Quick Answer
Book your newborn photos while you’re still pregnant, ideally by the start of your third trimester. Most newborn sessions happen in baby’s first few weeks, and in Minneapolis and St. Paul those dates are often booked well before babies arrive.
If you’re wondering when to book newborn photos, the honest answer is sooner than you think. I’ve photographed newborns in Minneapolis, St. Paul and across the Twin Cities for more than 15 years, and I regularly hear from moms who are already home from the hospital, holding their baby, hoping I can come by this week.
I hate turning those mamas away. But a newborn session isn’t something I can add to my calendar on a couple of days’ notice, and most newborn photographers can’t either. Here’s how the timing actually works, so you’re not scrambling with a baby on your shoulder.
Table of Contents
When should you book newborn photos?
The best time to book newborn photos is during pregnancy. Once you know your due date and you’ve found a photographer you love, reach out. You don’t need to wait for anything else.
Booking early does a few things for you:
- Your session is planned around your due date, so the hard part is done before baby arrives.
- You get to plan the fun parts, like what to wear and whether we’ll be at home or in my Northeast Minneapolis studio, while you still have the energy to think about it.
- You’re not searching for a photographer in those first foggy days at home.
If your due date falls in a busy season, like the holidays or late spring, booking early matters even more.
Why can’t I book a newborn session after my baby is born?
Sometimes you can, if a date happens to be open. But I wouldn’t count on it.
I photograph a small number of sessions each week, and each one gets time to plan beforehand and time to edit afterward. That’s what lets me give every family my full attention, and it’s also why I can’t squeeze in a session on two days’ notice, even for the sweetest new baby.
A while back, a mom emailed me a few days after coming home from the hospital. Her baby was perfect, she was exhausted, and she’d only just realized the newborn stage goes fast. I didn’t have a single open day in the window she needed. That conversation is the reason this post exists.
How old should my baby be for newborn photos?
Most newborn sessions happen in the first few weeks, when babies are still sleepy and curled up. Newborns sleep 14 to 17 hours a day, according to KidsHealth, so there’s plenty of dozing to work with.
My newborn sessions are baby-led. We feed when baby is hungry, snuggle when baby wants to be held, and take breaks whenever they’re needed. Nobody is rushing a newborn through a list of poses.
What if my baby comes early or late?
Babies rarely arrive on their due date, and that’s okay. Most families book their newborn session for about a week after their due date, which gives us some breathing room.
If baby arrives early, you can keep the date you chose, or we can see if there’s an earlier day open. If baby is running late, we’ll find the next available day after they arrive. Either way, you’re already on my calendar, which is the whole point of figuring out when to book newborn photos early.
Should I book maternity and newborn photos at the same time?
If you’re hoping for both, yes. Maternity photos are usually best between 28 and 36 weeks, which lines up with when to book newborn photos anyway. Booking them together means one planning conversation instead of two, and your maternity photos and newborn photos can tell one story. I wrote more about that in Minneapolis Maternity and Newborn Photography: Do I Need Both?
What about photos at the hospital?
If you’d love photos of those first hours, that’s a Fresh 48 session. Most families go home within 24 hours of delivery, so when to book newborn photos at the hospital has the same answer: during pregnancy. You book your due date, I’m on call for two weeks around it, and I try to be there within 24 hours of baby’s arrival, usually the next morning.
Here’s what a Fresh 48 looks like: Fresh 48 hospital photography in Edina at Fairview Southdale.
What happens after you book newborn photos?
Once you’ve figured out when to book newborn photos and you’re on my calendar, we plan everything by email or text, or a quick call or Zoom if you’d rather talk it through. You choose whether we’re at your home or in my studio, and I’ll share what I love about each so the choice is easy.
I’ll also help with what to wear. My studio wardrobe has options for moms, dads and babies, and I can bring pieces to your home too. You’ll get my monthly Looks Book as well, with outfit ideas you can shop.
If you want the full picture of the day itself, read What to Expect at Your Minneapolis Newborn Session.
Ready to book newborn photos in the Twin Cities?
If you’re expecting and still wondering when to book newborn photos, the answer is now. Reach out while baby is still on the inside, and you’ll have one less thing to think about once they’re on the outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a newborn photographer in Minneapolis?
Book during pregnancy, ideally by the start of your third trimester. Newborn sessions are planned around your due date, and dates in the Twin Cities often fill before babies arrive.
Can I book newborn photos after my baby is born?
Sometimes, if a date is still open, but it isn’t something to count on. Most photographers can’t add a session on a few days’ notice, so booking during pregnancy is the safer choice.
Do I need to know my baby’s birth date to book newborn photos?
No. Most families book their newborn session for about a week after their due date. If baby comes early, you can keep that date or look for an earlier opening, and if baby is late, we move the session to the next available day.
Is it too late to book newborn photos if I’m due soon?
Not necessarily. Reach out as soon as you can, and I’ll tell you honestly what’s still open around your due date.
Michele Quattrin of mQn Photography is a Minneapolis family photographer who documents motherhood, babies, and families with a timeless, honest style. With 15 years of experience and a background in photojournalism, she is especially drawn to the real moments that make early newborn sessions so meaningful. Her approach is gentle, polished, and natural, which makes her a great fit for Fresh 48 photography at hospitals like The Mother Baby Center at Children’s Minneapolis. Michele serves families across Minneapolis, Edina, and the Twin Cities, creating images that feel both heartfelt and refined. Learn more about Michele here.
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