The Newborn Planning Guide

Welcome

I’m so glad you’re here.

If you’re reading this, there is a good chance you are either getting ready to welcome a new baby or you are already in those brand-new, sleepy, figuring-it-all-out days. Either way, congratulations on this sweet new chapter.

There is already so much to think about during this season, and photography should not feel like one more stressful thing on your list.

I created this little guide to help make things easier and answer some of the questions I hear all the time — when to book, what a Fresh 48 session actually is, when newborn photos should happen, what happens if baby comes early or late, and what you can expect from the whole experience.

Whether you are still pregnant, sitting in the hospital snuggling your brand-new baby, or already home wondering if you waited too long for newborn photos, I want you to know that you still have options.

My goal is always to make this part simple, relaxed, and enjoyable, while helping you preserve the little moments that are going to change much faster than you think.

So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and take a look through. I hope this helps you feel a little more prepared — and a lot less overwhelmed.

I’m so happy you’re here.

-Laura

Some of the biggest questions...

When Should I Book?

This is one of those questions where the answer is really: the earlier you reach out, the easier it is for me to make sure I have room for you.

For maternity photos, we usually aim for around 5 months pregnant and shooting around 8 months. Your belly is nice and round, but hopefully you are still feeling pretty good and not quite at the “I am done being pregnant” stage yet.

For Fresh 48 sessions, I would love for you to reach out by around 7 months pregnant. Since babies tend to make their own schedules, having that extra notice gives me a little more room to keep my calendar flexible around your due date.

But please do not read that and think, “Well, I’m already 8 or 9 months, so I missed it.”

You did not.

If you called me today and said, “I would really love for you to come photograph our Fresh 48,” I would absolutely do my best to make that happen.

For newborn sessions, I recommend reaching out around 6 months pregnant if you can. That gives me plenty of time to hold space around your due date and then adjust once baby actually arrives.

So the big takeaway is this: earlier is easier, but it is never too late to ask. Reach out and we will see what we can make work.

What session is right for me and my family?

I offer Fresh 48, studio newborn, and in home newborn sessions.



A Fresh 48 session takes place in the hospital during those first hours after baby arrives.

These sessions are relaxed, simple, and focused on all of those tiny details that change so quickly.

The hospital bracelet.

The little wrinkly feet.

The bassinet.

Dad holding baby for the first time.

Mom snuggling that tiny person she has been waiting months to meet.

Fresh 48 sessions are not heavily posed. They are more about documenting what this moment actually feels like.

I come to the hospital and photograph your family during your stay, usually within the first 24–48 hours depending on how everyone is feeling.

You do not need a perfectly decorated hospital room. You do not need matching outfits. You do not need to worry about whether baby is sleepy.

You just need to be there with your baby

Fresh 48 vs. Newborn Photography

These two sessions are completely different, and I love them for different reasons.

A Fresh 48 session documents the very beginning.

It is the hospital room, first snuggles, tiny details, and those emotional first days before you even go home.

A newborn session is a little more polished and takes place after you leave the hospital.

My newborn sessions are photographed in my private studio and include a mix of baby-focused images along with connection images with parents and siblings.

You absolutely do not have to choose one or the other.

Some families want those raw first hospital moments and then also want the more finished newborn portraits afterward.

They tell two completely different parts of the same story.

What If Baby Comes Early or Late?

Babies are not exactly known for following calendars.

When you book a newborn session before baby arrives, we use your due date as a placeholder.

Once baby is actually here, we adjust the session date based on their arrival and how everyone is doing.

If baby comes early, we move things around.

If baby comes late, we move things around.

If there are medical concerns or baby needs extra time before coming home, we figure it out together.

You do not lose your session because your baby did not arrive exactly when expected.

That flexibility is part of the process.

It Is Not Too Late

There is a lot of information online that makes parents feel like newborn photos have to happen within the first 7–14 days or you have completely missed your chance.

That is simply not true.

Yes, younger newborns tend to sleep more deeply and curl up a little easier, so certain poses may be easier during those first weeks.

But beautiful newborn images are still possible after that.

Your baby may be more alert. We may get more eye contact. They may stretch a little more. The session may simply look a little different.

Different does not mean worse.

If your baby is already here and you have been putting off reaching out because you think it is too late, please reach out anyway.

What if my baby doesn't sleep?

Please do not worry about this. Newborn sessions are completely baby-led, and not every baby sleeps the entire time. We make room for feeding, unsoothing, diaper changes, cuddles, and awake time too.

What Is Included in the Newborn Experience?

My newborn sessions are designed to take as much stress off of you as possible.

Before your session, we will talk about what you want your images to feel like, what colors you love, and what you want to display in your home.

I provide wraps, props, and styling pieces for baby, and I also help with wardrobe planning for the rest of the family.

You are not expected to show up knowing exactly what everyone should wear or what poses you want.

That is my job.

My sessions are also baby-led, which means we are not trying to force your baby into a schedule or rush them through the session.

We work around feeding, changing, soothing, and whatever your baby needs that day.



A trained newborn assistant is also there during newborn sessions to help support both baby and parents throughout the experience.

Do you offer payment plans?

Absolutely. I know welcoming a baby comes with a lot of expenses, so payment plans are available to help make things a little easier. We can split your balance into smaller payments leading up to your session, with the remaining balance due by your session date.

If You Only Remember Three Things…

1. You do not have to wait until baby is born to book.

Booking during pregnancy gives us more time to plan and one less thing for you to think about after delivery.

2. Fresh 48 and newborn sessions are not the same thing.

Fresh 48 documents those first hospital days. Newborn sessions give us more time to create polished portraits and connection images after you are home.

3. It is not too late just because your baby is already here.

Please do not talk yourself out of photos because you think you missed some imaginary deadline.

Ready to Start Planning?

If you are expecting, just had your baby, or are somewhere in between, I would love to help you document this season.

You do not need to know exactly what you want before reaching out.

That is what the planning process is for.

We can talk through your due date, where you are in the process, what matters most to you, and which session makes the most sense for your family.

-Laura