Short answer: book your maternity session between 30 and 36 weeks. That window gives you a clearly defined bump while you’re still comfortable enough to walk on sand, change outfits and stand for a 45-minute shoot. If you’re carrying twins or your doctor has flagged an early delivery, move it up to 26–30 weeks.
That’s the headline. Below is the week-by-week detail, plus the two mistakes that cost South Florida moms their session every single year.
Week-by-week: what your photos actually look like
Weeks 20–26 — too early for most
The bump reads as “maybe” in photos rather than unmistakably pregnant. Fine if you want a subtle, early announcement look, but most moms who shoot here end up booking a second session later.
Weeks 27–29 — good for twins and high-risk pregnancies
If you’re expecting multiples, you’ll measure well ahead of a singleton pregnancy, and the last weeks can get uncomfortable fast. This is your window. Same goes if your provider has mentioned the possibility of an early delivery.
Weeks 30–36 — the sweet spot
This is where the vast majority of maternity sessions happen, and for good reason: the bump is round and unmistakable, your energy is usually still decent, and swelling hasn’t peaked. If you only shoot once, shoot here.
Weeks 37+ — possible, but you’re gambling
Full term starts at 37 weeks. Babies arrive on their own schedule, and a session booked at 38 weeks can evaporate with one phone call. Florida heat and humidity also hit hardest in the third trimester — standing on an open beach at 39 weeks in August is genuinely uncomfortable.
The two mistakes that cost moms their session
1. Booking the shoot instead of the window
Weekend golden-hour slots — the 60–90 minutes before sunset — are the first to fill, especially between October and April when South Florida weather is at its best. Moms who wait until week 32 to start looking often find their ideal Saturday already taken and end up shooting at 34 or 35 weeks by default. Reach out around week 24–26 to hold a date inside your target window.
2. Forgetting that Florida has two seasons that matter
Roughly May through October means heat, humidity and near-daily afternoon storms. November through April is dry, cooler and far more reliable. If your window lands in summer, shoot early morning or the last hour before sunset — not midday — and build a rain-date into the plan from the start.
How to calculate your ideal date
- Take your due date.
- Count back 6 weeks — that’s roughly week 34, the middle of the sweet spot.
- Aim for a weekend within two weeks either side of that date.
- Book it at least 6–8 weeks in advance to get golden hour.
A due date of December 15 puts your ideal shoot in the first week of November. A due date in July puts you in late May — which means booking now and planning around the heat.
What if the baby comes early?
It happens. Ask your photographer up front what their reschedule policy looks like, and prefer someone local enough to move quickly. We hold a flexible reschedule for maternity clients specifically because of this — and if a baby arrives before we can shoot, that session rolls into a newborn or family session instead.
Ready to lock in your window?
Maternity sessions across West Palm Beach, Wellington and all of South Florida start at $250 for 45 minutes, with your full gallery delivered in under 24 hours. Partner and older children are always included.
See maternity session details and pricing →
Not sure which week is right for you? Text your due date to (561) 444-8952 and we’ll tell you the exact window to aim for.
