When to Book Maternity and Newborn Photos in Knoxville, TN
A Knoxville newborn + Maternity Photographer's GUide
As a Knoxville newborn and maternity photographer, I understand that pregnancy comes with more decisions than you could possibly imagine from which provider to use to what items to put on your registry to what to name your baby.
On top of that, all of these decisions hit as your body is shifting and growing a whole baby. Not to mention the hormonal changes.
Unfortunately, planning maternity and newborn photos (which should be a fun experience) on top of everything else can feel like just one more thing on your to do list.
This guide is to simplify things for you. I'm going to walk you through everything you need to know about when to book and when to have your maternity and newborn photos.
The short answer is that you should reach out during the early part of the second trimester to book. Maternity photos are usually taken around 28-34 weeks and newborn within 5-14 days after baby is born.
When to book maternity photos
I recommend booking maternity photos during your second trimester around 20-24 weeks. Most morning sickness and nausea is generally starting to abate and it's easier to get excited about your session. There's also usually still availability on my calendar.
This timeline also allows plenty of time to plan your session and coordinate wardrobe.
If you're farther along, it's totally ok. You can book your session up until the baby arrives.
When maternity photos usually happen
Most maternity sessions are photographed between 28-34 weeks. During this window, your belly is bumping beautifully and you're still feeling relatively comfortable.
This window also leaves some buffer time in case your baby comes early. If you're expecting twins, you could do even sooner if you'd prefer.
Many women struggle with body image as their body changes rapidly. In our head we know that things have to shift for the baby, but in our hearts it can be hard to see our pre-pregnancy body disappearing. For this reason, some women prefer to book earlier within that window when they don't feel as big.
Others try to time their session with Spring blooms or Autumn leaves. I've photographed women as late as 39 weeks.
If your baby is still in your belly, we can still do maternity photos.
When to book newborn photos
When at all possible, I recommend booking newborn photos BEFORE your little one arrives. Usually this means the second or third trimester. This gives us adequate time to plan and you don't have to stress about booking a photographer once your baby arrives.
I reserve space on my calendar by using your due date as a placeholder. Once your little one arrives, you'll let me know and we'll nail down a date and time for your session. You don't have to choose a date before your baby is born.
I usually photograph newborns around 10am in the morning so there's plenty of natural light available and we're done in time for lunch (particularly handy if you have older siblings to feed).
If you've already had your baby, it's not too late. I'll do my best to find a date for you within my schedule and help you plan your session quickly so we can preserve this early chapter before it slips away.
When Newborn Photos usually Happen
That being said, this timeline doesn't have to be rigid for lifestyle newborn photography. If everyone needs more time to get settled, we can wait a little longer and do your newborn photos when you're ready. Lifestyle newborn photography lends itself to flexibility. Booking towards the end (or beyond) that 5-14 day window often results in a more awake baby which can be really fun and special.
During your Knoxville newborn photography session, I build in time for feeding, soothing, and changing breaks. My lifestyle newborn sessions are baby led and capture real life. The goal is always connection and authenticity, not posed perfection.
Should You Book Maternity + Newborn Photos Together?
But more importantly, it makes capturing your whole story in a cohesive and beautiful way easier. The sessions are planned together with both sessions in mind. Everything from location to wardrobe and styling is intentional and complementary.
Planning both maternity and newborn sessions together makes it easier to preserve your full story in one album or piece of wall art for your home. Think of it as preserving two chapters of the same story, rather than two separate books.
What if you're already farther along?
Maternity sessions later in your pregnancy are just as beautiful and 3 month old "newborn" photos are just as adorable and special.
Don't assume you've missed your window, even if your baby is already here. This season is too special not to preserve.
Let's Plan Your Knoxville Maternity and Newborn Photos Together
If you're expecting and trying to figure out when to book your photos, I'd love to help you.
Together we'll choose the right date, location, wardrobe, and products. I specializing in preserving your memories in custom wall art and heirloom albums for your home.
Reach out here to learn more.
Knoxville girl-mama, Jesus follower, and passionate lifestyle newborn + maternity photographer.
I create photographs as beautiful as your memories, preserving them in heirloom quality albums + wall art that you and your family will cherish for a lifetime.
I can't wait to get to know you and your family as we create something beautiful together!
Welcome, Friend! I'm so glad you're here.
I’m Kelsey Wood!
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