When Should You Book Newborn Photos? A Metro Detroit Parent's Guide
If you're expecting a baby, you've probably already started making a very long list of things to do before your little one arrives.
Doctor appointments. Nursery. Baby clothes. Car seat. Hospital bag.
And somewhere in that list, you may have started thinking about newborn photos.
One of the questions I hear most often from expecting parents is:
"When should we actually book our newborn photographer?"
The short answer? I recommend reaching out during your second or third trimester of pregnancy rather than waiting until your baby arrives.
Here's why and what you can expect when you book a newborn photography session with me.
When should you book newborn photos?
When you book your session, we'll use your estimated due date to get you on my calendar. Once your baby arrives, we'll connect and choose the actual session date based on baby's age, availability, and what works best for your family (aka: not during the older sibling’s naptime!).
Booking during pregnancy simply gives you one less thing to worry about after your baby arrives.
And believe me, those first few weeks are busy enough (and a sleepy, exhausted fog!).
Why shouldn't you wait until after your baby is born?
You certainly can contact a newborn photographer after your baby arrives, but availability can be limited, especially during popular times of the year. Fun fact: September is the busiest month for newborn photographers.
Newborn photographers generally schedule a limited number of sessions each month because newborn sessions require more time and flexibility than a typical portrait session.
I try to intentionally leave room in my calendar for last minute bookings, but that’s not always a guarentee.
What if my baby comes early or late?
Don't worry! Your due date is simply a placeholder on my calendar. Babies have their own timeline, right?
Once your baby is born, we'll be in touch and find a date that works.
If your baby arrives earlier than expected, we'll adjust. If your little one decides to stay cozy a little longer, we'll adjust for that too.
My goal is never to make you feel stressed about fitting your baby into a particular schedule.
How old should my baby be for newborn photos?
I generally recommend scheduling newborn sessions within the 2-3 weeks old.
Some babies are sleepy and curly for longer than others. Some are wide awake and incredibly alert from the beginning. Every baby is different.
We'll work together to create beautiful images of your baby, not someone else's idea of what a newborn session should look like.
What if I don't know what I want yet?
That's completely okay. You don't need to arrive with a Pinterest board full of poses or know exactly which outfits you want your baby to wear.
That's why I’m here and ready to take care of all those details!
Before your session when we meet for your Consultation, we'll talk about your family, the look you're drawn to, colors you love, and what you want your images to feel like.
My studio also includes a Client Closet with carefully selected gowns, newborn outfits, and children's clothing, so you don't have to shop for an entire family wardrobe just for your session.
Your baby's first days go by incredibly quickly
There is something about the newborn stage that makes time feel completely strange.
You can spend an entire night awake with a baby who wants to be held every second, and somehow wish you could freeze that exact moment a few weeks later.
The tiny fingers.
The sleepy stretches.
The way your baby fits perfectly against your chest.
Those little details don't stay little for long.
That's why I love newborn photography so much.
I'm not just photographing a tiny baby. I'm documenting the beginning of your family as it is right now.
If you're expecting and considering newborn photos, I'd love to help you plan a session that feels relaxed, beautiful, and completely personal to your family. You’ll end up with heirloom pieces like albums, folio boxes and gorgeous wall art.
Talk soon,
Chelsie
Chelsie Maurer Photography is a luxury Detroit newborn photographer serving families throughout Metro Detroit including Utica, Rochester Hills, Rochester, Birmingham, West Bloomfield, Troy, Shelby Township, Sterling Heights, and Clinton Township.