Best Time for Maternity Photos in Shreveport-Bossier: When Should You Schedule?

One of the first questions expecting moms ask when planning a maternity session is, “When should I take my maternity photos?” If you’re wondering about the best time for maternity photos in Shreveport-Bossier, you’re not alone.

You want that beautiful, round baby bump to show, but you also don’t want to wait so long that you’re uncomfortable. Additionally, waiting until the final weeks can mean your little one arrives before your session.

For most expecting moms, the best time for maternity photos in Shreveport-Bossier is around 28–34 weeks of pregnancy. At this point, your bump is usually beautifully defined while you’re hopefully still comfortable enough to move around, change outfits, and enjoy your session.

Of course, every pregnancy is different. There isn’t one perfect week that works for every mom, so let’s look at what I recommend when planning your maternity photos.

Why 28–34 Weeks Is Usually the Best Time for Maternity Photos

For many moms, the seventh and eighth months of pregnancy are a wonderful time for maternity photographs.

By around 28 weeks, your baby bump is usually prominent enough to photograph beautifully. At the same time, you’re generally not quite into those final weeks when moving around and being on your feet can become more difficult.

Because of this, we have plenty of opportunities to create a variety of photographs. We can capture standing portraits, sitting images, walking photographs, and sweet interactions with your partner or children.

Most importantly, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the experience while celebrating this incredible season of pregnancy.

If we’re planning an outdoor maternity session, scheduling within this window can also make the experience easier. We may do a little walking between locations, so being comfortable is important.

The goal isn’t simply to create beautiful photographs. I want you to enjoy the experience of creating them, too.

Should You Wait Until 36 Weeks or Later?

You absolutely can take maternity photos later in pregnancy. However, I usually don’t recommend intentionally waiting until the very end.

Babies have their own schedules!

The closer we get to your due date, the greater the chance that your baby could decide to arrive early. You may also experience more swelling, fatigue, or general discomfort during those final weeks.

Instead, I’d much rather photograph you when your bump is beautiful and round while you’re still feeling comfortable enough to enjoy your session.

We don’t want your maternity photos to feel like a race against your baby’s arrival!

Every Pregnancy Is Different

While 28–34 weeks is a great general guideline, there are always exceptions.

Some moms show earlier, while others carry smaller. Likewise, some women feel wonderful late into pregnancy, while others are much more comfortable scheduling their photographs earlier.

If you’re expecting twins or multiples, we may also want to plan your maternity session earlier.

For that reason, I don’t believe every maternity session has to happen during one specific week.

When you contact me, we can look at your due date and decide on a session timeframe that makes the most sense for you and your pregnancy.

When Should You Book Your Maternity Session?

There is an important distinction between when to book your maternity session and when to take your maternity photos.

You don’t need to wait until you’re 28 weeks pregnant to contact me.

Instead, I recommend reaching out earlier so we can reserve your maternity session and have plenty of time to plan.

Booking early also gives you more options when choosing your session date. This is especially helpful if you’re hoping for a particular time of year or an outdoor session around sunset.

Once your session is reserved, we can start thinking about the fun details. We’ll discuss your location, dresses, outfits, and the overall look you want for your photographs.

Then, when that 28–34 week window arrives, you’re ready!

Studio or Outdoor Maternity Photos in Shreveport-Bossier?

Another thing to consider when deciding on the best time for your maternity photos in Shreveport-Bossier is the Louisiana weather.

We all know how unpredictable it can be!

If your ideal maternity window falls during the heat of summer, you may prefer an indoor studio session. That way, we don’t have to worry about heat, humidity, or unexpected rain.

On the other hand, if the weather is beautiful, an outdoor maternity session around sunset can give us gorgeous soft light and a completely different look.

Both options can be beautiful.

Your maternity session doesn’t need to look exactly like anyone else’s. Instead, we can talk about the style you love and choose an option that works best for you.

What Will I Wear for My Maternity Photos?

This is one of the biggest questions moms have when planning their maternity session.

The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to go out and buy a maternity dress just for your photographs.

