One of the most common questions I hear as a newborn photographer in Louisiana is, “When should I book my newborn session.” If you are expecting a baby and starting to think about photos, you are already ahead of the game. Timing truly makes all the difference when it comes to newborn photography, and planning early allows for a smooth and stress free experience.

Whether you are a first time parent or adding another baby to your family, this guide will walk you through exactly when to book, what happens if baby arrives early or late, and how my studio scheduling works here in Berwick, Louisiana.

The Best Time to Book Your Newborn Photographer

The ideal time to book your newborn photographer in Louisiana is during your second trimester or early in your third trimester, around 20 to 30 weeks pregnant. This gives you the best availability and the most flexibility on my calendar.

By booking early, you are securing a tentative spot around your due date. Since babies arrive on their own schedule, we do not book an exact session date at first. Instead, we reserve space in the calendar around your expected delivery window and finalize your session once your baby arrives.

This early planning also allows time for your design consult, where we go over:

Studio vs lifestyle session options
Outfit guidance for parents and siblings
Color palettes and styling
How you plan to display your final images in your home

Why Newborn Photos Are Timed So Early

Newborn sessions are best photographed within the first 7 to 14 days of life. During this window, babies are still very sleepy, naturally curly, and comfortable being gently posed. This is when we can capture those timeless, soft newborn portraits that so many parents love.

After this stage, babies begin to stretch out more, stay awake longer, and can become more sensitive to posing. While beautiful images can still be created later, the classic newborn look happens best in those first two weeks.

What Happens If My Baby Arrives Early or Late

This is one of the biggest worries for parents and I always reassure them that this is completely normal. Since your session is booked around your due date and not on an exact day, there is built in flexibility.

Here is how it works at my Berwick Louisiana studio:

Once your baby is born, you notify me within 24 to 48 hours
We finalize your actual session date based on how mom and baby are feeling
If baby arrives early or late, we adjust accordingly
Your session is still prioritized within that ideal newborn window

This takes the stress off of you and allows space for actual recovery after delivery.

When Not to Wait to Book

If you are already in your third trimester and have not booked yet, do not assume it is too late. Availability may be limited, but I always recommend reaching out as soon as possible. Some parents wait until after baby is born to start looking for a photographer, and by that point many schedules are already full for that ideal newborn window.

Even if your baby has already arrived, still reach out. If I have an opening, I will always do my best to fit you in. The goal is to serve families while still preserving the experience and care that goes into each session.

Studio Newborn Sessions in Berwick Louisiana

All newborn sessions take place in my studio in Berwick, Louisiana unless you choose a lifestyle option in your home. Studio sessions are designed to be calm, comfortable, and fully guided. Parents are able to relax while I take care of posing, lighting, and every detail that goes into creating timeless newborn portraits.

You do not need to bring anything other than your baby and yourselves. I provide:

Simple neutral wraps and studio styling
A warm, cozy environment for newborn comfort
A slow paced session built around feeding and soothing
Time for parent and family portraits as well

What Happens After You Book

Once you inquire, we schedule a short discovery call to chat through expectations and session details. After that, your session is officially placed on the calendar around your due date.

Before your session, we also schedule a design consult to go over:

What type of images you love most
How you envision using your photos
Album, frame, folio, and keepsake options
Wall art mockups using photos of your own space and measurements

This step allows you to plan with intention rather than trying to decide everything after your session.

After Your Session

After your newborn session is complete, we schedule your in person reveal. During this appointment, you will view your images as physical proof prints so you can see how your portraits look in print, not just on a screen.

At this time you will:

Select your digital gallery images
Choose from albums, frames, folios, ornaments, and keepsake products
Finalize artwork for your home and gifts

After everything is selected, your final products are ordered and your digital images are delivered.

Book Your Louisiana Newborn Session

If you are expecting and looking for a newborn photographer in Louisiana, I would love to walk you through the process and answer your questions. Whether you are newly pregnant or in your final weeks, the best first step is to reach out and start the conversation.

Newborn sessions are limited each month to ensure every family receives a calm, personalized experience.

Let's Chat!