Maternity and Newborn Photography: When and How
Two of the most beautiful times, the bump before birth and the first days with the baby. When to shoot and how to prepare.
Two of the most beautiful times of all, the bump before birth and the first days with the baby. Both can be captured beautifully, they just need slightly different timing and preparation.
Maternity shoot: when
The bump looks loveliest between weeks 28 and 36, roughly the seventh to eighth month, when it's nicely round and mum still feels comfortable. Don't leave it to the last minute.
Earlier than that window the bump often hasn't shown enough yet, and later on standing in front of the camera for more than a few minutes at a time can get uncomfortable. Seven to eight months tends to be the sweet spot: the shape is clearly visible, energy levels are still good, and most women feel fine even after an hour of shooting. With twins or a higher risk pregnancy it's worth checking with your doctor first and moving the date earlier if needed.
How to approach a maternity shoot
Simple, flowing dresses work, as do fitted pieces that show the shape. We shoot gently and with care, at a pace that suits you.
Many women wonder what to wear. Nothing new or expensive is needed, even a favourite jumper or your partner's shirt works well. If you'd like to include your partner, an older child or the family dog, just let us know in advance and we'll happily adjust the setup and location. Natural poses, walking together, an embrace, hands resting on the bump, feel relaxed and never go out of style. Styled shots with soft lighting and props are a lovely way to mark such a special moment too. The nicest results often come from mixing both approaches.
Newborn shoot: when
Ideally in the first one to two weeks, when the baby sleeps a lot and can be posed beautifully. It's possible later too, it's just a little different.
More precisely, the best window is within the first 14 days after birth. At that stage the baby still sleeps most of the day, stays curled up in the positions it knew in the womb, and can gently be shaped into classic newborn poses. After the second week babies start moving and waking more, which doesn't rule out a shoot, it just looks different, more open eyed moments and less deep sleep. We recommend booking the date during pregnancy and simply confirming it after the birth.
Calm, warmth and extra time
With a newborn shoot we're in no rush. We adapt to the baby's feeding and sleep. What matters is a warm room and a calm atmosphere.
The baby's safety always comes first, every pose is supported by a parent's or the photographer's hand, even when that isn't visible in the final image. We heat the room to a temperature where a baby without clothes can sleep comfortably, usually noticeably warmer than what adults are used to. Lighting stays soft, voices stay quiet, and gentle music or white noise plays in the background. If the baby needs a break to feed, be changed or be soothed, we simply wait until they're settled again.
For a newborn shoot
- A warm room
- A fed baby before the shoot
- Spare nappies and clothes
- Calm and patience
- Extra time, don't plan anything right after
Want to keep this time forever? Get in touch in advance, both maternity and newborn shoots are planned ahead.
What helps
- A bump shoot around month seven or eight.
- A newborn shoot in the first two weeks.
- A warm room and calm atmosphere.
- Plenty of time with no rush.
What to avoid
- Leaving the maternity shoot to the last minute.
- Planning anything right after the newborn shoot.
- A cold room during the baby's shoot.
- Shooting a hungry or unfed baby.
Frequently asked questions
Is a bump shoot safe later in pregnancy?
Yes, we adapt the poses and pace so you feel comfortable throughout the shoot. With a higher risk pregnancy, we recommend checking with your doctor first.
What if we miss the two-week newborn window?
No problem, a shoot is still possible later, the baby will simply be more awake and less curled into classic newborn poses. We adapt the style accordingly.
Can older siblings join the newborn shoot?
Absolutely, we capture a short shot together right at the start while the baby is calm, then continue with individual poses.
When should I book the date?
We recommend planning both the maternity and newborn shoot during pregnancy. You simply confirm the date after the birth.
Want to keep this precious time?
We photograph maternity and newborn sessions calmly, warmly and without rush, exactly at the pace that suits you and your baby. Have a look at our services, or just tell us when suits you.
Maternity photography Get in touchQuick recap
- Maternity is loveliest between weeks 28 and 36.
- Newborn is ideal in the first one to two weeks.
- The key is calm, warmth and extra time.
- Plan the date well in advance.
