Photography by

Casey Louise

December 17, 2022

When should you book your Photographer?

The best time to schedule maternity photos with Seattle Pregnancy Photographer Casey Louise

You have made the best decision to book a maternity photoshoot and now you are wondering how far in advance to schedule your session. I am here to share with you the best time to book me as your maternity photographer to make sure you don’t miss out and have the best session experience possible.

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You are PREGNANT! Congratulations, this is such an exciting time to capture in your motherhood journey. I have had the honor of celebrating many families who worked really hard to get here and may be nervous to celebrate. If this sounds like you, I promise I am a safe person to celebrate with and you deserve to capture and honor your experience. You may be interested in a maternity photoshoot, a newborn session or both! My suggestion for scheduling your photography session is to book your maternity session as soon as you are in your second trimester. Your actual maternity session typically takes place between 29 and 32 weeks pregnant. If this is a first time pregnancy you may take a little longer to “pop” and might choose closer to 32 weeks pregnant. Even if your bump is on the smaller side, you can trust my posing, prompts and styling guidance to make it very clear you are expecting!  Usually at the beginning of your third trimester, you are showing and have that beautiful baby bump. Many pregnant people get a little burst of energy early in the third trimester so you won’t be too tired yet. This makes it a great time to capture your pregnancy with photography. By scheduling your session when you hit the second trimester (13 weeks) You will be able to secure me as your maternity photographer and have plenty of time to plan your perfect session. If you are wanting to book the package to celebrate both maternity and newborn experiences, you would book them together when you are 13 weeks pregnant. We schedule your maternity session and place a temporary date on my schedule for your newborn session. 

Maternity Portfolio

You’re ready to schedule your NEWBORN session! If you are only wanting a newborn session without maternity, you have a little more time. I would still recommend scheduling as soon as possible though, usually 2-4 months in advance. When I schedule a newborn session, I book it for two weeks after your due date. This is tentative date so I know to expect you but your newborn session can take place anytime within the first 3 months after birth. When I am expecting a newborn session, I purposely leave a little more flexibility in my schedule around that time to accommodate the actual birth. Once baby is born you will reach out and let me know they are here and how you are all feeling. Based upon that we will schedule an actual date for your session. All of my newborn sessions take place indoors at 10am for the best lighting. I always offer at least 1-2 date options within the first three weeks after birth for those families wanting to capture their baby as new and fresh as possible. Some advantages to waiting closer to 4 weeks is that more healing has taken place, newborn gassy smiles kick in and everyone is adjusting a little more to your growing family. Whether you have your newborn session 2 weeks postpartum or 3 months after baby arrives, you will absolutely cherish these images for a lifetime remembering this sweet and fleeting time in your motherhood journey. 

Ready to schedule your maternity session?
  • Fall/Family sessions! It is NEVER too early to book your yearly family photoshoot!! It is very normal for families to want holiday photos which makes the Fall season the busiest time of year for photographers. If you know you will want holiday images to send out on Christmas cards go ahead and book, even a year in advance if your photographer knows their availability (I open my schedule. Year in advance)
  • Milestone and motherhood sessions. The wonderful thing about milestone sessions is you can also plan these 2-6 months in advance. You know your child’s birthday so if you are wanting a smash cake session, I would recommend scheduling your photoshoot when you start planning their birthday. If you are wanting to celebrate a 6 months milestone or intimate breastfeeding session I would try to book a month in advance to plan out your vision with your photographer for the best experience. Motherhood sessions can be any time you want to celebrate your bond with you child so the only thing to consider is both you and your photographers schedule. The farther in advance you book, the more likely to find the most convenient time for you!    

Casey Louise is a motherhood photographer capturing maternity, newborn and family photography in Seattle and surrounding cities; Bellevue, Redmond, Woodinville, Bothell, Edmonds, Lake Stevens, Snohomish, Monroe and North Bend Washington. 

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