One of the most common questions I hear from expecting parents is, "When should I book my newborn photographer?" The short answer is as early as possible, ideally during your second trimester.
Here is why timing matters and how to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Book During Your Second Trimester
I recommend reaching out between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy. This gives us plenty of time to get to know each other, talk through what you are envisioning, and secure your spot on my calendar.
Newborn photographers work differently than most other types of photographers. We cannot shoot multiple sessions per day because each one takes two to three hours, and we need to work around your baby's schedule, not the other way around. That means my calendar fills up quickly, especially during busy months.
Why Not Wait Until Baby Arrives?
I completely understand the instinct to wait. You are busy preparing the nursery, finishing up at work, and soaking in the last weeks of pregnancy. Booking a photographer might feel like something that can wait.
But here is the thing, the ideal window for newborn photos is within the first two to three weeks of life. If you wait until after your baby is born to start looking for a photographer, you may not find one who has availability during that narrow window. And even if you do, you will be navigating the booking process while sleep-deprived and adjusting to life with a newborn.
What Happens When You Book Early
When you reach out during pregnancy, here is how the process works at Flowertown Photography. First, we will discuss via email your desires for the session. Upon booking, I will send a very detailed session questionnaire where I learn about your style, your color preferences, and any must-have shots. I will pencil in your due date and hold a flexible window around it, because babies come on their own schedule.
Once your baby arrives, you let me know, and we finalize the session date within those first 21 days of life. Everything is already planned, so all you have to do is show up with your baby.
What If My Baby Is Already Here?
If you are reading this with a newborn in your arms, do not worry, its not too late. Reach out to me as soon as possible and I will do my best to fit you in. I have photographed babies up to eight weeks old and still created gorgeous portraits. The poses may look a little different than a five-day-old, but the images will be just as meaningful.
Ready to Book?
Whether you are 20 weeks along or holding your baby right now, I would love to hear from you. Visit my contact page to reach out, or browse my newborn gallery to see examples of what we can create together. The newborn stage goes by faster than you can imagine, let's make sure you have beautiful images to remember it by.
