When Should You Book Your Maternity Session?. Mimosa Studios — Motherhood, Portrait & Family Photographer in Montreal

As a maternity photographer, I get asked this question constantly. And as someone who has been pregnant myself and had two maternity sessions, I can tell you: the standard answer doesn’t always fit. Most photographers will tell you the sweet spot is between 28 and 36 weeks. And while that window is a good starting point, the truth is a lot more nuanced than that — and I think you deserve the honest version.

I’ve been there — literally

I had two pregnancy sessions of my own. One at 30 weeks, and one at 36 weeks. And because my belly was already quite round and visible around 25 weeks, that difference mattered more than I expected.

At 30 weeks, I felt good. My bump was beautifully full, I had energy, and I actually enjoyed the experience. At 36 weeks? I did not want to leave the house. My body was aching, I felt uncomfortable throughout the session, and while the photos were still beautiful — I was just not in a place to enjoy the moment the way I wanted to.

“It wasn’t my photographer’s fault at all. It was simply my body telling me it had already done a lot and the timing wasn’t working in my favour.”

That experience changed how I talk to every single client about timing. Because it’s not just about what week makes for the most photogenic belly. It’s about how you feel, how you move, and whether you can actually be present and enjoy this milestone.

When Should You Book Your Maternity Session?. Mimosa Studios — Motherhood, Portrait & Family Photographer in Montreal

There’s no universal answer — and that’s the point

Every pregnancy is different. Every body is different. And I think the most useful thing I can do for you is acknowledge that instead of giving you a generic rule. Here’s how I actually think about timing with my clients:

Your belly is growing quickly
28–31 weeks
If you’re showing early and your bump is clearly visible by 25 weeks, consider scheduling sooner. You’ll feel more comfortable and more like yourself.

Your belly is growing slowly
33–36 weeks
If you barely had a belly at 25 weeks, a later session will give your bump time to be beautifully round and present in the photos.

It’s also worth thinking about first versus second (or third) pregnancies. Second-time mamas often show earlier and feel the physical weight sooner. If this isn’t your first, lean toward the earlier end of your window.

Something nobody talks about enough. At 36 weeks, I was genuinely stressed about going into labour before the session even happened. That mental load is real. Scheduling earlier isn’t just about comfort — it’s also about peace of mind. You get to enjoy the photos without that nagging worry in the back of your head.

What I wish every client knew before we even talked

Most clients come to me with the same question: “When is the best time?” And I completely understand the uncertainty — there’s so much conflicting information out there.

My honest answer is: trust your body, and trust your instincts. You know how you’re growing. You know how you’re feeling. If you’re already very round at 25 weeks, that’s your body telling you something. If you’re barely showing, that’s useful information too.

The third trimester can vary so much from person to person — and even from week to week. I’ve had clients who felt incredible at 35 weeks and others who were exhausted by week 30. There’s no shame in either, and there’s no wrong answer — as long as we plan ahead.

“You can’t generalize it. Go with your feeling. That’s the most honest advice I can give.”

What I do ask is that you reach out sooner rather than later — not because the dates fill up (though they do), but because giving ourselves a little buffer means we can choose a date when you feel your best, rather than scrambling at the last minute and ending up in a session where you’re counting down the minutes to get home.

Ready to talk timing? I’d love to chat about where you are in your pregnancy and figure out the window that makes the most sense for you — not a generic window, your window.

Every belly tells a different story. Let’s make sure yours is told at exactly the right moment. 🌸