The Ideal Timeline for your Boston Maternity and Newborn Photoshoot

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Being pregnant I know things may seem a little overwhelming, there are so many things to prepare for and appointments to book, including your photoshoots. This post is to help you organize yourself and to know exactly when to book your sessions.

I am a low volume photographer, which means I only accept a certain numbers of session each month. I do this because I love serving my clients with my best, and because I am a Mama myself, my time is limited. I invest a significant amount of time on each client, this is because I believe in an experience that is both stress-free and calming. I don’t want any of my clients to feel rushed or unheard. I regularly sit down with clients to plan their sessions, get them prepared with what to bring and what to wear. There is a whole process that goes behind every beautiful portrait.

With that said, I always encourage clients to book as early as they can. This way they can ensure my calendar is open for their desired date. Usually 2-4 months in advance is ideal. However, since I am flexible with clients and allow for reschedules due to weather or sickness, there are often last minute spots available, but it’s never a guarantee.

If you are currently expecting and plan to book a maternity and newborn session, here are the recommended timelines:

your MATERNITY SESSION

The golden window to do a maternity session is around 32 weeks (30-34 weeks). However, I have done beautiful maternity sessions at 36 weeks. This is not recommended as you never know if baby will decide to arrive a little early, or if you won’t feel so good. Our bodies change so much during pregnancy and I have found that around 32 weeks is ideal. Your bump will be showing and you will still be active and feeling good.

To book your maternity session I would advise to contact me around 20 weeks. This way we have plenty time to get you in the books and plan for an amazing photoshoot. The process involves an initial consultation to talk about your preferences and what I offer. Once booked we schedule a styling session to go over colors, outfits and set-ups. This process takes time and I don’t want you to feel rushed and not have enough time to plan accordingly.

your NEWBORN SESSION

Your newborn session is temporarily scheduled at your due date. Once baby is born, you contact me the next day or so to change the date. Ideally your newborn session should be scheduled for when baby is around 7-10 days old. This is when they are still very sleepy and flexible. This gives up a much smoother newborn session if you plan to get posed portraits. However, if you plan for a more lifestyle newborn session, then your session can be done when baby is around 2-3 weeks old, or even older.

To book your newborn session I advise you to book at the same time as your maternity. I only accept 2-4 newborn sessions each month, they are very limited. If you plan to only book a newborn session and not a maternity, then you should contact me when you are around 28-32 weeks pregnant, if not sooner.

I hope these timelines can help you get organized and plan for a smooth experience. My mission is to be someone that can help you create a beautiful portrait experience for the whole family. I will walk you through step-by-step on how to achieve the look of your dreams!