You just found out you’re pregnant, congratulations!! You’re saving nursery ideas, researching baby gear, maybe even browsing tiny outfits at midnight (I did this probably every night, we had a package on our doorstep everyday 😅). There’s so much to plan, and photography timing is usually one of the last things families think about. If you’re searching for a maternity and newborn photographer in Abbotsford, the truth is that booking earlier than you think makes all the difference!

Here’s exactly when to reach out, and why.

When to Book Your Maternity Photographer in Abbotsford

One of the biggest questions I get is: “When should I actually book maternity photos?”

When Should You Inquire?

Ideally, you’ll reach out between 12–20 weeks pregnant (but honestly, you can reach out as early as you want!) That might feel early, but many photographer’s calendars fill up a couple months in advance, and maybe even more so if you are looking for a weekend date!

As an Abbotsford maternity photographer, I only take a limited number of sessions each month so every family gets my full attention. Reaching out during your second trimester helps secure your spot without stress!

When Are Maternity Photos Taken?

Most maternity sessions happen between 28–34 weeks.

At this stage:

• Your belly is beautifully round
• You still feel comfortable enough to move and walk
• You’re usually before the more uncomfortable final weeks

And because my style is documentary and candid, your session won’t feel stiff or overly posed. We might walk through open Abbotsford fields at golden hour, let your toddler run wild, or simply focus on natural connection between you and your growing family. If we are in home or in studio, we can also focus on more relaxed and easy going prompts, or even spend time playing with you other children. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s capturing this fleeting season honestly and beautifully.

When to Book Your Newborn Photographer in Abbotsford

You should book your newborn session during your second trimester, well before baby arrives.

How Newborn Booking Works

When you book newborn photography in Abbotsford, you aren’t booking a specific calendar date. Every photographer books their newborn sessions slightly differently, but my approach is:

• I find out when your due date is
• We pre-select a date that is approximately 2-3 weeks afterwards
• Once baby arrives, we connect and decide if your original session date still works or if we need to adjust.

This system ensures I can be flexible for early or late arrivals while still giving each family dedicated time. I also always book newborn sessions to start at 10am. I find starting earlier in the day is when everyone feels fresh and ready to go, and baby is usually happiest in the mornings as well.

Why Booking Early Makes Postpartum Easier

Those first weeks with a newborn are beautiful and exhausting!

By booking ahead:

• You won’t be scrambling to find availability
• You won’t be making decisions while sleep-deprived
• You’ll already know everything is taken care of

It’s one less thing to think about while you’re soaking in newborn snuggles! (And that is your most important job!!)

When Are Newborn Photos Taken?

The Ideal Newborn Photography Window

For my documentary styled approach, I find booking newborn sessions for when baby is between 2-4 weeks old is the sweet spot. This is when baby is still sleepy and can be soothed easily. They also spend most of their time either nursing or sleeping, both of which are great for photos!

But here’s something important.

Because I offer relaxed, in home lifestyle newborn photography in Abbotsford, there is flexibility! I always tell my families that if your session date comes around and it just isn’t feeling right for you, we will adjust. We will capture beautiful newborn photos even if it ends up being a couple weeks later than we originally planned.

Lifestyle Newborn Sessions in Abbotsford

If you prefer a more natural, connection focused approach, we can photograph your baby beautifully up to 6 weeks old!

My in home sessions focus on:

• Natural light in your home
• Baby led pacing
• Snuggles on the couch
• Big siblings adjusting in their own time
• Real moments over perfect poses

You don’t need a spotless house. You don’t need a perfectly calm toddler. You just need to show up as you are. Those early weeks are about connection, not performance. Trust your photographer! They will capture the beautiful moments while you get to play and snuggle your little ones.

Should You Book Maternity and Newborn Sessions Together?

Short answer? Most families do!

Booking both sessions together means:

• Your calendar space is secured
• Your story is documented from bump to baby
• Your images feel cohesive in style and editing
• You don’t have to think about it twice

If you know you want both, I recommend reserving them during your second trimester. It keeps everything simple and stress free. I offer an incredible Bump and Baby package that gives you a great discount if you book both sessions at the same time!

Quick Booking Timeline

To make it simple:

5–14 days after birth: Newborn session (with flexibility up to 6 weeks for lifestyle sessions)ur comfort zone.

12–20 weeks pregnant: Inquire about maternity photos

Second trimester: Book your newborn session

28–34 weeks: Maternity session takes place

FAQs About Booking a Maternity and Newborn Photographer in Abbotsford

What if my baby arrives early?
That’s completely okay. Because of the way I book my sessions, we can adjust once baby arrives.

Can I book newborn photos after baby is born?
Sometimes there’s availability, but it’s never guaranteed. Booking during pregnancy ensures your spot.

Do you offer in home newborn photography in Abbotsford?
Yes! All newborn sessions are relaxed, in home lifestyle sessions.

What if my toddler doesn’t cooperate?
That’s normal!! I photograph families with young kids all the time. We follow their lead and embrace the real moments. I promise that it looks like the toddlers are all super into the photos, but most of the time we are running around being silly to help keep them engaged throughout the session.

Ready to Book Your Maternity and Newborn Photographer in Abbotsford?

If you’re expecting and looking for a maternity and newborn photographer in Abbotsford, I recommend reaching out during your second trimester to secure your dates. I take a limited number of due dates each month to ensure every family receives a calm, unrushed experience.

This season goes by faster than you think! I’d love to help you remember it. You can inquire here!

Kory is a documentary and lifestyle family and motherhood photographer based in the Fraser Valley, B.C. She focuses on genuine moments of connection between little ones and their parents, and works with families of all types and abilities.