The question usually comes up somewhere between the 20-week scan and the third trimester. You’re organising a lot of things at once, newborn photographer is on the list, and you’re not sure how urgent it actually is.
The short answer: earlier than you think. Here’s why, and what to do if you’ve already had your baby and haven’t booked yet.
The best time to book a newborn session is during pregnancy
Most Melbourne newborn photographers, including me, book up quickly. Weekend availability in particular fills up months in advance, and we have to structure our availability around our workloads not just any clear date on our calendar. For flexibility around your due date, the window to secure that is while you’re still pregnant.
I don’t ask you to lock in an exact date at booking. That would be madness! Babies have unpredictable arrivals. I pencil you in around your due date, which gives us room to move if your baby arrives early, late, or you need a few extra days to settle in at home before we meet. This flags to me to leave enough space in my month to fit you in. Once your baby arrives and you’re ready, we’ll find a morning that works and confirm from there. If you know your baby’s arrival date, we can of course pick a date now (with a flexible move policy for anything unexpected!).
The practical upside of booking ahead is that you remove one decision from the post-birth fog. By the time your baby is here, it’s already sorted.
What if you’ve already had your baby?
This comes up more than people expect. Newborn photos get added to the mental list during pregnancy and then, somewhere between the hospital bag and the first few weeks home, whoa – nothing has happened. Don’t stress!
If your baby is already here, reach out. I can often take last-minute bookings for families across Melbourne, and in-home sessions work well at a range of ages. Whether your baby is two weeks, six weeks, or a few months old, there are still meaningful photos to be made. You haven’t missed your chance.
Does it matter which photographer you book with?
More than the timing, yes. Looking through a full session rather than a curated highlights reel will give you a much more accurate sense of how a photographer actually works (you should be asking to see one!). Reviews are worth reading too, specifically for words like relaxed, calm, unhurried and experience because those qualities shape how the session actually feels on the day.
If you’re not sure where to start, my guide to choosing a newborn photographer in Melbourne covers what to look for in more detail.
What happens after you enquire with me?
Once you reach out, I’ll confirm availability around your due date and send you a link to a client website. This has three things: a contract, a questionnaire (which helps me get a sense of your family, your hopes and your privacy preferences) and your deposit info. This secures a place in my calendar.
Once your baby arrives, reach out to me via email/message/phone and we find a date (usually a morning around 10am that suits). On the day, I come to you. No packing bags, no travelling with a newborn, no stress about whether your house looks right. We go at your baby’s pace, and the session unfolds from there.
If you’re ready to look into booking, you can get in touch here or read more about how my newborn sessions work.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book a newborn photographer in Melbourne?
The best time is during pregnancy. Most photographers work from a waiting list and weekend dates fill quickly. Booking ahead means you secure availability without having to make decisions in the first hazy weeks after your baby arrives.
Do I need to have an exact date when I book?
No. I pencil you in around your due date and wait for your news. Once your baby arrives and you’re feeling ready, we confirm the actual date together. This keeps things flexible without losing your place in the calendar.
What if I forgot to book before my baby was born?
Reach out anyway. I regularly take last-minute bookings and in-home newborn sessions work well across a range of ages. Whether your baby is one week or a few months old, there are still photos worth making.
Is it too late to book if I’m already 36 weeks pregnant?
Not necessarily. Availability can be more limited closer to your due date, but it’s still worth enquiring. The sooner you reach out, the greater options you’ll have.
How do I know which newborn photographer is right for me?
Look through full sessions rather than highlights, read reviews for words like calm and relaxed, and check whether the photographer’s approach feels like a good fit for your family. My guide to choosing a newborn photographer in Melbourne covers this in more detail.
