When To Book Your Houston Newborn Photographer (and why you will thank yourself later)
Quick Answer
The best time to book your newborn photographer is during pregnancy, ideally around 20 weeks, so that we can get you in for maternity pictures around 30 weeks as well. Most newborn sessions take place around 8-12 days new.
Table of Contents
- Quick Answer: When Should You Book Your Houston Newborn Photographer?
- That Magical Sleepy Window (And Why It Won’t Wait for You)
- The Sweet Spot for Booking Your Newborn Photographer
- What Happens If Baby Comes Early (Or Fashionably Late)?
- Why Your Favorite Newborn Photographer Books Up Fast
- The Consultation Call That Changes Everything
- Can I Book My Maternity and Newborn Sessions Together?
- “But What If My Baby Is Already Here?”
- Ready to Chat? Here’s What Reaching Out Looks Like
- Your Future Self Will Thank You
Right now you’re probably decorating the nursery, creating your baby registry, reading all of the baby books, and trying to figure out which stroller and car seat to choose.
Booking your newborn photographer?
…I know that hat can feel like something future-you will handle after the baby arrives.
But as a mom of 3, I know that your future self is going to be recovering from delivery, soaking in newborn snuggles, running on very little sleep, and wondering how such a tiny little person can keep you so busy and have so much laundry. And present you has the gift of time (and sleep) right now.
If you’ve been wondering when you should book your newborn photographer (during your second trimester, your third trimester, or after your baby arrives) you’re asking the right questions!
The truth is, the timing of when you book your newborn session can make the difference between a calm, relaxed experience and scrambling to find someone with last-minute availability.
At Shannon Reece Jones Photography, most of our families reserve their newborn session during pregnancy, and many reach out as soon as they announce they’re expecting. We only photograph a limited number of newborns each month so that every family receives the personalized experience they deserve.
Booking early isn’t just about reserving a date, it gives us time to plan your experience together.
Before your baby is ever born, we’ll schedule your consultation, reserve professional hair and makeup, help you choose gowns from our studio wardrobe, discuss your nursery colors so we can coordinate wraps and styling, and even talk about your home so we can help you design beautiful wall portraits or keepsake albums you’ll treasure for years.
The families who plan ahead always seem to enjoy their session the most.
Instead of worrying about all the details after their baby arrives, all they have to do is show up, love on their baby, and enjoy the experience while we take care of everything else.
That Magical Sleepy Window (And Why It Won’t Wait for You)
One of the biggest reasons we recommend booking your newborn session during pregnancy is because newborn photography has a very small window.
Most of the sleepy, curled-up portraits you see throughout my website are photographed when babies are between 10Â and 14 days old.
During those first two weeks, babies naturally sleep more and still love curling into the same cozy positions they enjoyed before their birthday.
They’re usually easier to settle, more flexible, and usually sleep peacefully throughout most of the session.
After those first couple of weeks, babies begin stretching out (and are strong!), staying awake longer, nurse longer, don’t always love to be wrapped, and are much more aware of the world around them.
Those portraits are still absolutely beautiful, they’re just a little different and we will plan a few things differently…. If you already had your baby and are reading this don’t worry!
Older newborns make sweet eye contact, stretch, yawn, and usually give us sweet smiles. Every stage has its own beauty, but if you’ve fallen in love with those classic sleepy newborn portraits, those first two weeks give us the best opportunity to create them.
The Sweet Spot for Booking (Hint: You’re Probably Pregnant Right Now)
So… when should you actually book your newborn photographer?
I recommend reaching out during your second trimester whenever possible, although it’s never too early to start the conversation. In fact, many of our families reserve their maternity and newborn sessions shortly after they announce they’re expecting.
Booking during pregnancy gives us plenty of time to plan every detail of your experience together.
We’ll reserve your maternity session and your newborn due date, schedule your consultation, reserve professional hair and makeup (our artists also book weddings, so their calendars fill quickly), help you choose gowns from our client wardrobe, and begin planning the look and feel of your portraits.
We’ll even talk about your nursery colors and your home’s décor so we can recommend artwork, choose wraps and styling that complement your space, and create portraits that look beautiful displayed in your home for years to come.
