When Should I Book My Newborn Photo Session

When Should I Book My Newborn Photo Session? (And Why Sooner Is Better)

If you’re pregnant and wondering when to book your newborn photography session, you’re not alone. With everything going on—hospital appointments, baby name debates, and trying to figure out what a muslin actually does—it’s easy to push baby photos down the to-do list.

But here’s the gentle truth: booking your newborn photography before your baby arrives isn’t about being overly organised. It’s about making things easier for yourself when the time comes—and making sure you don’t miss out on those beautiful early days.

Whether you’re based in Staffordshire, Cheshire, Shropshire, or nearby, here’s what you need to know about booking your baby photos—and what to do if you’ve left it a bit late.

1. Why Book Before Baby Arrives?

Photographers (like me!) who specialise in natural newborn photography usually take bookings while you’re still pregnant—ideally during your second trimester. This doesn’t mean locking in a specific date (babies don’t exactly stick to schedules!). Instead, I pencil in your due date and keep flexibility either side.

Booking early means you’ve got a session reserved, and you don’t have to think about it again until after baby arrives. Trust me, once the baby bubble hits, the last thing you’ll want to do is scroll through Google trying to find someone whose vibe you like and who still has space.

2. The Best Time for Newborn Photos

The ideal time for newborn photo sessions is in the first 5–14 days after birth. That’s when babies are still super sleepy and curl up into all those scrunchy, delicious poses. It’s also when you’re in that beautiful, hazy, early stage—tired, emotional, a bit all over the place… and completely in love.

If you’ve already booked, we’ll arrange a session once baby is here and settled. If you haven’t booked yet and your baby’s already made their appearance—don’t panic! I also offer older newborn sessions that are just as beautiful and full of personality.

3. What If Baby Comes Early (or Late)?

No problem. I only take a limited number of newborn bookings per month to make space for the unpredictability of real life. Whether baby arrives two weeks early or decides they’re far too comfy in there, we’ll adjust your relaxed newborn session accordingly.

Your booking secures that flexibility, so you don’t have to worry.

4. You Deserve a Calm, Stress-Free Experience

Natural baby photography is all about capturing you and your baby as you are—no stiff poses, no stressful prep. Just gentle, honest moments in a relaxed setting, as they say home is where the heart is!

Booking in advance gives us time to chat about what you want from the session, what to expect, what to wear (comfy always wins), and how to include siblings or pets (chaos is welcome here).

5. What If You’ve Left It a Bit Late?

Life happens. If you’re sitting here with a baby on your chest wondering if you’ve missed the boat, the answer is: you haven’t.

While the early newborn days are ideal, older babies (3–12 weeks) are full of charm—there’s eye contact, cheeky smiles, and the first signs of their little personality. My approach stays the same: real, relaxed, connection-focused.

So, When Should You Book Your Baby Photos?

Short answer: During pregnancy, ideally in the second trimester.
Longer answer: Whenever you're ready—but earlier gives you peace of mind, more flexibility, and time to breathe once baby arrives.

Ready to Book Your Newborn Photography Session?

I photograph babies and families across Staffordshire, Cheshire, Shropshire, and surrounding areas. If you’d love a calm, natural approach that focuses on the connection between you and your baby (and not awkward poses), I’d love to hear from you.

Ready to Book Your Newborn Photography Session?

I photograph babies and families across Staffordshire, Cheshire, Shropshire, and surrounding areas. If you’d love a calm, natural approach that focuses on the connection between you and your baby (and not awkward poses), I’d love to hear from you.

📩 [Get in touch here] or
📸 [Learn more about my newborn photography sessions]

New to all this? You might enjoy this one too: [10 Things No One Tells You About Newborns]—it’s honest, a little bit funny, and full of the stuff midwives forget to mention.