How They Work & And When to Book Everything In
If you’re thinking about booking maternity and newborn photos but feeling a bit unsure about timing, what to expect, or how it all fits together—you’re definitely not alone.
Most of the mums I work with haven’t done this before. They just know they don’t want to miss this stage… but also don’t want it to feel complicated or stressful.
So here’s exactly how it works.
The Bump (Maternity Session)
When should I book my maternity photos?
The ideal time for your maternity session is between 30–33 weeks.
At this stage:
- Your bump is beautifully round and obvious in photos
- You’re usually still feeling comfortable enough to move around easily
- You’re not right at the “I just want this baby out” stage yet
Leave it too late, and it can feel physically harder to be running around the beach at sunset (and also, babies do love arriving early just to keep us on our toes).
What do I wear?
This is one of the biggest worries—and I’ve got you covered.
I have a curated wardrobe of beautiful dresses you’re welcome to use for your session. They’re chosen to photograph beautifully, flatter your shape, and take the stress out of figuring out what fits at this stage.
You’re also welcome to bring something of your own if you prefer.
Can I have different looks?
Yes—and I actually recommend it.
I offer two looks during your session if you would llike:
- This can be one more casual (think relaxed, natural, “this is us”)
- And one more dressy using one of my dresses
This gives you a really nice mix of images—some that feel everyday and real, and some that feel a bit more special.
The Baby (Newborn Session)
When do I book my newborn session?
This part is a little different from most photography sessions—and it’s designed to make things easier for you.
I don’t expect you to know exactly when your baby will arrive (because… babies 😅).
Instead, I:
- Pencil you into my calendar for around two weeks after your due date
- This acts as a placeholder
Once baby arrives, you simply:
- Send me a quick message
- We adjust the date forward or back depending on when baby actually arrives
Why I do it this way
Because it means:
- You’re not stressing about booking the “perfect” date
- You’re not panicking if baby is early or late
- Your session still happens at the right time for those sleepy, curled-up newborn photos
I only take a limited number of newborn bookings each month so I can offer this flexibility—which does mean spots tend to fill up early.
What days are newborn sessions held?
- Most sessions are on Friday mornings
- I do have some Sunday availability if that works better for your family
Holding your spot
If I’ve offered you dates:
- I’m happy to hold them for a couple of days while you check schedules
- After that, they’ll be released to another family if I haven’t heard from you
How the Packages Work
Most families start with a base package, which includes your session and a set number of images.
After you see your gallery, you can decide if you’d like to:
- Upgrade to more images
- Create albums or wall art
- Or simply stick with your original package
There’s no pressure—it just gives you flexibility depending on how much you fall in love with (which, fair warning… is usually more than expected).
A Few Things Mums Always Wonder
What if I feel awkward in photos?
Completely normal—and honestly, most people say this before their session.
I’ll guide you the whole way through so you’re not left wondering what to do with your hands or how to stand. The goal is relaxed, natural photos—not stiff or posed.
Can my partner and kids be involved?
Absolutely. These sessions are about your family, not just the baby.
We’ll include:
- Partner
- Siblings
- A mix of everyone together and individual moments
Do I need to plan everything?
No—that’s my job.
I’ll help you with:
- What to wear
- How to prepare
- What to expect on the day
So you can just show up and enjoy it.
When Should You Book?
Most mums book their Bump to Baby package during their second trimester to make sure everything is locked in early—especially the newborn session.
If you’re even thinking about it, it’s worth reaching out sooner rather than later so you don’t miss out.
If you’ve got questions or just want to check dates, feel free to get in touch. I’m always happy to talk it through and help you figure out what will work best for your family. 💛
Drop me a message via my Contact Page here on my website and I will come back to you a full Session Guide with pricing and packages.
