How Many Photos for a Maternity Shoot?

Pregnancy is a beautiful time in a woman’s life, and many mothers choose to document their pregnancies with maternity shoots. If you’re considering engaging in pregnancy photography, you may wonder how many photos you’ll get from your session.

Generally speaking, a one-hour session should yield between forty and sixty photos. However, if you want to capture more unique, posed shots, consider booking a longer session. The exact number of photos taken in a one-hour session will depend on a few factors:

1. The Type of Shots You Are Looking For

When maternity photos became popular, the primary focus was on capturing a beautiful belly bump. Nowadays, many sessions now feature full body shots, family images, and photos of baby items. Deciding which shots you want to capture will determine how many photos are taken.

2. How Quickly the Photographer Works

The speed of the photographer will also have a significant effect on how many photos you get. Professional photographers are usually very efficient and can capture more images in an hour, while amateur photographers may take longer.

3. The Number of Outfit Changes

Another factor to consider is the amount of time needed for outfit changes. If you plan to wear multiple outfits, allow time in the session for changing clothes and accessories. This can add a variety of looks to your photoshoot, but this will also likely reduce the number of photos taken.

4. The Size of Your Family

If you plan to include your partner or children in the photoshoot, make sure to account for the extra time. You may need to add more time to the session to ensure everyone is comfortable, coordinated, and ready for each shot.

5. The Number of Poses You Are Hoping to Get

Finally, consider the number of poses you want in your photos. You may need to book a longer session if you want to capture various poses, and the kinds of poses you’d like to do can determine where you should take your maternity photos. Some studios have state-of-the-art equipment that ensures your photos are of high quality, regardless of the poses you want.

When Should You Get Maternity Photos Taken?

Ideally, you should schedule your maternity session between weeks twenty-eight and thirty-four of your pregnancy. Your baby bump is showing at this point, but you won’t be too uncomfortable. There is no “perfect” time to take maternity photos, and it is still possible to get beautiful shots later in your pregnancy, but you should plan to have your maternity photos taken at least one month before your due date.

What Time of Day Is Best for Outdoor Maternity Photos?

The best time of day for outdoor maternity photos is during the golden hour, approximately one hour before sunset or sunrise. This time of day provides a softer, more flattering light that is perfect for capturing beautiful photos. However, if you want to capture a different look, you can also schedule a session for midday; this will provide a different atmosphere that can still allow for stunning photos. Your photographer will know exactly how to navigate the natural lighting of any time of day.

In Conclusion

No matter when you decide to have your maternity session, schedule it in advance so you and your photographer have enough time to plan and prepare for the shoot. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to coordinate and can get the number of photos you want! The professionals at Valent Lau Photography are ready to help you do just that-reach out today and we’ll get started on planning your perfect maternity photoshoot.