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

Aby Rafter Photography

  • Home
  • About Me
  • What I Offer
  • Portfolio
    • Newborn and Babies
    • Family
    • Maternity
  • FAQ
  • Pricing
  • Blog
  • Contact

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

Previous Post: « Capture the First Moments: Book Your Newborn Photoshoot in Southbourne Today

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • When Is the Best Time to Book Your Maternity Photoshoot? | Southbourne Natural Light Studio
  • Capture the First Moments: Book Your Newborn Photoshoot in Southbourne Today
  • Why Now is the Perfect Time to Book Your Newborn Photography Session
  • Is Newborn Photography Worth the Cost?
  • Bumps, Babies and Brunch | Rockwater, Branksome

Connect with me

  • E-mail
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Subscribe for latest news…

Aby Rafter Photography | Bournemouth Family Photo Shoots | Slider

Footer

All you need is love. And photos. Got to have photos.

  • E-mail
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
I think this might be the newborn version of a pow I think this might be the newborn version of a power pose. Those little frog legs. 🥺

If you want simple, natural timeless photos of your little one I’d love to help. 

For those super sleepy first few weeks it’s good to get in my diary after your 20 week scan. But my diary moves around a lot so it’s always good to get in touch because I’ll do my best to fit you in. Send me a message and I’ll happily email you my welcome and pricing guide. 

#abyrafterphotography #thebabyyears #newbornphotographybournemouth #bournemouthmums #bornatthebeach#bournemouthbabies  #duein2025 #supportingsobo #southbourne #maternityphotographybournemouth #newbornphotographerbournemouth #duesummer2025
These newborn sessions are more than just photos - These newborn sessions are more than just photos - they’re little pockets of calm, quiet joy. An escape, even for me. I really love what I do. 🤍

I hope to give every family I photograph, a chance to slow down, soak it in, and keep these precious beginnings forever. 🫶

June is going to be a busy one in my studio and I can’t wait! Please get in touch as soon as you can if you’re interested in booking a session. 

#abyrafterphotography #thebabyyears #newbornphotographybournemouth #bournemouthmums #bornatthebeach#bournemouthbabies  #duein2025 #supportingsobo #southbourne #maternityphotographybournemouth
👋🏻 Hiiii! I thought it might be helpful to 👋🏻 Hiiii! 

I thought it might be helpful to give a little rundown of the photoshoots I offer in my beautiful studio in Southbourne. 🤍

✨Maternity
✨Newborn
✨Sitting Baby (around 7-10 months)
✨First Birthday
✨Family
✨Seasonal Mini Sessions
✨Small Business Branding

Whether you’re celebrating a new baby, a growing family, or need fresh branding photos, I’d love to be part of capturing this special season for you.

Send me a DM or email anytime - I’ll send over my welcome & pricing guide, and we can chat about getting you pictures of this special time 🫶

#abyrafterphotography #thebabyyears #newbornphotographybournemouth #bournemouthmums #bornatthebeach#bournemouthbabies  #duein2025 #supportingsobo #southbourne #maternityphotographybournemouth
Do you see that perfect little swirl in his hair? Do you see that perfect little swirl in his hair? 🥺

As a newborn photographer, I live for these fleeting details - the ones parents remember forever. Will it stay, or gently fade as he grows? Either way, today, we capture it.

#abyrafterphotography #thebabyyears #newbornphotographybournemouth #bournemouthmums #bornatthebeach#bournemouthbabies  #duein2025 #supportingsobo #southbourne #maternityphotographybournemouth
Christchurch Under One’s Club 🤍 It was so lo Christchurch Under One’s Club 🤍

It was so lovely to see some of the babies I photographed as newborns, and to meet more little ones at this new under one’s club in Little Treasures Stay and Play in Christchurch. 

If you are new mum in the BCP area I would highly recommend going along. It’s a chance to meet other mum’s, have coffee and a cake and @babymamanodrama_  is inviting along different guest speakers to each session. 

I hope to join again in a few weeks time. 

Would be lovely to see some of you there! 💛

@snugglebugsdorset @bcpmumbler
@littletreasuresvillage
@treatsbykaris

#localmums #under1sclub
#babymamanodrama #under1sclub #abyrafterphotography #christchurchuk
#firstyearofmotherhood #newmum #ftm #stm #bcp #mumfriends
#motherhood
She was pure joy, the sweetest big sister. 💛 Y She was pure joy, the sweetest big sister. 💛

Your newborn session always includes sibling and family shots, because these are the moments you’ll want to look back on forever. 

It’s amazing how big siblings suddenly seem so grown up when baby arrives, but when you look back, you’ll remember just how little they still were. 🥺

#abyrafterphotography #thebabyyears #newbornphotographybournemouth #bournemouthmums #bornatthebeach#bournemouthbabies  #duein2025 #supportingsobo #southbourne #maternityphotographybournemouth
Load More Follow on Instagram

Aby Rafter Photography Copyright © 2025 · Built by Hello White Space

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Accept AllCookie SettingsRead More
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT