The Short Answer
Book your maternity session 1 to 3 months ahead so you're photographed between 28 and 32 weeks. Reserve your newborn session around the same time, based on your due date, so baby's photos happen within the first 2 to 3 weeks.
If you're expecting in Jacksonville, St. Augustine or Ponte Vedra, your to-do list is probably a mile long right now. Crib, car seat, hospital bag, the registry you keep meaning to finish. Photos feel like something you can figure out later.
Here's the thing, mama to mama: "later" goes by fast. Your bump has a window, your newborn has an even smaller one, and both line up best when you plan ahead a little. This guide walks you through exactly when to book each session so nothing sneaks up on you.
Your week-by-week photo timeline
STEP 01
16 to 24 weeks
Reach out to your photographer. Book your maternity date and book your newborn spot based on your due date.
STEP 02
28 to 32 weeks
Your maternity session. Bump is beautifully round and you still feel like yourself.
STEP 03
36 weeks and up
Relax. Your newborn spot is already held, so there's nothing to chase.
STEP 04
Baby arrives!
Send a quick text as soon as you're ready, from the hospital or once you're home.
STEP 05
Within 2 to 3 weeks of birth
Your newborn session, at home. Average is 8 to 12 days old for photos!
Having a scheduled C-section or induction? Just let me know the date as soon as you have it, and we'll plan around it.
When should I take maternity photos?
I recommend scheduling your maternity session between 28 and 32 weeks. That window is the sweet spot for a few reasons:
• Your bump is showing. By the start of the third trimester, your belly has that round, unmistakable shape that photographs so beautifully.
• You still feel good. Walking on the sand at Ponte Vedra or along a park trail in St. Augustine is a lot more fun at 30 weeks than at 37.
• There's room for life to happen. If it storms, there's time to reschedule without racing your due date.
Every pregnancy is different, so if you're carrying multiples or your provider has you taking it easy, we can aim a little earlier.
How far ahead should I book?
Ideally 1 to 3 months before you want your session. So if you'd like photos at 30 weeks, reach out somewhere between 18 and 26 weeks. Weekend evenings and the cooler months fill up first, so earlier gives you the most choice.
What if my 28 to 32 weeks land in a Florida summer?
Northeast Florida summers are no joke when you're pregnant. Between the humidity and the afternoon thunderstorms that roll in like clockwork, timing your session well matters even more from June through September.
A few things that help:
• Go early. A sunrise beach session is cooler, calmer and has gorgeous soft light. You'll be done before the heat really sets in.
• Or go late. Evening sessions after the storms pass can be beautiful too, with golden light and a little breeze off the water.
• Pick breathable fabrics. Flowy cotton, linen or chiffon dresses keep you comfortable and move beautifully in the wind.
• Build in a backup date. Summer storms pop up fast, so having a rain date in mind takes the stress off.
Due in late winter or spring? Lucky you! Your session will likely land in late fall or early winter, which are some of the most comfortable months to be outside here in Florida.
When should I book my newborn photographer?
While you're pregnant, ideally around the same time you book maternity photos. Here's why it can't really wait until baby is here.
Newborn sessions are booked by due date, and I only take a limited number each month. That's on purpose. We all know babies have a mind of their own about when they arrive, so keeping my calendar light leaves room for early birds and the ones who decide to stay put a little longer.
Once those spots for your due month are filled, they're filled. Reserving yours during pregnancy means it's already taken care of, and you don't have to make one more decision while you're healing and running on no sleep.
What's the best age for newborn photos?
I recommend photographing your baby within the first 2 weeks, and possibly up to 3 weeks. In those early days, newborns are extra sleepy, curl up into those tiny womb-like positions, and are still so impossibly small. That stage changes quickly, so we want to catch it. My most common time frame is 8-12 days old.
What happens once baby arrives?
This part is easy, I promise. Just let me know baby is here, as soon as you can but whenever you're ready.
Some mamas text me from the hospital within hours. Others wait until they're home and settled. Either one is completely fine. As soon as I hear from you, we'll pick a date within that 2 to 3 week window.
Your newborn session happens right in your home. No packing a diaper bag, no car seat, no getting dressed up and out the door. Baby stays comfortable, you stay comfortable, and the photos feel like your family because they're taken in your space.
Scheduled C-section or induction?
Let me know your date as soon as you have it. Knowing ahead of time makes it even easier to plan your session.
Should I book maternity and newborn photos together?
If you want both, yes. Booking them together means one conversation, one photographer who already knows your family, and a gallery that flows from bump to baby in the same style and editing.
That's exactly why I created the Bump to Baby Bundle. When you book both sessions, your newborn session fee is half off: $150 instead of $300. After each session, you'll have your own ordering appointment to choose your favorite images and products.
Many families wait until the newborn ordering appointment to design a gallery wall that mixes images from both sessions. Seeing that first bump photo hanging right next to your brand-new baby is the kind of thing you'll be so glad you have.
Questions & Answers
01.
Is 34 or 36 weeks too late for maternity photos?
Not necessarily, but it gets harder to get comfortable and there's less room to reschedule. If you're past 32 weeks and still want photos, reach out and we'll see what works.
02.
What if my baby comes early or late?
That's exactly why I limit newborn bookings each month. Your spot is held around your due date, and we schedule the actual session once baby is here.
03.
Can I still book if baby is already born?
Reach out right away! Sometimes, babies are early or late and I will have some last minute availability.
04.
Where do maternity sessions take place?
At beaches and parks around Jacksonville, St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra. We'll pick a spot together that fits your style and the time of year.
05.
Can my partner and kids be in the photos?
Absolutely! Most of my mamas include their families. Big brothers and sisters make some of the sweetest maternity photos.
Ready to save your spot?
If you're expecting in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra or Nocatee, I'd love to hear your due date. Send me a message and we'll get your maternity session on the calendar and your newborn spot reserved, so it's one less thing on your list.
Contact me to book your session
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