The best time for a maternity photoshoot is usually between 28 and 34 weeks, when the bump is clearly round but you are still comfortable standing, sitting and moving. With a studio photographer in NYC the session is warm, private and paced around you, with your partner and kids welcome to join. Here is when to book, what to bring, and how a typical 75-minute session goes.
The best weeks, and when to book
The best weeks for maternity photos
Between 28 and 34 weeks is the sweet spot for most pregnancies:
- Before 28 weeks, the bump may still be small, especially in a first pregnancy, and can be hard to see in looser outfits.
- 28 to 34 weeks, the bump is round and obvious, and most people still have the energy for an hour of photos.
- After 34 weeks, many people feel tired, swollen or uncomfortable, and the chance of an early arrival goes up.
There are exceptions. If you are carrying twins, aim earlier, around 26 to 30 weeks. If your pregnancy is high risk, or your provider has asked you to rest, check with them first and choose what feels right. If you just love the look of a very big bump, a session at 35 or 36 weeks is possible, with plenty of seated poses.
When to book
Book around 20 weeks, once you know you want photos. That gives you time to plan outfits and pick a date in the window. Your card is held when you book and charged only once the photographer accepts, usually within 48 hours, so booking ahead is low risk. Check each profile for cancellation terms in case the baby has other plans.
If you also want newborn photos, plan both at the same time. Our guide on when to book newborn photos explains how due-date booking works.
Why a studio for maternity photos
Outdoor maternity photos can be lovely, but they come with wind (which makes flowing dresses fly in every direction), cold, heat, and an audience. In a studio:
- It is private. If you want a few photos with the bump showing, or a more fitted gown, there is no one walking past.
- It is warm and comfortable. You can sit down whenever you want, take breaks, and change outfits without hurrying.
- The light is consistent, which is especially flattering for the shape of a bump.
- Fabric behaves. A long dress or a draped layer moves exactly how the photographer wants it to.
Prefer to be outdoors? Some photographers shoot maternity at parks and beaches across the boroughs and Long Island. Their profiles say where.
What to wear
Bring your own outfits, ideally two or three. A good mix:
- A fitted gown or stretchy dress that shows the shape of the bump.
- A flowing dress in a soft fabric that moves.
- Something more personal, like a cozy knit, your partner's button-down shirt, or jeans and a simple top.
Solid colors work best. Soft neutrals (cream, blush, taupe) are calm and timeless; deeper tones (emerald, burgundy, navy) give strong contrast against a light backdrop. Bring comfortable slip-on shoes, though many maternity photos are taken barefoot.
Some photographers keep a small wardrobe of gowns for clients; many do not, so check the profile. Our guide on what to wear for maternity photos goes through fabrics, colors and underlayers in detail.
How the session flows
A typical maternity session runs about 75 minutes. A common plan:
- Arrival and settling in. You get comfortable, drink some water, and go over your outfits and any photos you have in mind.
- Kids first, if they are coming. Little ones have the least patience, so their part happens early.
- Partner photos. Close, relaxed frames with gentle prompts rather than stiff poses.
- Solo portraits, first outfit. Standing poses that show the bump in profile, then seated ones.
- Outfit change and break.
- Solo portraits, second outfit. A different mood, maybe softer and more flowing.
- Details. Hands on the bump, the ultrasound printout, tiny shoes, a ring.
A good photographer builds in breaks and never rushes. If your back is sore or the baby is kicking hard, sit down for a while.
Comfort in the third trimester
A few things that keep you comfortable:
- Plenty of seated and leaning poses, so you are not standing for long stretches.
- No long poses flat on your back, which many people find uncomfortable later in pregnancy.
- Water and breaks whenever you want them.
- Slow movement between setups.
Things that help on your side: wear loose clothes on the way to avoid marks on the skin from tight waistbands, bring a snack, and plan a quiet afternoon after.
Partners and kids
Partners usually get more comfortable after the first few minutes, especially with prompts like "put your forehead to hers and say something only she will hear." Kids love the bump photos: kissing the belly, "listening" to the baby, holding the ultrasound. Our post on maternity photos with your partner and kids has a full list of prompts and announcement ideas.
What it costs
Maternity sessions with NYC photographers typically run a few hundred dollars, depending on session length, number of edited photos and whether outfits and backdrops are included. Exact prices, delivery times and what is included are on each photographer's profile.
Quick answers
When is the best time for a maternity photoshoot?
Between 28 and 34 weeks for most pregnancies. With twins, aim for around 26 to 30 weeks.
Do photographers provide maternity gowns?
Some do, many do not. Bring two or three of your own outfits, and check the profile for what the studio offers.
Can my partner and kids be in the photos?
Yes. Partners and children are welcome. A good order is kids first, then the couple, then solo portraits.
Find your photographer
Choose a date between 28 and 34 weeks, then browse maternity photographers in New York City and Long Island and compare styles, prices and open dates.