I remember the second trimester research spiral so well. You've got a million tabs open, you're trying to figure out what you actually need before this baby arrives, and somewhere between the stroller comparisons and the hospital bag checklists, you land on newborn photography.

Good. You're in the right place. And the fact that you're already thinking about this? It means you're ahead of the curve.

Here's what I wish every expecting family in Seattle knew: newborn photography isn't something you book after the baby arrives. By the time you're in the newborn haze, navigating visitors and cluster feeds and the general beautiful chaos of those first days, the booking window has usually closed. Let's make sure that doesn't happen to you.

The short answer: book around 20 weeks

I know. You might not even have a name picked out yet. But 20 weeks is the sweet spot, and here's why.

Newborn sessions happen in the first 7 to 21 days of life. That's the window when babies are still curly and sleepy and fresh in the way that doesn't last. After about two weeks, they start to unfold, which is wonderful! But it's a different look and a different kind of session.

I typically book out 2 to 3 months in advance, and so do most experienced newborn photographers in Seattle. Which means if you're due in September and you start looking in August, you're going to hit a wall of "I'm so sorry, I'm fully booked."

The good news: booking at 20 weeks doesn't mean you're locked into anything rigid. Babies come early, babies come late. Every photographer worth booking has a flexible due date policy that accommodates that. You put down your deposit, we stay in touch as your due date approaches, and when baby arrives you reach out and we get your session scheduled within that first two weeks. Easy.

One more reason to book early: your maternity session

Here's something a lot of families don't think about until it's too late: if you're hoping to document your pregnancy and your newborn, you'll want to book both at the same time.

Most maternity sessions happen around 32 to 35 weeks, when your bump is beautifully full but you're still feeling comfortable and mobile. That window comes up faster than you think! And so many of my favorite client relationships start exactly this way: we meet during pregnancy, I get to document that incredible season, and then a few weeks later I'm back in your home with your brand new baby.

When you book your maternity and newborn sessions together, I offer a bundle discount, so it's a win on every level. One photographer, one booking process, two of the most meaningful sessions of your life checked off the list at the same time.

If that sounds like you, mention it when you reach out and we'll get both dates on the calendar.

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A special note for second (and third, and fourth!) time mamas

If this is not your first baby, this section is especially for you.

Here's something nobody tells you: second and third babies are so easy to forget to document. Not because you love them any less, obviously. But because you are already running after a toddler, you're not doing the weekly bump photos this time, and when that baby actually arrives it is going to be beautiful, wonderful, absolute chaos.

I have had so many mamas of subsequent babies reach out to me and say some version of "I can't believe I almost let this slip through the cracks." And I always wish they had booked earlier, not because they ran out of time necessarily, but because having it already on the calendar means one less thing to think about when you are in the thick of it.

Booking your newborn session early is genuinely one of the kindest things you can do for yourself this pregnancy. Even if you don't take a single bump photo. Even if the early days feel like survival mode. You will have your session on the books, a photographer who already knows you're coming, and the peace of mind that this season will be documented.

You deserve that. So does this baby. 🤍

Why Seattle specifically fills up fast

Seattle families tend to be planners (I see you, Queen Anne and Capitol Hill), and newborn photography has become a real priority for a lot of expecting parents here. Between the birth photography community, the strong network of doulas and midwives, and the overall culture of documenting milestones well, the good photographers get booked out quickly.

I've had families reach out when their baby is four days old, brand new and perfect, and had to deliver the news that I'm fully booked. It's genuinely the worst conversation to have. I don't want that for you.

What if you're already further along?

First, don't panic. Reach out anyway. Photographers sometimes have cancellations, and some are better at staying flexible with their calendar than others. It's always worth asking.

But if you're 35+ weeks and haven't booked yet, move fast. Send inquiries to your top two or three photographers this week, not next week. The families booking right now are probably around 20 weeks, and they're taking the remaining spots.

What if you're really early, like 10 or 12 weeks?

Book anyway! Earlier is genuinely better. You'll have the peace of mind checked off your list, and you can spend the rest of your pregnancy thinking about more fun things. Future you, somewhere in the third trimester with a to-do list a mile long, will be so glad you handled this one early. (Heck, we could even do a mini announcement session together!!)

A quick note on the newborn window itself

I want to be clear about why this window is so short. It's not just a photography thing. The first 5 to 14 days are when babies are in that deeply sleepy, curled-up, brand-new state. They're still processing being outside. That dreamy, squishy look that makes you cry just looking at the photos? That's a real, finite window.

After about two weeks, babies become more alert and awake, which is wonderful for a lot of reasons, but it means sessions look and feel different. Both are beautiful. But the "classic" newborn look that most families imagine when they picture newborn photos? That's the first two weeks.

How to know if a photographer is the right fit

This deserves its own post (and it's coming!), but the short version: look at their galleries and make sure the style feels like you. Read their reviews. See how they communicate when you reach out, because responsiveness and warmth matter a lot when you're inviting someone into your home during one of the most tender moments of your life.

If you're drawn to warm, in-home, documentary-style photos that actually look like your family, I'd love to connect. You can see my work at here and reach out anytime.

The bottom line

Book around 20 weeks. Don't wait until after the shower, don't wait until you've "decided for sure." Your future self, four days postpartum and completely in love with your new human, will thank you.

You've got this. And I've got you.

Ready to check this off your list? Check here to see if your due date is available.