The Best Time to Book Your Newborn and Maternity Photos.
Whether you're expecting your first baby or adding another little one to your family, planning a maternity or newborn photoshoot is a beautiful way to celebrate such a special chapter of your life. But one of the questions I get asked most often is: “When should I book?”
Here’s my guide to help you plan ahead and make the most of your session — without feeling rushed or stressed.
🫶 Maternity Photos: When to Book
The best time to book your maternity shoot is around your 12–20 week scan. This ensures plenty of availability and time to plan the session around your ideal location, season, or style.
I recommend scheduling the actual shoot between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. By this stage, your bump is usually beautifully round, but you're still (hopefully!) comfortable enough to move around, walk, and enjoy the experience.
That said, everyone’s pregnancy journey is different — if you’re showing early or want to capture your bump at a different time, we can absolutely chat about what suits you best.
👶 Newborn Photos: When to Book
For newborn sessions, it’s best to book during your pregnancy, ideally in your second trimester. We’ll pencil in a date based on your due date, and then once baby arrives, you can let me know and we’ll finalise the session date. I photograph newborns in the comfort of your own home — often in the nursery, on the sofa, or wherever you feel most relaxed — so everything feels calm, familiar, and beautifully natural.
I do things a little differently from traditional posed studio photographers. My approach is natural, gentle, and baby-led — capturing real, relaxed moments of connection. That means we don’t need to rush to do the session in the first 5–10 days.
Instead, I usually recommend booking your newborn shoot within the first 2–4 weeks after baby arrives. But if you need a little longer, that’s totally okay too — older newborns (even up to 8–10 weeks) still make for beautiful photos full of snuggles, stretches, and personality.
Why Book Early?
Booking early gives you the best chance to secure a date that works for you, and allows time for us to chat about what you want from the shoot.
It also means less to think about later — which is ideal when you're navigating pregnancy, preparing for birth, or adjusting to life with a newborn.
I only take on a limited number of newborn and maternity sessions per month to keep things relaxed and flexible for my clients — so securing your spot early is always a good idea.
A Note from Me
I know how fleeting these seasons can feel. I got married in 2023 and can already feel how quickly life moves — which is why I feel so passionate about capturing those tender, in-between moments before and after baby arrives.
My style is relaxed, warm, and full of personality. Whether it’s soft bump portraits in golden light or tiny toes nestled into your arms, my goal is to tell your story in a way that feels honest and meaningful.
If you’re thinking about booking maternity or newborn photos in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, or the Cotswolds — I’d love to chat.
