Best Time to Take Maternity Photos in Charlotte (20–34 Weeks Explained)

Pregnancy is such a beautiful, fleeting season of life and maternity portraits allow you to preserve it forever. One of the most common questions I hear as a Charlotte maternity photographer is: “When is the best time to schedule my maternity photos?”

The answer: between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy (around 7–8 months). This sweet spot allows us to capture your gorgeous bump while you’re still comfortable enough to pose and enjoy your session.

In this guide, I’ll break down why this timing works best, plus a few tips if you’re expecting multiples or experiencing a high-risk pregnancy.

Why 28–34 Weeks Is the Perfect Window

During this stage:

• ✅ Your baby bump is beautifully round and prominent.
• ✅ You’re usually still comfortable moving, sitting, and posing.
• ✅ There’s less risk of going into early labor.

Waiting until after 34 weeks can sometimes mean you’re more tired, swollen, or at risk of missing your session if your little one arrives early.

When to Book Your Maternity Photographer

Even though the best time to take photos is between 28–34 weeks, I recommend booking your session by the second trimester (around 20 weeks).

• This secures your spot on my calendar (sessions book quickly in Charlotte!).
• It gives us time to plan your wardrobe, location, and styling.
• If you want hair and makeup, we’ll coordinate that in advance.

Special Considerations

• Twins or Multiples: Schedule earlier (around 24–28 weeks) since you’ll likely be showing sooner.

• High-Risk Pregnancy: Consider booking between 24–28 weeks to ensure you don’t miss the opportunity.

• Seasonal Planning: Charlotte weather can be unpredictable in some seasons for an outdoor shoot. Studio sessions offer a timeless, controlled option if outdoor sessions aren’t ideal. An added bonus is the Knowles Photography studio is located on 13 acres which gives clients the options for both outdoor and in studio portraits within a short walk. You can have the best of both, if desired.

Studio vs. Outdoor Maternity Sessions in Charlotte

One of the great things about living in Charlotte is the variety of locations we can use for your maternity portraits.

• 🌿 Outdoor: Our glasshouse and bridge setting, rustic red barn and old Ford 150 truck setting, or natural fields and pond give you glowing light and beautiful scenery.
• 🖤 Studio: Clean, fine art portraits with controlled lighting for a modern, editorial Vogue-like feel. Always classic and timeless.

Preparing for Your Maternity Photoshoot

Here’s how to make the most of your session:

• At your vision and gown consultation we will choose fitted or flowing dresses that highlight your bump.
• Our clients have full access to our studio wardrobe with signature gowns, designer gowns, bodysuits, luxury fabrics for tossing and artistic draping, body jewelry or we can do fine art nude with bodyscaping images.
• Book your professional hair and makeup (included in my luxury experience).
• Consider including your partner or older children to tell your full story.

Ready to Capture Your Charlotte Maternity Portraits?

Your maternity journey deserves to be celebrated with timeless, fine art portraits. If you’re between 28–34 weeks pregnant (or planning ahead), now is the perfect time to reserve your date.

👉 Click here to book your Charlotte maternity photography session with Amanda Knowles Photography.