Whether you’re expecting your first baby or you just welcomed your newborn baby into the world, this is one of the most exciting seasons of your life. Between preparing the baby’s nursery, packing your hospital bag, and getting ready to meet your baby boy or baby girl, your to-do list probably feels a little (or a lot) too long!
We also know that somewhere on that list is booking a maternity and newborn photographer. You want beautiful maternity and newborn portraits, but you may be wondering… When should I book? Should I choose a studio or an in-home session? What should everyone wear? Do I need to bring anything for my newborn baby? What if my baby won’t sleep? Planning your maternity and newborn photography session should feel exciting, not overwhelming. This guide walks you through everything you need to know before booking your Houston maternity and newborn photographer so you can enjoy the experience and focus on what matters most… your growing family.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BOOKING YOUR SESSION
📅 When Should You Book?
🤰 The Best Time for Maternity Portraits
👶 The Best Time for Newborn Portraits
📸 Session Types
🏡 Session Locations
👗 What to Wear
💄 Professional Hair & Makeup
🎀 What’s Included for Your Newborn Baby
🍼 What Happens During Your Session
🖼️ Choosing Your Artwork
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❤️ How to Book
One of the first questions families ask is… “How does all of this work?” The answer is simple. You don’t have to figure everything out before contacting your photographer. And at our Houston newborn photography studio, we do EVERYTHING for you.
From choosing the right session to deciding where your portraits will take place, every detail is planned with you before your session day arrives. The goal is to make the entire experience feel simple, relaxed, and enjoyable so you can spend less time worrying and more time looking forward to meeting your sweet baby.
📅 When Should You Book?
One of the biggest questions expecting parents ask is, “When should we book our maternity and newborn photographer?”
The answer is usually much earlier than most people expect.
Many families assume they’ll wait until the third trimester or even after their newborn baby arrives to start looking for a photographer. Sadly, a lot of expecting moms quickly learn that the photographer they hoped to work with is already booked.
The best time to reserve your maternity and newborn photography session is right after 12 weeks or during your second trimester.
Booking early gives you the best selection of dates, allows plenty of time to plan your session, and gives you one less thing to think about before your baby arrives.
If you’re planning both maternity and newborn portraits, reserving both sessions at the same time makes the entire process simple.
Your maternity session is typically photographed when your baby bump is cute and fun… and you’re still comfortable enough to enjoy your session!
Since babies rarely arrive exactly on schedule, your due date simply holds your place on the calendar. Once your baby boy or baby girl arrives, you’ll send us a message, and we can adjust if needed. We only reserve 2 newborn sessions per week in order to re-schedule for babies already on our busy calendar.
During the first two weeks, newborn babies tend to sleep more soundly, naturally curl into those sweet little baby poses, and are often easier to settle throughout the session. Every baby is different, and beautiful portraits can absolutely be created with older newborn babies too, but planning ahead gives you the greatest flexibility.
Booking early also gives you time to enjoy planning your session instead of feeling rushed.
You’ll have time to choose your location, coordinate clothing, schedule professional hair and makeup if you’d like, and know exactly what to expect before your session day arrives.
Most importantly, you’ll already know your photography plans are taken care of before your newborn baby arrives.
Once your baby is here, your days will be full of feedings, diaper changes, doctor appointments, cuddles, and learning your family’s new routine.
Instead of searching for a Houston newborn photographer while running on very little sleep, you’ll simply let us know your baby has arrived, and we’ll take care of the rest.
🤰 The Best Time for Maternity Photos
One of the most common questions moms ask is, “When should I schedule my maternity session?”
The sweet spot for maternity photography is usually between 28 and 32 weeks.
By this point, your baby bump is probably showing, but you’re typically still comfortable enough to walk, change outfits, and enjoy your session.
Waiting until the very end of your pregnancy can sometimes make sessions more challenging when you aren’t feeling your best. And we know that every pregnancy is different, and that babies don’t always wait until their due date to arrive… so scheduling your maternity session a little earlier helps ensure you don’t miss this beautiful opportunity.
Your maternity session should celebrate this exciting chapter in your family’s story.
Whether it’s your first baby, or you’re including older brothers and sisters, we’ll create portraits that focus on the excitement of welcoming your newest family member.
Many families also choose to coordinate their maternity session with their newborn session so everything is planned together from the very beginning.
For maternity portraits, you can choose the setting that best fits your family’s style.
Some families love the timeless look of the studio.
Others prefer the comfort of their own home.
Many choose one of Houston’s beautiful outdoor locations for soft evening light and natural scenery.
There isn’t one right choice. Together, we’ll choose the location that best reflects your family’s personality and the artwork you hope to display in your home.
👶 The Best Time for Newborn Pictures
The first few days with your newborn baby are unlike anything else.
The tiny fingers.
The little eyelashes.
The way your baby stretches, yawns, and curls up while sleeping.
All of these sweet moments go by so fast… and this is why the best time for newborn photography is usually within the first 10 to 14 days after their birth-day.
