As a Minneapolis Maternity Photographer, I'd say my most frequently asked question by pregnant moms is: When Should I Schedule My Maternity Session?! Since you are celebrating your pregnancy, you want to be able to see that beautiful belly! However, you also want to be feeling well and full of energy, something which tends to wane the last couple weeks before baby arrives. Read on for details and tips to prepare for your maternity photo shoot!

When to Book a Maternity Photographer?

Because the weather in Minnesota tends to be both unpredictable and extreme, the summer and fall months tend to be high season for outdoor photography! I begin booking my summer and fall sessions as early as March and tend to book up quickly! My advice to expecting moms is to incorporate your plans for maternity photos into your overall planning for baby’s arrival. Because I work with every client in planning their session from stying, wardrobe, to location and overall vision of their photographs, new moms should plan to book their maternity photo shoot at least 2 months in advance. If you would like to get on my email list in order to receive information about summer and fall bookings, contact me today!

When is the Best Time Frame for Maternity Pictures?

I always tell my clients that the best time to have your session is between 31-36 weeks of pregnancy. We want to highlight your beautiful baby bump, but we also want you feeling your best. Usually during this time frame, you have lots of energy. They call this the “nesting” period for that very reason! It is the last few weeks before baby comes and you will often have a drive to get things ready! Now, there are always exceptions to this time frame and there are no hard rules! If you have been on bedrest or have had a difficult pregnancy, you can always choose a time when you feel ready and it is safe for you to do so. Or, if you are having multiples, earlier in your pregnancy would definitely be better! All of these can be decided upon when you have your pre-session consultation with me after you fill out your booking form. For more information on how to book your session visit my maternity page!

Where Should I Have My Maternity Photos in the Twin Cities?

There are many beautiful locations for photo sessions throughout the Twin Cities. When you book with me we will discuss your vision for your photos. Whether by a lake, a prairie field, or somewhere downtown, it all depends on you! I have a curated list of locations for you to choose from. Check out some of my favorite locations in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area!

For an indoor option during those cold winter months or just because you want to be in a private and relaxing space, my beautiful studio in Northeast Minneapolis is a wonderful option for you. There are many perks to having your session in the studio. There is a private changing area and professional make-up station for you to get ready in. If you choose to have your hair and make-up done by one of my professional stylist referrals, you can have it all done prior to your session! The studio also provides you a private space to have a relaxing session if you want to highlight your belly in a more intimate way. You also may choose to wear multiple outfits during studio sessions. Music will be playing in the background, refreshments are available, and you can use this time to just be! Think of it as a time for some pampering and reflection on how you are feeling and your anticipation of all that lies ahead. It can be a very personal and emotional experience and the studio allows you a safe space to do that!

Flexibility & Backup Plans for Maternity Photoshoots

From weather to health, to the many unknowns, “what happens if……” Let’s talk weather first. Minnesota weather is unpredictable and can change so quickly. I reassure my clients that if it looks like rain, we have a plan. It can often rain in the morning and then be beautiful by session time! We will stay in close contact via text message on your session day, but will wait until a couple hours before in order to “call it.” We decide together if we need to cancel and if so, what date works for both us to reschedule.

If someone becomes ill or if complications arise with your pregnancy, we work together in order to re-schedule your date, or, you can transfer your session fee toward a future session (maybe a newborn session or future family session). This session must simply take place within 12 months of your original session date.

Who Can Be a Part of My Maternity Photo Shoot?

Your maternity session is a commemoration of your journey to parenthood. For many families this journey is not an easy one. Over 70% of my clients in 2024 are those who have had a challenging pregnancy journey. Whether going through IVF or having a Rainbow Baby or Surrogacy, they each have a unique experience and story they would like to preserve. Your session is meant to be a reflection on your experience, a commemoration of all you have endured, and a celebration of all that lies ahead. It is also an intimate time for you to rest in these final days of your pregnancy journey. For some women, this is a time to relish the last remaining days of just “them and baby.” For others, this is a time to celebrate as a family: dad, current children, grandma, or even your fur babies all may be a part of this special day. Your session reflects you and your journey!

Conclusion: When to Schedule Your Maternity Session

For the best experience and in order to allow for planning don’t leave your maternity photos to the last minute, but make scheduling them a part of your baby preparation! Two - three months in advance is ideal. Even better, complete your story by booking a newborn session at the same time. For every newborn session booked, you can receive a maternity session add-on at a reduced fee! There is nothing better than seeing your journey come to fruition through photographs that preserve your journey from the beginning to the arrival of baby!

For more information about why a maternity session is perfect for your newborn session, check it out here!