If you’ve recently had your 20-week scan and everything suddenly feels very real (and slightly overwhelming!), you might have started thinking about newborn photography. One of the most common questions I receive from expecting parents is:
“When should we actually book our newborn photographer?”
It’s a great question, and the answer surprises a lot of people.
As a newborn photographer based in Charlton Marshall near Blandford Forum in Dorset, I photograph families from all over the county — including Bournemouth, Poole, Salisbury, Weymouth and surrounding areas — and over the years I’ve noticed that the families who book early usually have the most relaxed experience.
So let’s walk through how it all works.
Why Booking Early Matters
Newborn photography is a little different from other types of photoshoots because babies arrive when they feel like it, not when the diary says so.
Most newborn photographers (myself included) only take a limited number of newborn sessions each month. This allows us to keep our diary flexible for babies arriving early or a little late.
Because of this, many families choose to reserve their session during pregnancy, rather than waiting until baby arrives.
A good rule of thumb is to book your newborn photographer shortly after your 20-week scan. At that point things usually feel more settled, and it gives plenty of time to secure a space in the diary.
Some mums even book earlier — especially if they’ve already had a baby before and know how quickly those first weeks fly by.
Big sister kissing her new baby sister
The Best Age for Newborn Photos
Newborn photography is usually best done when babies are between about 6 and 20 days old.
During this stage babies are typically:
• very sleepy
• naturally curled from being in the womb
• comfortable in gentle poses
This is when those beautifully peaceful newborn portraits are easiest to create.
Of course every baby is different. Some little ones sleep like champions, others prefer to keep a close eye on everything that’s going on — which is absolutely fine too! Newborn sessions are always baby-led, with plenty of time for feeding, cuddles and settling.
Even if baby is slightly older, beautiful images can still be created — they just tend to be a little more awake and expressive.
What Happens If Baby Arrives Early?
This is something many parents worry about, but the process is actually very simple.
When you book a newborn session during pregnancy, we don’t schedule the exact session date straight away.
Instead, we place a provisional booking in the diary based around your due date. This simply reserves your space for that time period.
Once baby arrives, you send me a quick message and we then choose the actual session date within the ideal newborn window.
So if your baby arrives a week or four early, there’s no panic — we simply adjust the date.
This flexible system is one of the reasons newborn photographers limit how many sessions they take each month.
What Happens If Baby Is Late?
Ah yes… the famous “due date”.
Any parent who has been through pregnancy knows babies often treat this date as more of a suggestion than a deadline!
If baby decides to arrive fashionably late, the same flexible system applies.
Because the diary is planned around due dates rather than fixed session days, there is room to adjust when needed. The aim is always to photograph your baby within that lovely early newborn stage while keeping the experience relaxed for parents.
The most important thing is simply keeping in touch once baby arrives, so we can arrange the perfect session time.
The Booking Process
Booking a newborn photography session is quite straightforward.
Once you’ve decided you’d like to reserve a session, the process usually looks like this:
1. Choose your collection
Newborn collections typically start from £349, with different options depending on how many images and products you would like.
2. Secure your booking
A booking fee (£99) secures your space in the diary based on your due date.
3. Provisional session planning
We pencil in a provisional timeframe for your newborn session.
4. Baby arrives!
Once your little one makes their appearance, you simply send a quick message and we confirm the exact session date.
Sessions take place in my calm, cosy studio at Birch Close Farm in Charlton Marshall, just outside Blandford Forum. Many families travel from Poole, Bournemouth, Salisbury, Dorcheter, Wimborne and across Dorset for their session.
Everything needed for the shoot is provided. From wraps and outfits to beautiful styling options, so parents can simply relax and enjoy the experience.
A Quick Note About Planning Ahead
One thing I often hear from parents after their session is:
“I’m so glad we booked this in advance.”
Those early newborn days can be a blur of feeding, nappies and very little sleep. Knowing that your session is already organised removes one more thing from the mental load.
And before you know it, those tiny curled-up newborn days are gone.
Babies change incredibly quickly in the first few weeks, which is exactly why so many families choose to capture this fleeting stage.
Final Thoughts
If you’re currently expecting and thinking about newborn photography, the best time to book is usually during pregnancy, shortly after your 20-week scan.
This ensures you can secure a space in the diary while still keeping everything flexible around baby’s arrival.
Newborn sessions are designed to be calm, safe and completely baby-led — allowing parents to relax while beautiful memories are created.
If you’d like to learn more about newborn sessions at Alma’s Home Studio in Dorset, you can view full details and collections here:
And if you have any questions at all, feel free to get in touch - I’m always happy to help.
Love,
Alma
alma@almashomestudio.uk