When Is the Best Time to Book Newborn Photos?A Simple Guide for Expectant Parents

One of the most common questions I hear from expecting parents is: “When should we book newborn photos?”

The short answer: Most families book during the second or third trimester. That timing gives you the best chance of securing availability while still leaving room for flexibility once the baby arrives.

But let’s slow this conversation down a bit.

Booking newborn photos isn’t about adding pressure or urgency. It’s about creating space so that when your baby is finally here, the only thing you need to focus on… is them.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through when to book newborn photos, what happens if plans change, and why booking ahead can make the entire experience feel calmer and more intentional.

When Is the Best Time to Book Newborn Photos?

I typically recommend booking your newborn session during the second or third trimester. This is usually the best time to book newborn photos, because:

• You already have a due date
• You’re far enough along to feel prepared
• There is still plenty of calendar availability

Booking ahead does not mean choosing a firm session date. Instead, it reserves space for you in my newborn photography booking timeline, so once the baby arrives, we can schedule based on how everyone is feeling.

As an Austin newborn photographer, I work with many families balancing busy schedules, siblings, and healing time. Booking early simply helps you avoid scrambling in the first few weeks when everything already feels full.

This is why many families schedule newborn photos in Austin during pregnancy. It keeps the process relaxed.

What If Baby Arrives Earlier or Later Than Expected?

Babies rarely arrive “on schedule,” and that is completely normal.

When you book a newborn photographer in Austin, your due date becomes the placeholder on my calendar. After your baby arrives, we reconnect and choose the actual session date together.

I intentionally build flexibility into newborn session scheduling so that families never feel rushed or pressured to “fit” into a narrow window.

Your baby’s arrival will unfold in its own time. Your photos will, too.

What Age Is Best for Newborn Photos?

My favorite window for newborn sessions is usually between 2 and 6 weeks old.

During this time, babies are still very small and often sleepy, but most families have also had a little time to settle into life at home. You may be finding your rhythm, getting to know your baby’s cues, and feeling just a bit more comfortable in the day-to-day. That combination often leads to relaxed, natural newborn photos that feel true to real life, rather than rushed or overly staged.

That said, timing is always personal. Some families prefer having photos taken earlier, while others appreciate waiting until things feel a little more settled. Both choices are completely valid. Beautiful images can be created at any stage, because the heart of newborn photography is not the exact age of your baby. It is the connection your family is building together.

What If We Feel Like We Waited Too Long?

It is never too late.

I’ve photographed babies at a few weeks old, a few months old, and well beyond that first newborn stage. Every season brings its own kind of beauty. The way they stretch, the way they look up at you, the way your family settles in together — it all matters.

Most parents never look back and wish they skipped newborn photos. If anything, they wish they had more images from those early weeks when everything felt new and tender.

If your little one is already here, you haven’t missed the window. There is still so much worth photographing.

Why Do Families Book Newborn Photos Months in Advance?

Booking ahead offers a few real benefits:

• It checks one big task off your list
• It guarantees availability during busy seasons
• It prevents photos from being forgotten in the newborn fog
• It helps everything unfold calmly instead of being rushed

Those first weeks can be emotional, tender, and overwhelming. Having your session already planned allows you to stay present while still preserving this season.

That is the heart of expecting parents’ newborn photos. Not perfection, but presence.

A Gentle Reminder

There is no “perfect” time. There is only the time that feels right for your family.

Booking during pregnancy simply gives you room to breathe once your baby is here. And in my experience, that makes all the difference. If you’re starting to think about when to plan newborn photos, I’d love to walk alongside you and create something calm, real, and meaningful for your family.

Final Thoughts

Choosing when to book newborn photos is really about giving yourself room to enjoy this season without rushing. Planning helps you feel supported and prepared. And if your baby is already here, you are never behind. There is always time to document the beginning of your story together.

Wherever you are in the journey, whether you are expecting, preparing, or already holding your baby, I’m here to help make the process simple and calm so you can focus on what matters most.

Ready to schedule newborn photos in Austin?

Let’s make something beautiful together.

Alissa is an award-winning brand, maternity, newborn and family photographer + documentary filmmaker in Austin, Texas. She serves the Austin and surrounding areas.

If you are interested in a maternity, newborn or family session with Alissa Cordoba Photography you can find all of the details here and full pricing information here. You can contact Alissa here or email her directly at alissa@alissacordoba.com