Your due date is approaching, the nursery is coming together, and you’re getting ready to meet your sweet baby. Somewhere on that long to-do list is this question:
“When should I book my newborn photographer?”
If you’re in Madison, Sun Prairie, or anywhere in south-central Wisconsin, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — ideal timing, how newborn scheduling works, what to expect, and why booking early matters.
As a maternity + newborn photographer serving families from Madison to Fond du Lac, I’ve documented newborns in their first days of life. My goal is to make this process easy, warm, and stress-free for you.
Let’s dive in.
⭐️ Why Booking Early Matters
Newborn photography is unique — your photographer isn’t just holding a date. They’re holding a due window.
Because babies rarely arrive “on time,” I build flexibility into every newborn booking. That means your due date secures a general timeframe, and your session is scheduled once baby arrives.
This is why photographers book up months ahead:
- Due dates overlap
- Sessions happen after birth
- Photographers can only take a limited number each month
Booking early helps ensure you have a photographer ready when your baby makes their debut.
⭐️ Best Time to Book Your Newborn Session
1. The Ideal Time: Second Trimester (Weeks 13–28)
This is when most parents book. You know your due date, you still have availability to choose from, and you’re not yet in the sleepless “everything is urgent” third trimester.
2. Still okay: Early Third Trimester
About half of my bookings come in around 28–34 weeks.
3. Last Minute? It Happens!
If your baby is already here — reach out!
I will always try to fit in last-minute newborns if my calendar allows.
⭐️ When the Newborn Session Actually Happens
Most parents assume the session happens right after birth — that’s not always true. At Finch & Mae, newborn sessions typically take place:
Days 5–21 after birth
This is when:
- Babies are still sleepy
- They curl naturally into womb-like poses
- Feeding transitions are stabilizing
- Peeling skin is minimal
- They tolerate swaddling beautifully
But don’t stress — beautiful newborn images can happen any time in the first 8 weeks, especially with my soft, connection-forward style.
⭐️ In-Studio vs. In-Home Newborn Sessions
Studio Sessions (Rio, WI)
✔ The Studio has everything you need for your newborn session
✔ Neutral, timeless setups
✔ Cozy, warm environment
✔ All wraps, blankets, and textures included
✔ Perfect for families who want a clean, minimal look
In-Home Lifestyle Sessions
✔ Candid, cozy, emotional
✔ Perfect for families with siblings
✔ Beautiful for bright, light-filled homes
✔ Captures your natural environment
⭐️ Booking Timeline Breakdown Based on Due Date
Due: January–March
Book by: September–November
Winter fills fast because of weather delays and reschedules.
Due: April–June
Book by: January–March
Spring brings a large number of newborn inquiries.
Due: July–September
Book by: March–May
Summer is when families book maternity + newborn together.
Due: October–December
Book by: June–August
Holiday minis + busy family season = fewer newborn slots.
⭐️ Why Families Choose Finch & Mae for Newborn Photography
My newborn sessions are:
- Baby-led
- Calm and quiet
- Soft, neutral, and timeless
- Designed for emotional storytelling
- Safe, warm, and comfortable
Parents describe their session as “relaxing,” “peaceful,” and “easier than expected.”
This season is special — I treat it with the gentleness it deserves.
⭐️ How to Reserve Your Newborn Session
- Inquire with your due date
- Complete your client form + choose your session type
- Sign your contract
- Your due-month window is reserved
- After birth, we schedule your exact date
Baby-led, simple, stress-free.
Ready to reserve your newborn session?
I would love to document your baby’s first days.
➡️ Inquire here
➡️ Explore The Baby Plan
Be the first to comment