Aby Rafter Photography | Photo Shoots for Families, Maternity an Newborns in Dorset

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23 May 2025 · Leave a Comment

When Is the Best Time to Book Your Maternity Photoshoot? | Southbourne Natural Light Studio

Motherhood· Pregnancy· Uncategorised

Expecting a baby is such an exciting and emotional time – and what better way to celebrate and remember this special chapter than with a relaxed, beautiful maternity photoshoot?

I specialise in natural, comfortable maternity photography in my light-filled studio in Southbourne.

Pregnant tummy with mum and dad's hands cradling the bump

One question I’m often asked is: “When is the best time to book my maternity shoot?” 

The Sweet Spot: 28 to 34 Weeks

The best time to schedule your maternity photoshoot is typically between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage, your bump is gorgeously round and well-defined, but you’re still likely to be feeling comfortable enough to move around easily and enjoy the session.

After 34 weeks, you might start feeling more tired or find it harder to move comfortably — and while we can absolutely still create beautiful images later on, I always recommend aiming for that sweet spot if possible.

Why Book Early?

While the shoot happens around 28–34 weeks, it’s a good idea to book your session well in advance – ideally by your 20-week scan. Booking early means we can plan your session, talk through your vision, and make sure I’ve got space in the diary for you.

My natural light studio in Southbourne is a calm, cosy space where you can relax and feel at ease – which is exactly the vibe I aim to bring to every maternity session.

What to Expect from a Session with Me

Whether it’s your first baby or your third, I want your maternity session to feel like a celebration of you – your strength, your journey, your anticipation. I’ll guide you through the session gently and naturally, helping you feel confident and comfortable every step of the way.

From soft, glowing portraits to those candid, unposed moments that really capture your personality, we’ll create a gallery of images that feels authentic to you.

Pregnant Mum with first bornPregnant Mum with first born

Ready to Chat?

If you’re thinking about maternity photos and love the idea of a relaxed, natural session in a peaceful Southbourne studio, I’d love to hear from you. You can get in touch here to check availability and ask any questions you might have.

Let’s make some beautiful memories of this special time. 🤍

Aby Rafter Photography – Southbourne, Bournemouth

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To the Dads-to-be… the brand new Dads… the sea To the Dads-to-be… the brand new Dads… the seasoned pros doing it all over again… I see you. 🤍

You’re holding tiny hands and big responsibilities and you’re doing a beautiful job.

Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing fathers who show up with love, patience, and presence.

You are seen, celebrated, and so loved. 💙

#FathersDay #DadLife #NewDad #DadToBe #FatherhoodJourney #maternityphotographybournemouth #newbornphotographerbournemouth
A little behind the scenes. A maternity session A little behind the scenes. 

A maternity session at my studio is all about you and how you want to remember this time. We pop some music on, chat away and try a few different outfits. 

This isn’t just about photos. 

It’s about freezing this fleeting chapter The glow, the strength, the anticipation. 

Celebrate you before baby arrives. Because this moment, this magic… deserves to be remembered. ✨

Pop me a message if you’d like my welcome and pricing guide. I’d love to hear when your baby is due and get excited with you. 🫶

#abyrafterphotography #thebabyyears #newbornphotographybournemouth #bournemouthmums #bornatthebeach#bournemouthbabies  #duein2025 #supportingsobo #southbourne #maternityphotographybournemouth #newbornphotographerbournemouth #duesummer2025
I’m not sure you’ll ever regret having a photo I’m not sure you’ll ever regret having a photoshoot when you’re pregnant… but you might just regret NOT having one.

If you’re booking a newborn shoot, you get a discount off your maternity photoshoot because my hope is to encourage more of you to celebrate how amazing you are in this chapter of your life.

Growing a baby is not easy, and you should be proud of yourself and your body for the incredible work it’s doing. This season is powerful, beautiful, and worth remembering. Let’s capture the magic before it slips by. ✨

Message me if you’d like to see my welcome and pricing guide. 

#abyrafterphotography #thebabyyears #newbornphotographybournemouth #bournemouthmums #bornatthebeach#bournemouthbabies  #duein2025 #supportingsobo #southbourne #maternityphotographybournemouth #newbornphotographerbournemouth #duesummer2025
Those first sleepy weeks… Tiny fingers, soft sig Those first sleepy weeks…
Tiny fingers, soft sighs, and a love that changes everything. They’re some of the hardest, most beautiful days, where you’re getting to know this brand new little person who’s already your whole world.

In my calm, cosy studio, I’ll make you a hot drink, help you relax, and gently capture these fleeting moments while you soak in just how perfect your baby is. 🤍

Not sure when to book? Drop me a message, I’m here to help. 🫶

#abyrafterphotography #thebabyyears #newbornphotographybournemouth #bournemouthmums #bornatthebeach#bournemouthbabies  #duein2025 #supportingsobo #southbourne #maternityphotographybournemouth #newbornphotographerbournemouth #duesummer2025
Ten tiny toes. 🥺👌🏻 Nearing the end of ha Ten tiny toes. 🥺👌🏻

Nearing the end of half term… the juggle is real… but I’ll miss my two when they go back to school. I need to get planning the summer holidays! 😅 

It’s never too soon to get in my diary… the summer babies are all on their way! 

#abyrafterphotography #thebabyyears #newbornphotographybournemouth #bournemouthmums #bornatthebeach#bournemouthbabies  #duein2025 #supportingsobo #southbourne #maternityphotographybournemouth #newbornphotographerbournemouth #duesummer2025
Awake shots are just as sweet as the sleepy ones, Awake shots are just as sweet as the sleepy ones, don’t you think? There’s something so special about those wide-eyed moments - when they’re quietly taking in the world, or maybe just you. Swipe to see the second photo, I swear he was just calmly studying me. My heart! 🥺

If you also love, simple, natural photos of your baby and you want a relaxed photoshoot, I’d love to meet you. Send me a message and I can pop you my welcome and pricing guide to explain a little more about my sessions in my lovely Southbourne studio. 🫶

#abyrafterphotography #thebabyyears #newbornphotographybournemouth #bournemouthmums #bornatthebeach#bournemouthbabies  #duein2025 #supportingsobo #southbourne #maternityphotographybournemouth #newbornphotographerbournemouth #duesummer2025
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