When Should You Book a Newborn Photographer in Ottawa? Timing Guide for Parents

If you’re wondering when to book a newborn photographer in Ottawa, timing can make all the difference in your final images.One of the most common questions parents ask is: “When should I book my newborn photographer?”
The truth is — timing matters more than most families realize.

Booking your newborn session early doesn’t just secure your spot. It ensures you get those dreamy, sleepy, curled-up images that can only be captured within a short window after birth.

If you want the best experience, most options, and the most beautiful results, this guide explains exactly when to book and why it makes such a difference.

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The Ideal Timeframe to Book Your Newborn Session

The best time to reserve your newborn photography session is:

During your second trimester (between 20–28 weeks pregnant).

Why?

Because most professional newborn photographers accept only a limited number of due dates each month to allow flexibility for early or late arrivals.

Booking early guarantees:

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Why Early Booking Matters More Than Parents Think

Newborn photography is not like other types of sessions. These sessions must be photographed when baby is:

This window typically happens within:

5–14 days after birth

After this stage it is still possible till about week 5-6 but :

• Babies become more alert
• Stretching replaces curling
• Posing becomes more difficult

If your newborn is already past the two-week mark, don’t worry — beautiful portraits are still absolutely possible. While the classic curled, sleepy poses are easiest within the first 14 days, older newborns can still be photographed in ways that highlight their growing personality and alert expressions.

Sessions with babies over two weeks old often focus more on:

Many parents actually love this stage because their baby begins making eye contact, stretching, and showing early expressions. An experienced photographer can adapt the session style to suit your baby’s age, comfort level, and temperament, ensuring stunning results no matter when your session takes place.

That’s why professional photographers schedule newborn sessions based on due dates — not birth dates.

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What Happens After You Book

Once your session is reserved, you’ll typically receive preparation guidance so you feel completely confident before your baby arrives.

This usually includes:

• What to bring
• How to prepare baby
• Feeding tips before session
• What parents should wear
• How siblings can be included

Click here for the newborn prep guide to help guide you through the process

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What If Baby Arrives Early or Late?

Don’t worry — professional newborn photographers plan for this.

Instead of booking a fixed date, your photographer:

✔ Holds space around your due date
✔ Adjusts once baby arrives
✔ Schedules session within optimal window

This flexibility is one reason booking in advance is essential — last-minute bookings rarely have openings.

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Can You Book After Baby Is Born?

Yes — but availability becomes very limited.

If you wait until after delivery:

• Ideal dates may be full
• Session may happen later than ideal
• Posed images may not be possible

You can still capture beautiful newborn portraits, but you may miss the classic curled newborn style many parents love.

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Signs You’ve Found the Right Photographer

How to Choose the Right Newborn Photographer for Your Baby

Selecting your newborn photographer is more than checking availability — it’s about finding an artist whose work truly speaks to you. When browsing portfolios, pause and imagine those images displayed in your home. Do the tones feel timeless? Are the babies posed naturally and peacefully? Do the fabrics, wraps, and props look refined and cohesive?

Your emotional response matters. The right photographer’s work should instantly feel like your style.

After more than 13 years specializing in newborn portraiture and photographing babies at Sonia Gourlie Fine Art Photography, I can confidently say that loving your photographer’s artistic vision is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in this process.

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How to Properly Evaluate a Newborn Photographer

Once you’ve shortlisted a few photographers whose work you admire, the next step is looking deeper than the highlight images. This is where you confirm whether their skill, safety standards, and experience truly match the level of trust required to photograph your newborn.

Key things to evaluate include:

• Their safety knowledge and protocols
• Depth of experience working with newborns
• Consistency across full galleries
• Professional training and continued education

A beautiful Instagram feed is lovely — but expertise is what ensures your baby is cared for safely throughout the session.

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Safety Standards Should Never Be Optional

When it comes to newborn photography, safety isn’t a bonus feature — it’s the foundation.

A professional studio should follow strict hygiene and safety practices designed specifically for infants with developing immune systems. These precautions may include:

• Up-to-date vaccinations for anyone handling babies
• Temperature screening policies
• Thorough sanitation of all high-touch surfaces before and after sessions
• Medical-grade air purification systems
• Sterilization of fabrics, wraps, and props
• Hand-washing or sanitizing protocols for all adults present

These procedures demonstrate professionalism, preparedness, and respect for your baby’s wellbeing.

A carefully controlled studio environment allows parents to relax, knowing their newborn is in a space designed for comfort, cleanliness, and safety.

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Why Experience Matters More Than Anything Else

In newborn photography, experience isn’t just valuable — it’s essential.

Newborns require gentle handling, patience, and specialized posing knowledge. An experienced photographer understands infant behavior, soothing techniques, safe positioning, and how to read subtle cues that indicate a baby’s comfort level.

