When should you book your newborn photographer?
Congratulations! You’re expecting a baby, and suddenly there are approximately a million things to think about. Between preparing the nursery, choosing a name, buying tiny clothes and getting ready for your newest family member, newborn photography might be somewhere on your list—but when exactly should you book your photographer?
If you’re searching for a newborn photographer in Maryland, Delaware or on the Eastern Shore, here’s everything you need to know about when to book, when your baby’s session will take place, and what happens if your plans don’t go exactly as expected.
I recommend reaching out to (me) your newborn photographer during your second or early third trimester, ideally around 20–30 weeks of pregnancy.
You don’t need to wait until you have a definite delivery date. In fact, you shouldn’t!
When you book your newborn session, we’ll use your estimated due date to reserve a spot around the time your baby is expected to arrive.
Your baby’s actual birth date can be confirmed later.
Why book so early?
Newborn photographers often have a limited number of sessions they can take each month. Booking early gives you the best chance of securing a spot around your due date, especially if you’re looking for a photographer during a popular time of year.
It also means one less thing to worry about as your due date gets closer!
What If I Wait Until After My Baby Is Born?
Don’t panic!
If your baby has already arrived and you haven’t booked a newborn photographer, reach out anyway.
I always recommend asking about availability rather than assuming I’m completely booked. Sometimes I have openings, and I’d hate for you to miss out simply because you thought you booked too late.
Newborn photography doesn’t have to happen on one exact day to be beautiful.
When Should My Baby’s Newborn Session Take Place?
For traditional newborn photography, I generally recommend scheduling your session during the first couple of weeks after your baby is born.
This is often when babies are especially sleepy and tend to settle more easily into those sweet, curled-up newborn poses.
That said, there isn’t a magical expiration date on newborn photos!
If your baby is a little older, don’t automatically assume you’ve missed your opportunity. Older newborns can still have beautiful sessions, and we can adjust the session to fit your baby’s age and personality.
What If My Baby Comes Early or Late?
This is one of the most common questions I get, and it’s exactly why we use your estimated due date when booking.
Your due date is simply our starting point.
Once your baby arrives, we’ll communicate and choose the best available date for your newborn session.
So if your little one decides to make an early entrance or takes their sweet time getting here, don’t stress!
Your session isn’t ruined because your baby didn’t arrive on their due date.
What Do I Need to Bring to My Newborn Session?
One of my favorite things about newborn sessions is that you don’t need to pack half of your house. 😂
For your baby’s session, I provide the photography props, wraps, blankets and other studio items we’ll need.
You really only need to bring what’s already in your baby’s diaper bag—plus anything special you’d like to incorporate into the photos.
And of course, don’t forget the baby!
Do Parents and Siblings Get to Be in the Photos?
Absolutely! If you picked a package that includes family images.
Your newborn session can focus on your baby, but I also love capturing the new family dynamic.
We can include:
Mom and baby
Dad and baby
Parents together with baby
Siblings with the new baby
Mom, Dad, Siblings + Baby
Individual newborn portraits
These images become some of the most meaningful photographs you’ll have from this season of your life.
What Happens If My Baby Doesn’t Cooperate?
This is another reason not to stress about newborn photography.
Babies cry. Babies need to eat. Babies need diaper changes. Babies want to be held.
That’s completely normal.
Newborn sessions are not rushed. We can take breaks for feeding, changing, cuddling and soothing whenever your baby needs them.
My goal isn’t to force your baby into a perfect photograph. It’s to create a relaxed experience and capture beautiful memories of your family exactly as you are in this season.
How Far in Advance Should I Book?
If you’re expecting a baby and you’re considering newborn photography, my biggest advice is:
Don’t wait until the last minute.
Reaching out around 20–30 weeks pregnant gives us plenty of time to plan your session, talk about what you’re looking for and reserve a spot around your due date.
And if you’re already past that point? Reach out anyway!
There may still be availability, and there’s no harm in asking.
Looking for a Newborn Photographer in Maryland or Delaware?
If you’re searching for newborn photography in Greensboro, Maryland, the Eastern Shore or nearby Delaware, I’d love to help you celebrate this season of life.
My newborn sessions are designed to be relaxed and simple for new parents. I provide the studio, props and everything needed for your baby’s portraits—you just bring your baby and your diaper bag.
Your baby will never be this tiny again.
