Consider This Before You Book Maternity Photos... An Asheville Maternity Photographer’s Guide

If you’ve been wondering whether maternity photos are worth it—or when you should actually schedule them—consider this your sign to book the maternity photos. 🤍

Pregnancy can feel long when you’re in the middle of it. But somehow, once your baby is here, those months become a blur. The little kicks, your growing belly, the anticipation of meeting your baby, and even the way you felt during this season eventually become memories.

A maternity session gives you something tangible to hold onto from this chapter of your life.

When Is the Best Time to Take Maternity Photos?

For most expecting moms, I recommend scheduling your maternity session for somewhere around 28–34 weeks.

At this point in pregnancy, your bump is typically beautifully defined, while you’re still comfortable enough to move around and enjoy your session.

Of course, every pregnancy is different. If you’re expecting multiples, have a specific vision for your photos, or simply want to photograph your pregnancy a little earlier, your ideal timeline may look different.

The most important thing is not waiting until the very last minute.

When Should You Book Your Maternity Session?

While your photos may take place between 28 and 34 weeks, I recommend reaching out before your third trimester whenever possible.

Booking early gives us plenty of time to plan your session without feeling rushed.

We can choose the right date, talk through locations, plan what you’ll wear, and create a session that feels like you.

It also gives us a little more flexibility, which can be especially helpful when planning an outdoor maternity session here in Asheville and Western North Carolina, where weather can sometimes have other plans!

Why Take Maternity Photos?

The why is even more important than the when.

Pregnancy is such a small chapter in the larger story of motherhood.

Right now, you might be counting down the weeks until you meet your baby. Someday, though, you may find yourself wishing you could remember exactly what it felt like to carry them.

The shape of your belly.

The little movements.

The excitement.

The waiting.

The way your partner held you.

The way your older children talked about their new baby brother or sister.

These are the details that change so quickly.

Maternity photos allow you to hold onto a little piece of them.

Maternity Photos Aren’t Just About Your Bump

Yes, we’ll document your beautiful belly—but your maternity session is about so much more than that.

It’s about you in this season.

It’s about the transition into motherhood, or into becoming a mom of two, three, or more. It’s about documenting your family exactly as it is before someone new joins it.

Your partner and children are always welcome to be part of your maternity photos. In fact, some of my favorite images from maternity sessions are often the simple, in-between moments between family members.

A hand resting on your belly.

Your little one cuddled against you.

Your partner looking at you.

The laughter that happens when everyone forgets about the camera for a minute.

Those are the photographs that tell the whole story.

“But I Don’t Feel Photogenic Right Now…”

You don’t need to.

You don’t need to know how to pose, know what to do with your hands, or show up feeling completely confident in front of a camera.

That’s my job.

I’ll guide you throughout your session so you can focus less on what you’re supposed to be doing and more on simply being present with the people you love.

My goal is to create maternity photos that feel beautiful, natural, and true to you—not stiff or overly posed.

Your Baby Will Get to See These Photos Someday

This might be my favorite reason to document pregnancy.

Someday, these photographs won’t only belong to you.

They’ll belong to your child, too.

They’ll get to see what their family looked like while everyone waited for them. They’ll see the way you held your belly and the love that surrounded them before you ever held them in your arms.

Your maternity photos become part of their story.

And that makes them pretty special.

Maternity Photography in Asheville & Western North Carolina

If you’re expecting and thinking about maternity photos, you don’t have to wait until your third

trimester to start planning.

I’m currently booking maternity photography sessions in Asheville, Black Mountain, and throughout Western North Carolina, and I’d love to help you document this season in a way that feels like you.

If you’re approaching that 28–34 week window—or you simply want to get your session on the calendar early—reach out to start planning your maternity session.

Because this season may feel ordinary while you’re living it, but one day, you’ll be so glad you have photographs that bring you right back to it. 🤍