Professional education is equally important. Many dedicated newborn photographers continue refining their craft through advanced workshops and mentorships. For example, training with internationally recognized educators helps photographers stay current with industry safety standards and artistic techniques. Also belonging to  APNPI – The Professional Association for Newborn Photographers ensures photographers follow saftey standards and professionalism through an accrediation system.

This commitment to ongoing learning directly benefits clients — it ensures your baby is photographed by someone who treats this work as both an art and a responsibility.

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How to Review a Portfolio Like a Professional

A photographer’s portfolio is their visual résumé. Looking through it carefully can tell you far more than you might expect.

When evaluating galleries, notice:

• Are babies positioned naturally and comfortably?
• Is lighting soft and flattering?
• Do skin tones look realistic and consistent?
• Are wraps styled neatly and professionally?
• Do props look high quality and thoughtfully chosen?

Most importantly, ask yourself one simple question:

Can I picture these photographs hanging in my home for years to come?

If the answer is yes, you’ve likely found a strong match.

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Trust and Connection is truly importrant

Choosing a newborn photographer is about trust, connection, and artistic alignment. When you find someone whose style you love, whose experience reassures you, and whose safety practices are thorough, you can feel confident knowing your baby is in caring and capable hands.

Before booking, look for a photographer who:

• Specializes in newborn safety
• Has professional training
• Provides a comfortable studio
• Offers a full client experience
• Has consistent portfolio quality

Choosing the right photographer is just as important as choosing the right time.

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Why Building a Long-Term Relationship With Your Newborn Photographer Matters

Choosing a newborn photographer isn’t just about one session — it can be the beginning of a beautiful, lasting relationship that documents your child’s story as they grow.

Families who continue working with the same photographer often find sessions become easier, more relaxed, and more meaningful over time. When your photographer already knows your family dynamic, your style preferences, and your baby’s personality, they can anticipate moments before they happen and capture them effortlessly.

At Sonia Gourlie Fine Art Photography, many families first visit for newborn portraits and return again and again for milestone sessions — sometimes for multiple children over the years. That continuity allows each session to feel familiar, comfortable, and joyful for both parents and little ones.

Continue Planning Your Photography Journey

If you’re still expecting, the best place to start is with our complete maternity photography guide, where you’ll learn everything from when to book to how to prepare for your session so you feel confident and excited every step of the way.
👉 Read the full guide here

Why Professional Newborn Photographers Recommend Early Booking

Professional newborn photographers encourage parents to reserve their session early because availability is intentionally limited, preparation takes time, and every detail is customized for your baby’s comfort and safety.

Limited Monthly Sessions

Newborn photographers typically accept only a small number of due dates each month. This allows flexibility for babies who arrive early or late and ensures each family receives a calm, unhurried experience. Booking early secures your spot within that limited schedule.

Safety Preparation

Newborn sessions require thoughtful planning to maintain a clean,temperature controlled environment. Early booking gives your photographer time to prepare sanitized wraps, props, and prep all studio setups, as well as review safety measures tailored for a newborn photographyt session.

Custom Styling Time

Each session is carefully styled to match your preferences. Reserving in advance allows time to plan color palettes, select fabrics, coordinate props, and design a setup that complements your home décor and personal style.

Booking early isn’t just about securing a date — it ensures your photographer can deliver the safest, most personalized, and beautifully crafted experience possible.

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Final Thoughts — The Best Time to Book Is Earlier Than You Think

If you’re pregnant and considering newborn portraits, the safest answer is simple:

Book as soon as you enter your second trimester.

This guarantees:

• Availability
• Preparation time
• Peace of mind
• The best possible images

Because once baby arrives, your only job should be soaking in those tiny newborn moments — not worrying about scheduling.

Still wondering if this is the right session for your family? We’re happy to answer all your questions and help you plan the perfect experience.
👉 Contact us today

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I book a newborn photographer?

The best time to book your newborn photographer is during your second trimester. Most photographers accept only a limited number of due dates per month, so reserving early helps guarantee availability and ensures your session can be scheduled within the ideal newborn photography window after birth.

Is 3 or more to weeks too late for newborn photos?

Not at all. While the classic curled, sleepy poses are easiest within the first two weeks, I have photographed successfully photograph babies at three weeks or older. Sessions at this stage often focus on wrapped poses, natural positioning, and capturing your baby’s developing expressions.

Can I book after my baby is born?

Yes, you can still book after delivery if your photographer has availability. However, last-minute openings can be limited, and your session may be scheduled later than the traditional newborn timeframe. Booking ahead is always the best way to secure your preferred timing.

How far in advance should I reserve?

Ideally, reserve your newborn session 8–12 weeks before your due date. Early booking allows time for planning, styling, and preparation, and ensures your photographer can hold space around your expected delivery window.

Your baby will only be this little once. Let’s capture it beautifully.

Click here to learn more about booking a newborn photoshoot.