When to Book Your Maternity Session: A Month-by-Month Guide for Expecting Moms

You’ve seen the glowing bump photos on Instagram, saved a few dreamy ideas on Pinterest, and now you’re wondering when you should actually book your maternity session. If you’re expecting a baby and live in the Hampshire, Genoa, Huntley, or surrounding northwest suburbs of Chicago, this guide is for you. As a motherhood and family photographer, this is one of the questions I get asked most often, so let’s talk about it.

The sweet spot for maternity photos is between 28 and 34 weeks. Around this time, your belly has that perfect round shape and you’re usually still feeling comfortable enough to move around and enjoy the experience. Every mama is different, but this window is generally when you’re glowing and showing without being too close to delivery or overly exhausted.

I always recommend booking your session about 8 to 10 weeks in advance, especially if you’re hoping for a golden hour time slot or a weekend session during a busy season. My calendar fills quickly and I want to make sure you get the date, vibe, and location you love.

If your due date is in June or July, the best time to book is March or April. This gives you the opportunity to shoot in beautiful spring blooms or early summer sunshine. For August and September babies, booking in May or June works best so we can take advantage of golden summer evenings and those lush grassy backdrops. If you’re expecting in October or November, booking in July or August will allow us to capture the magic of fall—think cozy sweaters, changing leaves, and warm tones. And if your little one is due between December and February, booking by September or October is ideal so we can plan for an indoor studio session or even use my greenhouse location at Starline Factory to keep things warm and beautiful without braving the cold.

When you book a maternity session with Messy Momma Memories, you’re getting more than just photos. You’re getting a fully customized experience. You’ll have access to my curated client closet filled with beautiful gowns for all shapes and sizes. I’ll also send you a personalized style and location guide to help you feel confident, prepared, and stress-free. During your session, I’ll gently guide you through prompts and poses that feel natural and comfortable. Whether you want your partner involved, older siblings included, or the session to be just you and your growing bump, I’ll make sure your photos reflect your unique story.

My goal is for every expecting mama to walk away not only with gorgeous images but also with the reminder that she is powerful, radiant, and worthy of being celebrated. This is such a special time in your life, and it deserves to be captured with intention and heart.

If you’re thinking about booking a maternity session, now’s the time to reach out. Even if you’re not sure about exact dates, I can help guide you based on your due date and preferences. I take a limited number of maternity clients each month to ensure that every family gets the attention and care they deserve.

Let’s make this part of your motherhood journey something you’ll look back on with love and pride. You can reach out through my contact form to check availability, ask questions, or start planning your dream session. I can’t wait to celebrate this season with you.