arrival too. We offer a bundle discount when you book both your maternity and newborn photography sessions together — and newborn sessions have their own tight timing window (ideally within 6–20 days after birth). Locking both in at once means one less thing to think about once baby arrives.
Quick Reference: When to Book Your Maternity Photos
| Situation | Recommended Week |
|---|---|
| First pregnancy, single baby | 30–34 weeks |
| Twins or 2nd+ pregnancy | 26–30 weeks |
| Outdoor session (weather-dependent) | Spring/Summer, within the 28–34 week window |
| Studio session | Any season, 28–34 weeks |
Ready to Book Your Vancouver Maternity Session?
Every pregnancy is different, and if you’re not sure which week is right for you, that’s exactly what a quick consultation is for. Our maternity photography team in Vancouver will help you find the perfect date based on your due date, comfort, and the look you’re going for.
📸 Explore our maternity photography packages
💡 Need styling inspiration first? Check out our 10 Creative Maternity Photoshoot Ideas
📞 Or call us directly at (604) 724-0531 to check availability for your due date
FAQ
What week of pregnancy is the best time to book maternity photos?
Most moms get the best results between 28 and 34 weeks, when the bump is full but posing is still comfortable.
Should I book maternity photos earlier if I’m having twins?
Yes — twin pregnancies show faster, so we recommend booking around 26–30 weeks instead of waiting until 34.
Can I do an outdoor maternity shoot any time of year in Vancouver?
Outdoor sessions are only offered during a limited Spring/Summer window due to weather, so studio sessions are the flexible year-round option.
How far in advance should I book my maternity session?
As early as possible — ideally by the end of your second trimester — since popular weeks and weekends fill up fast.