When To Take Maternity Photos (And Is It Too Late?)

If you’re wondering when to take maternity photos, you’re not alone. One of the most common emails I receive is from moms asking some version of, “I’m 33 weeks pregnant…did I wait too long?” The good news? Probably not.

Between doctor’s appointments, nursery planning, baby showers, and simply getting through the day while growing a tiny human, maternity photos don’t always make it to the top of the to-do list right away.

The good news? There is a sweet spot for when to take maternity photos, but there is also more flexibility than most people realize.

As a Boston maternity photographer and mom myself, I wrote this post to share what I typically recommend.

When to Take Maternity Photos

You’ve probably heard maternity photos should happen somewhere between 28 and 34 weeks pregnant.

This is when most moms tend to:

• Have a clearly visible baby bump
• Still feel relatively comfortable moving around
• Have some flexibility before baby arrives

If you’ve been researching when to take maternity photos, you’ve likely seen that recommendation everywhere.

And honestly?

It’s not bad advice.

For most pregnancies, 28 to 34 weeks is a great starting point.

Here’s What Nobody Tells You

Here’s the part I want you to hear, especially as a mom.

That timeline doesn’t always take you into account.

Pregnancy doesn’t happen on a perfectly predictable schedule. Every body is different. Every pregnancy is different. And life has a funny way of filling your calendar with doctor’s appointments, nursery projects, baby showers, and approximately 472 other things before maternity photos ever make it onto your radar.

Sometimes you mean to book at 28 weeks and suddenly you’re 34 weeks wondering if you’ve missed your chance.

Sometimes you’re carrying twins and feeling ready for maternity photos much earlier.

Sometimes you’re feeling amazing at 36 weeks and still want to document this season. In my experience, there isn’t one perfect time for maternity photos.

When to take maternity photos isn’t just about a timeline. It’s about deciding what feels best for you.

Is It Too Late for Maternity Photos?

Short answer: probably not.

Longer answer: I photograph maternity sessions later in pregnancy all the time.

I’ve worked with moms at:

• 28 weeks
• 32 weeks
• 35 weeks
• and even 36+ weeks

And those sessions are every bit as meaningful.

You might:

• Have a larger bump than you expected
• Feel more ready to document this season
• Know exactly what kind of session you want

If you’re wondering when should you take maternity photos because you feel like you’ve “missed it,” this is your permission to let that go.

What If I’m Pregnant With Twins?

If you’re expecting twins, first of all… hi. You’re my people.

I remember finding out I was having identical twin boys and immediately feeling completely overwhelmed.

I also remember being very pregnant.

Not the cute, glowing version of pregnant everyone talks about. The exhausted, uncomfortable, counting-down-the-days version.

Honestly? I didn’t take maternity photos myself and it’s one of my biggest regrets.

At the time, it felt like one more thing on a very long list of things I was trying to keep up with.

Looking back now, I wish I had them.

Not because I loved being pregnant. I didn’t.

Not because I felt beautiful every day. I definitely didn’t.

But because that ended up being our only pregnancy and it’s such a huge part of our story.

If you’re expecting twins, my recommendation for when to take maternity photos is a little earlier, usually around 26 to 30 weeks. Twin pregnancies come with bigger bumps, more physical discomfort, and a higher chance of delivering early.

But more than anything, I want you to know this:

• You don’t need to feel amazing to deserve photographs of this season
• You don’t need to have everything figured out
• You don’t need to be enjoying every minute

If you’re expecting twins and feeling a little overwhelmed right now, you’re not alone. This post about my own twin pregnancy might be exactly what you need today.

A Quick Note (Because I Know You’re Thinking It)

A lot of moms tell me they almost skipped maternity photos because they didn’t feel like themselves.

And whenever they do, I find myself nodding along.

Because pregnancy isn’t always glowing skin and magical moments. Sometimes it’s heartburn, swollen feet, difficulty sleeping, and wondering how many more weeks you can possibly do this.

I remember plenty of days (most days) where I felt more exhausted than radiant.

The truth is, you don’t have to love pregnancy to want photographs from this season.

You don’t have to feel perfectly confident. You just have to decide that this chapter is worth remembering 🤍

What to Wear For A Maternity Session

After figuring out when to take maternity photos, the next thing most moms ask me is what they’re supposed to wear.

And that’s usually the part most people stress about most.

The good news is that you don’t have to start ordering a dozen dresses online hoping one works. My client wardrobe includes size inclusive, bump friendly options that photograph beautifully and take one more thing off your plate.

For partners and little ones, I typically recommend soft neutrals and simple, comfortable pieces that coordinate well together.

If you’re currently living in leggings and wondering what else is out there, you’ll love my guide to maternity clothes for every occasion.

For Mom

For Dad

For Kids

Not Just For Photos

Ready When You Are

If you’re thinking about when to take maternity photos, the best time to reach out is usually during your second trimester or early third trimester.

But if you’re already further along, don’t panic.

As you’ve probably gathered by now, I don’t believe there is one perfect week for maternity photos. There’s simply a window that’s often ideal, along with plenty of room for real life.

My approach is relaxed, full service, and designed to take one more thing off your plate during an already busy season. Between styling guidance, access to my client wardrobe, location planning, and a light filled studio option, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

If you’re looking for a Boston maternity photographer who understands that pregnancy isn’t always perfectly planned, I’d love to help you create photographs that feel true to this chapter of your story.

more reads from the blog

• 3 Reasons To Invest In Maternity Photos
• Stress-Free Guide To Maternity + Newborn Photos
• Tips For Maternity Photos With Toddlers
• Outdoor vs. Studio Maternity Sessions

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed my “When To Take Maternity Photos (And Is It Too Late?)” feature.

Molly Katherine is a Boston Newborn and Family Photographer offering organic, connection-filled portraits and a refined, full-service experience. From a beautifully curated wardrobe to a light-filled studio space and complimentary artwork design, Molly delivers it all with exceptional client experience in mind. Molly Katherine Photography serves Boston, MA and the surrounding metro areas including Brookline, Newton, Natick, Weston, Wellesley, Sherborn, Hopkinton, Westborough, Grafton and Shrewsbury as well as Middlesex and Worcester county.

I’d love to connect and share more about my process with you! To reserve your 2026 maternity, newborn or family portraits, visit Molly Katherine Photography or send an email to mollykatherinephotography@gmail.com.

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