We know that there are so many things on your to-do list when you’re pregnant. Thinking about when to book your maternity and newborn photos doesn’t have to take up too much time.
Keep reading below to find out when you should book your Edmonton maternity and newborn photography sessions.
For maternity, most moms wait until they’ve reached the comfort of the second trimester to email. This is for a few reasons: you’ve seen baby on an ultrasound and know that all is well, you’re generally feeling much better, and you’re ready to share with the world. This is when I recommend reaching out so that we can get you on the calendar right away.
That said, I am always pleasantly surprised when moms email me the moment they get that positive test. Most of these clients have worked with me before, are excited to share the news and know that I can keep a secret 😉 In this case, I tentatively reserve their due date in my calendar until they’re safely in the second trimester, at which time we go forward with official booking.
When Should You Reach Out?
Regardless of which route you choose, I always recommend reaching out at least 3 months prior to your desired session date. Really, the sooner, the better. This is for several reasons:
Availability
First, I book out my calendar a couple months in advance. As a full time mother and business owner, I limit my monthly sessions to ensure each client gets the very best experience working with me. This means that I’m not able to squeeze in last minute sessions, especially during busy season (fall!)
As a general rule, I recommend these timelines for booking:
Maternity
Beginning of second trimester is ideal. We typically shoot these sessions between 28-34 weeks, depending on if you’re expecting your first or subsequent babies, if you’re having a planned c-section or are high risk.
There is SO much to plan when you’re expecting a new little one, so reaching out early means one less thing on your to-do list. It also allows us plenty of time to plan- which is so important for getting those dreamy maternity portraits you’ve been dreaming of!
Newborn
Like maternity, I recommend reaching out at the start of your second trimester to book newborn photos. Because we know that babies come on their own timeline, we simply pencil your due date in and then select our date once they’ve arrived (or when you know your c-section date). Because I need to build flexibility into my schedule for early/late babies, I take a very limited number per month.
Planning
Second, once your session is booked, we’ll meet for your custom planning appointment. Here, we will discuss all the little details of your session- from location, to wardrobe, to hair and makeup, and your beautiful vision. I typically schedule these 4-8 weeks prior to your session to ensure plenty of time to reserve hair and makeup, order additional wardrobe pieces, plan florals, location scout, etc.
Reducing Your Stress
The more prepared we are, the more you’ll be able to relax and look forward to your Edmonton maternity and newborn photography sessions. After all, nothing is more beautiful than relaxed parents loving up on their little ones, so I work hard (so you don’t have to) to ensure this happens.
Expecting in 2023? Our KKP First Year Collection captures every important milestone in baby’s magical first year of life. From their first days at home to their first wobbly steps, and every big moment in between, our First Year Collection is the most popular among sentimental mothers. We have a few remaining spots for 2023. Let’s plan your Edmonton maternity and newborn photography sessions!
Learn more about the First Year Collection here, and come say hello!
I can’t wait to preserve your most special moments with the ones you love.
All film scanned by The Canadian Film Lab
Mama’s dress is from the KKP Client Closet
All images by newborn photographer, Kahla Kristen Photography
