When to Book Maternity & Newborn Photos | McKinney, Texas Newborn Photographer
One of the most common questions I hear as a McKinney, Texas newborn photographer is:
“When should we book maternity photos, and how old should our baby be for newborn photos?”
The timing of both maternity and newborn photography plays a huge role in the final look of your images—and booking early ensures a calm, stress-free experience once your baby arrives. If you’re expecting and searching for a newborn photographer in McKinney, Plano, Allen, Frisco, Prosper, or Princeton, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
When Should You Book Your Maternity Photos?
Maternity photos are typically best scheduled between 28–34 weeks, when your bump is beautifully defined but you’re still comfortable enough to move and pose with ease.
That said, the best time to book your maternity photographer is much earlier—ideally around 20 weeks, or halfway through your pregnancy.
Booking early allows you to:
- Secure your photographer’s availability
- Coordinate schedules with your spouse and children
- Plan styling, wardrobe, and locations thoughtfully
- Bundle maternity and newborn sessions together
Many clients choose to work with the same photographer for maternity and newborn photos, which creates a seamless and comfortable experience from bump to baby.
Why You Should Book Maternity & Newborn Photos With the Same Photographer
Choosing the same McKinney maternity and newborn photographer offers so many benefits—especially for new parents.
When you work with one photographer for both sessions:
- You build trust and familiarity before your baby arrives
- You feel more comfortable if you choose in-home newborn photos
- Your photographer already understands your style and preferences
- Your images feel cohesive and timeless
Comfort is especially important during newborn sessions. By the time your baby arrives, you’ll already feel confident with your photographer holding, soothing, and safely posing your newborn.
How Old Should a Baby Be for Newborn Photos?
As a rule of thumb, newborn photos are best done within the first 14 days of life.
This window is ideal for several reasons:
- Newborns are extra sleepy
- They are at their smallest and curliest
- They still naturally settle into posed positions
- Wrapping and posing is much easier and more comfortable for baby
After those first two weeks, babies begin to:
- Stretch out
- Become more alert
- Develop stronger startle reflexes
- Stay awake for longer periods
While newborn photos can still be done later, the classic soft, sleepy newborn look most parents love is best achieved during that first two-week window.
Why Newborns Are Easier to Pose in the First Two Weeks
In the early days, newborns spend most of their time sleeping and eating, which allows photographers to gently and safely pose them without stress.
Once babies pass the two-week mark:
- They may resist being wrapped
- They wake more easily
- They’re less flexible for posed images
This is why booking ahead is so important—you don’t want to miss this fleeting stage simply because your photographer’s calendar is full.
When Should You Book Your Newborn Photographer?
If you’re expecting, I recommend booking your newborn photographer in McKinney 1–2 months before your due date.
Even better? Book around 20 weeks pregnant, when you’re also thinking about maternity photos.
Here’s why:
- Babies don’t always arrive on schedule
- Photographers limit the number of newborns they take each month
- Booking early guarantees availability around your due date
- You won’t have to think about logistics once baby arrives
Your due date is used as a placeholder, and once your baby is born, your photographer will schedule your session within that ideal newborn timeframe.
A Stress-Free Newborn Photography Experience
One thing I prioritize as a McKinney newborn photographer is helping moms feel calm and supported during their session.
I regularly:
- Hold and soothe your baby
- Help calm baby away from mom when needed (babies can smell mama!)
- Create a peaceful, unhurried environment
- Handle posing safely and gently
This allows moms to relax, knowing their baby is in experienced, caring hands.
Serving McKinney, Plano, Allen, Frisco & Surrounding Areas
I proudly serve families throughout McKinney, Texas, as well as Plano, Allen, Frisco, Prosper, and Princeton, offering both maternity and newborn photography for growing families in North Dallas.
Booking early ensures your place on my calendar and allows us to plan a meaningful experience you’ll treasure long after your baby is grown.
Ready to Book Your Maternity & Newborn Photos?
If you’re expecting and searching for a McKinney, Texas newborn photographer, now is the perfect time to get on the calendar.
✨ Now booking maternity and newborn sessions
✨ Limited availability each month
✨ Serving McKinney, Plano, Allen, Frisco, Prosper & Princeton
Reach out early so you can relax and enjoy every moment of this season—knowing your memories are already taken care of.
