When to Book a Maternity Photoshoot in London
Updated: Oct 5
A maternity photoshoot in London is usually booked between 28 and 34 weeks — when your bump is clearly defined and you are still likely to feel comfortable during the session.
There is no single perfect week. Earlier or later sessions can work equally well depending on your pregnancy, how you feel and the kind of portraits you want to create.
When should you book a maternity photoshoot in London?
Most maternity sessions take place within three timeframes:
• 28–34 weeks — the most common choice
• 24–28 weeks — an earlier, more subtle stage
• 34–38 weeks — a later stage, depending on comfort and availability
For most women, 28–34 weeks is the strongest starting point.
From there, Paola Perni, founder of Pennypics and an experienced London maternity photographer, can refine the timing around your pregnancy, comfort and the portraits you want to create.
What Can Affect the Best Time for Your Maternity Photoshoot?
You do not need to find the perfect week.
Paola has photographed maternity sessions earlier, later, and even very close to the birth. What matters most is not hitting an exact date, but giving yourself enough time to book and then letting the session be shaped around where you are in your pregnancy.
A little earlier can work beautifully. A little later can too, especially in the studio, where light and setting are completely under control.
The useful thing to plan ahead is your date. Studio availability in particular is more limited, so reserving your preferred window early gives more room to choose the timing that will work best for you.
Booking a Maternity Photoshoot in London in Advance
Most maternity photoshoots in London are reserved:
• 4–8 weeks in advance for weekdays
• 6–10 weeks in advance for weekends
Booking within this kind of window usually gives you a better choice of dates and, for studio sessions, more flexibility around studio availability.
You do not need to have every detail decided when you book.
The setting, styling and shape of the session can be refined afterwards.
Where maternity photoshoots take place in London
The setting can also influence when it makes sense to photograph your maternity session.
Studio sessions offer the most control over light, temperature and pace, which makes them especially flexible across different stages of pregnancy.
At-home sessions bring the portrait experience into a place already connected to your life. Paola works with the character of your home and brings professional lighting where needed, so the session can remain personal without depending on the room.
Outdoor sessions are more closely tied to season and place. Tell Paola what you have in mind, and she can guide you towards the timing and setting that will work best for your portraits.
If you are considering an outdoor setting:
Once Your Date Is Reserved
Once your date is reserved, you do not need to arrive with every detail already decided.
Paola can help refine the setting, clothing and overall direction of the session around the kind of portraits you would like to create.
Some clients come with a very clear idea. Others simply know they want to be photographed beautifully at this stage of pregnancy. Both are perfectly fine.
Planning your maternity photoshoot in London
Timing is only one part of planning your maternity portraits.
For more guidance on setting, clothing and preparation, read the full Maternity Photoshoot Planning Guide.
If you already know where you would like to be photographed, explore:
