Can you fit me in last minute? (Military schedule changes)

Yes. We regularly serve military families and keep flexible scheduling for short-notice maternity sessions in Central Texas.

Do you provide dresses or should I bring my own?

We offer wardrobe guidance, suggest local boutiques, and have select pieces in our client closet you can borrow.

What’s the ideal timing for maternity photos?

The golden window is 28–34 weeks. Earlier (25–27 weeks) works well if you’re showing small or expecting multiples; 35+ weeks can still be gorgeous if you’re feeling good.

When Should You Take Maternity Photos? Best Timing for Beautiful Results

Q: When should I book my session if I’m due in July?

Schedule maternity photos between 28–34 weeks for the best balance of comfort and bump visibility. For a July due date, plan for May or early June.

Q: What if I’m not showing much yet?

We’ll style and pose you to highlight your bump beautifully. Around 28 weeks typically photographs best, even if you’re showing subtly.

Q: Can I bring my partner or kids to the shoot?

Absolutely. Including your partner or children tells the full story of your growing family and creates meaningful portraits.

Michael Anthony
Apr 1
4 min read

Updated: Nov 3

You’re expecting—and the countdown to meet your little one has begun. But if you’ve been asking, “When should I take maternity photos?”—you’re not alone. As a maternity photographer in Killeen and Central Texas, I get this question all the time.

And the truth is, there’s a sweet spot for capturing your glow and bump while still feeling confident, comfortable, and radiant.

Let’s break down the perfect timeline and why it matters for timeless maternity portraits and beautiful maternity photos you’ll treasure forever.

A pregnant woman lies surrounded by layers of blush tulle, her hand gently resting on her belly during a maternity shoot in Killeen, TX. Her soft glam makeup and pearl accents create a dreamy, elegant look. The warm tones of the gown and fabric give the scene a romantic, ethereal quality. This portrait highlights the beauty and calm of late-pregnancy maternity photos. Every detail—from her pose to the textures—tells a story of grace, strength, and anticipation. Captured by My Canvas Portraits, this maternity photo transforms motherhood into art.

Outdoor Maternity Photoshoot at Waterfall – Belton, TX

Most moms-to-be find that the best time for maternity photos is between 28 and 34 weeks. By then, your belly has a beautiful, round shape that photographs perfectly, but you’re still able to move comfortably and enjoy your session. Every pregnancy is different, though—so if you’re showing early or expecting twins, we might plan your shoot a little sooner to make sure you feel your absolute best.

The goal isn’t just to take pictures—it’s to freeze this short but powerful season of life.

Maternity photos capture the excitement, love, and transformation happening right now. Years from today, you’ll look back and remember how it felt to hold new life within you, surrounded by warmth, light, and anticipation. That’s what makes maternity photography so special—it turns fleeting moments into forever memories.

Best Time to Schedule Maternity Photos

📸 1. The Ideal Window: 28–34 Weeks

When planning your maternity photos, this is the golden zone. At this point, your belly is round and visible, but you’re likely not too uncomfortable yet. You’re still mobile, energized, and able to move into flattering poses with ease.

Real-life example: One of our clients from Belton, TX came in at 32 weeks, and her photos radiated confidence and calm. She told us afterward, “I’m so glad I did this now—I still felt beautiful and had fun!”

💭 2. Earlier Sessions (25–27 Weeks)

If you’re carrying small or expecting twins, scheduling earlier can help ensure your bump shows beautifully while still avoiding swelling or fatigue. Early maternity photos often have a lighter, glowing energy that feels peaceful and effortless.

⚠️ 3. Later Sessions (35+ Weeks)

A glowing mother-to-be reclines gracefully on a black sofa wearing a deep royal blue gown during her maternity session in Killeen, TX. The soft studio light highlights her baby bump and the elegance of the pose. Her expression is peaceful and confident, embodying strength and serenity. This image shows how maternity photos can feel powerful, modern, and refined. The contrast between her dress and the dark background creates a dramatic, magazine-worthy effect. Captured by My Canvas Portraits, this maternity photo reflects confidence, beauty, and timeless artistry.

You can still get gorgeous maternity photos, especially if you're feeling good! Just know that energy might dip, and there’s always the chance baby could come early. That said, we’ve had glowing clients at 37+ weeks in Temple and Copperas Cove pull off incredible studio sessions filled with emotion and joy.

How My Canvas Portraits Makes Maternity Photos Easy

🌿 Studio or Outdoor Options: Whether you want a cozy indoor vibe or golden hour glow, we’ve got you covered for unforgettable maternity photos.

💄 Professional Makeup Add-On: Feel pampered and radiant with our beauty prep sessions.

🧍‍♀️ Posing Guidance: You won’t be guessing what to do—we gently coach you through every moment so your maternity photos look effortless and natural.

📆 Flexible Scheduling: Military life? Busy mom? We work around your real life.

🖼️ Same-Day Viewing + Digitals: See your maternity photos right after your shoot and get your favorites fast.

"The moment I saw my maternity photos, I cried. It was the first time I felt truly beautiful during pregnancy." — My Canvas Portraits Client, Killeen, TX

The Heart Behind Maternity Photos

Timing is everything—but it’s also about how you feel in this season. The right photographer will not only guide you on when to shoot, but how to feel empowered in front of the lens.

Pregnancy moves fast—one minute you’re announcing the news, and the next you’re feeling those first little kicks.

Maternity photos give you a chance to pause, breathe, and be fully present in your journey.

Whether you’re surrounded by golden fields in Belton or in a cozy studio in Killeen, every detail—from your outfit to the light—comes together to tell your story. These aren’t just photos; they’re a visual love letter to your future self and your baby.

A joyful family laughs together while painting during a creative maternity photoshoot in Killeen, TX. The mom-to-be sits in the center, her belly covered in colorful handprints from her children. Her partner smiles with paint on his face, adding a playful touch that makes the moment unforgettable. This lifestyle session captures the fun and authenticity of family-centered maternity photos. The warm lighting and genuine laughter show the love and anticipation that comes with welcoming a new baby. Taken by My Canvas Portraits, this maternity photo celebrates connection and creativity in a relaxed, homey setting.

When you look back on your maternity photos years from now, you won’t just see what you looked like—you’ll remember how you felt. The anticipation, the softness, the strength. That’s what we capture here at My Canvas Portraits. If you’re in Killeen, Belton, or anywhere in Central Texas—this is your sign. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Let’s capture this chapter with heart.

✨ Ready to glow on camera? Book Your Maternity Session Now or message us to plan your perfect timeline for beautiful, timeless maternity photos.

❓ FAQ

Q: When should I book my session if I’m due in July?

A: Ideally, you’d book your shoot for 28–34 weeks. For a July due date, that’s May or early June—the perfect time for glowing maternity photos.

Q: What if I’m not showing much yet?

A: We can style and pose you to highlight your bump beautifully—especially if you book around 28 weeks for the most natural maternity photos.

Q: I’m a military spouse and move often—can you fit me in last minute?

A: Yes! We specialize in military families and offer flexible scheduling for last-minute maternity photo sessions.

Q: Can I bring my partner or kids to the shoot?

A: Absolutely. We love including loved ones in your maternity photos—it tells the full story of your growing family.

Q: Do you offer dresses or should I bring my own?

A: We offer wardrobe guidance and outfit ideas, and we’re happy to recommend local boutiques or lend pieces from our client closet for your maternity photoshoot.

Ready to celebrate your glow?

Don’t wait until those final weeks — your maternity photos deserve to capture this chapter while you still feel radiant, confident, and connected. Whether it’s an outdoor sunset session in Belton or a cozy studio shoot in Killeen, we’ll make sure every image tells your story beautifully.

📸 Book your maternity photos today and let’s create portraits you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

➡️ Book Your Maternity Session Now