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One of the most common questions I hear from expecting parents is:
“When should we book our newborn photos?”
If this is your first baby, it’s a completely fair question. There are so many things to plan during pregnancy that newborn photography sometimes doesn’t make it onto the list until the last minute.
The short answer is that most families book their newborn session during pregnancy, usually sometime in the second or early third trimester. This simply ensures that your photographer has space reserved around your due date.
In my Bluffdale studio, many families travel from Salt Lake City, Draper, Riverton, and surrounding communities for their newborn session, and booking ahead helps make sure everything is ready for you when your baby arrives.
The Best Time to Book Your Newborn Session
The ideal time to reserve your newborn photography session is between 20 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.
At this point you’re usually feeling a little more settled into pregnancy, and it gives plenty of time to secure a spot on the calendar.
Because newborn sessions happen within a very small window after baby arrives, photographers typically schedule sessions based on your due date, not a specific day.
That way, when your baby makes their grand entrance — whether a little early or a little late — we can adjust the session date accordingly.
When Are Newborn Photos Usually Taken?
Most newborn portraits are photographed when babies are between 5 and 18 days old.
During those first days, babies are typically:
• very sleepy
• naturally curly and snuggly
• comfortable being gently posed
This stage allows for those soft, peaceful newborn portraits that so many parents love.
After those early weeks babies begin to stretch out more and stay awake longer, which creates a different style of portrait.
Both are beautiful — they’re just different experiences.
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What Happens If My Baby Arrives Early or Late?
This is something parents worry about all the time, but it’s completely normal and easy to plan for.
When you book a newborn session during pregnancy, the session is reserved around your due date rather than a fixed calendar day.
Once your baby arrives, you simply send a quick message and we schedule the exact session date based on when baby is here.
That flexibility is built into the process so parents never have to stress about timing.
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What If My Baby Is Already Here?
If your baby has already arrived and you’re just starting to think about newborn photos — don’t panic.
While the classic sleepy newborn portraits are usually done within the first 2-3 weeks, beautiful baby portraits can absolutely still be created after that.
Older newborn sessions often include:
• more eye contact
• sweet stretches and expressions
• more interaction with parents
Every stage of those early weeks is worth remembering.
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A Calm, Guided Newborn Experience
One of my favorite parts of newborn photography is helping parents relax and enjoy the experience.
Sessions in my Bluffdale studio are calm, unhurried, and fully styled with carefully selected wraps, textures, and heirloom pieces so you don’t have to worry about bringing anything.
Many families visiting from Salt Lake City, South Jordan, Draper, and surrounding areas say the session feels like a quiet pause during those busy early weeks of parenthood.
And the result is timeless artwork that preserves just how tiny your baby once was.
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Planning Your Newborn Photography Session
If you’re expecting and beginning to plan your newborn photography session, booking during pregnancy is the best way to ensure availability around your due date.
You can learn more about the experience here:
[Newborn Photography Experience]
Or explore recent sessions in the
I would love to help you preserve this beautiful and fleeting season.
