When to Book a Seattle Newborn Photographer (Even If You Think You Already Missed It)
One of the most common questions I get from Seattle families: when should we actually book? And close behind it: we already had our baby, and I think we missed our window. (You didn't. More on that in a minute.
The Myth of the "Perfect" Time
You've probably heard that newborns should be photographed within the first 5-10 days. And yes—those early days are genuinely lovely to document. Babies are fresh, curled up, and sleepy in a way they won't be again. But here's what I've learned after almost 20 years doing this: there's no magic window, and there's definitely no window you can miss.
In my years doing newborn photography in Seattle and on the Eastside, I've photographed all kinds of little personalities. Some babies, even within that narrow 5-10 day window, are wide awake and restless the whole session. On the flip side, I've photographed six-week-old babies who snooze peacefully the entire time I'm there. There's no predicting it—which honestly keeps things interesting.
So When Should You Book?
Here's how I actually think about timing:
First 2 weeks: You'll get those curled-up, sleepy newborn shots. Raw, fresh, and quiet.
2–6 weeks: Baby is more alert and expressive. Parents are usually a little more settled too.
6–12 weeks: Still absolutely newborn to me. Some of my favorite sessions have happened at this stage.
None of these is wrong. They're just different.
"We Already Had Our Baby — Did We Miss It?"
No. I get this message a lot, and the answer is always the same: you haven't missed anything.
If your baby is 3 weeks old, 5 weeks old, even 8 weeks old — reach out. I'll tell you honestly what's still possible and what to expect. The newborn stage is longer than people think, and the photos you'll get at 6 weeks are just as worth having as the ones at 6 days.
How Booking Works Around Your Due Date
Here's the practical part: I always reserve multiple spots around your due date. Whether your baby arrives early, right on time, or fashionably late, we'll have flexibility built in. No scrambling after baby arrives — just reach out when you're ready and we'll figure out the timing together.
The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and settled when I show up. Whether that's one week postpartum or six, that's when we shoot.
Ready to lock in your spot? → See what's included in a Seattle newborn session
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As a lifestyle newborn photographer, I understand the importance of capturing the delicate moments that mark the beginning of your journey as a family. However…