During this stage, newborn babies tend to sleep more deeply and naturally settle into the sweet, curled-up poses parents love.
If your baby is a little older than two weeks, it’s ok – don’t worry! I work with older babies all the time. They might be more alert… and might not like to be wrapped as tight… but they make wonderful eye contact, sometiems give us sweet little smiles, and still we create beautiful memories for you and your family.
The most important thing isn’t having a perfectly sleepy baby. It’s preserving this incredible season before your newborn baby changes almost overnight.
No matter how old your baby is, we’ll work at your baby’s pace and create beautiful portraits you’ll treasure for years to come.
📸 Session Types
Every family is different, which is why there isn’t one session that’s perfect for everyone.
Some families are looking for a simple session with just a few favorite portraits.
Others want to document this season in a bigger way with family portraits, siblings, multiple setups, and artwork designed for their home.
Petite Sessions
Petite Sessions are a wonderful option for families who are looking for a shorter session and a smaller collection of images… and they are the most popular option for Maternity photography.
They’re perfect if you’re looking for something simple while still allowing us to create a beautiful portrait of you pregnant. Most moms order a beautiful framed portrait after their session, and a handful or matted prints, or a they add a few into a maternity & newborn album.
Signature Sessions
Signature Sessions offer the complete newborn experience and are the most popular session type that we offer.
With more time together, we can photograph your newborn baby, parents, brothers and sisters, and create a larger variety of images throughout your session.
These sessions are ideal for families who are planning wall portraits, handcrafted albums, or a gallery wall in their home.
If you’re unsure which session is the best fit, we’ll help you choose the option that matches your family’s goals.
🏡 Session Locations
One of the fun parts of planning your session is deciding where your maternity & newborn portraits will take place.
Each location creates a different look, and each tells your family’s story in a unique way.
The SRJP Studio
If you love timeless portraits with a clean, classic style, the studio is a wonderful choice.
Everything is ready before you arrive:
- Gowns for Mom
- Baby wraps
- Beautiful blankets
- Newborn beds
- Baskets
- Bonnets
- Headbands for baby girls
- Professional lighting
- Comfortable seating
- No weather concerns
A cozy environment designed especially for expecting moms and newborn babies.
Instead of packing everything yourself, you can simply arrive, relax, and enjoy watching your baby’s first portraits come to life.
Studio sessions are available for both maternity and newborn photography.
Your Home
Some of the sweetest photographs happen right where your family’s story begins.
An in-home newborn session captures your newborn baby in the nursery you’ve carefully prepared, quiet moments in your bedroom, cuddles on the couch, and the little details that make your home uniquely yours.
Often families choose an in-home session if they just want us to come to them. We bring everything to you including hair and makeup, gowns for mom and all of the newborn props and accessories.
If you’re recovering after delivery, adjusting to life with a newborn baby, or have older children at home, staying home can make the entire experience more relaxed.
You don’t need a magazine-perfect house.
We’ll use the best natural light in your home and focus on what matters most… your family.
A Parent or Grandparent’s Home
Sometimes the most meaningful place isn’t your own home.
If your parents or grandparents have a home that has been part of your family’s story for years, it can become the perfect location for your newborn session.
Including grandparents creates beautiful portraits that celebrate three generations together.
These images often become some of the most treasured photographs your family owns.
Outdoor Maternity Sessions
Outdoor maternity sessions are perfect for families who love natural light and beautiful scenery.
Houston offers so many incredible locations for maternity portraits, from gardens and tree-lined parks to open fields and city views.
Whether you love the elegance of Hermann Park, the flowers at Mercer Botanic Gardens, or the natural beauty of Memorial Park, we’ll help you choose a location that matches your family’s style.
Outdoor sessions are scheduled around the best light of the day to create soft, glowing portraits you’ll love for years to come.
👗 What to Wear
One of the biggest questions families ask before their session is…
“What should we wear?”
The good news is you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Before your session, you’ll receive guidance on choosing clothing that photographs beautifully together.
Instead of matching everyone exactly, we recommend coordinating colors and selecting timeless pieces that keep the focus on your family.
Soft neutrals, earth tones, light textures, and simple patterns photograph beautifully and never go out of style.
The goal is to create portraits you’ll still love twenty years from now.
For maternity sessions, you’ll also have access to a beautiful collection of maternity dresses created specifically for maternity & newborn photography.
Instead of ordering several dresses online and hoping one fits, you can choose from a curated wardrobe designed to photograph beautifully.
Dad and older children don’t need anything complicated either.
Simple, comfortable clothing in coordinating colors is often all you need to create timeless family portraits.
💄 Professional Hair & Makeup
Professional hair and makeup isn’t required, but it’s one of the best ways to help you relax before your session.
Instead of trying to get yourself ready while also getting everyone else dressed, you can enjoy having one less thing to think about.
Professional makeup is designed to photograph beautifully while still looking natural.
