When is the best time to book a maternity session?

The ideal window is between 28–34 weeks, when you’re comfortably showing and still feel energized enough to enjoy the session.

Why not book earlier or later?

Before 28 weeks your bump may be too small, and after 34 weeks you might feel fatigued or uncomfortable—so the images and experience may suffer.

When To Book Your Maternity Session: Timeline By Trimester

Knowing when to book your maternity session can make the entire experience more relaxed, enjoyable, and perfectly timed for your growing bump. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding how your trimester and unique pregnancy journey influence timing will help you feel confident about planning your portraits.

As a full-service Austin maternity photography studio, we guide you every step of the way—starting with when to get on our calendar.

First Trimester: The Planning Window | when to book your maternity session

The first trimester (weeks 1–12) is typically not the best time to photograph, but it’s absolutely the best time to book your session. If you’re working with a full-service studio like ours that offers personalized wardrobe styling, hair and makeup, and heirloom printed artwork, early planning ensures availability and a stress-free timeline.

Be Fully Prepared: The Hospital Bag Checklist for Expecting Parents

Feel calm and prepared for your baby’s arrival with this thoughtfully curated hospital bag checklist. Packed with only the essentials, this guide ensures you have everything you truly need for a smooth and comfortable stay. Download now and take the guesswork out of packing.

Best for:

High-risk pregnancies that may require earlier sessions
IVF or rainbow baby moms who want to celebrate as early as possible
Early planners who want first pick on wardrobe and dates

Even if you’re not ready to think about showing your bump yet, securing your session early guarantees that everything will be ready when you are.

Also see: First Trimester Maternity Photos: Why Some Moms Are Booking Earlier

Second Trimester: Prime Booking and Styling Period | when to book your maternity session

The second trimester (weeks 13–27) is the ideal time to finalize your booking and styling consultation. Most women feel more energized, the baby bump becomes noticeable, and wardrobe planning becomes easier.

We typically recommend booking your session for weeks 28–32, which fall in the early third trimester. That means the second trimester is the perfect moment to:

Choose wardrobe styles
Coordinate hair and makeup details
Plan for any sentimental props or custom requests

This is also a great window to book a combined maternity + newborn package if you plan to document both milestones.

Explore: From Bump to Baby: Why Booking Maternity and Newborn Together Is Best

Third Trimester: The Sweet Spot for Portraits | when to book your maternity session

For most clients, the best time to be photographed is during the early third trimester, between 28 and 34 weeks. By this time, your belly has a beautiful round shape, but you’re still relatively comfortable moving around and posing.

Things to consider if booking during this phase:

Don’t wait too long! Swelling, fatigue, and baby positioning can make it harder to enjoy the experience later in the third trimester.
If you’re expecting twins or have a high-risk pregnancy, your recommended photo window may be earlier—often between 26–30 weeks.

This stage is about celebrating your glow, your strength, and the anticipation that’s building as your due date approaches.

Booking Late? Don’t Panic. |

If you’ve reached your third trimester and haven’t booked your session yet—don’t worry. While advance booking ensures the best preparation and availability, we do accommodate last-minute maternity sessions when possible. Just reach out as soon as you can so we can make magic happen for you.

A Note on when to book your maternity session with Zesty Orange Photography

We recommend booking your session as early as 12–24 weeks into pregnancy. This allows plenty of time for planning, wardrobe, and creating a portrait experience that feels effortless and meaningful.

Every maternity session at our Austin studio includes:

A personalized consultation
Full access to designer gowns and wardrobe
Professional hair and makeup styling
Expert posing and expression coaching
A private image reveal and ordering appointment
Custom-designed heirloom artwork

Whether you’re newly pregnant or already into your third trimester, we’ll guide you every step of the way. For additional guidance on pregnancy milestones, you can reference the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ Pregnancy FAQ

READY TO

CONNECT?

Attention Austin parents-to-be! Whether you’re eagerly awaiting the arrival of your little one or cherishing those precious first moments, a maternity or newborn photoshoot is a timeless investment in capturing your family’s story.

As your Austin-based maternity photographer, I invite you to embrace this magical experience. These photos will be more than just images—they’ll be cherished memories, a testament to the love and joy that fills your home.

Schedule a consultation with me, and let’s create timeless images that tell your unique pregnancy story.

CONTACT HERE