When Is the Best Time to Take Maternity Photos? Luminous Space Answers FAQs
When is the best time to take maternity photos? It’s the top question we get from expecting moms in San Mateo, Palo Alto, and across the Bay Area—and for good reason. Pregnancy flies by, and you want to capture this special chapter when you feel your best, and your bump looks beautifully round. As a San Mateo-based studio specializing in indoor maternity portraits, we’re here to break down the timing, plus answer other common FAQs to make your session stress-free.
Table of Contents
The Sweet Spot for Maternity Photos
Timing Adjustments for Special Cases
Why Indoor Sessions Make Timing Easier
FAQs About Maternity Sessions at Luminous Space
We Serve Families Across the Bay Area
The Sweet Spot for Maternity Photos
For most expecting moms, the best time to take maternity photos is 28–34 weeks of pregnancy. Here’s why this window works so well:
Your bump is “popped”: It’s rounded and visible—perfect for showing off that beautiful maternal glow without looking too stretched.
You still feel comfortable: By 28 weeks, you’ve passed the early fatigue, and you’re not yet dealing with the heaviness or swelling that can come in the final weeks. You’ll have energy to relax, laugh, and enjoy the session.
No last-minute rush: Babies sometimes come early! Booking between 28–34 weeks gives you a buffer—you won’t miss out if your little one arrives sooner than expected.
We had a client from Cupertino book her session at 32 weeks, and she said it was “just right.” Her bump looked stunning in our soft tulle pink background, and she had enough energy to include her husband and dog (yes, pets are welcome!). The photos turned out to be her favorite keepsake from pregnancy.
Timing Adjustments for Special Cases
Not every pregnancy is the same—here’s how to adjust timing for unique situations:
First vs. Subsequent Pregnancies
First baby: You might show a little later. If this is your first, aim for 32–34 weeks—your bump will be more defined by then.
Second (or more) baby: You’ll likely show earlier. Book closer to 28–30 weeks to avoid feeling too tired later on. A mom from Burlingame did this for her second pregnancy, and she was glad she did—she felt energetic and her bump looked just as beautiful as her first session.
Expecting Twins (or Multiples)
If you’re having twins, the timeline shifts. Your bump will grow faster, and you’ll probably feel more tired sooner. We recommend 20–28 weeks for multiples. This way, you’re comfortable, and you won’t risk missing the session if babies arrive early. A client from Redwood City who had twins booked at 26 weeks—her photos in our Morandi green background are some of our favorites!
If You’re Past 34 Weeks
Don’t stress! We’ve had moms book at 36 weeks, and their photos still turned out amazing. We’ll just focus on comfort—extra cushions, shorter standing poses, and breaks as needed. A mom from Palo Alto came at 35 weeks, and she said, “I was worried I’d be too tired, but the studio felt so cozy, and Jessie made me feel beautiful.”
Why Indoor Sessions Make Timing Easier
Outdoor shoots depend on weather (rain, heat, wind) and light (golden hour only lasts so long). But our indoor studio in San Mateo takes the guesswork out of timing:
Consistent lighting: We use professional Profoto lights and natural sunlight to create soft, flattering tones—no matter if it’s 9 AM or 4 PM.
No weather delays: Rain in San Bruno or heatwaves in Sunnyvale won’t ruin your plans. We can reschedule quickly if you’re not feeling well, too.
Comfort first: Our studio has private changing areas, a makeup touch-up station, and even snacks—you can take your time without worrying about crowds or cold.
FAQs About Maternity Sessions at Luminous Space
We get a lot of questions about how our sessions work—here are the top ones, answered:
Do you provide maternity gowns?
Yes! Our custom packages include access to a curated wardrobe of elegant gowns (flowy, fitted, and everything in between). For standard packages ($699), we include one free gown, and we’re happy to give styling tips if you want to bring your own clothes.
Can I bring my family or pets?
Absolutely! Our standard package allows up to 2 guests (including pets) for a small extra fee ($100). A family from Menlo Park brought their two kids and golden retriever, and the candid shots of the kids hugging mom’s bump are priceless.
How long until I get my photos?
You’ll get your edited photos in 7 business days—faster than many studios! If you need them sooner (like for a baby shower announcement), we offer rush delivery for $100 (next day).
Can I choose the background?
Yes! We have options like cream white, Morandi green, vintage black, and soft tulle pink—all editorial-style to make your photos look like they’re from a magazine. You can pick your favorite when booking, or we can help you decide based on your gown.
We Serve Families Across the Bay Area
You don’t have to live in San Mateo to book with us. We welcome expecting moms from:
Los Altos Hills, Stanford, Redwood Shores, Redwood City, San Bruno, South San Francisco, Millbrae, Belmont, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Atherton, Emerald Hills, Hillsborough, Burlingame, San Carlos, Foster City, Cupertino, Daly City, and Sunnyvale. Our studio has free parking, so it’s easy to get to—no long drives required.
Ready to Book Your Session?
Now that you know the best time to take maternity photos, it’s time to lock in your date. Our calendar fills up fast (especially in spring and fall), so we recommend booking your session in your second trimester.
Book online or text us at 415-295-2518 to chat about timing or ask more questions. We can’t wait to capture your beautiful pregnancy journey.
