If you’re expecting, you’re probably wondering — when is the best time to take maternity photos? It’s genuinely one of the most common questions we get at Glean & Co. The honest answer is: it depends a little on you. But if you want a starting point, here it is.
We recommend booking your maternity session between weeks 32 and 36, assuming there are no signs of early labor or health concerns. That window hits a sweet spot. Your bump is beautifully full and round. You’re clearly and unmistakably pregnant in photos, and you’re usually still comfortable enough to enjoy the experience. If this is your first baby, try to push toward that 36-week mark. First-time bumps often take a little longer to fully pop, and you’ll be glad you waited.
And remember — it’s not too late until that baby is born!
Big Reasons to Take Maternity Photos Earlier
There are some situations where waiting until 32–36 weeks just isn’t the right call. You might want to come in sooner if:
- You or other women in your family have a history of delivering early
- You have a health concern that suggests your baby may arrive ahead of schedule
- You’re significantly uncomfortable — not just “this is a little annoying” but genuinely struggling
- You’re carrying multiples (more on that in a minute)
In any of these cases, we want to get you in front of the camera while you’re still feeling good and while there’s still a bump to photograph. We can absolutely work with an earlier timeline.
Big Reasons to Take Maternity Photos Later
On the flip side, a lot of moms feel tempted to book early because they feel huge — and then are shocked at how much bigger they get.
Meet Catie: Here she is pregnant with her second son at 20 weeks along and again at 37 weeks along. In her own words, “I thought I was massive at 20 weeks.”
That’s why we lean toward the later end of the window when possible. A big, full, round belly is stunning in photos. It also photographs unambiguously as a pregnancy bump — nobody is going to wonder, and you’ll never look back and wish it was fuller. Trust us on this one.
What About Twins or Multiples?
If you’re expecting twins or multiples, the best time to take maternity photos shifts earlier — typically somewhere around weeks 26–30. Your bump will be bigger sooner, you’ll likely deliver earlier than a singleton pregnancy, and comfort tends to drop off faster. We’ll work with you to find a timing that makes sense for your specific pregnancy, so don’t hesitate to reach out early and let us know what you’re working with.
First Baby vs. Second (or Third) Baby
This is something a lot of people don’t think about until they’re already booking. If this is your first pregnancy, your body hasn’t done this before — bumps tend to show later. We recommend booking toward the end of your window, around 34–36 weeks, to give your belly time to get nice and round.
If you’ve been pregnant before, your body knows what it’s doing and you’ll likely show earlier. That means you have a little more flexibility to book earlier in the window, around 30–32 weeks, without worrying that your bump won’t be camera-ready.
Here’s something else worth thinking about with second and third babies: they have a funny way of arriving earlier than their older siblings did. Not always, but it’s a pretty common pattern.
Your first might have kept you waiting a full week past your due date. Your second might show up a day before. And your third? She might decide a week early sounds just right. Nobody tells you this when you’re pregnant with your second, and it catches a lot of moms off guard when it comes to scheduling. The short version: if this isn’t your first rodeo, don’t wait too long to book, and lean toward the earlier end of your timing window just to give yourself a comfortable buffer.
When Should You Actually Book Your Session?
This is separate from when you take the photos — and it matters. The best time to take maternity photos is weeks 32–36, but you should be booking your session much earlier than that. We recommend reaching out in your second trimester, around 16–20 weeks, to claim your spot on the calendar.
Here’s why: our schedule fills up, especially in fall when everyone wants photos before the holidays. If you wait until you’re 30 weeks to call, your ideal dates may already be gone. Booking early also gives us plenty of time to plan your session together — talking through location, styling, your vision for the images — so nothing feels rushed.
If you’re planning to purchase any special items (like designer maternity dresses) be sure to leave enough time- they are often made to order and can take at least 6-8 weeks minimum to arrive. (We are obsessed with Reclamation Dresses if you’re looking for something truly special for your pregnancy photos in Boise)
Tips for Showing Off Your Baby Bump
Once you’ve nailed the timing, here’s how to make the most of your session:
Show a little skin. A dress that can unbutton, or some pretty lingerie with a flowing robe or shawl, are both beautiful options. The bump is the star — let it be.
Consider a milk bath. Surrounded by soft florals or greenery, a milk bath session is one of the most stunning ways to document your pregnancy. Plus, you get to soak in a beautiful tub for a bit. Win-win.
Think about what to wear for the whole family. If your partner or older kids are joining, coordinate without being too matchy. Soft neutrals and complementary tones tend to photograph beautifully and keep the focus on the bump and the connection between you.
Don’t stress the details. That’s what we’re here for. Our studio has a full client closet stocked with maternity dresses in sizes XS–XXXL, so if you show up and nothing feels right, we’ve got you covered. We also have photo ready options for partners and children age 0-8years old.
Studio or Outdoor Maternity Photos— What’s Right for You?
Boise has some genuinely beautiful spots for outdoor maternity sessions — the golden foothills, the Boise River greenbelt in spring and summer, or even snowy shots up at Bogus Basin if you’re feeling adventurous. If you have a season or location in mind, that can actually help determine the best time to take your maternity photos too. A spring session with wildflowers might push you slightly earlier or later depending on when things bloom.
Our studio is a great option if you want that warm, cozy lifestyle feel without having to worry about weather, toddlers running off, or walking around foothills trails at 37 weeks. We can do both studio and outdoor in a single session if you want the best of both worlds.
Ready to Book Your Maternity Session?
If you’re still figuring out timing, that’s exactly what our consultation call is for. We’ll talk through your due date, your pregnancy, your vision for the images, and find a date that makes sense. Book a consultation here and we’ll take it from there — no pressure, just a friendly chat to help you plan.
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