By the time your baby arrives, everything has already been planned.
Instead of trying to make decisions while you’re recovering from delivery and adjusting to life with a newborn, all you’ll have to do is show up, love on your baby, and enjoy the experience while we take care of the rest.
What Happens If Baby Comes Early (Or Fashionably Late)?
One of the first questions parents ask me after booking is…
“What if my baby doesn’t arrive on their due date?”
The good news is… babies have been keeping photographers on their toes for years, and we’ve got a plan!
After photographing hundreds of newborns, I’ve learned one thing for sure…
Babies don’t care about calendars.
Some decide to arrive three weeks early.
Others keep everyone waiting.
We reserve space about 12-14 days from due date. Once your baby arrives, simply send us a quick text or email if you need to change the date.
Whether your baby comes early, right on time, or fashionably late, we’ll simply adjust your session accordingly.
You don’t have to stress about figuring it all out.
We’ve already planned for it, so you can focus on what matters most… healing, and soaking up those first precious days with your new baby.
Why Your Favorite Photographers Book Up Fast (And How to Get on Their Calendar)
One question I hear all the time is…
“Why do I need to book so early?”
Newborn photographers intentionally limit the number of babies they photograph each month.
Newborn sessions require patience, flexibility, and several uninterrupted hours. We never want families to feel rushed, and we always leave room in our schedule for babies who decide to arrive earlier or later than expected.
Every year I receive messages from parents whose baby has already arrived asking if I have availability that week.
Sometimes I’m able to make it work.
Unfortunately, many times I’m already fully booked.
I hate having those conversations because I know how quickly those first few weeks pass.
Booking during pregnancy means you aren’t hoping someone has an opening.
You’re reserving your spot with the photographer you’ve carefully chosen and giving yourself the experience you truly want.
The Consultation Call That Changes Everything
One of my favorite parts of this experience happens long before your baby arrives.
During your consultation, we’ll get to know each other and talk through everything you’ll need for your session.
We’ll discuss your due date, your family, your style, what to wear, gowns from our client wardrobe, family portraits, artwork for your home, and answer every question you have.
By the time your baby is born, you’ll already know exactly what to expect.
There’s no guessing.
No last-minute planning.
Just showing up and enjoying this special season with your growing family.
“But What If I’m Already Past That Window?”
First…
Take a deep breath.
You’re not too late.
If your baby has already arrived, I would still love for you to reach out.
If I have availability, we’ll absolutely find a time to photograph your family.
And if your baby is already a few weeks old, please don’t worry.
Older newborns create beautiful portraits too.
They may be more awake, more expressive, and more curious about the world around them, but those images become just as meaningful because they capture exactly who your baby is at that moment.
The most important thing isn’t creating the “perfect” newborn portrait.
It’s preserving this season before it becomes a memory.
Ready to Chat? Here’s What Reaching Out Looks Like
If you’re ready to start planning your newborn session, I’d love to hear from you.
Simply fill out the inquiry form and let me know your due date, whether you’re interested in maternity, newborn, or both, and any questions you may have.
I’ll personally reach out to discuss availability, explain the process, and help you decide which session is the best fit for your family.
There is absolutely no pressure.
Whether you’ve just seen two pink lines or you’re already in your third trimester, it’s never too early to start the conversation.
One of my favorite parts of this job is getting to know families before their baby arrives and helping them feel excited, prepared, and completely taken care of.
Your Future Self Will Thank You
After years of photographing Houston newborns, I’ve learned something that’s true almost every single time.
The families who plan ahead enjoy the experience so much more.
Instead of worrying about schedules and availability, they simply get to enjoy those first precious weeks with their baby.
If my best friend called me tomorrow and told me she was expecting, one of the very first things I’d tell her would be this:
Book your newborn photographer while you’re still pregnant.
It’s one of those decisions you’ll never regret.
If you’re expecting and looking for a Houston newborn photographer, I’d love to help you preserve this incredible season of your life.
Reach out to schedule your complimentary consultation. We’ll answer your questions, reserve your due date, and make sure everything is planned and ready before your baby arrives.
Your future self will thank you.
Interested in a Newborn Session? Learn More!