How Far in Advance Should You Book Your Newborn Photographer?
This is one of the questions I get asked the most, and the honest answer is: earlier than you probably think. Newborn photography doesn't work quite like booking a regular photo shoot, since we're planning around a due date instead of a fixed calendar day. Here's how I recommend timing it.
Book During Your Second Trimester
I know it feels early, especially when baby's arrival still seems far off, but your second trimester is the sweet spot for reaching out. I book by due dates and only take a limited number of sessions each month, so the earlier you're on my calendar, the more flexibility we have.
This is especially true if you're hoping for a Fresh 48 session in the hospital. Those sessions require quick coordination once you go into labor, and having the groundwork already laid (your hospital, your general timeline, my contact info in your phone) makes those first hectic hours so much smoother.
What If I'm Already Further Along?
Don't panic if you're already in your third trimester and just now thinking about this. I'm flexible and always try to make room for mommas who didn't get around to booking earlier. Reach out as soon as you can so we can figure out what's realistic for your timeline.
What About After Baby Arrives?
Once baby is here, the timeline shifts fast:
Fresh 48 sessions happen within the first 24 to 48 hours, so if this is on your list, I need to hear from you the moment you're admitted or as soon as you can.
At-home newborn sessions typically happen within the first two weeks. Babies this age sleep a lot and curl up easily, which makes for those classic cozy newborn images. After the two-week mark, baby starts changing quickly, so sooner is better if that dreamy, sleepy look is what you're after.
Either way, the moment your baby arrives, send me a message so we can lock in your official session date.
Why Booking Early Actually Matters
Beyond just securing a spot on my calendar, booking early means:
We get ahead of the "what to wear" and prep planning instead of scrambling
You're not stressed about logistics during an already overwhelming first few weeks
If you want to combine a Fresh 48 and an at-home session, we can plan for both from the start
You're not stuck settling for whatever date happens to be open
The Bottom Line
If you're pregnant and even thinking about newborn photos, that's your sign to reach out now. It costs nothing to get on my radar early, and it takes so much pressure off once baby actually arrives.
I photograph newborn and Fresh 48 sessions throughout Greenville, Simpsonville, Anderson, Laurens, and the surrounding Upstate. Let's get your date on the calendar.