One of the questions I receive almost every day is:

“When should I book my newborn session?”

The simple answer is:

During your seventh or eighth month of pregnancy.

As an Olympia newborn photographer, I accept only a limited number of newborn due dates each month so every family receives the time, flexibility, and personalized experience they deserve. Reserving your due date during pregnancy allows me to plan for your baby’s arrival while keeping everything completely flexible.

The wonderful thing about newborn photography is that your actual session date isn’t determined until your baby arrives. We simply reserve your due date on my calendar, and once your little one is here, we choose the perfect day together.

“But We Don’t Know When Baby Will Arrive…”

This is probably the biggest concern expecting parents have.

“Our due date is September 12th…but what if the baby comes early?”

Or…

“What if I go two weeks overdue?”

The answer is easy:

That’s completely normal.

Babies have their own timetable.

Very few babies actually arrive on their due date, which is exactly why my newborn calendar is designed differently than a traditional photography schedule.

When you reserve your newborn session, I simply place your due date on my calendar as a placeholder. Once your baby arrives, we adjust the session date based on your family’s needs and your baby’s arrival.

There is absolutely no stress about trying to predict the exact day your little one will be born.

What If Baby Arrives Early?

Early arrivals happen all the time.

Whether your baby surprises everyone by arriving a few weeks early or simply decides they are ready before expected, we’ll adjust your session accordingly.

Because your due date is already reserved, I simply move your session to accommodate your baby’s arrival.

What If Baby Arrives Late?

This is just as common.

Many parents laugh because they worried about booking too early, only to find themselves still waiting for baby long after their due date has passed.

That’s perfectly okay.

Your due date simply holds your place in my calendar.

Once your little one arrives, we’ll finalize your session date.

What If Baby or Mom Has to Stay in the Hospital Longer?

Life doesn’t always go according to plan.

Sometimes babies need a little extra care after birth.

If your little one arrives early or requires additional time in the hospital, organizations like March of Dimes provide wonderful resources for families navigating those first days.

Sometimes moms need additional recovery time.

Sometimes both simply need a few extra days before heading home.

Please don’t worry.

Your family’s health always comes first.

If your hospital stay is longer than expected, we’ll simply adjust your newborn session once everyone is safely home and feeling ready.

There is never any pressure.

My schedule is intentionally built to remain flexible because newborns don’t follow calendars, they follow their own timeline.

Can I Still Book If My Baby Is Already Here?

Absolutely.

In fact, I will do everything I can to make it happen.

One of the questions I receive frequently is:

“My baby was already born. Is it too late?”

The answer is usually…

Not at all.

Whenever possible, I will move mountains to fit newborn babies into my schedule.

While booking during pregnancy is always recommended, I understand that life gets busy, deliveries happen unexpectedly, or parents simply don’t realize how quickly those first weeks pass.

If your baby has already arrived, please don’t assume you’ve missed your opportunity.

Reach out as soon as possible, and I’ll do everything I can to find space for your family.

Why Do Newborn Sessions Happen So Early?

The first two to three weeks are a wonderful time for newborn portraits because babies are typically sleepier, naturally curl into those beautiful newborn poses, and are still adjusting to life outside the womb.

The American Academy of Pediatrics also emphasizes the importance of supporting newborn health and development during those early weeks, making this a wonderful time to document your baby’s first days.

That doesn’t mean older newborns can’t be photographed beautifully.

Every baby is different.

Whether your little one is five days old or several weeks old, every session is designed around your baby’s comfort, personality, and stage of development.

Why Booking Early Makes Everything Easier

Booking during your seventh or eighth month gives you one less thing to think about once your baby arrives.

Instead of searching for a photographer while you’re recovering, adjusting to sleepless nights, and learning your baby’s routine, everything is already planned.

When your little one is born, all you need to do is send me a quick message letting me know they have arrived.

I’ll take care of the rest.

A Relaxed, Flexible Experience

One thing I want every family to know is this:

Your newborn session should never feel stressful.

Everything about the experience is designed around your baby.

Need to stop for feeding?

Perfect.

Need extra cuddles?

Absolutely.

Need a little more time?

Of course.

My goal is to create a peaceful experience where you can simply relax, enjoy your new baby, and allow me to preserve these fleeting moments for your family.

Ready to Reserve Your Due Date?

If you’re currently expecting, I recommend reaching out during your seventh or eighth month of pregnancy to reserve your due date.

If your baby has already arrived, don’t panic, please reach out anyway. Whenever possible, I’ll do everything I can to welcome your family into my studio.

These first days pass by so quickly, and it would be my honor to preserve them for you.

---

You may also enjoy:

• What If My Baby Won’t Sleep During Their Newborn Session?
• Newborn Photography In Olympia: What Parents Don’t Realize But Always Treasure
• Is Newborn Photography Safe? What Every Parent Should Know.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I reserve my newborn session?

The ideal time is during your seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. This allows us to reserve your due date while keeping your actual session date completely flexible.

What if my baby arrives early?

No problem! Your session date will simply be adjusted after your baby arrives.

What if my baby arrives late?

That’s perfectly normal. Your due date is simply a placeholder, and we’ll schedule your session once your little one is here.

What if we spend extra time in the hospital?

Your family’s health always comes first. We’ll move your session to accommodate your recovery and your baby’s needs.

Can I still book after my baby is born?

Absolutely. Contact me as soon as possible. Whenever my schedule allows, I’ll do everything I can to fit your newborn session in.

Is my newborn session date guaranteed when I book?

Your due date reserves your place on my calendar. Once your baby arrives, we’ll choose the perfect session date based on your family’s needs and your baby’s arrival.