When should I book my newborn portrait session?

August 22, 2022

If you’re expecting a baby, you have a to-do list about a mile long. While considering what to register for, whether or not to hire a doula, and fielding name suggestions from your friends, you may also be wondering, “when should I book my newborn portrait session?”

Close up of baby's hand grabbing mother's finger

I’ve been a newborn photographer in Los Angeles for many years, and my advice is that you book your newborn session by the end of your second trimester.

Here’s why:

1. Booking early will ensure that your favorite newborn photographer is available.

Finding the right newborn photographer for you can take a bit of research. After all, this person will handle your new baby and create portraits that will remain in your family for generations. 

Popular newborn photographers in your area likely fill their calendars a couple of months in advance. It’s a big disappointment when your favorite photographer can’t fit you in (not to mention heartbreaking for us photographers to turn clients away).

Black and white portrait of sleeping newborn

2. The best time to photograph your newborn is in the first two weeks of life.

The best time to photograph your newborn is between 1 and 2 weeks old because your baby is still sleepy and more likely to want to curl up as they did in the womb.

Since newborn portraits happen so soon after birth, it’s a good idea to make sure that your session is booked, details are taken care of, and you know exactly what to expect well before you deliver.

Close-up portrait of newborn baby in the hands of a parent

3. You’ll have time for a maternity photo session.

Many newborn photographers also photograph maternity portraits. When you see your favorite photographer’s portfolio, you may decide that you also want a maternity session to celebrate your pregnancy and show your child how eagerly you anticipated their arrival. Booking early means you’ll have time for a maternity session with your first-choice photographer.

Pregnant woman lying on her back in sheer robe

4. When you book your newborn session early, you’ll feel more relaxed.

If there is one thing you don’t need in the last weeks of your pregnancy, it’s added stress! Booking your newborn session early means you’ll have time to review your photographer’s prep guide, know what to expect, and plan out all the details (like what to wear to your newborn session) ahead of time.

Young mother holding newborn baby

If you’re looking for a newborn session in Los Angeles, I’d love to hear from you!

Newborn baby looking straight at the camera

big sister and newborn

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Interested in a session? Have a question?

I photograph maternity, newborn, baby, and family sessions in and around Los Angeles. If you're interested in a session, please get in touch.

Ariel Cannon Photography | Los Angeles

Newborn Baby with arms overhead
Baby girl portrait on bed

Baby & Family Sessions

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