Planning

The Complete Maternity Photoshoot Planning Guide

Updated February 2026 · 11 min read
Featured: Maternity photoshoot planning timeline

A great maternity photoshoot doesn't happen spontaneously. The moms who love their photos the most are the ones who planned ahead — not obsessively, but intentionally. They booked at the right time, chose their team thoughtfully, and showed up on shoot day feeling prepared and relaxed.

This guide walks you through every step, from the moment you decide you want a maternity shoot to the day you receive your final images. Follow this timeline and you'll eliminate 90% of the stress that makes maternity shoots go sideways.

The ideal timeline: week by week

Week 20–22
Start planning & book your package
This is the ideal time to book. You're still 6–12 weeks away from the optimal shoot window (28–34 weeks), which gives you time to plan without rushing. Browse photographers in your city, choose your tier, and secure your preferred date. Weekend slots in Mumbai and Bangalore fill up 4–6 weeks in advance, so booking now ensures you get your first-choice photographer and date.
Week 22–24
We assign your photographer & coordinate everything
Once you've booked your package, we handpick the best photographer in your city based on your preferred style, location, and availability. Every photographer in our network is personally vetted and maintains a 4.8+ rating. You'll have a pre-shoot consultation call where your assigned photographer discusses vision, locations, and logistics — so everything runs smoothly on shoot day.
Week 24–26
Select outfits & styling direction
Browse our gown guide and choose your outfits. Consider your shoot locations — flowing gowns for outdoor, fitted gowns for studio, ethnic for cultural settings. Read our what to wear guide for detailed recommendations. For coordinate styling with your partner or family, see our couple and family photoshoot guide. If your package includes multiple gowns, plan your outfit changes to create visual variety in your final gallery.
Week 26–27
Trial fitting & pre-shoot prep
Try on your selected gowns to confirm fit and comfort. Your body is changing week by week at this stage, so don't skip this step. Schedule a manicure/pedicure for 1–2 days before the shoot — your hands will be in almost every photo. Begin moisturising your bump daily if it will be visible. Get a haircut or colour touch-up at least a week before (not the day before, to allow settling).
Week 28–34
THE SHOOT WINDOW — Your ideal shoot date
This is the sweet spot. Your bump is beautifully visible and round, you're still comfortable enough to stand, sit, walk, and pose for 1–4 hours, and your energy levels are usually still good. Within this window, most photographers recommend week 30–32 as the absolute ideal — but any time in this range works well.
1–2 days before
Final preparations
Confirm time and location with your coordinator. Lay out your outfits and accessories. Get a good night's sleep. Hydrate well. Eat a light meal before the shoot. Pack a small bag with water, snacks, touch-up makeup, and comfortable flip-flops for between takes. If shooting outdoors, check weather and have a backup plan.
Shoot day
Show up and glow
Your gown is delivered. Your MUA arrives and starts hair and makeup. Your photographer sets up and scouts the location. You get dressed, step in front of the camera, and your only job is to feel beautiful. Your photographer will guide you through every pose. Bring your partner for couple shots — see our couple photoshoot guide for pose inspiration. Relax, laugh, and enjoy the experience — the best photos happen when you forget the camera is there.
3–7 days after
Receive your edited gallery
Your photographer edits and delivers your high-resolution images within the timeline specified in your package — 3 days for Luxe, 5 for Signature, 7 for Essential. You'll receive a private online gallery link where you can view, download, and share your photos. Luxe packages also include a cinematic video reel delivered separately.
Image: Maternity photoshoot planning timeline visual, week-by-week schedule on calendar, color-coded planning blocks

Planning your budget?

Know what to expect cost-wise before you plan. Our comprehensive breakdown covers all components and city-wise pricing.

See Cost Breakdown →

What if I'm already past 30 weeks?

Don't panic. While 28–34 weeks is ideal, beautiful maternity photos happen at 35, 36, even 37 weeks — it just requires a photographer who's experienced with later-term shoots and knows how to position you comfortably. A good photographer can work with later timelines — check our cost guide to find one in your budget. We've turned around shoots within 5–7 days for moms who booked late.

Image: Late pregnancy maternity photoshoot, expectant mother at 35 weeks with visible beautiful bump, comfortable seated pose

What if it's too early (under 24 weeks)?

If your bump isn't showing much yet, most photographers will recommend waiting. A visible bump is what makes a maternity photo different from a regular portrait. That said, some moms at 24–26 weeks have pronounced bumps (especially with second pregnancies or multiples). Send us a photo and we'll give you an honest assessment of whether it's time.

The pre-shoot checklist

Print this or save it to your phone. On shoot day, make sure you have:

Image: Maternity shoot day preparation, laid out gowns accessories and comfort items, organized pre-shoot checklist
  • Your outfits: Gowns laid out and steamed (if self-provided; our rentals arrive pre-steamed)
  • Undergarments: Nude, seamless bra and underwear. Strapless if wearing off-shoulder gowns. No visible bra straps or panty lines — they're impossible to edit out cleanly
  • Accessories: Jewellery, shoes, flower crown (if using), any sentimental props
  • Comfort kit: Water bottle, light snacks (nuts, fruit), lip balm, deodorant, blotting papers
  • For outdoor shoots: Sunscreen (applied 30 min before), insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes for between locations
  • For couple/family shots: Partner's coordinated outfit, toddler's outfit (with a backup), pet treats
  • Your phone: To show your photographer any Pinterest inspiration or pose ideas you love

Communication with your photographer

The pre-shoot consultation is your most important planning conversation. During this call, cover these things: your vision and preferred style (natural vs dramatic vs editorial), specific poses you've saved from Pinterest or Instagram, any physical limitations or discomfort areas (back pain, swollen feet, difficulty lying down), whether you want to include your partner, family, or pets, your preferred locations and backup options, and your comfort level with bump-baring shots.

A good photographer will also ask about your relationship with your body right now. Some women feel radiant and confident; others feel vulnerable. Both feelings are valid, and your photographer should adjust their approach accordingly.

After the shoot: what to expect

Most moms are surprised by how exhausting a photoshoot is — even a 1-hour session. You've been on your feet, holding poses, smiling, and managing adrenaline. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Don't schedule anything strenuous for the evening.

Image: Maternity photo editing process, photographer reviewing images on computer screen, gallery selection and retouching

Resist the urge to ask for "just a few sneak peeks" before the editing is done. Raw, unedited photos look nothing like the final product, and seeing them can create unnecessary anxiety. Trust the process and wait for your edited gallery.

When your gallery arrives, take your time viewing it. Most moms cry (the good kind). These images will be on your walls, in your baby's nursery, and in the family WhatsApp group for years. They're worth the planning.

Need pose inspiration?

Discover beautiful, flattering poses that work at every stage of pregnancy. Our complete poses guide includes tips for every body type.

See 50+ Poses →

Related: 50 Poses Guide → · What to Wear → · Cost Breakdown → · City Guides →