(A Guide for Expecting Parents)

If you’re expecting a baby, chances are you’ve already Googled something like:

• When should I book newborn photos?
• Is it too early to book a newborn photographer?
• How old should a baby be for newborn photography?

These are some of the most common and most important questions parents ask.

If you’re located in Ontario, whether in Toronto, Guelph, Oakville, or surrounding areas, timing plays a huge role in both availability and the experience you receive.

This guide will walk you through exactly when to book, why timing matters, and what happens if you wait too long, so you can make a confident, stress-free decision.

The Short Answer: Book During Pregnancy

The best time to book newborn photography is while you’re still pregnant, ideally during your second or early third trimester.

This surprises many parents, but here’s why it matters:

• Due dates are unpredictable
• Experienced newborn photographers limit how many babies they photograph each month
• Availability is often reserved weeks, sometimes months, in advance

Booking early doesn’t mean locking in a rigid date.
It simply means securing a place in the photographer’s schedule around your due date.

👉 Newborn Photography Experience

Why the First Two Weeks Matter for Newborn Photos

Newborn photography is very different from photographing older babies.

The ideal window for classic newborn portraits is typically within the first 5–14 days after birth.

During this stage:

• Babies sleep more deeply
• They curl naturally into womb-like positions
• They’re easier to gently pose and soothe

As babies grow:

• They become more alert
• Sleep patterns change
• Flexibility decreases

That doesn’t mean beautiful images aren’t possible later, but the style and experience change.

A professional newborn photographer will always prioritize your baby’s comfort and safety, adjusting the session to your baby rather than forcing a timeline.

What Happens If You Wait Until After the Baby Is Born?

Many parents plan to “see how things go” after delivery.

While that’s completely understandable, it often leads to:

• Limited availability
• Being placed on a waitlist
• Settling for a photographer who has an opening rather than one you truly connect with

The most experienced newborn photographers often:

• Book only a small number of sessions per month
• Leave buffer time for early or late arrivals
• Cannot accommodate last-minute requests

Booking early gives you options. Waiting removes them.

Do You Need an Exact Date to Book?

No, and this is an important distinction.

Most newborn photographers book sessions based on:

• Your estimated due date
• A flexible window surrounding it

Once your baby arrives, you simply notify the photography studio and your session is scheduled accordingly.

This approach allows:

• Calm, unrushed sessions
• Time for feeding, settling, and breaks
• A more relaxed experience for new parents

👉 The Photography Experience

Studio Newborn Photography vs In-Home Timing

If you’re choosing studio newborn photography, timing is especially important because:

• Studio sessions rely on controlled conditions
• Temperature, lighting, and setup are optimized for very young babies

Many families from Toronto and the GTA choose to travel to a dedicated studio in nearby cities like Guelph for:

• A quieter environment
• Easier parking
• A more boutique, unhurried experience

👉 Toronto Photographer
👉 Guelph Photographer

In-home sessions can be more flexible with timing, but they also rely heavily on:

• Natural light availability
• Home setup
• Baby temperament

Both can be beautiful; the key is understanding what experience you want.

What If Your Baby Arrives Early or Late?

This is incredibly common and nothing to worry about. My baby was born one month earlier than expected. So I feel you:)

When you book during pregnancy, your photographer:

• Plans around a range of dates
• Adjusts scheduling once your baby arrives
• Prioritizes flexibility over rigid timelines

This is one of the biggest differences between:

• High-volume studios
• And boutique newborn photographers

Experience shows not just in the images, but in how calmly everything unfolds.

Can Older Babies Still Be Photographed?

Absolutely.

If your baby is older than two weeks:

• The session may be more lifestyle-focused
• Images may include more wrapped photos
• Posing will be simpler and baby-led

While the look changes, the emotional value does not.

A skilled photographer will guide you toward the approach that best suits your baby’s stage.

Why Booking Early Creates a Better Experience

Parents who book early often describe their session as:

• Calm
• Organized
• Stress-free

Because:

• They’re not scrambling at the last minute
• Expectations are clearly set
• Styling, timing, and flow are already planned

Newborn photography should never feel rushed.

It should feel like a quiet pause during a season that passes far too quickly.

A Final Thought for Ontario Parents

If you’re expecting and searching for newborn photography in Ontario, timing is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

Booking early isn’t about pressure.
It’s about protecting the experience you want.

The first days with your baby will blur together, and once they pass, photography becomes the only way back.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’d like to explore a newborn photography experience designed around flexibility, safety, and intention, you can learn more here:

👉 Newborn Photography Details
👉 Contact / Inquiry
👉 Learn more: How to Choose the Right Newborn Photographer in Ontario