WHEN TO BOOK YOUR MATERNITY PORTRAITS IN COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO
One of the first questions my clients ask me when scheduling maternity photos is “When should we schedule them?” My short answer is between 28-32 weeks. To make you feel like a queen in your images it takes time and proper planning for maternity sessions. And because the window is only a month you will want to book towards the end of your first trimester. Read on to learn more about when is the best time to book a maternity session.
Table of Contents
When is the best time to take maternity portraits in Colorado Springs?
What is the best trimester to take maternity portraits?
When should I book my photographer for Colorado Springs maternity portraits?
Is 35 weeks too late for maternity portraits?
Is 24 weeks too early for maternity portraits?
Can I book solo maternity portraits?
What is the best time of the day to schedule maternity portraits in Colorado? And what about the weather?
What if there are unexpected changes in the pregnancy timeline?
Tips for when to book maternity portraits in Colorado Springs, CO.
When is the best time to take maternity photos in Colorado Springs?
Any time of year is great! Scheduling your maternity photos mainly depends on where you are in your pregnancy to achieve those beautiful, round bump photos. If this is your first pregnancy and you are at that perfect 28-33 week point during the winter you can handle the cold for a short time and have some epic snowy Mountain photos. If this is your second or subsequent pregnancy maybe a studio session would be better to keep the kids warm and happy. Totally up to your family and photographer where your session will be held in the cold winter months. At any other time of the year, the Colorado landscape is your oyster! I work with families on a case-by-case basis and am flexible to meet your specific needs.
What is the best trimester to take maternity portraits?
The best trimester to take maternity photos in is the very beginning of the third trimester, from 28-33 weeks. But there is a lot of wiggle room in this time frame as each mama is different. First-time mamas might not start showing until well into their second trimester, so you may want to hold off until the later end of the 28-33 weeks. Whereas veteran mamas may start showing earlier and have a well-defined baby bump by the beginning of their third trimester. If you are carrying multiples you should schedule it for the last couple weeks of your second trimester. Maternity photos are meant to celebrate the beauty of pregnancy so you definitely want to have a noticeable bump to show off in your portraits. But there is caution in waiting too long too!
Here are a few reasons you don’t want to go too far into your pregnancy:
You might start to feel uncomfortable.
Early labor is always a possibility
The further into your pregnancy you are the less confident you might feel - I hate to say it but this may be the case for you. We are not all blessed with only a belly bump and not an extra chin. When you look back at these photos I want you to feel like the amazing queen you are, not a cow (which can happen later in the third trimester because your baby is putting on 1/2 lb a week!!!)!
If you wait until the end of your pregnancy to have your Colorado Springs maternity photos taken that discomfort will show in your photos. We want to make sure you aren’t doing anything to induce early labor. I’m not asking your husband to swing you around or jump but some poses may be a bit tricky when your center of gravity is off. Maternity sessions require a lot of movement which can move labor along if you are close to the end.
When should I book my photographer for maternity portraits in Colorado Springs?
I will always say, the sooner the better. Are you in your first trimester right now? That’s the perfect time! If you want to wait until 12-13 weeks that’s okay. Don’t sit on it because your favorite Colorado Springs maternity photographer might be booked up already. Maternity photography is not as flexible as family photography because there is a shorter window to schedule it. So, my biggest advice is to get on my calendar early and I will reserve time for you during your winder. As we get closer to the window, we can go with how you are feeling and choose a firm date then.
I also offer a maternity + newborn bundle package as well as a Baby’s First-year Collection, which allows you to reserve the time on my calendar for subsequent portrait sessions as well! So many of my families who booked these packages tell me it was such a relief to know that their important milestone sessions were already in the books so they didn’t have to worry about it. The best advice is to book your session early!
Is 35 weeks too late for maternity portraits?
The short answer is nope! But there is a caveat. Are you having a healthy pregnancy? How are you feeling? Where is your session taking place? What’s the weather like outside? These are all factors that will play into scheduling a late third-trimester maternity session. I know for me, I was uncomfortable and swollen by 35 weeks with my second pregnancy specifically. When I was pregnant with my second over the summer I experienced severe prodromal labor with her at 36 weeks that was induced by the heat and too much activity. I definitely don’t mean to frighten you into not scheduling your session that late if you need to but just keep those factors in mind when you are looking to book your maternity session after 34 weeks.
With that said, I find that sometimes moms decide last minute they really truly desire to document this special and fleeting season of their motherhood. I will always say better late than not at all when it comes to photos. So if this is you, I would recommend not doing an adventure maternity photo session where you are hiking to a mountain top if you are past 35 weeks. Keep it simple and cool!
Is 24 weeks too early for Maternity Portraits?
