One of the most common questions I hear from expecting parents is, “When should I book my newborn photographer?”

If you’re expecting your first baby, it can be hard to know when you should start planning newborn photos. There is already so much to think about before your little one arrives!

The good news is that you don't need to know your baby's exact arrival date to book a newborn photography session.

When should you book your newborn photographer?

I recommend reaching out during your pregnancy and reserving your session before your baby arrives.

When you book with me, we use your estimated due date to plan your session. Since babies rarely arrive exactly when expected, your actual session date is arranged once your baby is born.

This means you don't have to worry about trying to predict the exact day your baby will arrive.

If you're already well into your pregnancy and haven't booked a photographer yet, don't worry. It's always worth reaching out to check availability.

When is the best time for newborn photos?

For my newborn sessions, I typically recommend photographing babies between 5 and 14 days old.

During those first couple of weeks, many babies are still very sleepy and naturally comfortable being curled up, wrapped and gently posed.

That said, there isn't a magic deadline.

Every baby is different, and I have photographed babies who were older than the traditional newborn window. If your baby is already a few weeks old, don't assume you've missed your opportunity. We can talk about what will work best for your little one.

My priority is always making sure baby is comfortable, safe and happy, rather than trying to force a particular pose or look.

What happens if my baby comes early or late?

This is one of the reasons I book newborn sessions around your due date rather than choosing a firm session date months in advance.

Once your baby arrives, simply let me know.

We'll look at the calendar and find a day that works within that early newborn period.

If your baby decides to arrive a little earlier or later than expected, that's completely normal. You don't need to stress about changing your plans around the original due date.

What if I'm already 3 or 4 weeks away from my due date?

It's not too late!

If you've been meaning to book newborn photos but life has been busy, reach out and I'll let you know what availability I have around your due date.

I always recommend booking earlier when possible, but I also know that pregnancy doesn't always leave much time for planning everything on your list.

And sometimes you don't decide until you are much closer to meeting your baby.

That's okay too.

What if I didn't book while I was pregnant?

Please still reach out.

If your baby has already arrived, I'll let you know what availability I have. Depending on baby's age and my schedule, we may still be able to plan a newborn session.

I never want parents to feel like they've "missed" their chance to have beautiful photographs of those first days.

Those early weeks go by incredibly quickly.

What should I expect from a newborn session?

My newborn sessions take place in my home studio in Baltimore, Ontario, just north of Cobourg.

I keep the studio warm and comfortable for baby, and I have the wraps, simple props and newborn accessories available for the session.

I also don't expect parents to know how to pose their baby.

I gently guide everything and follow baby's cues throughout the session. Some babies love being wrapped, some prefer being unwrapped, and sometimes the best photographs happen in between the planned poses.

Parents and siblings are also included in my newborn sessions because, to me, newborn photography isn't just about photographing a tiny baby.

It's about remembering your family as it was at this particular moment in time.

Newborn photography in Baltimore, Cobourg & Northumberland County

If you're looking for a newborn photographer in Cobourg, Baltimore or Northumberland County, I would love to help you document those first days with your new baby.

My goal is to make the experience feel relaxed and enjoyable for parents while creating natural, timeless photographs that you'll still love years from now.

You don't need to have everything figured out before you reach out.

If you know your approximate due date, that's a great place to start.

Your baby will decide when they arrive. We'll take care of the rest.