Many moms tell us it’s one of their favorite parts of the experience because it gives them a chance to slow down, feel pampered, and enjoy the day.
We have a private room in the studio just for hair and makeup, and most new moms book this service for their maternity and newborn photography sessions.
🎀 What’s Included for Your Newborn Baby?
One of the most popular questions that new parents ask before their newborn session is…
“What do we need to bring?”
The answer is simple.
Your newborn baby.
Everything else is taken care of.
Your newborn photography session includes access to a carefully curated collection of wraps, blankets, newborn beds, baskets, bonnets, hats, layers, and headbands for baby girls. Every item has been selected to create timeless portraits that will look just as beautiful years from now as they do today.
There’s no need to purchase newborn photography props or spend hours shopping online before your session.
Instead, you can simply arrive knowing everything has already been prepared.
If there’s something meaningful you’d like to include, such as a special blanket, heirloom quilt, or family keepsake, you’re always welcome to bring it. Those personal touches often make your portraits even more meaningful.
Above all, your newborn baby’s safety and comfort are always the highest priority throughout the entire session.
🍼 What Happens During Your Session?
If you’ve never had professional newborn portraits taken before, you may be wondering what actually happens during the session.
The answer is…
We follow your newborn baby’s lead.
There isn’t a timer counting down, and there’s never any pressure to rush.
If your baby needs to eat, we’ll stop.
And if your baby needs to be cuddled… we’ll stop.
Or, if it’s time for a diaper change, we’ll simply take a break and continue when everyone is ready.
Newborn sessions are designed to be calm, relaxed, and comfortable for both baby and parents.
If brothers or sisters are joining us, we’ll usually begin with family portraits while everyone is fresh and excited. After those are finished, older children can relax while we focus on your newborn baby.
Many parents tell us they expected the session to feel stressful, but they leave saying it was much more fun and relaxing than they imagined.
Our goal is for you to enjoy watching your baby’s first professional portraits while we take care of every detail.
🖼️ Choosing Your Artwork
Your newborn photographs deserve more than a folder on your computer.
They deserve to be enjoyed every day.
After your session, you’ll meet to view your images and choose your favorites.
This is one of the most exciting parts of the experience because you’ll see your maternity & newborn pictures for the very first time.
Together, we’ll choose the portraits that you love most and decide how you’d like to enjoy them in your home.
Some families fall in love with a beautiful gallery wall in their living room.
Others choose a handcrafted album that becomes part of family story time for years to come.
Many also select framed wall portraits, gift prints for grandparents, or digital images to share with family and friends.
There isn’t a right or wrong choice.
We’ll help you choose artwork that fits your home, your style, and your family’s goals.
Long after your newborn baby has outgrown those tiny wraps and sleepy poses, these portraits will become some of your family’s most treasured memories.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What if my baby arrives early?
That’s completely normal. When you reserve your session, we schedule around your due date. Once your baby arrives, we’ll adjust your session date as needed.
What if my baby is late?
Babies have their own schedule, and that’s perfectly okay. We’ll simply move your session to match your baby’s birthday.
What if I have a C-section?
Many moms choose an in-home newborn session while recovering, although studio sessions are always available whenever you feel comfortable leaving home.
Grandparents?
Absolutely. Grandparents are an important part of many families, and we’re always happy to include them at the studio or at home.
Can brothers and sisters be in the photographs?
Of course! Sibling portraits are some of the sweetest images from the entire session and are always encouraged.
What if my newborn baby won’t sleep?
Every baby is different. Some newborn babies sleep through the entire session and others prefer to stay awake and watch everything happening around them.
Beautiful portraits are possible either way.
We’ll work patiently with your baby and allow plenty of time for feeding, soothing, and cuddling throughout the session.
Do I need to bring props?
No ma’am! Everything needed for your newborn baby’s portraits is provided.
If there’s something meaningful you’d like included, you’re always welcome to bring it and we will make sure to incorporate it into your session.
What if my toddler doesn’t cooperate?
That’s completely normal too. Toddlers have their own personalities, and we never expect perfection.
We’ll keep things relaxed, work quickly when needed, and create genuine family moments that you’ll love.
❤️ Ready to Book Your Houston Maternity & Newborn Photography Session?
Pregnancy has a way of feeling long while you’re living it, yet somehow it passes in the blink of an eye.
The newborn stage goes by even faster.
One day you’re bringing your baby home from the hospital, and before you know it, those tiny fingers, sleepy stretches, and newborn cuddles have already changed.
That’s why planning ahead matters.
Booking your Houston maternity and newborn photographer during pregnancy gives you the best availability, plenty of time to plan your session, and one less thing to think about once your newborn baby arrives.
Whether you’re dreaming of timeless studio portraits, a relaxed session in your home, or beautiful outdoor maternity photographs, we’ll help you create portraits that celebrate this incredible season and become artwork your family will treasure for generations.
If you’re ready to begin planning your maternity or newborn photography session, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact Shannon Reece Jones Photography today to reserve your Houston maternity and newborn photography session.