When Should You Book Your Newborn Photographer in Seattle?
“When should we book newborn photos?" is one of the questions I hear most often, and honestly, it's a great one to ask early.
Seattle is a busy city. And many photographers book months in advance.
The short answer is: book your newborn photo session during your second trimester if you can, and plan for the session itself to happen within the first 10 days after your baby arrives.
But let me give you the longer answer, because babies are unpredictable and there are a few things worth knowing.
When to Book: During Pregnancy Is Ideal
Most of my clients book between 20 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. There are a few good reasons for this.
Good newborn photographers, especially those with dedicated studios, tend to book out weeks or even months in advance.
Reserving your spot during pregnancy means you're not scrambling during those overwhelming first days at home with a new baby, trying to figure out logistics while running on no sleep.
When you book in advance, here's how it works: we put your due date on the calendar, hold space around it, and then confirm the exact session date once your baby arrives.
The flexibility is built in. You don't need to know exactly when your baby will come. We can always adjust your appointment as needed.
When to Schedule the Session: Within the First 10 Days
The session itself is a separate question from booking, and this timing is where it really matters.
I prefer to photograph newborns within the first 5 to 10 days after birth. Here's why:
In those first days, babies are sleepier, they curl naturally into those beautiful womb-like positions, their startle reflex is minimal, and they're easier to soothe. It's the window when babies look and feel most like newborns, and when parents often say, "I can't believe how tiny they are."
After about two weeks, things start to shift.
Babies become more alert.
Baby acne can appear (it's completely normal, but most parents prefer to photograph before it shows up).
They also stretch out more, so that deeply curled, peacefully sleeping newborn look becomes harder to capture.
What If You Didn't Book During Pregnancy?
Don't panic. I always hold space in my schedule specifically for newborns, because I know life doesn't always go according to plan.
If you haven't booked yet and your baby is already here, check the booking calendar. If there's availability that works for you, grab it. If you don't see open slots, email me directly at sandra@sandracoan.com and I'll get you in.
The goal is to get your session scheduled within that first 10-day window.
If your baby is already past that, we can still create beautiful portraits! There's truly no wrong time to photograph your baby. The session will just look a little different, with a more alert, stretched-out baby rather than the curled, sleeping newborn look.
What If My Baby Arrives Early or Late?
Babies almost never arrive exactly on their due date, and after 27 years photographing newborns, I have built flexibility into every step of this process.
If your baby arrives early or late, just send me a quick email. We'll reschedule, no problem. This is something I plan for every single session, so please don't stress about it.
Does Seattle's Weather Affect When I Should Book?
One of the advantages of working in a dedicated studio is that weather is never a factor in your session. Whether your baby arrives in January during a cold snap or in October when Seattle's gray season is just getting started, your session will be warm, well-lit, and completely unaffected by whatever is happening outside.
This is one of the reasons many Seattle families choose studio newborn photography, you're not dependent on getting a clear day or good natural light. The studio provides consistent, beautiful light every single time.
A Simple Timeline to Keep in Mind
If you're pregnant and planning ahead, here's a simple way to think about it:
Book during your second trimester (roughly 20–32 weeks) to secure your spot.
Once your baby arrives, reach out right away to confirm your session date. Aim for the session to happen within the first 10 days. And if things go sideways with timing, no worries! We figure it out together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a newborn photographer in Seattle?
Most parents book between 20 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. That said, I do hold spots open for newborns, so reaching out any time is worth it.
Can I book after my baby is born?
Yes. Check my online booking calendar or email me at sandra@sandracoan.com and I'll do my best to get you in within that first 10-day window.
What is the best age for newborn photos?
The first 5 to 10 days after birth. Babies are sleepiest, curl most naturally, and are easiest to soothe during this window.
Is it too late if my baby is already two weeks old?
Not at all. There is no wrong time to photograph your baby. The images will look a little different, but they'll still be beautiful.
What if my baby has to stay in the NICU?
We wait. Your baby's health is the priority. Just keep me updated and we'll schedule when you're ready.