It might be. Your beautiful bump may not have that perfectly roundness quite yet. Some moms are already showing enough to get their maternity photos taken this early. It is better to have a more defined bump in your maternity photos. But if you are going to take them this early for some reason there are ways to help define your belly more. You can arch your back a bit and bend your leg to pronounce your belly more, as well as big belly breaths. If you choose a Colorado Springs Maternity photographer who knows how to pose you correctly, you will still be able to get amazing photos of your baby bump at 24 weeks. If you are carrying multiples or this is a second or subsequent pregnancy you just may be able to pull off a fuller, rounder belly!
Can I book solo maternity portraits?
Of course! If you are a single mom or your husband cannot join you because of a deployment or work schedule solo maternity portraits are lovely! Or maybe you prefer to keep your maternity photo shoot just Mama and baby. Either way, in maternity portraits I (and most other photographers) will pose Mama for a few solo shots. It is such a beautiful and empowering time for a woman and I 100% support those feelings through a solo maternity portrait session.
What is the best time of day to schedule maternity portraits in Colorado? And what about the weather?
I love to shoot in full sunlight, either 90 minutes after sunrise or 90 minutes before sunset. One of my favorite things about Colorado is its four unique seasons. Each adds its unique flair for maternity sessions. I love cozy winter maternity sessions and colorful wildflower maternity sessions. As for the weather, that is one thing I cannot control. However, when scheduling your maternity sessions, I like to set a rain date just in case the original needs to be changed.
What if there are unexpected changes in the pregnancy timeline?
As a mom, I understand there is always the chance of unexpected changes in your pregnancy. Bedrest, early delivery, a loss. It’s important to communicate with your photographer as soon as possible. Most photographers understand pregnancy can be unpredictable and are more than happy to be flexible to accommodate your needs. It’s always a good idea to discuss possible contingency plans when booking your session. They can work to reschedule and always refer back to your contract.
Tips for when to book maternity portraits in Colorado Springs, CO
Booking your Colorado Springs Maternity session when you are between 28 and 33 weeks is ideal for a well-defined baby bump and confidence!
If this is your first pregnancy you may want to wait until 30 weeks for a more enhanced baby bump.
Reach out to your photographer when you are comfortable, usually around 12 weeks pregnant.
Waiting too late to schedule your photos may result in your favorite photographer being booked up.
Your photos will be beautiful no matter the season because your family is beautiful!
Welcome! I’m so honored you are here checking out my blog. I wanted to tell you a little more about me; I am a family lifestyle photographer and a Mama of two. If you would like to learn a little more about me click here. I serve clients as a Colorado Springs Family Photographer and a Denver Family Photographer.
If you love these photos and are looking for a milestone, family, maternity, or newborn lifestyle photographer in Colorado Springs or Denver I would love to learn more about you, your family, and the season of life you are in. I’m currently booking all of 2024 and into 2025 for my Baby-Bump clients. Fill out the contact form here and I will be in touch within 24 business hours!
10 TIPS FOR PREPARING FOR YOUR FAMILY PORTRAITS
A guide to having the best Colorado family photos - by melissa batzer photography
So you’re looking to book a family portrait session with a fabulous photographer (and if you’re between Denver and Colorado Springs I hope that’s me!) and now you're wondering, what’s next? Here is the Melissa Batzer Photography family portrait guide with some tips to plan and prepare you and your family for an amazing family portrait experience.
Book your Colorado Springs Family Photos Advance
If you haven’t already booked I recommend booking your Colorado Springs Family Photos at least a month out to ensure plenty of time for the full MBP experience. You’ll receive open communication, access to my Client Wardrobe, and receive helpful guides for preparing for your family portrait session.
2. Location, Location, Location
Planning the perfect location for your outdoor Colorado Family Portraits can seem daunting. There is so much beauty everywhere. I will always ask what you prefer; urban or rural, mountains or plains? Usually, photographers will have their favorite locations in the area where they are very familiar with the light and can guarantee excellent results. But if you have a location that is special to your family please suggest it to your photographer! Most outdoor photographers like myself prefer scheduling their sessions during golden hour, which is the 90 minutes before sunset or after sunrise.
3. Ask all your questions
Communication is key for every relationship, right? So why would the relationship with your photographer be any different? If you have any questions or need some clarification on anything please ask. There are no silly questions. We are happy to answer them all!
4. Wardrobe planning
I recommend thinking of your family’s outfits when you first book your session. The more time to prepare for that aspect the less stressed you will be. A well-thought-out outfit pallet can make your portrait feel like the artwork it is created to be.