I have a selection of maternity dresses available for my clients to wear during their sessions. Having dresses available takes one more thing off your planning list and gives you options that I already know photograph beautifully.

You can also bring your own outfit or dress if you have something you love.

Before your session, we’ll talk about your wardrobe and the look you’re going for. That way, you don’t have to figure everything out by yourself.

If Dad or your children will be joining you, we can also coordinate their clothing. The goal is for everyone to look beautiful together without feeling overly matched.

Professional Hair and Makeup for Your Maternity Session

If you’d like to make your maternity session feel even more special, professional hair and makeup is also available as an option for moms.

This can be a wonderful way to begin your session experience.

Instead of getting everyone else ready and then trying to squeeze in time to do your own hair and makeup, you can sit down, relax, and let someone take care of you for a little while.

Professional hair and makeup is completely optional. However, many moms love having that extra pampering before getting in front of the camera.

Between access to my maternity dresses and the option to have your hair and makeup professionally done, my goal is to make preparing for your maternity photos as easy and enjoyable as possible.

What If I Don’t Feel Photogenic While Pregnant?

If you’ve ever thought this, you’re definitely not alone.

Pregnancy changes your body in so many ways. As a result, you may not necessarily feel like getting dressed up and standing in front of a camera.

The good news is that you don’t need to know how to pose.

That’s my job.

I’ll guide you throughout your session, from where to place your hands to how to stand and move. Together, we’ll create flattering, natural photographs that beautifully showcase your baby bump.

I want you to look at these photographs and see what everyone who loves you sees: a mom carrying a baby she already loves so much.

Should Dad and the Kids Come?

Absolutely!

While we’ll create plenty of maternity portraits focused completely on Mom, I also love including your partner and children in some of the photographs.

Your family is getting ready to change, and this isn’t only an important season for you.

Dad is waiting to meet his new baby.

A little boy may be getting ready to become a big brother.

A little girl may be counting down the days until she gets to meet her baby sister.

Those relationships are part of your baby’s story, too.

Including your family allows us to capture not only your pregnancy but also the excitement and anticipation surrounding your baby’s arrival.

Your Maternity Photos Are the Beginning of Your Baby’s Story

One of my favorite things about maternity photography is knowing how much more meaningful these photographs can become after your baby arrives.

Right now, you know your baby through little kicks and movements.

You’re wondering what they will look like.

You’re imagining holding them for the first time.

Then suddenly, they’re here.

One day, you’ll be able to show your child photographs of you carrying them before you had ever even seen their face.

You’ll be able to show them just how loved and anticipated they were before they entered the world.

Because of that, this season deserves to be remembered.

The Best Time for Maternity Photos in Shreveport-Bossier

For most expecting moms, the best time for maternity photos in Shreveport-Bossier is around 28–34 weeks of pregnancy.

It’s often the perfect balance: a beautiful, noticeable baby bump with enough time before your due date to comfortably enjoy the experience.

However, don’t wait until 28 weeks to start planning.

If you know maternity photographs are important to you, reach out earlier in your pregnancy so we can reserve your date and start planning your session.

I photograph maternity sessions for families throughout Shreveport, Bossier City, Benton, and the surrounding Northwest Louisiana area. Both studio and outdoor options are available.

From helping you decide what to wear and offering a selection of maternity dresses to providing the option of professional hair and makeup, my goal is to make your experience feel easy, beautiful, and special.

Pregnancy may feel long while you’re in the middle of it. Once your baby is here, however, you’ll realize just how quickly this chapter passed.

Let’s make sure you have photographs to remember it.

Ready to reserve your due date? Contact me HERE today, and let’s start planning your newborn session in Benton, LA. I cannot wait to document this beautiful season for you.

Download Your Free Maternity & Newborn Photo Guide

Want a little help planning your baby’s first photo session?Grab our free Maternity & Newborn Session Guide—a quick, beautiful breakdown of what to expect, what to bring, and how to prep stress-free. It also includes 10 tips for a calmer baby and a photo-packed style guide to help you plan the perfect wardrobe for your session.

https://elainepierce.com/inquire

And for a little more behind-the-scenes and recent work, come hang out with me on Instagram or Facebook!