If you’re wondering when to start reaching out to photographers, you aren’t alone. In a busy city like Chicago, the best studios fill up months in advance. To ensure you get the style and date you want, here is everything you need to know about the timeline. The best time to book your newborn session […]
The best time to book your newborn session is during your second trimester (typically between weeks 18 and 24).
While it might feel early to think about portraits when your baby is still the size of a mango, booking during this window ensures you aren't scrambling in your third trimester when you’re tired, or worse, finding that your favorite photographer is already fully booked.
Why Booking Early Matters
1. Limited Monthly Availability
Professional newborn photographers only take a limited number of "due dates" per month. Because babies rarely arrive on their actual due date, we keep our calendars flexible to ensure every family gets a spot. Once those priority slots are filled, we have to close bookings for that month.
2. Time to Plan the Details
When you book early, we have plenty of time to:
Coordinate Wardrobe: I can help you source the perfect outfits or suggest colors that look beautiful the day of your session.
Style the Session according to your vision for the photos.
Schedule Maternity Photos: Many families love to pair their newborn session with a maternity shoot at my studio in Des Plaines.
But What If My Due Date Changes?
This is the #1 concern for new parents. Whether your little one arrives early or takes their sweet time past the 40-week mark, don't worry.
When you book your session, you aren’t locking in a specific calendar date—you are securing a priority slot in my schedule for your birth month.
Total Flexibility: Your due date is just a placeholder.
The "Baby is Here" Alert: Once the baby arrives, simply send me a quick text within the first 72 hours.
Setting the Final Date: We will then choose the perfect morning within the first 14 days of your baby’s life to capture those sleepy, curly newborn moments.
My goal is to be the most flexible part of your transition to parenthood. I manage my calendar specifically to allow for the beautiful unpredictability of birth.
And if you’re still looking for a photographer to capture your newborn’s earliest days, I’d love to serve you. As a Chicagoland newborn and family photographer, I specialize in creating heirloom artwork that tells the story of your baby’s beginning.