When to Book Your Maternity Session: Tips from South Bend, IN Maternity Photographer

As a maternity photographer in Northwest Indiana and Michigan City, Indiana, I’m often asked: “When is the best time to book a maternity session?” My answer? Around 20 weeks! Here’s why booking your session early is essential and how it can help create a luxurious and relaxed experience, showcasing your beautiful bump.

A stunning diamond dress showcases a woman's beautiful bump in Michigan City, IN photography studio.

Why 20 Weeks is the Ideal Time to Book

The 20 week milestone is filled with so much excitement and so much to do! From finding out baby’s gender, to starting to think about your precious baby’s nursery. One more thing to add to your 20 week to-do list should be booking your maternity and newborn photographer! By booking your maternity photoshoot around 20 weeks, we have plenty of time to plan and personalize your session to fit your vision. This gives us about 10 weeks before your session to plan all the details for a stress-free day. Selecting an ideal location—whether it's one of the sandy beach dunes along Lake Michigan, a local nature trail in Northwest Indiana, my cozy Michigan City studio, or a mix of both for variety. This also gives us time to carefully curate outfits that harmonize with the your style and the setting. Many gowns I have in my client closet are custom ordered for your session, meaning that they take time to make and ship to me before your big day. If I don’t already have a dress you love, I am always happy to take your measurements at your private styling appointment. You will get to try on the gowns I have available, and from there I will order something I know we will both LOVE for your session!

Maternity sessions are truly a celebration of your journey into motherhood, and planning in advance lets us take care of every detail to make it a perfect reflection of you.

30 Weeks is the Perfect Time for Your Session

Scheduling your maternity photos for around 30 weeks allows you to feel comfortable and beautiful. Your belly will have that lovely, rounded shape, but you’ll likely still feel energetic and more comfortable than you will as you near the 35, 37, or even 40 week mark! This timing helps ensure a more enjoyable, relaxed photoshoot—key for capturing those radiant images you’ll love.

At this stage, the focus is on celebrating your growing family without the discomfort that often grows with your belly in that last trimester. A maternity session is about capturing your unique glow and connection with the little one growing within.

A couple cradles mom's belly awaiting their new baby girl at Red Mill County Park in LaPorte County.

Curating Outfits and Styling

Planning your session early gives us time to find the perfect outfits that showcase your style and help you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself. I’ll work with you to create a cohesive look, providing shopping links and styling tips for the whole family that match the theme and location of your session.

Whether you’re envisioning an ethereal gown that flows in the wind or fine art nude portraits, I’m here to help. Many of the gowns in my client closet are custom-ordered, so they take time to be created and shipped. If I don’t already have a dress you love, I’d be happy to take your measurements at your private styling appointment, where you’ll get to try on the gowns currently available. From there, I’ll order something for your session to be added to my collection afterwards! My goal as a maternity photographer serving Northwest Indiana is to create a look that feels true to you and celebrates this special season of life.

The Value of Booking with this Northwest Indiana Maternity Photographer

Specializing in maternity photography means I know what angles make you look and feel your best, I know how to pose you for the images you’ll love, and know how to make adjustments to poses to make you feel comfortable and confident. We will make the most of the unique landscapes and backdrops that LaPorte and Michigan City have to offer. I love showing clients beautiful outdoor spots that feel both familiar and magical, or providing the intimate setting of my studio located near South Bend, Indiana if that feels more suited to your style.

Capture the Beauty of Your Pregnancy Journey

Booking early gives us the luxury of time to create a session that feels just right for you and your family. If you’re searching for a maternity photographer near Michiana, Chicago, or anywhere in between in Northwest Indiana, reach out around that 20-week mark to secure your date, and let’s bring your vision to life! Explore my Maternity Portfolio, ill out my contact form. I’ll be in touch within 24 hours to begin planning a maternity photoshoot experience you’ll cherish forever.

Booking your maternity photoshoot early isn’t just about securing the date; it’s about allowing time to create magic, celebrating your unique journey into motherhood. I can’t wait to capture this special time in your life!

Embrace the beauty of this season of life, for within you lies the power to create. Capture this magic—these fleeting moments of strength, grace, and love—so you'll hold a piece of this incredible journey forever.

Patricia Stawicki

Hey there! I’m Patricia, a luxury maternity and newborn photographer based in Michigan City, IN. I serve all of the Chicago region—including Northwest Indiana, Southwestern Michigan, and Michiana.

With over 10 years of professional experience, I specialize in capturing the beauty of parenthood — from maternity and newborn sessions to your baby’s first milestones, family photos, and senior portraits, all from my cozy in-home studio. I’m here to make your photography experience seamless and magical. From planning outfits together to designing your perfect photo wall, I’ll be with you every step of the way!

https://patricianicolephotography.com
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