There are many aspects to consider when deciding what to wear for your family photos. But, keep this in mind - coordinating outfits for family portraits doesn't need to be difficult. I highly recommend not matching outfits, this can cause the photo and its subjects to look flat. I have created a Pinterest Board with some great recommendations for beautiful and artful portraits.
You can never go wrong with selecting a few main colors and textured clothing items, as well as considering the season. Focus on accomplishing a cohesive look and dressing in outfits that will allow your photos to take on a timeless feel. These tips will help you create a timeless, classic look.
But, perhaps your photographer has a Client Wardrobe you can utilize. You will discover that in your inquiry phase. If you work with me as your Colorado Springs Photographer you will have access to my ever-growing Client Wardrobe for your family portaits.
5. Planning your time well
On the day of your portrait session make sure you leave yourself extra time to get ready, and even more time if you plan on getting your hair and makeup done. Leaving buffer time and not rushing will be a key factor in having a relaxed portrait session. If you have babies or toddlers make sure they have had a nap during the day before the session. If you have older kids, try and make sure their day isn’t jam-packed with activities. You want everyone to feel their best.
6. Full bellies
No one enjoys being hangry, especially children. They will be grumpy and this one-time session will not be what you had hoped for. Usually, sessions will happen in the evening after dinner but occasionally your photographer may recommend an early morning sunrise session. If that is the case, feed them early or let them eat a high-protein snack like Perfect Bar or hardboiled egg on the way to the session, and then go out for breakfast after the session!
7.Bring snacks
I also recommend bringing non-messy snacks and plenty of water in-case they need some fortitude to finish the session strong! Here are some great non-messy snacks to bring to a photo shoot: Goldfish crackers, plain biscuits, cheese cubes, and dried fruit. Leave the lollipops, chocolate, and anything that takes a long time to eat until after your session.
8. Pack extra clothes & Supplies
Let’s face it, kids + outdoors = a mess sometimes. I feel like I’m sometimes more dirty than my kids from holding them and holding the rocks they hand me. Accidents can happen. So while you’re planning and bringing a backup outfit for your children don’t forget to bring something for you and your husband. Photos are a luxury and you are investing a lot of money and time into them. You do not want to feel disappointed when you receive your products back. If there is time with the light and your photographer allows you can even use these clothes for a second “look” if you’d like an even larger variety of images.
On top of extra clothing options for all family members, it would be beneficial to bring wipes to wipe boogers or crumbs from faces and dirt off hands. Sometimes it can be unexpectedly windy and long hair will blow in front of your face, so please also bring extra ties or clips. Bring your makeup for a touch-up halfway through the session, especially if it’s hot.
9. Relax & let your photographer run the show
Woohooo! You made it… it’s time to make the magic happen! Your photographer will lead you through your session with prompts and guidance. Don’t worry, I’ll never leave you without something to do. Your job is to have fun and enjoy each other. Don’t stress if the kids are getting grumpy or aren’t listening. The more relaxed the parents are, the more relaxed the children will be!
10. Get ready to connect as a family
This is about capturing your family’s unique dynamic. Don’t just look and smile at the camera. Snuggle and dance with each other, tickle and laugh together. Parents, it’s your job to make this portrait experience a happy memory with your children and each other. Yes, the photographer is the boss and can give you prompts to bring out your family’s happiness but only you can make this 45-60 minutes of your family’s day momentous with your joy.
You will have these photos on your wall and albums for years. You will want to look back happily on the memory of your portrait session knowing it was full of warmth and love for your family.
An excerpt from a Psychology Today article gives the perfect example of why your family photos can be a happy memory:
"O moments big as years," a phrase coined by the poet John Keats, suggests that some brief experiences are so vivid and powerful that they remain with us for all of our life. These moments tend to reflect experiences that are emotionally resonant. In them, we can find both meaning and joy, and they can serve us long after they occurred, contributing to our overall happiness and resilience. They are a gift that keeps on giving.
I hope these tips for preparing for your family portraits are helpful and will make your next family portrait session a happy memory for everyone in your family. If you have already booked your Colorado Springs Family Photo session with me and still have questions please get in touch. If you’d like to learn more about a Denver family photo session or a Colorado Springs Family Photo Session please, start here.
Welcome! I’m so honored you are here checking out my blog. I wanted to tell you a little more about me; I am a family lifestyle photographer and a Mama of two. If you would like to learn a little more about me click here. I serve clients as a Colorado Springs Family Photographer and a Denver Family Photographer.
If you love these photos, and you are looking for a milestone, family, maternity, or newborn lifestyle photographer in Colorado Springs and Denver I would love to learn more about you, your family, and the season of life you are in. I’m currently booking all of 2024 and into 2025 for my Bump-Baby clients. Fill out the contact form here and we will be in touch!