When Should You Book Your Newborn Photography Session? Papillon Photography Gauteng
- Monique Visser
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
When Should You Book Your Newborn Photography Session?
Bringing a new baby into the world is one of life’s most exciting milestones. If you’re considering newborn photography, you may be wondering when you should book your session to make sure you don’t miss those precious first days. Capturing those tiny fingers, sleepy smiles, and precious first days is something you’ll treasure forever. One of the questions I'm asked most often is, “When should I book my newborn photography session?”
The short answer is during your pregnancy. Booking early ensures that your session can be reserved around your baby’s expected due date, giving you the best chance of photographing your little one during those beautiful first days. This will also allow me as the newborn photographer to move around dates with my other expecting moms should we need to work around a early or late arrival of baby. This way everyone gets the chance to have their session done within the perfect preferred time for newborn photography, which is between 5-12 days new.
Why Book Your Newborn Session Before Your Baby Arrives?
At Papillon Photography, I recommend booking your newborn photography session during your second or third trimester. This allows me to reserve space around your due date and provide every family with the time and care they need.
Many parents assume they should wait until their baby is born before looking for a photographer. In reality, most professional newborn photographers recommend booking during your second or third trimester. Newborn photographers can only take on a limited number of due dates each month. Babies rarely arrive exactly on schedule, so photographers reserve space around your expected due date rather than a fixed session date. This flexibility means your session can be adjusted if your little one arrives earlier or later than expected. Booking early also gives you peace of mind. Once your session is secured, you can focus on preparing for your baby’s arrival without worrying about finding a photographer at the last minute.
When Does The Newborn Session Actually Take Place?
Although you book during pregnancy, your baby’s photoshoot usually takes place within the first 5-14 days after birth, the sooner the better. During this stage, babies are generally sleepier and naturally curl into the beautiful poses that parents often see in newborn photography. Their tiny fingers change so quickly that these days create truly timeless memories. If your baby arrives earlier than expected or needs a little extra time before the session, don’t worry. Your photographer will work with you to find the safest and most suitable date.
What If My Baby Arrives Early Or Late?
This is completely normal. Once your baby is born, simply let your photographer know. Together you’ll confirm the exact session date based on your baby’s arrival and how both mom and baby are feeling. Experienced newborn photographers understand that babies have their own schedules, and flexibility is all part of the process. And YES mommy, that rule applies toe preemie baby's as well. DONT WAIT, contact your photographer as soon as baby has arrived.
What If My Baby Is Already Born?
If your baby has already arrived and you haven’t booked a session yet, it’s still worth getting in touch. While availability may be limited, cancellations do happen, and it’s often possible to accommodate last-minute bookings. Even if your baby is older than 2 weeks, beautiful photographs can still be created. Every stage of your baby’s journey is worth remembering, even if that means different rules and safety limitations apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know my baby’s birthday before booking?
No. Your expected due date is all that’s needed to reserve your place.
What if I have a planned C-section?
That’s perfectly fine. Your session can be planned around your scheduled delivery date and adjusted if needed.
Can parents and siblings be included?
Absolutely. Including parents and siblings helps tell the complete story of your growing family and creates meaningful memories you’ll cherish for years to come.
What should I bring to the session?
Most professional newborn photographers provide wraps, blankets, headbands, bonnets, and carefully selected props. You’ll usually only need to bring the essentials for feeding and changing your baby. Your photographer will let you know exactly what to bring before your session. Here at Papillon Photography I supply you with a informational pdf telling you exactly what to bring and how to prepare yourself and the baby for the photoshoot.
Final Thoughts
Your baby’s newborn stage passes by in the blink of an eye. Those tiny fingers, soft eyelashes, sleepy yawns, and delicate little features change faster than most parents expect. Booking your newborn photography session during pregnancy gives you the best opportunity to preserve these once-in-a-lifetime memories while ensuring your place is reserved around your due date. If you’re expecting and would like to learn more about a relaxed, baby-led newborn photography experience, I’d love to help you capture this beautiful chapter of your family's story.
Ready To Book Your Newborn Session?
Get in touch with Papillon Photography to reserve your due date and create memories you’ll treasure forever. My studio welcomes families from Boksburg, Benoni, Kempton Park, Edenvale, Alberton and all surrounding areas. As a newborn photographer in Gauteng, I only accept a limited number of due dates each month to ensure ever family receives a relaxed, personalized experience.
Book Here
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