When to Book Maternity and Newborn Sessions | Tips from Maryland Family Photographer

I absolutely love working with families as they grow and welcome new babies to the world. In fact, it’s probably one of the highlights of my job. There’s something really special about being able to document a family’s pregnancy journey and newborn portraits once their new little one has arrived. A question I’m asked a lot is when my clients should reach out to schedule their maternity and newborn sessions. So today, we’re going to break down exactly when to book maternity and newborn sessions with your family photographer! 

When Should You Book a Maternity Session?

Booking your maternity session is about two things: how you’re going to look and feel during your session and how busy your photographer is. To book your maternity session, reach out to the photographer you want to work with at the end of your first trimester. We’ll plan a session for later in your second trimester or early third trimester. This will ensure that you’re feeling good and strong (but not too overwhelmed) and that your beautiful belly has truly popped.

When Should You Book a Newborn Session?

If you’re only booking a newborn session, you can reach out to your photographer in the beginning of your second trimester. By then, you should confidently know your due date (or the expected one, anyway!). Many newborn photographers will block out your due date and some of their schedule before and after that date so they know you’ll be coming in. We all know babies will come when they’re ready, so many newborn photographers are flexible in their planning! 

And, if you want to make everything simpler for yourself, consider booking a maternity and newborn session together. Many photographers offer discounts on the sitting fees when you do both together. Plus, then you know everything is already taken care of!! 

What about a Pregnancy Announcement Session?

I LOVE photographing these sessions because they’re just so special. It’s fun to be included in a family’s secret like that! Many photographers keep dates on their schedule open for time-sensitive sessions like these. But, I still encourage you to reach out as soon as you know you want to do something like this so they can get you in. 

Something to consider no matter what session you’re booking is that if your due date is in a family photographer’s busy season – aka: the fall – reach out sooner. Photographers book out quickly for the fall, so reaching out early is the best way to ensure a spot on their calendar. When I was pregnant, I actually contacted my newborn photographer before I even announced it to family and friends because my son was due in November. I knew how busy it was then for her and wanted to make sure I was able to have sessions with her! 

I hope these tips help you feel more confident about when to book maternity and newborn sessions. Seriously, these moments bring me such joy as a photographer (and mom!), so I absolutely love when I get inquiries to photograph sessions like this. 

Want more tips for your session? Check out my tips for lifestyle sessions and newborn sessions!