One of the most common questions I get before a maternity session is when to schedule it. The honest answer is that it depends — on how you’re feeling, how far along you are, and what you want the photos to show.

Here’s how I think about each trimester.

First Trimester

Most people wait. The first trimester is often uncomfortable, and your bump isn’t very visible yet. That said, some families want to document the very beginning — the announcement, the early excitement — and that’s a valid reason to schedule earlier. If you’re feeling well and want to capture this stage, we can plan around that.

Second Trimester

Weeks 14–27 tend to be the easiest physically. Morning sickness has usually passed, energy is up, and your bump is visible but you’re still comfortable moving around. A lot of families land here, and for good reason.

Third Trimester — The Most Common Window

Most maternity sessions happen between weeks 28–35. Your bump is at its most visible, and you’re still comfortable enough to move naturally. I recommend booking earlier in this window to leave room for flexibility — babies don’t always wait for rescheduling windows.

After week 35, sessions are still possible but require more planning around comfort.

What Sessions Actually Look Like

Maternity sessions can happen at home, outdoors, or a combination of both. In the Bay Area, popular outdoor locations include Alameda Beach, Joaquin Miller Park, the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, and Fort Point. Home sessions tend to feel more intimate — morning routines, quiet moments, the nursery taking shape.

We’ll figure out the right location and timing together based on what makes sense for you.

A few practical things to keep in mind:

• Schedule at a time of day when you feel most comfortable
• Wear something you actually feel good in — not what you think you should wear
• Siblings and pets are welcome
• You don’t need to prepare much — that’s what the planning call is for

Book a Maternity Session in the Bay Area

If you’re expecting and thinking about a Bay Area maternity session, I’d love to hear about where you are in your pregnancy. Learn more about maternity sessions and the Bump to Bundle offer, or get in touch to start planning.

More Stories Like This

Want to keep exploring? Here are a few good places to start.

• A Mid-Morning Session in the Oakland Redwoods | Bay Area Maternity Photographer
• Bump to Bundle: Maternity and Newborn Sessions in the Bay Area
• Explore My Maternity Portfolio
• Maternity Session Information and Pricing