When to book and schedule maternity and newborn photos

When to book newborn photos

How far in advance should I book a newborn photographer? Simply, as soon as you feel comfortable. I suggest making the initial enquiries once you have had your 12-week scan. At this point, you will have some reassurance and hopefully a little confidence to start planning for your baby’s arrival. This is also the ideal time to book and secure your maternity photographer if you are considering both newborn and maternity photography.

Booking your newborn photoshoot in your second trimester will allow you time to secure your preferred newborn photographer. Don’t feel comfortable booking a newborn family photoshoot, so early in your pregnancy? You can absolutely wait till your third trimester, or even once the baby arrives safely to book. However, you stand the chance of your ideal photographer being fully booked. I will always take on as many last-minute newborn photoshoots, as my schedule allows, but sometimes I have to disappoint, as there just isn’t room in my calendar.

When to take maternity photos

The best time to book in your family maternity shoot is between 32-36 weeks when your gorgeous bump is beautifully round, and right before you get too uncomfortable. It also means that you have captured these important moments before your baby reaches full-term at 37 weeks. Unlike newborn photography, maternity images are subject to a time limit - you can’t go back for photos, once your baby has arrived.

When to schedule newborn photos

Ideally, the best time to get newborn photos taken is when your baby is between 5 and 14 days old.

There are two main reasons for this. First, generally, newborns are very sleepy in these first two weeks. This sleepiness allows certain ease within the session for the baby and parents. Secondly, newborns typically remain curled up in that very familiar fetal position from the womb. After this two week window, they tend to stretch out a little bit more, as they find their way in the world.

Is my baby too old for newborn photos?

The simple answer is no, it’s really not too late. Sometimes, life just does not allow us to schedule a session in the first two weeks. You or your baby may need to stay in hospital a little longer or you may just not be ready. That is the beauty of choosing a natural newborn photoshoot. In contrast to posed newborn sessions, lifestyle does not require a newborn to be asleep or curled up.

Have you got your maternity and newborn photographer booked yet? Why not book in an informal chat about capturing this important time in your life. Just head over to my diary, time find a time that suits.