a husband looks at his pregnant wife who wears a black long dress and holds belly bump while both stand in front of rocky river

Maternity Photography

When to Schedule A Maternity Photography Session

The Best Time for Maternity Photos

One of the most common questions I hear from expecting mamas is when to schedule maternity photos. The short answer: 28–36 weeks, or roughly 7–8 months pregnant. At that point your belly is beautifully round, you still have energy, and you can actually enjoy the session rather than just survive it.

That said, every pregnancy is different. If you’re showing early or carrying multiples, I’d move that window earlier — sometimes as early as 24 weeks. And if you’re showing late, we can push closer to 36 weeks. You know your body. We’ll work with it.

pregnant woman holds belly and looks towards mountains

Outdoor Maternity Sessions on Colorado’s Front Range

I shoot maternity sessions almost exclusively outdoors, and Colorado gives us so much to work with. Mountain backdrops, rivers, ponds, open meadows — the landscape here does half the work. Some of my favorite sessions have been along the St. Vrain River, up near the Flatirons, or at locations with wide open views of the Front Range. If you’re feeling adventurous, we can find something truly dramatic. Safety first, always — but I love when a client is up for something a little unexpected.

Flowing dresses photograph beautifully in outdoor settings, especially with any kind of breeze or movement. I have a small client wardrobe of neutral, timeless pieces if you’re not sure what to wear — just ask when you reach out.

If you’re deciding between locations, I put together a detailed guide to my favorite spring maternity photo spots in Boulder County — it covers what makes each location work and what to expect at each one.

What About Winter Maternity Sessions?

Totally doable. Colorado winters can actually be stunning for maternity photos — bare trees, dramatic skies, snow on the mountains in the distance. The main thing is timing your session for a day that isn’t frigid. We keep an eye on the forecast and pick a window that works. A little cold never hurt anyone, but we’re not going to make you stand in a field during a blizzard.

pregnant woman with gray shawl and red hair smiles

quadruple exposure of a pregnant woman with a gray scarf standing in front of a wood fence

Book Maternity and Newborn Together

Here’s something worth knowing: if you book both your maternity session and your newborn session with me, you’ll receive $300 off your second session fee. A lot of my clients do this — it’s a beautiful way to document the full arc from anticipation to arrival, and it means your newborn spot is already reserved before baby comes. Those early weeks book up fast.

You can see more about my approach to maternity photography and browse full galleries on my maternity photography page.

How to Schedule

Reach out via my contact form with a few dates that work for you and any location ideas. I’m happy to make suggestions based on your personality and how far along you’ll be. Weekdays tend to have more availability, and weekends fill up — so the earlier you reach out, the better.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maternity Sessions

When should I book my maternity session? I’d recommend reaching out during your second trimester — around 4–5 months. That gives us plenty of time to find a date that works, and it means your spot is secured well before your belly is at its most photogenic. Fall and weekend slots fill up fastest.

Can my partner join? Absolutely — and I’d encourage it. Partners bring a lot of warmth and connection to a maternity session. Kids and pets are welcome too. Some mamas also prefer a solo session, which can feel really powerful. Either way works beautifully.

What should I wear? Flowing dresses tend to photograph best for maternity — they move well outdoors and are forgiving as your body changes. I have a small client wardrobe of pieces that work well if you’d rather not worry about it. I also put together a full maternity outfit guide if you want to plan ahead.

How long is a maternity session? Most sessions run about an hour, sometimes a little longer depending on location and pace. We’re never rushing.

What if the weather doesn’t cooperate? Colorado weather is famously unpredictable. If conditions are genuinely bad — not just chilly — we’ll reschedule. I keep a flexible calendar for exactly this reason.

What if I’m not comfortable walking far? Many of my favorite locations have beautiful spots close to parking, so we’re not committed to a long hike. Rogers Grove, Chautauqua, and several river spots in Lyons all work well without much effort. Just let me know where you are physically and we’ll plan accordingly.

How do I book? Reach out here with a few dates that work, any location ideas, and how far along you’ll be at the time of your session. I’ll get back to you quickly.

pregnant woman holds belly in front of boulder, co mountains

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