When to Book Maternity & Newborn Sessions | Chicago Documentary Family Photographer

You’re expecting! Yay! As time goes on, you’re going to start wondering when to book maternity and newborn sessions. That’s something they don’t teach you in school! I know it’s such a foreign thing to guess at, and I never want you to feel like you’re guessing when it comes to photos. 

As a Chicago film and portrait photographer, I get this question all the time in my inbox. For the busy girlies, the short answer is: during your second trimester. You don’t necessarily need to be ready for photos yet. You just want your spot on the calendar before those final weeks sneak up on you.

But let’s get into it! 

Here’s how to know when to book maternity & newborn sessions:

For maternity sessions, I typically recommend planning your session for 31+ weeks.

That’s when your bump is beautifully present, but you’re hopefully not quite at the “I would like to permanently LIVE on this couch” stage.

But that means you will want to reach out to your photographer during the 2nd trimester. I can’t tell you how many inquiries I have gotten from people who want to book maternity photos asap, and my calendar is full! It breaks my heart every time!! So, to be sure your spot on the calendar is fully secured, I recommend inquiring early. Anytime during the second trimester is usually good!

Booking your spot early also gives us plenty of time to talk about your vision, decide on a location, plan outfits, and make sure everything feels like you.

Then, once your session arrives, you don’t have to overthink it. We’ll let things unfold naturally.

And then comes baby!! When to schedule your newborn session?

For newborn sessions, I recommend your session taking place 7-14 days after birth if you’re hoping for that fresh, sleepy newborn stage.

That said, there is no magical expiration date on newborn photos.

If your baby is a little older, that’s okay too. In fact, I love documenting the first month of life because your baby is still changing so quickly.

The tiny fingers. The sleepy stretches. The way you instinctively hold them. Your older kids figuring out their new role as siblings.

Those are the moments you’ll want to remember!! They’re so much fun!

But as far as when to actually book your spot, you’ll want to reach out early. In fact, if you reach out for maternity… I recommend booking newborn at the same time.

How does it work? I put your due date on my calendar, and then have you reach out to me as soon as baby arrives (!!!!!) I usually get emails from my clients while they’re still in the hospital! Some of my favorite emails to receive, btw!!

You let me know your little one is earthside, and then we schedule a time in the following 1-4 weeks to take photos. Whether that is in your home, an outdoor location or a studio!

So if you’re expecting, don’t wait until the third trimester to start thinking about photos.

When to book maternity and newborn photos is really much earlier than when you’ll actually step in front of the camera. Reach out during your second trimester, and we’ll take it from there

I help you figure out what to wear, what location to use, any activity you might wanna do as a family, and how to pose. I really want to make my sessions as accessible and fun for parents as possible. There are so many demands on you during this season of life. Photos don’t need to add to that. You book your spot, and I’ll take it from there.

Capturing your most precious life moments is something that gives me chills every time I think about it as a Chicago film photographer.

It’s an honor. Every single time.