McCandless Newborn Photographer | When should I schedule a newborn photo session?

One question that I often get asked is, “When should I schedule my newborns’ photo session?”.

As a McCandless newborn photographer, I advise parents that it is best to contact and schedule a photographer a few months before your baby’s expected due date.



It’s best to contact and pre-book your newborn photographer in your second trimester to make sure you can get on their schedule.

mom dad and baby with dog on couch at mccandless area home


Baby G’s Mom contacted me in the Spring (midway through her pregnancy) to get on my schedule for her baby that was due in the middle of Fall. She wanted to plan a newborn photo session in her McCandless home that would include herself, her husband and their adorable doggy, Leo.

I LOVE to include the whole family into my sessions (including the fur-kids) and I love when parents plan ahead to get on my schedule!

baby being fed bottle by dad


Although I appreciate when parents plan ahead for their newborn photo session, it is also totally understandable if you do not! There is so much to plan (and worry) about when you are expecting (especially your first baby) that often a newborn photo session is not on the top of the list of priorities.

mom dad and baby with dog on couch at mccandless area home


Although I cannot guarantee that I can fit you on my schedule at the last minute, chances are I can get you booked even after you already had your baby! In fact, this year, almost half of the newborn photos sessions I booked were scheduled shortly after baby was born!

baby sleeping on dads chest after feeding


When to schedule a newborn session can be confused with wondering how old your baby should be for the actual photo session. Most newborn photographers want you to schedule your session before baby is two weeks old. I usually photograph babies right around two weeks old, however, I am happy to photograph your baby at any age!

yawing newborn infant in moms arms


You may also wonder, how do I schedule a photo session for my baby if I am not sure exactly when they will be born? We all know babies do not always arrive on their due date so as a newborn photographer, I pencil in your session for around two weeks after your estimated due date. I understand that baby could come a few days (or weeks) early or late and that is totally ok!

Once your baby is born we will pick an exact date and time for our session. I ask that my clients email me with a couple of days after baby is born to schedule the actual session. I keep a flexible schedule for my newborn clients and give you a few weekend and weekday dates to chose from.

sleeping baby in moms arms in glider rocker
baby awake looking at camera
newborn baby awake looking at camera
mom dad and newborn baby with dog in nursery at mccandless area home
newborn baby with hat awake looking at camera
mom dad and newborn baby with dog in nursery at mccandless area home
newborn baby in a hat awake looking at camera


My goodness, look how very precious this sweet baby is! I loved hanging out with this adorable family and their doggo, Leo. Leo was so very gentle and sweet with his new baby brother, I know they are going to be best pals soon.

wheaten puppy
newborn baby awake in crib looking at camera
mom dad and newborn baby with dog on bed at mccandless area home
mom dad and newborn baby with dog on bed at mccandless area home
mom dad and newborn baby with dog on bed at mccandless area home
baby feet wrapped in muslin LOVE blanket
baby wrapped in muslin love blanket
dog smelling a newborn foot
mom dad and baby with dog on couch at mccandless area home


I really loved hanging out and chatting with this couple during our session and I always enjoy seeing just how amazing first time parents are just two weeks into having a baby! They were so great with their precious new son!

chubby newborn baby in moms arms


If you are expecting, I highly recommend reaching out to newborn photographers during your second trimester to ensure that your chosen photographer can get you on their schedule around the time your baby is expected!


If you’re looking for a newborn baby photographer in McCandless or in the North Hills of Pittsburgh,  please get in touch to inquire about a session! I’d love to plan a unique photo session for your new baby!


Are you on Instagram? I’d love to connect with you there!



Here are some other blog posts that you will want to see! 


All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography 

Mary Beth Miller is a family and newborn photographer in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and many of the surrounding areas. Mary Beth has over thirteen years of experience photographing families, newborns and babies in the North Hills of Pittsburgh including McCandless, Allison Park, Franklin park and Hampton Township.  Her style is very relaxed and natural and your photo session will feel like a stress-free Sunday afternoon with your family! 

4 comments
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  • katie

    This is great advice, and the images are so beautiful!ReplyCancel

  • What an absolute doll!  I love when families include their dogs in sessions!ReplyCancel

  • Kathryne

    What a sweet family!ReplyCancel

  • Lindsey

    Such a prefect way to document these amazing moments that go by so fast! Beautiful photos! Great advice on when to book, too!ReplyCancel

Mary Beth Miller Photography

724.371.6575
marybeth@marybethmillerphotography.com

Established in 2009
Family & Newborn Photographer serving the greater Pittsburgh area; Wexford, Mars, Cranberry Twp., and also serving Boardman, Poland, and Canfield, Ohio.

Mary Beth Miller Photography

best newborn photographers in Pittsburgh Expertise logo award

Established in 2009
Family & Newborn Photographer serving the greater Pittsburgh area; Wexford, Mars, Cranberry Twp., and also serving Boardman, Poland, and Canfield, Ohio.