When Should You Book Newborn Photos? A Guide for Chicago Suburbs Parents
If you’re expecting a baby, you’ve probably already discovered there are approximately 400 things you’re supposed to think about before your little one arrives. Somewhere between choosing a pediatrician, setting up the nursery, and figuring out which baby gear you actually need, you may be wondering:
When should I book newborn photos?
The short answer? Earlier than most parents think.
For most families, I recommend reserving your newborn photography session during your second or early third trimester. You don’t need to know exactly when your baby will arrive. Your due date simply gives us a place to start, and we’ll finalize the actual session date after your baby is born.
As an Elgin newborn photographer serving families throughout the Chicago suburbs, I’ve photographed newborns for more than a decade, and one thing I’ve learned is that babies rarely care about our calendars. Your newborn session should have enough flexibility to work around your baby’s arrival not the other way around.
When Should You Book a Newborn Photographer?
Ideally, start looking for your newborn photographer sometime during your second trimester and try to have your session reserved by the beginning of your third.
Why so early?
Newborn photographers can only take a limited number of sessions each month because due dates are unpredictable. Babies arrive early. Babies arrive late. And sometimes they arrive exactly when expected.
Booking before your baby is born gives us the flexibility to plan around all of that.
It also gives you one less thing to worry about during those first sleep deprived days at home.
What Is the Best Age for Newborn Photos?
For those sleepy, curled-up newborn portraits, sessions are typically photographed during the first few weeks after birth.
During this stage, babies tend to sleep more deeply and naturally curl into many of the positions they were used to in the womb.
But I want parents to know something important:
There isn’t a magical expiration date for newborn photos.
Every baby is different.
Some babies are incredibly sleepy at three weeks old. Others are wide awake at ten days. Your baby’s temperament, feeding schedule, birth circumstances, and overall adjustment all play a role.
The goal isn’t to force your baby into a rigid timeline. It’s to create beautiful photographs of this incredibly short season.
Do Newborn Photos Have to Be Taken Within the First Two Weeks?
No.
You’ve probably seen photographers say that newborn sessions must happen within the first 7–14 days.
That window can certainly be wonderful for newborn photography, but I don’t want a new parent panicking because their baby is already three weeks old and they think they’ve missed their chance.
You haven’t.
Older newborns may be more alert, stretch out a little more, or need additional time for feeding and soothing. That simply means I adjust the session to the baby in front of me.
And sometimes those wide-awake expressions become some of my favorite photographs from the entire gallery.
Is 3, 4 or Even 8 Weeks Too Old for Newborn Photos?
Absolutely not.
The session may look a little different, but your baby is still incredibly tiny and changing every day.
I’ve photographed babies outside of the traditional newborn window, including babies whose circumstances made an earlier session impossible.
Instead of worrying about whether you’ve waited “too long,” reach out and ask.
Depending on your baby’s age, I can tell you what type of session and images would be realistic to expect.
I’d much rather photograph your baby a little later than have you skip newborn photographs altogether because you thought you missed your opportunity.
What If My Baby Arrives Early or Late?
This is exactly why newborn sessions are planned around your due date rather than a guaranteed photography date before your baby is born.
When you book with LibbyLou Images, your due date allows me to reserve space around the approximate time your baby should arrive.
Then baby gets to make the final decision.
Once your little one arrives, we’ll determine the actual session date based on baby’s arrival, recovery, and scheduling.
So if you’re staring at your calendar thinking:
“But how am I supposed to schedule newborn pictures when I don’t even know when this baby is coming?”
You don’t have to.
That’s part of my job.
What If My Baby Spends Time in the NICU?
One of the biggest misconceptions about newborn photography is that parents need to somehow get their baby ready for pictures.
You don’t.
You aren’t responsible for getting your newborn to sleep on command or making sure they “cooperate.”
I’ve been photographing babies and families for 13+ years, and newborn sessions are intentionally designed to allow time for feeding, soothing, diaper changes, snuggling, and everything else a newborn might need.
We follow your baby’s lead.
Some babies sleep almost the entire session.
Some need a few extra feedings.
Some decide they’re much more interested in seeing what’s happening than sleeping through it.
All of that is normal.
Can Parents and Siblings Be Included in Newborn Photos?
Yes and I strongly encourage it. I know getting in front of the camera shortly after having a baby might not be at the top of every mom’s wish list. But these photographs aren’t really for right now. They’re for later.
One day that tiny baby is going to want to see what it looked like when they fit completely inside your arms. Your older children will want to see themselves meeting their new sibling. And you may be surprised by how much those photographs mean to you once this newborn stage is gone.
You don’t need to worry about complicated outfits or figuring out what everyone should wear. I can help you choose clothing that photographs beautifully and keeps the focus where it belongs on your family and your new baby.
How Far in Advance Should I Book Newborn Photos?
If you’ve found a photographer whose work you love, I wouldn’t wait until your baby arrives to contact them.
A good rule of thumb is:
Second trimester: Start researching photographers.
Late second/early third trimester: Reserve your newborn session.
After baby arrives: Contact your photographer and finalize your session date.
If you’re already further along or your baby is already here, don’t assume it’s too late. Reach out anyway.
Availability changes, and I may still be able to fit your family into my schedule.
Choosing a Newborn Photographer in the Chicago Suburbs
When you’re comparing newborn photographers, don’t choose based on price alone.
You’re trusting someone to handle and photograph your brand new baby.
Look carefully at their portfolio. You should see consistency in their work not just one or two beautiful newborn images.
Pay attention to posing, lighting, skin tones, editing, and how comfortable the babies appear.
You should also choose someone whose style you genuinely love.
Newborn photography can range from elaborate props and colorful setups to very simple, neutral portraits.
My own style leans toward timeless, warm and natural newborn photography. I want your baby’s tiny features, expressions and connection with your family to be the focus of the photographs.
These are images I want you to still love hanging on your walls years from now.
Planning Newborn Photos in Elgin & the Chicago Suburbs
My newborn sessions take place at my Elgin, Illinois studio, where everything is designed around creating a relaxed experience for both baby and parents.
I photograph families from Elgin and communities throughout the Chicago suburbs, including St. Charles, Geneva, South Elgin, Bartlett, West Dundee, Huntley, Schaumburg and surrounding areas.
And if you’re currently pregnant, you don’t need to wait until your baby arrives to contact me.
In fact, that’s the best time to start planning.
Ready to Reserve Your Newborn Session?
Your baby will never be this tiny again.
The newborn stage is exhausting, beautiful, overwhelming and unbelievably short, and the photographs from it become more valuable as the years pass.
If you’re expecting a baby and looking for an Elgin newborn photographer or newborn photographer in the Chicago suburbs, I’d love to help you plan your session.