If you are pregnant and reading this right now, there is a good chance you have already Googled “when to schedule my maternity session in Orange County” at least once. You are not alone! It is one of the most common questions I get as an Orange County maternity photographer and I am so glad you are asking it before it is too late.

Let me walk you through everything you need to know so you can stop stressing and start looking forward to one of the most beautiful experiences of your pregnancy.

When to Schedule Your Maternity Session in Orange County

The sweet spot I always recommend is somewhere between 32 and 36 weeks. At this point your bump is beautifully round and full, you still have enough energy to enjoy the session, and we have plenty of time before baby decides to make an early appearance. Every pregnancy is different of course, so if you are carrying multiples or have been advised otherwise by your doctor, we can absolutely adjust and plan around that together.

The most important thing I want you to know is this: book early. Do not wait until you feel ready or until you feel like you look the way you want to look. By the time most mamas feel “ready” they are already 38 weeks and we are scrambling. I always recommend reaching out around the beginning of your second trimester so we have time to plan your session properly, choose your outfits, and get your ideal date locked in.

What Time of Day is Best for Outdoor Sessions

If we are shooting outdoors, golden hour is absolutely my favorite time of day and honestly the light is just magical and something we should take into consideration when to schedule your maternity session in Orange County. For beach sessions along the South OC coastline especially, that warm evening glow does something truly incredible for maternity photos. So for outdoor sessions, I typically schedule in the early evening about an hour before sunset.

I completely understand that does not always work for every family, especially mamas who already have little ones at home with early bedtimes. That is where the studio becomes such a beautiful option.

Why the Studio is a Game Changer for Busy Mamas

My Huntington Beach studio is warm, inviting and styled like a soft neutral home and it is available any time of day, rain or shine and it is one of my favorite to consider when discussing and deciding when to schedule your maternity session in Orange County. For mamas with toddlers or young children, shooting indoors means everyone is contained, comfortable and out of the elements. There is no chasing kids across a beach parking lot or worrying about the wind destroying anyone’s hair. We can shoot a gorgeous session at 10am on a Tuesday and the light inside is just as beautiful and flattering.

The studio is also included as a complimentary option for clients who book my maternity and newborn bundles, which I will talk about more in a moment.

The Mistake I Almost Made Myself

I want to get personal with you for a second because I think this might be exactly what you need to hear.

When I was pregnant with my daughter I almost skipped my own maternity session entirely. I felt like I had gained too much weight, I could not find anything to wear that I felt beautiful in, and I kept telling myself I would do it later when I felt more like myself. Sound familiar?

I am so grateful I did not listen to that voice. Some of my all time favorite photos of myself are from that maternity session. And from her one year session too. Those images are irreplaceable to me now and I look back at them with nothing but love for that version of myself growing my girl.

If that voice is whispering to you right now I want you to know that I hear it and I understand it completely. And I also want you to know that in over 14 years of photographing pregnant mamas I have never once had a client leave a session feeling anything other than beautiful. That is not an accident. It is what I am here for.

Planning Your Maternity and Newborn Sessions Together

One of the best things you can do during your pregnancy is plan both your maternity and newborn session at the same time when deciding to schedule your maternity session in Orange County. Newborn sessions are best photographed in the first two weeks of life when babies are sleepiest and most curly, and those spots fill up fast. By planning ahead you guarantee your ideal timing for both sessions without the postpartum scramble of trying to find a photographer while running on no sleep.

I offer two bundle options for mamas who want to capture both milestones together beautifully.

The Collective Experience brings your maternity and newborn sessions together in one simple bundle for a one time session fee of $400. Both sessions include siblings and immediate family members, priority scheduling, complimentary studio access and client closet access for mom.

The Legacy Journey is for the mama who wants to capture every single milestone from pregnancy announcement all the way through cake smash. Four sessions bundled together for a one time session fee of $800, with priority scheduling, studio access, client closet access and 20% off your print store for the entire journey.

Digital images and print collections are selected separately after your session so you only invest in exactly what you love.

Ready to Book Your Orange County Maternity Session?

The best time to reach out is right now, whatever week you are on. Whether you are 20 weeks and planning ahead beautifully or 34 weeks and suddenly realizing time is flying, I would love to chat and find the perfect plan for you.

Let’s connect here →