What is the best time frame for maternity photos, according to your clients? Here’s how to photograph a stunning baby bump that any parent will adore!
Most people can have their photos taken at any time and from any location. Not a pregnant woman with a growing tummy! You’ll learn when to take maternity photos and how to provide the best client experience possible.
When Should Maternity Photos Be Taken?
The Rainiers, maternity photographers in New York City, recommend scheduling a maternity photo session between 28 and 36 weeks of a client’s pregnancy. That is as early as the seventh month of pregnancy and no later than the end of the eighth month. This time of year, around the third trimester, is ideal for displaying a round baby bump!
During the 28 to 36 week window, the expectant parent is usually still fairly comfortable, making it easier for them to stand or pose for photos. It’s also late enough in the pregnancy for your clients to clearly appear pregnant, with a nice round belly to flaunt!
Having a Maternity Photo Session Before 36 Weeks
Every rule has an exception, and maternity photos are no exception. While there is an ideal schedule for a maternity shoot, every woman’s body changes differently, so there are situations where maternity photos can be taken earlier.
If your client is expecting multiples, schedule the maternity shoot as early as the second trimester, or around 13 to 24 weeks of pregnancy, even if the babies are still weeks away from being born!
High-risk pregnancies: As medical advances allow people to choose parenthood later in life, high-risk pregnancies have become more common. Though most high-risk pregnancies are uneventful, the second trimester is the best time to photograph a high-risk client’s maternity.
If the family intends to use maternity photos for announcements or other printed products, the maternity shoot should take place no later than the beginning of their third trimester, or around weeks 27 to 28. Change the timeline to reflect your turnaround time.
Example of our client’s first dance
Typically, couples will choose a ballroom dance or a basic slow dance. But here’s a secret, well, not really a secret, but let’s just say, here’s the thing, the type of dancing is a personal choice. You don’t have to worry about it since it doesn’t have to be coordinated. Although it is an advantage to plan out your performance ahead of time. So that when you are called on stage, you are not in a state of terror. Also, avoid stepping on your partner’s foot (kidding).
Preparing for a Maternity Photo Session
Learning when to take maternity photos entails both technical and creative planning in order to highlight a client’s body and nice round belly.
Assist the Mother Make plans for the Maternity Session.
Schedule the maternity shoot during the best time of day to ensure your client’s maximum comfort and mobility.
Don’t forget to tell mothers to moisturise their nice round belly bump for soft, glowing skin, and to get a good night’s sleep so they feel comfortable moving around. Remind them not to wear anything too tight to their maternity photo shoot. This can leave marks on the skin that are difficult to remove from maternity photos.
Create a wardrobe that includes a variety of comfortable yet belly bump-friendly outfit options. Always wear simple clothing that draws attention to the subject’s body. Avoid distracting patterns and instead opt for small or solid prints to allow the bump to shine.
You can provide hair and makeup styling services to make mothers look and feel their best for the photos, regardless of how many weeks they are pregnant.
Use the Correct Equipment
The Rainiers use Canon and Profoto equipment for their maternity shoots, whether they are indoors or outdoors. Here is their go-to gear list to ensure you have everything you need for the perfect pregnancy shoot:
Canon 5D MarkIII Profoto B2 and A1 35mm f/1.4 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom lenses
Keep Your Customers Returning for More!
The Rainiers’ most popular photography products are albums and framed prints.
As a photographer, you can ensure healthy product sales by instructing customers on simple pregnancy and family poses.
When the baby is born and the doctor gives the all-clear, newborn photography is the natural next step for any photographer. Investigate options for creating comprehensive photography packages that will document the family’s journey.
Conclusion
While the best time for a maternity photo session is between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, expecting mothers can enjoy a shoot as long as they are not too close to their due dates and can still move around with a growing baby bump.
