Newborn Shoot Prep | CalgaryWeddingPhoto

How Early Should I Book My Newborn & Maternity Photos? (Newborn Shoot Prep)

Many of my clients book as early as 12 weeks into their pregnancy, with most securing their session between 4–6 months along. A good rule of thumb: if you’re shopping for strollers, cribs, or maternity clothes, it’s also a great time to book your photos.

I only take 10 newborn sessions per month, so popular due dates do fill quickly. Some months have a waitlist — so don’t hesitate to reach out early to save your spot.

Preparing for Your Newborn Session

(When I mention “mobile studio,” I’m referring to Copper, Silver & Gold Packages,— but these tips also help with the Bronze/Lifestyle Package)

1. Sleepy Babies = Best Photos

Brand-new, full-bellied babies are the sleepiest and easiest to pose. That’s why I recommend feeding your baby right before I arrive. It usually takes me about 20 minutes to set up, so if we’re scheduled for 10:00 am, plan to be finishing up your feed as I arrive & set up.

Please see pricing for session lengths.
I typically offer 10 am or 2:30–3 pm start times. (Evening shoots don't always go as smoothly - if baby is cluster feeding around dinner time, more time will be spent soothing than shooting)
Ideal age for newborn sessions: Bronze: Any Age! Copper: up to 2-4 weeks old, Silver & Gold: within the first 10 days (up to 14 days if needed; later if baby was premature or in the NICU). (The more complicated the pose, the younger baby needs to be: ie: froggy pose)

2. Reading Your Baby’s Cues

Every baby is different — some love tummy poses, others don’t. As a newborn photographer, it is my job to "read" your baby's cues. Not all adults sleep on their tummies, and not all babies sleep in the same position either. So, my job is to read the cues that you baby gives. I typically start with more simple poses, and work into the more complicated poses. I can definitely try and create similar looks to what you may have seen online, but please keep in mind that if your baby isn't comfortable or can't safely be put into a pose, that I will not force them into that pose. I should also note that "hanging", "sling" and "froggy" pose are some of those more complicated poses. Some babies will do them, and some won't. Some babies have reflux and don't want pressure against their chest, and some are curlier than others, etc. I am happy to try more complicated poses at the end of your session, once we have a good number of top shots captured for you.

3. A Calm Parent = A Calm Baby

Babies pick up on your energy. Don’t worry about whether they’ll sleep or cry — 99.9% of babies sleep during my sessions. I have plenty of soothing tricks up my sleeve so you can relax and enjoy watching the magic happen.

4. What I Bring (Silver + Gold Packages)

You’re welcome to include your own special items, but my full newborn kit includes:

Backdrop stands, heaters, baby warmers
Posing pillows, blanket backdrops, baskets, baby bed/crib
Wraps, scarves, hats, headbands, tutus, bowties
Fun themed outfits (mermaid, football, superhero, froggy, pilot, etc.)
Diaper covers, posing sleeves, cozy textures

[Click here to see my prop collection ➜]

For Bronze, I bring one basket, wraps, and coordinating colours.
For Copper, I bring Bronze items plus the beanbag setup for one look (selected in advance)

5. Poop Happens

It’s totally normal for babies to have accidents during posing — on me, you, or my props. Everything is washed and sanitized between sessions. Please don’t be embarrassed — it’s a when, not an if!

6. Multiples

No extra charge for twins or triplets. Just let me know in advance so I can allow extra time.

What to Expect: Session Flow

Silver + Gold Packages (Mobile Studio)

Arrive & feed baby as I set up
Family photos first (wrapped baby) — poses with mom, dad, siblings, and full family
Basket/bed setups, macro detail shots, then beanbag poses
End with advanced poses (e.g., froggy) if baby is settled
Around 300 lightly edited images (full-resolution, no watermarks)

Lifestyle Package (Bronze)

Arrive & feed baby as I set up
Cozy, natural family photos at home — bedroom, living room, or near bright windows
One basket/bucket setup
1-hour session time, firm

Copper Package

Meant to be a hybrid between Bronze and Silver, split 50/50 between lifestyle type poses, but still also offers one beanbag setup.

Arrive & feed baby as I set up
Family photos first (wrapped baby) — poses with mom, dad, siblings, and full family
Basket/bed setups, macro detail shots, then beanbag poses
1.5 hour session time, firm