A few months ago, I got a message from a brand new mom.
“My baby is five days old and I just realized I never booked newborn photos. Please tell me you have an opening this week!”
My heart sank a little as I typed my reply, I was completely booked for the next three weeks, and by then, her baby would be past that sleepy newborn stage.
It’s a conversation I have more often than I’d like, which is exactly why I tell every expecting parent I meet: book your newborn session while you’re still pregnant.
Unfortunately, this scenario happens more than I wish it did. I always try to help whenever I can. But as an experienced Columbus, GA newborn photographer—and a mama of three myself—I’ve learned that the best time to schedule your newborn photos is actually in your second trimester.
I know. That sounds so early.
But booking then gives you space. Time to get to know your photographer. Time to plan details like professional hair and makeup. Time to choose outfits for your family (without panic-ordering something at 2am while rocking a newborn). And most importantly, it ensures that sleep-deprived you isn’t scrambling at the last minute hoping your dream photographer has availability, especially if your baby is born during the holiday season, which is often the busiest time of year for family photographers.
Your fourth trimester self will have enough on her plate. Let’s give her one less thing to worry about.
That Magical Sleepy Window (And Why It Won’t Wait for You)
There is something truly special about those first 5–14 days after birth.
During this window, babies are still wonderfully sleepy and naturally curled from being in the womb. They settle into those sweet, tucked-in poses so beautifully. Their wake windows are short, and they drift back to sleep easily after feeds. It’s also before baby acne commonly appears and before they begin stretching out and becoming more alert to the world around them.
As babies grow, even by week three or four, things begin to shift:
They’re more awake and curious
Wake windows get longer
They may be a little more fussy or cluster feeding
It can take longer for them to settle into deep sleep
Now let me say this clearly: older newborn sessions are still beautiful. They just look a little different. There may be more bright eyes and fewer fully curled sleepy poses. We may need a bit more time and patience for those dreamy images.
A common misconception is that newborn sessions must happen the day you leave the hospital or that if you miss 10 days exactly, you’ve missed everything. That’s not true. But that first two-week window really does offer something uniquely tender and fleeting.
And it doesn’t wait.
The Sweet Spot for Booking (Hint: You’re Probably Pregnant Right Now)
If you’re reading this and you’re pregnant—this is your sign.
I recommend booking your newborn session in the beginning of your second trimester. Once you’re out of that early fog and feeling a little more like yourself, it’s the perfect time.
When you book, I schedule a tentative session date for about 7 days after your due date. That date is flexible. If baby comes early or stays cozy a little longer, we simply adjust to fall within that 5–14 day window after birth.
Booking early allows us to:
Decide on location (in-studio or in-home)
Talk through what your session will look like
Schedule professional hair and makeup
Choose outfits from my client closet or plan new ones
Go over timeline and expectations
During the booking process, you’ll receive a questionnaire so I can truly get to know your family—what makes everyone smile, siblings’ ages, any must-have images, color preferences, and more. I send a link to my client closet so you can choose favorites ahead of time, and I’ll have everything steamed and ready for you to try on at your session. You’ll also receive my newborn welcome guide filled with prep tips so you feel completely ready.
And perhaps most importantly? You get to check this off your pregnancy to-do list.
There’s so much peace in that.
What Happens If Baby Comes Early (Or Fashionably Late)
If your little one arrives early, you can reach me via email (it helps me keep all details organized in one place). The month your baby is due, I also share my cell phone number so you can easily text if things move quickly.
If baby is overdue? We simply adjust. Because your session is based on a tentative hold around your due date, we’ll reschedule to fall within 5–14 days after birth.
I intentionally prioritize newborn sessions in my calendar because I know how unpredictable birth can be. You don’t have to carry that stress, I’ve already built flexibility into the process.
You focus on your baby. I’ll handle the rest.
Why Your Favorite Photographers Book Up Fast (And How to Get on Their Calendar)
Newborn photographers limit their calendars for a reason.
I personally only schedule six newborn sessions per month.
Newborn sessions are different from maternity or family sessions. They require more time, more patience, and more physical energy. If baby needs to feed or have a diaper change, we pause. Sometimes that means starting a pose from the beginning while we wait for baby to fall back asleep.
My sessions are also divided into two parts:
One focused entirely on baby and capturing all those tiny details you never want to forget.
One dedicated to family images.
Because of this, I book due dates 3–4 months in advance, and once I reach six newborns for the month, I close that month.
When families wait until the last minute, they often have to choose from whoever happens to be available, not necessarily the photographer whose style and experience they truly love.
Booking early means you get the experience you want, not just what’s left.
The Consultation Call That Changes Everything
One of my favorite parts of this process happens before your baby even arrives.
After your inquiry, we’ll connect and talk through your vision, preferences, and questions.
We’ll discuss:
Your style and what draws you to my work
Whether you prefer in-studio or in-home
What to expect during your session
How to prepare siblings
Timeline and details
This conversation helps me prepare specifically for your baby and family. It’s where we start building a relationship, not just booking a date.
By the time your session day arrives, you won’t feel like you’re walking into something unknown. You’ll feel ready. Excited. Cared for.
And that changes everything.
“But What If I’m Already Past That Window?”
First—breathe.
If your baby is already over 14 days old, it’s going to be okay.
I’ve photographed newborns up to 6 weeks old. Your session might just look a little different. We may capture more awake images and fewer tightly curled sleepy poses. If you’re really hoping for sleepy images, we can commit to a longer session and build in extra settling time.
And if newborn timing truly doesn’t work out? There are always beautiful milestone sessions at 3, 6, 9 months, and one year.
Please release any guilt you’re carrying. You are learning, healing, feeding, loving. That is more than enough.
Ready to Chat? Here’s What Reaching Out Looks Like
Reaching out is simple and low-pressure.
When you inquire, it’s helpful to include:
Your due date
Whether this is your first baby
Any initial questions you may have
Once you hit send, I typically respond within 24 hours. From there, we can schedule a call or I’ll send over my welcome guide with more details.
There is no pressure or commitment in that first conversation. It’s simply a chance to connect and see if we’re the right fit.
And let me say this clearly: there is no such thing as “too early.” I love hearing from families at any point in pregnancy. Connecting before baby arrives is one of my favorite parts of what I do, it feels like being invited into something sacred before the world even meets your little one.
Your Future Self Will Thank You
Booking your newborn session during pregnancy is truly a gift to yourself.
It’s peace of mind before the newborn haze sets in. It’s knowing that when you’re running on two hours of sleep and living in cozy pajamas, you won’t also be frantically searching for a photographer.
But more than logistics, this is about something deeper.
It’s about ensuring you get the experience you want. The photographer you chose intentionally. The images that will live in frames long after this season passes.
As a mama of three, I know how quickly those early days blur together. The tiny fingers. The flaky skin. The way they fit perfectly against your chest.
That stage is so short. And it matters.
If you’re pregnant and thinking about newborn photos, consider this your gentle nudge. Your fourth trimester self—and your future self—will be so grateful you did.
