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When Should You Book Maternity and Newborn Photos?

If you’re expecting a baby, you’ve probably started thinking about all the things you need to prepare.

The nursery.

The baby clothes.

The hospital bag.

The tiny diapers.

And somewhere on that list is probably maternity and newborn photography.

But when should you actually book your session?

As a maternity and newborn photographer, one of the most common questions I hear from expecting moms is:

“Am I too early to book?”

The short answer is: it’s never too early to start planning.

Maternity and newborn photography are often booked several weeks—or even months—in advance, especially for popular times of the year.

Here’s what you need to know before choosing your session date.

When Should You Book Your Maternity Photography Session?

Check out my maternity session portfolio HERE

I recommend planning your maternity session before you reach the final weeks of pregnancy.

Maternity sessions are typically photographed during the later part of pregnancy, when your beautiful baby bump is clearly visible but you can still move comfortably enough to enjoy your session.

The exact timing can vary depending on your pregnancy, your photographer’s style, and what you envision for your photographs.

The important part is getting your session on the calendar early.

You don’t want to reach the end of your pregnancy and realize your photographer is already fully booked.

When Should You Book Your Newborn Photography Session?

Check out my newborn session portfolio HERE

Newborn photography requires a little more planning because those first days with your baby are incredibly fleeting.

Babies change quickly.

Those tiny fingers, sleepy expressions, curled-up poses, and brand-new features don’t last forever.

That’s why newborn photographers often recommend scheduling your session during the first couple of weeks after your baby arrives, depending on the photographer’s approach.

Because your baby’s actual birthday can’t be predicted, newborn photographers typically reserve space around your estimated due date rather than scheduling a traditional appointment months in advance.

When you inquire with Jaclyn Specia Photography, we’ll talk through your due date and make a plan for your baby’s arrival.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until Your Baby Is Born to Inquire

This is one of the biggest mistakes expecting parents make.

It can be tempting to wait until after your baby arrives to contact a photographer.

But by then, your preferred photographer may not have availability.

Newborn photographers can only accommodate a limited number of sessions each month. Your baby’s arrival date is also unpredictable, which means photographers need to plan their calendars carefully.

Booking your newborn photographer during pregnancy gives you peace of mind.

You can check one more thing off your list and know that your baby’s first photographs are taken care of.

What Happens If My Baby Comes Early or Late?

This is a completely normal concern.

Your due date is an estimate—not a deadline.

That’s why newborn photography is usually planned around your expected due date rather than a fixed newborn session date.

If your baby arrives earlier or later than expected, communication with your photographer is key.

Once your little one arrives, you’ll reach out and we’ll determine the best available session date based on your baby’s age and the photography style you’re looking for.

After about 3 weeks i have noticed babies don’t love the squishy poses and are starting to develop baby acne.

If you little one had a longer hospital stay we will schedule when your are home and settled. 3 weeks is the best time for photos, but that doesnt mean we cant get on the schedule past that time for your newborn session.

What Should You Expect From a Maternity Photography Session?

Your maternity session should be about more than simply taking photographs of your belly.

It’s about documenting this incredibly meaningful season of your life.

Pregnancy can feel like it lasts forever while you’re living through it, yet somehow the moment your baby arrives, you may wonder where the time went.

A maternity session gives you the opportunity to slow down and remember what this season felt like.

Your photographs can capture your connection with your baby before you’ve even met them.

They can also celebrate the relationship between you and your partner, your growing family, and the anticipation surrounding your baby’s arrival.

What Should You Expect From a Newborn Photography Session?

Newborn photography should feel calm, comfortable, and relaxed.

You don’t need to know how to pose.

You don’t need to make your baby cooperate perfectly.

And you certainly don’t need to have everything figured out.

Your photographer will guide you through the experience while allowing plenty of time for feeding, soothing, changing, and cuddling your baby.

The goal is to create beautiful photographs while also making the experience enjoyable for you.

Because let’s be honest—you’re going to be tired.

You shouldn’t have to stress about getting the “perfect” newborn photos.

Do I Need to Book Both Maternity and Newborn Photos?

Not necessarily.

Some families choose maternity photography, some choose newborn photography, and others love the idea of documenting both.

But there is something incredibly special about having photographs that tell the complete story.

First, you document the anticipation of meeting your baby.

Then, you document the moment you finally get to hold them.

Together, those sessions create a beautiful visual story of your journey into parenthood.

Your Baby Will Never Be This Little Again

This is why newborn photography is so meaningful.

The newborn stage is incredibly short.

You may think you’ll remember every detail—the way your baby curls into your chest, their tiny toes, the softness of their hair, or the way their entire hand barely wraps around your finger.

But as the months go by, those details change.

Your baby grows.

They become more alert.

They start smiling.

Then they’re rolling, crawling, standing, and eventually running.

Photographs give you a way to hold onto the details that time naturally takes away.

Why Choose Jaclyn Specia Photography?

Choosing your photographer is about more than finding someone with a camera.

You want someone whose work makes you feel something.

Someone whose photographs reflect the kind of memories you want to have hanging in your home.

Someone who understands that these aren’t just photographs—they’re photographs of your baby and your family.

At Jaclyn Specia Photography, my goal is to create beautiful, timeless imagery that allows you to remember this season for years to come.

From your growing belly to those first precious days with your newborn, every session is designed to preserve the connection and emotion surrounding this incredibly important chapter of your life.

Your newborn’s safety is my main priority. I have taken several classes online and in person to learn how to safely pose newborns. I also have knowledge in infant care.

Newborn safety essentials by World Health Organization HERE

Ready to Plan Your Maternity or Newborn Session?

If you’re expecting, now is the perfect time to start planning your photography session.

You don’t have to have every detail figured out.

You don’t need to know exactly what you want.

That’s what I’m here for.

We’ll talk about your vision, your timeline, and what you’re hoping to remember about this season.

Your baby will only be this little once.

Let’s make sure you have beautiful photographs to remember it.

Ready to Inquire?

[INQUIRE ABOUT YOUR MATERNITY OR NEWBORN SESSION →] HERE

I’d love to hear about your growing family and help you plan a photography experience that’s centered around you and your baby.

Let’s Plan Your Session

CLICK HERE